JP2002034073A - User guidance system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] A user who can continuously provide guidance information from a departure point to a destination without a seam and can provide appropriate guidance information according to the user's actions, including execution of reservation contents. Implement a guidance system. SOLUTION: A control management device for managing and providing guide information for a user including information on movement and travel, and
A user guidance system including a portable information terminal for a user to perform information communication with a control management device, and a plurality of base stations installed in various places for relaying information communication between the portable information terminal and the control management device. Information communication between the base station and the portable information terminal is performed by a carrier wave determined according to the installation location of the base station, and the process of the user who owns the portable information terminal is performed in a communication area of a plurality of base stations. Even in the case of crossing over, in each communicable area, the control management device can provide / provide the guidance information relating to the process to the portable information terminal continuously during the process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a user guidance system for sequentially providing guidance information according to a user's action.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a navigation system is known as a system for providing traffic guide information and the like to a user. The navigation system reads information according to the position of the user from map information or the like stored in advance,
By displaying a map or the like on the display device, traffic guidance information is provided to the user.

Further, the navigation system superimposes display items (convenience stores, gas stations, etc.) set by a user on a map displayed on a display device, and provides the user with guidance information.

On the other hand, a reservation system in which a user makes a reservation of a seat or the like in advance in a transportation system such as a railway is known. In this reservation system, a user reserves a seat or the like necessary for a journey from a departure place to a destination for each transportation means and route based on his / her travel plan. Then, the user performs the movement based on the movement plan while judging and executing the actual movement in accordance with the reserved contents at the time of the actual movement.

[0005]

However, the conventional navigation system has the following problems. The conventional navigation system cannot provide guidance information continuously and seamlessly from a departure point to a destination. For example, in a car navigation system that is currently used most frequently, traffic guidance from a departure point to a destination in a section using a car is possible. However, when the user uses other transportation means, the information terminal is installed in the car, so it is not possible to provide traffic guidance on travel routes using transportation other than cars (including walking), , It was not possible to receive traffic guidance information continuously and seamlessly.

A portable navigation system in which a user carries an information terminal can receive traffic guidance information from a departure place to a destination. However, portable navigation systems generally use G
It uses a PS (Global Positioning System) to determine the position of the user and provide guidance information. Therefore, GP
In the basement where the identification signal from the orbiting satellite of S cannot be received, guidance information cannot be provided appropriately in principle, and traffic guidance information cannot be provided continuously and seamlessly throughout the entire travel process. Was.

[0007] Further, the conventional navigation system includes:
In order to provide the user with traffic guidance information based on the information stored in the storage medium, it is difficult to provide the latest information when, for example, a new road or a new landmark is constructed. there were.

Further, in the conventional navigation system, the display items superimposed on the map are fixed to the display items set by the user unless the settings are changed. It was not possible to flexibly switch and display the displayed items.

Further, in the conventional reservation system, when a user makes a reservation for a seat or the like, the user must make his own judgment and execute according to the reservation contents when actually moving, and provide guidance according to the reservation contents. Was not done.

An object of the present invention is to provide an object from a departure place to a destination.
An object of the present invention is to realize a user guide system that can provide guide information continuously and seamlessly and can provide appropriate guide information according to the user's actions, including execution of reservation contents.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A control management device (for example, the control management device 2 in FIG. 1) for managing and providing guidance information for the user including information on movement and travel, and a portable information terminal for the user to perform information communication with the control management device (For example, the portable information terminal 4 in FIG. 1) and a plurality of base stations (for example, the base stations 3-1 to 3 in FIG. 1) installed in various places that relay information communication between the portable information terminal and the control management device. 3-n), wherein the information communication between the base station and the portable information terminal is performed by a carrier (e.g., a radio wave of a mobile phone system) determined according to an installation location of the base station. , Weak radio waves or infrared rays, etc.), and even if the process of the user who owns the portable information terminal crosses the communicable area of the plurality of base stations, the control is performed in each communicable area. To the portable information terminal from the management apparatus, the guidance information relating to the stroke, it is characterized in that during said stroke is continuously provided / can be provided.

Here, the guide information relating to the journey includes, for example, information directly related to the journey, such as transit information for transit or guidance within the station premises, and indirect information such as introduction of station valves and geographical information. Includes information related to

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, since base stations for communicating with the portable information terminal using the carrier wave determined according to the installation location are installed in various places, the user can continuously operate during the process. Guidance information can be provided, and a highly convenient user guidance system can be realized.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to the first aspect, the portable information terminal appropriately transmits position information (for example, latitude, longitude, altitude, and position on a travel route), The provision of the guide information by the control management device is performed based on the position information received via the base station.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the guide information is provided according to the position of the user, the user can always receive an appropriate guide according to his or her own movement.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to the first aspect, the base station appropriately detects the presence of the portable information terminal in a communicable area, and detects the detected portable information terminal. The control management device may provide / provide guidance information on the process.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the position of the portable information terminal is always grasped by the control management device, and the guidance information is appropriately provided from the control management device to the portable information terminal. A suitable guide information can always be provided to a user who is within the communicable area.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control and management device includes the portable information terminal or an information terminal connected to the Internet (for example, FIG. (1) An information terminal 6) creates an itinerary information suitable for the itinerary creation request (for example, departure / arrival location, departure / arrival time, presence / absence of companion and luggage, total cost, travel purpose, etc.) The information is transmitted to the portable information terminal or the information terminal that has made the request.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a process information plan according to a user's request is provided, the user can easily select a process most suitable for his or her own request.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control management device is transmitted from the portable information terminal or an information terminal connected to the Internet. A unit of travel (for example, railway route, airmail, etc.) that needs to be arranged is extracted from the travel information (for example, information on the departure place, destination, travel route, current position, travel conditions, etc.), and a reservation system (for example, , A reservation request is transmitted to the seat reservation system (FIG. 1).

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the control management device transmits a necessary reservation request in accordance with the traveling process requested by the user, so that the user transmits process information relating to the requested process. All you have to do is make the necessary transportation reservations during the journey.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the control management device has obtained the process information in advance, the control management device will And transmitting guide information based on the travel information to the portable information terminal via the base station.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the control management device has obtained the process information of the user in advance, the control management device can execute the process before or after the user starts moving. Reliable guidance information can be reliably provided to the user. Specifically, for example, guidance information such as guidance when a new route is generated due to a schedule revision and event guidance at a destination can be reliably and accurately provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the base station has an effect on medical equipment (for example, a cardiac pacemaker or the like) around the installation location. And a base station that uses a weak radio wave as a carrier wave that does not provide the base station.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the guide information can be transmitted from the base station to the portable information terminal even in a congested place such as inside a train, so that the user can use each base station during the journey. And guidance information can be continuously provided in the communication area.

The invention according to claim 8 is the user guidance system according to claim 7, wherein the portable information terminal includes a base station using the weak radio wave as a carrier and a base station using the non-weak radio wave as a carrier. If you can communicate with both,
It is characterized in that communication with a base station using a radio wave other than the weak radio wave as a carrier is restricted, and communication with a base station using the weak radio wave as a carrier is preferentially performed.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the portable information terminal preferentially performs communication using a weak radio wave, the safety with respect to surrounding medical devices such as a cardiac pacemaker is further improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the guidance information includes operation schedule information, operation status information, and premises guidance information of a transportation facility. At least one of them is included.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide guidance information useful when a user moves.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claims 1 to 9
In the user guidance system according to any one of the above, the control management device, via the base station, an alert signal (for example, The portable information terminal transmits a reminder signal or trouble information according to the embodiment) and, when receiving the alert signal, notifies the content indicated by the alert signal or the fact of the alert signal. I have.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the user can be alerted to various matters that occur during the user's travel process and can be informed of the details. In this case, necessary actions (such as transfer) can be reliably performed.

[0032] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to the tenth aspect, the predetermined item is a defect relating to a movement that has occurred during a user's travel process.

Here, the troubles related to the movement include troubles related to the traffic when the user moves, such as disconnection or delay of the transportation, and inappropriate actions on the user side such as delay, overtaking, or wrong riding. It is intended to include the inconvenience caused. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the user can promptly deal with various matters (for example, interruption or delay of transportation) that occur accidentally during the traveling process.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising:
In the user guidance system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control management device may include, for each user who owns the portable information terminal or the portable information terminal, trajectory information (passing stations, trains, The present invention is characterized in that it records an actual moving route including a seated seat, a dropped shop, and the like.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the information of the locus of movement can be recorded for each user or portable information terminal, it is possible to grasp the detailed characteristics of the movement of the user or the like.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the method according to the first aspect.
2. In the user guidance system according to any one of the above items, the control management device may store, for each user who owns the portable information terminal or the portable information terminal, history-related information (trajectory information, movement information) related to the process. It is characterized in that it is accumulated as a purpose.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to grasp a wider range of features regarding the movement of the user or the like.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to the thirteenth aspect, the control management device includes:
It is characterized by analyzing the history information and estimating the user's preference.

According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to grasp the preferences of each user.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the control management device owns the portable information terminal based on the history information and / or the itinerary information. The content according to the user's preference can be transmitted / transmitted to the portable information terminal via the base station.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide advertisement information and related information according to each user's preference, so that more appropriate information can be effectively provided to each user. Can be provided.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the user guidance system according to the fifteenth aspect, the contents include:
A content transmitted from another information source via the control management device is included.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since information obtained from various information sources other than the user guidance system is provided, various information can be provided.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the present invention provides the eleventh aspect and the first aspect.
17. The user guidance system according to 5 or 16, wherein the control management device provides information in response to an information request signal received from the portable information terminal via the base station.

According to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to provide various information according to a user's request.

The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to claims 1 to 1
7. In the user guidance system according to any one of the above items 7, the control management device may transmit a preference or a physical condition of a user who owns the portable information terminal, transmitted from the portable information terminal or an information terminal connected to the Internet. User profile information including features (for example, user ID, restrictions on movement, mobile information terminal ID, preference information (want to arrive early, want to sit down, fee, smoking, etc.), and preference of guidance guidance method And the like, and the information to be transmitted to the portable information terminal is determined based on the user profile information.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the control management device can accumulate the characteristics of the user (for example, physical characteristics such as disability and preferences), and based on the characteristics, the user More appropriate information can be provided.

According to a nineteenth aspect, in the user guidance system according to the eighteenth aspect, the control management device includes:
Based on the user profile information of the corresponding user,
It is characterized in that a process information plan is created.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the use of the user profile information such as whether or not the user smokes or prefers the seat at the window side makes it easy to prepare a travel plan. In addition, it is possible to create a more appropriate process creation plan suitable for the user.

[0050]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a user guidance system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a user guidance system 1 to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a user guidance system 1 includes a control management device 2, base stations 3-1 to 3-3.
-N (n: total number of base stations, hereinafter collectively referred to as base station 3), portable information terminal 4, wireless communication device for train 5a, 5
b, and the information terminal 6.

In FIG. 1, the control management device 2 is connected to the communication network of the user guidance system 1 and the Internet, and is also connected to external systems such as a seat reservation system, an operation management system, and a usage fee charging system. . Note that the communication network may be a dedicated network or an internetwork. A base station and a ground device 5a of a train-to-train wireless communication device are connected to the communication network. This train-to-train wireless communication device is capable of wireless communication between the ground device 5a and the on-board device 5b installed on the train, and the on-board device 5b has a plurality of communication areas in each train of the train. The base station is connected. Therefore, the user can receive the guidance information by using the portable information terminal 4 in the train and communicating with the control management device 2.

Further, the control management device 2 includes a portable information terminal 4
Alternatively, an information terminal 6 connected via the Internet
If a request for various information guidance, reservation, etc. is sent from
The predetermined information is transmitted to the portable information terminal 4 or the information terminal 6 based on the stored information or the information obtained from the external system. This processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

Next, the configuration of the base station 3 will be described.
Each base station 3 includes a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-pho
ne System) and other base stations of general mobile communication networks
It is called “base station A”. ) Or user guidance system 1
(Hereinafter, referred to as “base station B”) provided for the purpose of communication, and covers, as a communication area, a place expected to be a user's range of activity, such as in a traffic facility, underground, or in a city. Is installed as follows. And base station 3
Receives various signals transmitted from the portable information terminal 4 in the communication area of the base station and transmits the signals to the control management device 2. Further, the base station 3 transmits various signals transmitted from the control management device 2 to the portable information terminals 4 within the communication area of the base station.
Send to That is, the base station 3 relays information communication between the portable information terminal 4 and the control management device 2 within the communication area of the base station.

The dedicated base station (base station B) among the base stations 3 is installed in a congested place such as in a train or a place where it is necessary to more accurately grasp the position of a user.
Wireless communication is performed with the portable information terminal 4 by a communication method using a weak radio wave. The power of the weak radio wave is power that does not affect medical devices such as a cardiac pacemaker. Note that the communication method used in the dedicated base station may be based on a weak radio wave, or may be based on another communication method such as infrared communication.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration of the entire user guidance system 1. In FIG. 2, the user guidance system 1 includes a journey creation function block 2a, an operation prediction function block 2b, a journey management function block 2c,
Guidance guidance function block 2d, position detection function block 2
e, an information individualization function block 2f and a data storage / analysis function block 2g.

Further, among these functional blocks, a travel creating functional block 2a, an operation predicting functional block 2b,
Process management function block 2c, information individualization function block 2
f, each function of the data accumulation / analysis function block 2g is realized by the control management device 2,
The function d is realized by the portable information terminal 4, and the function of the position detection function block 2 e is realized by the base station 3.

Next, each functional block will be described with reference to the drawings showing the operation flow of each functional block. still,
Each flowchart shown in FIGS. 5 to 12 is, for simplicity,
The trigger of the start of the operation (for example, reception of a signal) is directly expressed as the start step of the operation.

First, a process creation function block 2a, an operation prediction function block 2b, a process management function block 2c, an information individualization function block 2f, and a data storage / analysis function block 2g, which are function blocks realized by the control management device 2. Will be described.

The process creation function block 2a is a function block mainly for performing the process creation process shown in FIG. FIG.
The process creation function block 2a executes the process data (see FIG. 16).
9 is a flowchart showing a process data creating process performed when creating a process. In FIG. 5, a process creation function block 2
a, upon receiving a process creation request transmitted from the portable information terminal 4 or the information terminal 6 (referred to as the portable information terminal 4 or the like) by the user (step S101), the data storage / analysis function block 2g stores the information on the user in question. By sending a request to submit a "user profile" for
Receive “user profile” (step S10)
2).

Next, the itinerary creation function block 2a searches for one or more travel itineraries that meet the conditions specified in the itinerary creation request, and transmits the searched travel itinerary to the portable information terminal 4 or the like (step). S103). In this case,
From the operation prediction function block 2b, operation information which is the latest operation status of the transportation means and operation prediction information which is prediction information of the future operation status are acquired, and after comprehensively considering, the travel route Decide a plan. If there is a travel unit that requires a reservation during the travel itinerary, a reservation is temporarily made by taking an interface with the reservation system.

Next, when the user receives the selection result for the travel itinerary transmitted from the portable information terminal 4 or the like (step S104), the itinerary creation function block 2a
Determines whether or not the selection result includes selection of a travel itinerary satisfying the user's request (step S10).
5).

If it is determined in step S105 that the selection result includes selection of a travel itinerary that satisfies the user's request, the itinerary creation function block 2a determines the travel itinerary based on the travel itinerary selected by the user. "Itinerary data"
Is created, and "process data" is stored in the process management function block 2c.
Is transmitted (step S106). Step S1
In 03, if the provisional reservation has been made to the reservation system, the provisional reservation is regarded as the actual reservation. Then, the process creation function block 2a ends the process data creation process.

If it is determined in step S105 that the selection result does not include the selection of the travel itinerary satisfying the user's request, the itinerary creation function block 2a
The process proceeds to step S103 to search for a new travel plan. At this time, if a temporary reservation has been made for the reservation system, the temporary reservation is released.

When the process creation function block 2a receives a process re-creation request from the process management function block 2c (step S107), the process proceeds to step S103.
Thereafter, the same processing as described above is performed.

The process creation request transmitted from the portable information terminal 4 or the like includes a "user ID" for identifying the user who transmitted the process creation request. In the data accumulation / analysis function block 2g, a “user profile” is stored for each user in association with a “user ID”. Then, the process creation function block 2a requests the data storage / analysis function block 2g to transmit a “user profile” that matches the “user ID”, thereby obtaining the “user creation request”. User profile "is received.

The operation prediction function block 2b is a function block for mainly performing the operation prediction processing shown in FIG. FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement prediction process which the operation prediction function block 2b performs when performing operation prediction of each transportation. In FIG. 6, the operation prediction function block 2b acquires the latest operation status information from the operation management system of each transportation agency (step S201).

Next, the operation prediction function block 2b predicts the future operation status, including the estimation of the restoration time, based on the acquired operation status information and the time required for restoration in the past operation disorder. (Step S20)
2). Then, the operation information and the operation prediction information are transmitted to the itinerary creation function block 2a and the itinerary management function block 2c (step S203). Next, the operation prediction function block 2b ends the operation prediction processing.

The journey management function block 2c is a functional block mainly for performing traveling journey management processing relating to transmission of the trouble information and the reminder signal, which are alert signals.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a travel process management process performed by the process management function block 2c when managing a user's travel process. In FIG. 7, when the process management function block 2c receives the process data transmitted from the process creation function block 2a (step S301), the process management function block 2c transmits the process data to the information individualization function block 2f (step S302) and performs position detection. The location information of the user transmitted from the function block 2e is received (step S3).
03).

Then, the itinerary management function block 2c sets the current position in the travel process (understands the current position in the travel process) on the basis of the travel data and the position information, and uses the current position as the user's trajectory information. The position information is accumulated and stored in the process data as needed (step S304). Next, the process management function block 2c determines whether or not the current position is a position at which a reminder signal needs to be transmitted (step S305).

If it is determined in step S305 that the current position is a position at which a reminder signal needs to be transmitted, the journey management function block 2c transmits a reminder signal to the guidance and guidance function block 2d (step S306).

If it is determined in step S305 that the current position is a position where it is not necessary to transmit a reminder signal, and after step S306, the stroke management function block 2c determines whether the current position matches the target position.
That is, it is determined whether or not the user has reached the target position (step S307).

If it is determined in step S307 that the current position coincides with the destination position, the journey management function block 2c transmits the journey data to the usage fee charging system and the data accumulation / analysis function block 2g, and performs the traveling journey management process. finish. Also, in step S307,
If it is determined that the current position does not match the destination position,
The journey management function block 2c determines whether or not the current position matches the scheduled arrival point in the traveling journey (step S309).

If it is determined in step S309 that the current position coincides with the scheduled destination, the itinerary management function block 2c acquires the operation information of the transportation related to the user's travel itinerary from the operation prediction function block 2b. (Step S310), and the operation of the transportation system is disturbed (delay,
It is determined whether or not a non-communication section has occurred (step S311).

If it is determined in step S311, that the operation of the transportation system has not been disrupted, the process goes to step S303.
Also, in step S311, when it is determined that the operation of the transportation system is disrupted,
If it is determined in step 09 that the current position does not coincide with the scheduled arrival point, the itinerary management function block 2c determines the disturbance of the transportation system or the mismatch between the current position and the estimated arrival point as “defect information” as the guidance and guidance function block 2d. (Step S312).

Next, the process management function block 2c transmits a process re-creation request to the process preparation function block 2a (step S313), and the re-created new process data is processed by the information individualization function block 2f and the data storage / analysis. The data is transmitted to the function block 2g (step S314). And
The process management function block 2c proceeds to step S303.

The information individualization function block 2f is mainly composed of FIG.
Is a functional block for performing the information search processing shown in FIG. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing an information search process executed when the information individualization function block 2f searches for various information from various information sources. In FIG. 8, when the information individualization function block 2f receives an inquiry request from the guidance / guidance function block 2d (step S501), it creates a search request for necessary information related to the inquiry request (step S502), The search request is transmitted to various information sources (step S503).

Next, upon receiving search results from various information sources such as the Internet (step S504), the information individualizing function block 2f edits the received search results in response to individual inquiry requests (step S505). The edited search result is transmitted to the guide function block 2d (step S506), and the information search process ends.

Incidentally, even when the information individualizing function block 2f receives the search request interrupt signal (step S5).
07), the processing after step S503 is executed. The search request interrupt signal is a signal internally generated (for example, generated at a fixed time interval by an internal timer) by the information individualization function block 2f based on the process data obtained from the process management function block. That is, a mechanism is configured to automatically search for and provide information that the user is likely to be interested in, without the user issuing an explicit request, using the search request interrupt signal.

The data storage / analysis function block 2g is a functional block mainly for performing the data storage / analysis processing shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a data accumulation / analysis process executed when the data accumulation / analysis function block 2g receives the process data. In FIG. 9, the data accumulation / analysis function block 2g receives the process data from the process management function block 2c (step S60).
1) The received travel data is accumulated and stored in the travel history database as history information (step S602).

Next, the data storage / analysis function block 2g
Analyzes the accumulated history information of the user and estimates the user's preference (step S603). Then, reflect the estimation result in the user profile of the user,
Update the contents of the user profile (step S60)
4). And the data storage / analysis function block 2g
The data accumulation / analysis processing ends.

Here, the “user profile” includes a “user ID” for identifying the user, a “standard walking speed” indicating a normal walking speed of the user, and restrictions specific to the user (obstacles such as vision). , Language that can be understood, literacy level, etc.), and “device I” for identifying the portable information terminal 4.
D ”and the like (see FIG. 15).

Although not shown, when the “user ID” is transmitted from the process creation function block 2a, the data accumulation / analysis function block 2g transmits the “user ID” of the user identified by the “user ID”. The profile is transmitted to the process creation function block 2a.

Next, the guide function block 2d, which is a function block realized by the portable information terminal 4, will be described. The guidance function block 2d is a functional block mainly for performing a communication system switching process shown in FIG. 10, an inquiry request process shown in FIG. 11, and a reminder signal receiving process shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a communication system switching process executed when the guidance / guidance function block 2d (portable information terminal 4) switches communication with the weak radio wave system and another communication system. In FIG.
When the power of the portable information terminal 4 is turned on (step S701), the guide function block 2d determines whether communication with the base station B (weak radio wave system) is possible (step S702). .

If it is determined that communication with the base station B is not possible, the terminal performs an operation as a terminal of another communication system (such as a portable telephone system) (step S703).
When it is determined that communication with the base station B is possible,
The guide function block 2d establishes a communication link (line) with the base station B (step S704).

Next, the guide function block 2d suppresses communication by a communication system other than the weak radio wave system (step S705), and performs bidirectional communication with the base station B (step S706).

Next, the guide function block 2d determines whether or not communication with the base station B is possible (step S707). If it is determined that the communication with the base station B can be continued, the guidance / guidance function block 2d repeats step S706. If it is determined that communication with the base station B is no longer possible, the guidance / guidance function block 2d releases the suppression of communication by a communication system other than the weak radio wave system (step S70).
8) Stop bidirectional communication with base station B (step S)
709).

Next, the guidance / guidance function block 2d determines whether the end of the communication system switching process has been instructed (step S710). If it is determined that the end of the communication system switching process has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S702. If it is determined that the end of the communication system switching process has been instructed, the communication system switching process ends.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an inquiry requesting process executed by the guidance / guidance function block 2d (portable information terminal 4) when an inquiry request from a user is made. In FIG. 11, the guidance function block 2
When receiving an inquiry request from the user via the portable information terminal 4 (step S801), d transmits the received inquiry request to the information individualization function block 2f (step S802).

Then, upon receiving various kinds of guidance information in response to the inquiry request from the information individualization block 2f (step S803), the guidance / guidance function block 2d notifies the user of the contents of the received guidance information (guidance message and the like) (step S803). Step S804), the inquiry request process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a reminder signal receiving process executed when the guidance / guiding function block 2d (portable information terminal 4) receives a reminder signal. In FIG. 12, the guidance function block 2d
When the reminder signal is received from the journey management function block 2c (step S901), a message indicating the content of the reminder signal (the content of the transfer guidance and the like) is displayed (step S902).

[0094] Next, the guidance / guidance function block 2d generates a warning sound or vibrates the portable information terminal 4 to call the user's attention (step S903). Then, the guide function block 2d determines whether a confirmation operation has been performed by the user (step S90).
4) If it is determined that the confirmation operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S903, and if it is determined that the confirmation operation has been performed, the reminder signal reception process ends.

Next, the position detecting function block 2e realized by the base station 3 will be described. The position detection function block 2e mainly includes a position detection process shown in FIG.
4 is a functional block for performing the position information transmission process shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows a position detection function block 2e (base station 3).
6 is a flowchart showing a position detection process executed when detecting the position of the portable information terminal 4. In FIG.
When the power of the base station 3 is turned on (step P101), the position detection function block 2e determines whether or not there is a communicable portable information terminal 4 in the communication area of the base station (step P101). P102).

[0096] When it is determined that there is a portable information terminal 4 capable of communication within the communication area of the base station, the portable information terminal 4 (hereinafter referred to as "portable information terminal X").
(Step P10)
3) Transmit the position information of the portable information terminal X to the process management function block 2c (control management device 2) (step P10)
4).

In step P102, if it is determined that there is no communicable portable information terminal 4 in the communication area of the base station, and after step P104, the position detection function block 2e returns from the communication area of the base station. It is determined whether the portable information terminal X has left (step P105).

[0098] If it is determined that the portable information terminal X has not exited from the communication area of the base station, the position detecting function block 2e moves to step P102, and the portable information terminal X moves out of the communication area of the base station. When it is determined that the terminal X has left, the position detection function block 2e transmits to the itinerary management function block 2c that the mobile information terminal X has left the communication area of the base station (step P10).
6).

Next, the position detection function block 2e determines whether or not the end of the position detection process has been instructed (step P107). If it is determined that the end of the position detection process has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step P102. Then, if it is determined that the end of the position detection processing has been instructed, the position detection processing ends.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a position information transmission process executed when the position detection function block 2e transmits the position information of the portable information terminal 4 in response to a request from the itinerary management function block 2c. In FIG. 14, the position detection function block 2e includes all available information sources (PHs).
S system, mobile phone system, weak radio wave system, G
PS, etc.), information on the position of the portable information terminal 4 is obtained (step P201), and position information on the portable information terminal 4 is created (step P202).

Next, the position detection function block 2e determines whether transmission of position information is necessary from the process management function block 2c (step P203). If it is determined that the transmission of the position information is necessary, the position information of the portable information terminal 4 is transmitted to the itinerary management function block 2c (step P204).

In step P203, when it is determined that the transmission of the position information is not necessary from the process management function block 2c, and after step P204, the position detection function block 2e controls the communication from the weak radio wave system to the portable telephone system. It is determined whether or not an instruction signal (hereinafter, referred to as “suppression signal”) is being transmitted (step P205).

If it is determined in step P205 that the suppression signal has been transmitted from the weak radio wave system, the position detection function block 2e restricts the communication of the portable information terminal 4 in the portable telephone system or the like to the portable telephone system or the like. (Offline instruction) is transmitted (step P206).

Here, the suppression signal and the offline instruction will be specifically described. The suppression signal is a signal transmitted from the weak radio wave system to the position detection function block 2e, and a signal transmitted from the position detection function block 2e (base station B) to the portable information terminal 4 indicates an offline instruction. It is. Therefore, when the mobile information terminal 4 enters the communication area of the base station (base station B) that performs communication using weak radio waves, the base station B instructs the mobile information terminal 4 to restrict communication by the mobile phone system or the like. Is transmitted (offline instruction).

In step P205, when it is determined that the suppression signal is not transmitted,
After 206, the position detection function block 2e determines whether the end of the position information transmission processing has been instructed (Step P207). If it is determined that the end of the position information transmission processing has not been instructed, the position detection function block 2
e moves to Step P201, and when it is determined that the end of the position information transmission processing is instructed, the position detection function block 2e ends the position information transmission processing.

The functions of the function blocks realized by the control management device 2 have been described as including the functions of a plurality of function blocks collectively in a single processing device. (A server or the like).

Next, the internal configurations of the base station 3 and the portable information terminal 4 for realizing the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of the base station 3. As shown in FIG. In FIG.
The control unit 3a performs predetermined processing (for example, protocol conversion, etc.) on various information such as the position information of the portable information terminal 4, the process creation request and the inquiry request received from the portable information terminal 4 via the communication unit 3b. Through the part 3b,
The information is transmitted to the control management device 2 connected by a predetermined communication line. Further, the control unit 3a performs a predetermined process on various information such as a travel itinerary, various guidance information, a reminder signal, and trouble information received from the control management device 2 via the communication unit 3b. The information is transmitted to the information terminal 4.

The communication section 3b can communicate with the portable information terminal 4 through a wireless communication line, and can communicate with the control management device 2 through the communication network of the user guidance system 1. I have. And the communication unit 3b
Receives various information such as the position information, the process creation request and the inquiry request transmitted from the portable information terminal 4 through the wireless communication line, and outputs the information to the control unit 3a. In addition, the communication unit 3b transmits various information such as a travel itinerary, various guidance information, a reminder signal, and trouble information input from the control unit 3a to the portable information terminal 4 through a wireless communication line.
Further, the communication unit 3b transmits various information such as the position information, the process creation request and the inquiry request input from the control unit 3a to the control management device 2 via the communication network. The communication unit 3b receives various information such as a travel itinerary, various guidance information, a reminder signal, and trouble information transmitted from the control management device 2 via the communication network, and mainly controls the control unit 3a.

The portable information terminal 4 is carried by the user and transmits various information such as a guide request and a process creation request input by the user to the base station 3 whose communication area is the current location of the portable information terminal 4. . In addition, the portable information terminal 4 periodically transmits information (position information) relating to its own location to the control management device 2 via the predetermined base station 3. However, when the base station 3 constantly monitors and grasps the position of the portable information terminal 4, it is needless to say that the portable information terminal 4 does not need to voluntarily transmit the position information.

When the portable information terminal 4 is located in an area where the communication area of the base station A (base station of a general mobile communication network) and the communication area of the base station B (dedicated base station) overlap, the portable information terminal 4 Is transmitted from the base station B according to an instruction from the control management device 2.
Priority is given to communication with. Specifically, the transmission of radio waves used for communication with the base station A is stopped, or the transmission power is reduced so as not to affect a medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker, thereby giving priority to the base station B. Realize communication.

Further, the portable information terminal 4 receives various kinds of information such as guide information and itinerary transmitted from the control management device 2 via the base station 3 and displays them on the display unit 4b. Further, when the portable information terminal 4 receives the reminder signal or the trouble information from the control management device 2 via the base station 3, the portable information terminal 4 displays the content indicated by the reminder signal or the trouble information on the display unit 4b, and outputs a warning sound or vibration. Alerts the user by generating

Here, the internal configuration of portable information terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The portable information terminal 4 is realized as a device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a mobile phone. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the portable information terminal 4.

In FIG. 4, the control unit 4a includes a storage unit 4e
By reading and executing various control programs for the portable information terminal 4 stored in the portable information terminal 4, various functions of the portable information terminal 4 are realized. Further, the control unit 4a includes the communication unit 4
When d receives the weak radio wave and the other radio waves, according to the suppression instruction transmitted from the base station B of the weak radio wave system, the transmission of the radio waves other than the weak radio waves is stopped or the transmission power is reduced to a certain level or less, Priority is given to communication using weak radio waves.

When the reminder signal is received via the communication unit 4d, the control unit 4a displays a message on the display unit 4b based on the content of the reminder signal and outputs a warning sound from the audio output unit 4f. Or
The user is alerted by vibrating the portable information terminal 4 by a vibration generator (not shown).

The display unit 4b displays necessary information when the control unit 4a executes various control programs.
In addition to various information transmitted from the control management device 2 such as guidance information, a process plan, and trouble information, various information provided in the user guidance system 1 is displayed. Also,
The display unit 4b displays the content (alert content) indicated by the reminder signal transmitted from the control management device 2.

The input section 4c is composed of character keys, numeric keys, and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operated key to the control section 4a.

The communication section 4d is used for radio waves used for a base station (base station A) such as a general portable telephone system and weak communication used for communication with a dedicated base station (base station B) of the user guidance system 1. Transmission and reception of both radio waves are possible. When the communication unit 4d can communicate with both radio waves, the control unit 4a instructs the communication unit 4d to preferentially perform communication using weak radio waves. At this time, as described above, the communication unit 4d stops the transmission of the radio wave of the mobile phone system or reduces the transmission power of the radio wave of the mobile phone system to a certain level or less, thereby realizing the communication by the weak radio wave. .

The storage unit 4e stores various control programs executed by the control unit 4a and various data related to these programs.

When the portable information terminal 4 is used as a portable telephone or the like, the audio output section 4f functions as a speaker for a call. Further, when the portable information terminal 4 receives various kinds of guidance information and the like from the control management device 2, the voice output unit 4f appropriately outputs voice guidance corresponding to the guidance information and the like. When receiving the reminder signal, the audio output unit 4f outputs a warning sound or the like as appropriate.

[0120] The voice input unit 4g functions as a microphone for a telephone call when the portable information terminal 4 is used as a portable telephone or the like.

As described above, the user guidance system 1 according to the present embodiment provides the portable information terminal 4 carried by the user by combining the general portable telephone system and the like and the weak radio wave system dedicated to the user guidance system 1. Guidance information, etc.
Provides various information.

Therefore, guidance information can be provided continuously from the point of departure to the destination of the user, without being limited by the means of transportation, the place being moved, and the like.

Further, the user guidance system 1 according to the present embodiment accumulates and stores information relating to the movement of the user. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved because the user's preferences can be analyzed and information tailored to each user can be provided. Further, by transmitting advertisement information according to each user's preference, advertisement can be effectively performed.

[0124] Furthermore, when the user's journey includes a reservation for a transportation system, the user guidance system 1 according to the present embodiment sequentially provides guide information so that the contents of the reservation are performed. Therefore, the user does not need to judge and execute the reservation content himself, and can easily execute the reservation content.

In the present embodiment, when the portable information terminal 4 can communicate with a weak radio wave and a radio wave other than the weak radio wave, the portable information terminal 4 is connected to the weak radio wave system in accordance with an instruction from the position detection function block 2e. It has been described that communication by a communication system other than the above is suppressed. However, in a case where communication is possible using a weak radio wave and a radio wave other than the weak radio wave, the portable information terminal 4 automatically gives priority to communication using the weak radio wave system. It may be.

More specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the portable information terminal 4 can communicate with the base station B. If possible, the communication by the weak radio wave system is prioritized. As described with reference to FIG. 14, the portable information terminal 4 gives priority to communication by the weak radio wave system based on the offline signal transmitted from the position detection function block 2e (base station B). It can be realized by such a method that it is performed.

In the present embodiment, when the user moves on the route and passes through a ticket gate at a station or the like, the user guide system 1 notifies that the user carrying the portable information terminal 4 has passed the ticket gate. May be detected, and a usage fee may be charged based on the detected information. Also, in this case,
If the user guidance system 1 is connected to the ticket gate system, and a passenger or the like who does not carry the portable information terminal 4 of the user guidance system 1 tries to pass the ticket gate, the gate of the ticket gate may be closed. Good.

Further, the portable information terminal 4 according to the present embodiment is provided with a vibrating portion indicating a traveling direction, and when holding a predetermined position, moves in the direction of the vibrating portion to vibrate so as to have a visual impairment. It is good also as composition which can guide a person.

[0129]

According to the present invention, base stations for communicating with a portable information terminal using a carrier wave determined in accordance with the installation location are installed in various places, and thus, seamlessly during a user's journey. Guidance information can be provided. Also,
It is possible to provide appropriate guidance information according to a user's process, profile, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a user guidance system 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration of the entire user guidance system 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of a base station 3.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the portable information terminal 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process data creation process performed by the process creation function block 2a when creating process data.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation prediction process executed when the operation prediction function block 2b performs operation prediction of each transportation means.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a travel process management process performed by the process management function block 2c when managing a user's travel process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an information search process executed when the information individualization function block 2f searches for various information from various information sources.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a data accumulation / analysis process executed when the data accumulation / analysis function block 2g receives process data.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a communication system switching process executed when the guidance function block 2d (portable information terminal 4) switches communication with the weak radio wave system and another communication system.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an inquiry request process executed by the guidance / guidance function block 2d (portable information terminal 4) when an inquiry request is made from a user.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a reminder signal receiving process executed when the guidance / guidance function block 2d (portable information terminal 4) receives a reminder signal.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a position detection process executed when the position detection function block 2e (base station 3) detects the position of the portable information terminal 4.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a position information transmission process executed when the position detection function block 2e transmits the position information of the portable information terminal 4 in response to a request from the itinerary management function block 2c.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of a user profile.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the contents of process data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 user guidance system 2 control management device 3 base station 3a control unit 3b communication unit 4 portable information terminal 4a control unit 4b display unit 4c input unit 4d communication unit 4e storage unit 4f voice output unit 4g voice input unit 5 paired train wireless communication Equipment 5a Ground equipment 5b On-board equipment 6 Information terminal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 112 G06F 17/60 144 5K033 144 322 5K067 322 506 506 G08G 1/005 G08G 1/005 H04B 7 / 26 109M H04Q 7/34 106A H04L 12/28 H04L 11/00 310B 12/66 11/20 B (72) Inventor Ryuji Tsuchiya 2-8-8 Hikaricho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 38 Within the Railway Technical Research Institute ( 72) Inventor Teruyuki Tozawa 2-8-3 Hikaricho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 38 Inside the Railway Technical Research Institute (72) Inventor Yasuo Sato 2-8-8 Hikaricho 2 Kokucho-shi, Tokyo 38 Inside the Railway Technical Research Institute ( 72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kawata 2-8-8 Hikaricho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 38 Japan Railway Technical Research Institute F-term (reference) HC01 JL01 JL07 JL08 MB18 5K033 AA09 BA13 DA01 DA19 DB20 EA07 5K067 AA21 BB04 BB36 DD17 DD52 DD53 EE02 EE10 EE16 FF23 FF25 HH23 JJ52 JJ65

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A control management device for managing and providing guide information for a user including information on movement and travel, a portable information terminal for allowing a user to communicate with the control management device, and the portable information terminal A user guidance system including a plurality of base stations installed in various places, which relay information communication of the control management device and the information communication between the base station and the portable information terminal. It is performed by a carrier wave determined according to the installation location, even if the process of the user who owns the portable information terminal crosses the communicable area of the plurality of base stations, in each communicable area, A user guidance system, wherein the control management device continuously provides / provides guidance information on the journey to the portable information terminal during the journey. 2. The mobile information terminal appropriately transmits position information, and the control management device provides the guide information based on the position information received via the base station. Item 1. A user guidance system according to item 1. 3. The base station appropriately detects the presence of the portable information terminal in a communicable area, and the control management device provides guidance information on the process to the detected portable information terminal. 2. The user guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the user information can be provided / provided. 4. The process according to claim 1, wherein the control management device prepares a travel information plan that conforms to a travel creation request transmitted from the mobile information terminal or an information terminal connected to the Internet. 4. The user guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the information is transmitted to a terminal or the information terminal. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control management device extracts a process unit requiring arrangement from process information transmitted from the portable information terminal or the information terminal connected to the Internet, and transmits a reservation request to a reservation system. Claim 1.
5. The user guidance system according to any one of items 1 to 4. 6. When the control management device has obtained the travel information in advance, the control management device transmits guide information based on the travel information to the portable information terminal via the base station. The user guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 7. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the base station includes a base station that uses a weak radio wave as a carrier wave that does not affect medical equipment around the installation location. User guidance system described. 8. When the portable information terminal can communicate with both a base station using the weak radio wave as a carrier and a base station using the non-weak radio wave as a carrier, the base station uses the non-weak radio wave as a carrier. 8. The user guidance system according to claim 7, wherein communication with a station is restricted, and communication is preferentially performed with a base station using the weak radio wave as a carrier. 9. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the guidance information includes at least one of operation schedule information, operation status information, and premises guidance information of a transportation facility. Person guidance system. 10. The control management device transmits an alert signal to the portable information terminal via the base station in accordance with a predetermined matter occurring during a traveling process of a user, wherein the portable information terminal includes: The user guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when the alert signal is received, the content indicated by the alert signal or the fact of the alert signal is notified. 11. The user guidance system according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined item is a trouble relating to a movement that has occurred during a user's movement process. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control management device records, for each portable information terminal or each user who owns the portable information terminal, trajectory information relating to the journey. User guidance system described in. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control management device accumulates, as history information, related information relating to the process for each portable information terminal or each user who owns the portable information terminal. User guidance system according to any of the above. 14. The user guidance system according to claim 13, wherein the control management device analyzes the history information and estimates a user's preference. 15. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control management device transmits, to the portable information terminal via the base station, content corresponding to a user's preference based on the history information and / or the process information. 15. The user guidance system according to claim 13, wherein the user information can be transmitted / transmitted to a terminal. 16. The user guidance system according to claim 15, wherein the content includes a content transmitted from another information source via the control management device. 17. The system according to claim 11, wherein said control management device provides information in response to an information request signal from said portable information terminal received via said base station.
The user guidance system according to 5 or 16. 18. The control management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting user profile information including preferences or physical characteristics of a user who owns the portable information terminal, transmitted from the portable information terminal or an information terminal connected to the Internet. 18. The user guidance system according to claim 1, wherein information to be recorded and transmitted to the portable information terminal is determined based on the user profile information. 19. The user guidance system according to claim 18, wherein the control management device creates a travel information plan based on the user profile information of the corresponding user.