JP2001099674A - Multipurpose position search system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multipurpose position search system in which present position data or the like is transmitted and received mutually, in which the site situation of a present position is displayed surely so as to be confirmed and tracked by a navigation device with land and sea map information and in which a partner can be navigated as a destination. SOLUTION: A position detecting device in which a position detection means, an imaging means and a means which transmits and receives an urgent signal or a position signal are added to a portable telephone is provided. A multifunctional search device in which the position detecting device is built in a personal computer so as to be detachable or connected externally and which is provided with map information and a navigation function is provided. By any of the devices, in a plurality, out of the devices of two kinds, a present position is displayed in real time so as to be confirmed and tracked on the display part of the position detecting device or the personal computer, and a partner can be navigated as a destination. The map information can be acquired via the Internet, a seashore map or a chart and a map can be retrieved in a unified manner, and either a portable telephone or a satellite portable telephone function is selected automatically so as to be transmitted and received. A server which is connected to the Internet and which is provided with map information and a navigation function may be accessed so as to be used.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multipurpose position search system that can be used in a wide range of applications, from rescue of the lives of mountains and seamen to burglars, crime prevention against theft of vehicles, emergency medical care, vehicle management, logistics management, sports and recreation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, car navigation systems mounted on vehicles on land and marine navigation systems mounted on ships at sea are roughly classified and used in so-called fences of the coastline. Since there was no shared navigation and no function to send and receive position, image and other data, it was not possible to exchange data over the Internet or update the latest data using the Internet. In addition, the base station area where mobile phones can communicate is determined, and there is also the strength of radio waves within the area,
It may not be available for use outside the area or for the purpose of mountain and sea rescue. Further, the current car navigation system has a problem in that it is mainly used for vehicles and land, and cannot be used for multiple purposes. In addition, purchasing a digital camera and a mobile phone separately has a problem not only in that it is not only economically expensive but also in that it cannot be used for multiple purposes. On the other hand, there is a demand for the development of a “next-generation car navigation system” that can take map information data from the Internet using a personal computer and utilize it as an information terminal.

[0003]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention not only can be used as a mere portable telephone but also has a position detecting function such as GPS, a photographing means, and a means for receiving and transmitting an emergency signal. In addition to location data, image data and other information data can be transmitted and received, and limited to homes and offices with a position detection device equipped with a small handy personal computer with a navigation function that can be used on land and sea Not only indoor and outdoor PC processing and walking navigation of businessmen but also car navigation on vehicles and marine navigation on ships, of course, it is possible to search for each other as destinations, so it is possible to confirm / track from merging and meeting,
It can be expected to be used in case of marine accidents, mountain rescue, incidents, accidents and emergency disasters, and also uses weak radio waves in the area and satellite mobile as a response outside the area, and uses the latest map data update via internet connection etc. In the event of a disaster or emergency disaster, complete communication and video data from a photographing means (digital camera) are added to enable quick transmission of accidents and disaster situations from snap photography videos during vacations. It aims to provide a search system.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention adds a position detecting means, a photographing means, and an means for receiving and transmitting an emergency signal or a position signal to a portable telephone. A position detecting device, a multi-function searching device having the position detecting device detachably built in or externally connected to a personal computer and having map information and a navigation function, and the two types of devices (a position detecting device and a multi-function searching device) A position search system comprising any one of a plurality of devices,
It transmits and receives mutual current position data, image data, and other information data, displays the data in real time on the display unit of each device, and performs confirmation / tracking and navigation with a partner as a destination. A multi-purpose position search system (claim 1).

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a portable telephone which can be connected to the Internet via a provider, a position detecting means, a photographing means, and an means for receiving and transmitting an emergency signal or a position signal. A multi-function search device having the above-mentioned position detection device detachably built-in or externally connected to a personal computer and having map information and a navigation function, and the two types of devices (position detection device and Multi-function search device) to provide and use information by sending and receiving data through a server that has map information and a navigation function, and can be connected to the Internet via a provider, using any of multiple devices. Information provider and information user who are telephone subscribers having the position detecting device or the multi-function searching device A telephone number, an ID number, and a password are registered in the server by connecting to the Internet via a provider, and information data is transmitted to and stored in the server based on a request from the information provider based on the ID number and the password. Similarly, based on the request of the information user, certain position data, image data, and other information data of the position detecting device possessed by the information user are transmitted to the server, and the map information stored in the server. Search and select map information to display position data from, and transfer the selected map information together with image data and other information data to a position detection device or a multi-function search device, and display the map information on the display section of the device. And the image data and other information data are displayed for confirmation / tracking and navigation to the other party as the destination. The information provider and information user history data accesses the server to the multi-purpose position location system characterized by comprising stored manageable in the storage unit of the server (claim 2).

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a multi-function search device having a storage unit of a personal computer or a server which stores a shore map or a marine chart for displaying a marine position and a land position. A map for display is stored so as to be searchable in a unified manner, and the shore map, nautical chart, and map are unifiedly searched based on the current position data, and the searched shore map, nautical chart, or map is displayed on the display unit. Preferably, the multi-purpose position search system is characterized in that desired current position data is displayed at the same time.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides map information, merchandise, business information / events, services such as coastal charts, marine charts, maps, and roads, parking lots, restaurants, hospitals, etc. associated therewith. Various kinds of information such as information are obtained through the Internet according to a predetermined procedure, and these map information are stored in the storage unit of the personal computer or the server in a searchable manner, and can be constantly updated to the latest data. The searched coast map is displayed on the display unit,
It is preferable that the multi-purpose position search system is characterized in that desired current position data is displayed together with the map information on a chart or a map (claim 4).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a position detecting device having a satellite mobile phone function in addition to a mobile phone function, and a mobile phone function or a satellite mobile phone depending on the strength of a received signal. Preferably, the multi-purpose position search system is characterized in that any one of the functions can be automatically selected and transmitted / received (claim 5).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-purpose position search system according to the present invention, wherein the current position data, image data, and other information data are transmitted and received by packet communication. Is preferable (claim 6).

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an emergency signal or a position signal to the registered position detecting device or multi-function searching device of a partner by pressing the signal transmitting means. It is preferable that the multi-purpose position search system is transmitted and transmitted, and the present position data, image data and other information data can be displayed on each display unit or notified by an alarm or the like (claim 7). ).

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a position detection device constituting a multipurpose position search system of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the multifunction search device. The position detection device and the multi-function search device exemplified here are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the shape, size, arrangement of each part, and the like can be arbitrarily changed.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a position detecting device having a cellular phone function. A digital camera 11, which is a photographing means capable of rotating a lens, is mounted on the top of the main body. A liquid crystal display unit 12, a multi-cursor / short video recording button 13 below the liquid crystal display unit 12, a keyboard 14 below the button, and a GPS device 15 as a position detecting means provided inside the keyboard,
Further, the entire keyboard is covered with a keyboard cover 16 which can be slid in the vertical direction, and a position button 17 is provided below the keyboard cover (not shown). On one of the left and right side surfaces of the position detection device 1, a one-push button including an emergency button 18 and a position button 17 as signal transmission means for transmitting an emergency signal and a position signal, and a camera shutter 19 are arranged in a vertical direction. Is provided. A rod-shaped antenna 22 is attached to the upper end of either the left or right of the main body so as to be able to expand and contract.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2 denotes a multi-function searching device, which comprises a position detecting device 1 and a mobile personal computer 20. The position detecting device 1 is removably housed in the main body detachable slot of the mobile personal computer 20 as shown in FIG. 3A or is externally attached to the personal computer 20 as shown in FIG. As an external method, for example, a wired connection is made by RS232C or the like via a modem or an interface, or a wireless connection is made by infrared communication or the like.
The mobile personal computer 20 stores a shore map or a marine chart for displaying the position on the sea and a map for displaying the position on the land in a storage unit of an ordinary small personal computer so as to be searchable in a unified manner, and based on the current position data. A navigation function for unifying retrieval of the shore map or marine chart and map and displaying desired current position data on a map of a display unit. Further, the opposite side of the mobile personal computer 20 on which the liquid crystal display unit is mounted is formed as a flat plate antenna 21, which serves to receive radio waves emitted by the satellite 4 and to reinforce the antenna function of the position detection device 1. .

Next, a position search system according to the present invention using the position detection device 1 and the multi-function search device 2 of the above embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The position search system according to the present invention includes the multifunction search devices 2 (first embodiment), the position detection devices 1 (second embodiment), or the multifunction search device 2 and the position detection device 1 (third embodiment). ) Or a combination thereof. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate the position search system (first to third embodiments) according to the present invention, respectively. Each data is transmitted and received via the base station 3 by, for example, packet communication over a DoPa network. Since the position detecting device 1 does not have the map information and the navigation function, it is connected to the server provided with these devices via the Internet via a provider, and is similar to the multi-function searching devices 2 (the first embodiment). The inventions according to the second and subsequent claims enable navigation and further enhance the function of the multifunction search device 2.

The first embodiment has the most functions in the position search system of the present invention. First, the current position can be detected by a GPS (global positioning system) device provided in the position detection device 1 and the multifunction search device 2. Here, GPS is a global positioning system developed by the United States Department of Defense (DOD) in the 1970's, and uses latitude, longitude, altitude, and time data (3D) obtained by three-dimensional positioning using a plurality of satellites in a fixed orbit. (By atomic clock). These data are GP
The data received by the S device 15 and converted into, for example, the latitude and longitude of a map issued by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan will be used as the current position data. In addition to GPS, GLONASS, a satellite navigation system of the former Soviet Union, may be used as much as possible.

In the storage section of the mobile personal computer 20,
Since a shore map or a marine chart for displaying the position on the sea and a map for displaying the position on the land are stored in a centrally searchable manner, a map to be displayed based on the current position data is searched and selected. Then, it can be displayed on the display unit of the personal computer 20 together with the current position. By storing common latitude and longitude data for each of the above-mentioned coastal chart or marine chart for displaying the position on the sea and a map for displaying the position on the land and storing the same in advance in the storage unit of the personal computer 20, Search became possible. This has traditionally necessitated separate use of land-only car navigation and marine-only marine navigation.However, it is now possible to display, check and track on the same screen. Can be used without barriers on the shoreline.

As described above, the present position on both the sea and the land can be displayed by one type of navigation, and real-time display and tracking can be performed. In addition, new destinations are set and destinations are automatically set using the other party's position as the destination, so that previously fixed destinations can be navigated by mobiles, expanding the application fields such as meeting. did. It goes without saying that the external route information such as traffic congestion information and map information can be received, the best route to the destination can be displayed, and the route can be changed by judging the situation. Both the detailed map and the entire map can be displayed on two screens on the display unit of the personal computer. In addition to the personal computer display unit, the mobile personal computer 20 can be connected to a television or a large screen and displayed on each of these screens.

In addition to the position data, image data photographed by a built-in digital camera and information data inputted by a keyboard or voice can be transmitted and received, and can be displayed on a display section of a personal computer. Can be output as a voice for hands-free conversation. By pressing the short video recording button 13 and rotating the lens of the built-in digital camera, it is possible to take a video of the surrounding situation, for example, taking a snapshot of a family or taking an emergency situation, as well as taking a picture for e-mail attachment It can be used for multiple purposes.
As functions of the mobile personal computer 20, in addition to the above-mentioned navigation function, it is possible to send and receive the Internet, send and receive e-mails, and use various software in the same manner as a normal personal computer.
Easily edit and send e-mails.

When the emergency button 18 of the other party's position detection device 1 is pressed and the transmitted signal is received, the emergency position screen is highlighted and pinpoint search, display, and tracking can be performed on the detailed map screen. The nearest police box, police station,
Highlights information including phone numbers of hospitals, fire departments, government offices, large stores, etc., and automatically calls police stations, hospitals and fire departments using screen touch input and voice, and responds quickly to emergency situations with initial response Can be. At the same time, on the screen, text information such as the address, name, and telephone number of the other party is output, and a message notifying the emergency is displayed, thereby causing an alarm.
The map information of the nearest police box and the police station in charge is CD-
Although it can be obtained from an external storage medium such as R, DVD, or memory stick, it may be obtained via the Internet as far as possible.

When the data is received, the position detecting device 1
The connection with the mobile personal computer 20 is confirmed, and it is recognized whether the mobile terminal is used together with the mobile personal computer 20 or the position detecting device 1 is used alone, and a usable function is selected from predetermined functions. Further, when an emergency signal or a position signal arrives with the power turned off, the power switches of the position detection device 1 and the mobile personal computer 20 are automatically turned on, and a predetermined process is performed.

Next, the second to third shown in FIGS.
The display unit 12 of the position detection device 1 in the embodiment is narrower than the display unit of the personal computer, and it is difficult to display the entire map on one screen. Therefore, a hard copy of the position screen or the emergency screen from the personal computer or server is used. When an incoming call is displayed, the multi-cursor 13 scrolls the incoming call image and the like up, down, left, and right to display the image.

In the embodiment of the position search system, transmission and reception of each data is performed by packet communication, for example, N
It is preferable to use DoPa from TT Docomo or VENUS-P from KDD. In packet communication, a data signal is divided into blocks each having a certain length or less, each of which is provided with a header (packet) containing destination information and the like necessary for transfer, temporarily stored in an exchange, and a line to a partner is provided. Is a method of transmitting data when it is available.It is efficient, it is charged based on the actual communication time during which data is transmitted instead of the time when the line is connected, so the difference in perspective is small,
In the case of conversational data communication as in the case of the present invention, data communication in which the ratio of the waiting time to the communication time is large is particularly preferable without waste. Further, in the present embodiment, the mobile phone has a satellite mobile phone function in addition to the mobile phone function, and automatically switches to the satellite mobile phone according to the strength of the incoming signal when the signal is weak. Alternatively, the switching button can be used to select either the mobile phone function or the satellite mobile phone function.

FIGS. 5 to 7 (transmitting side) and FIGS. 8 to 10 (receiving side) show flowcharts of the transmitting side and the receiving side in the position search system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]

Next, an embodiment of a position search system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
An example is shown in which the current position is mutually searched using the multifunction search devices 2 a, b, c, and d, and displayed and tracked on the display unit 12 ′. a and b search for each other as the destination, display the current position of the other on the display unit 12 ', and search and display the shortest route. Applicable to car navigation. The c in the mountain and the d in the sea mutually search for the current position of each other in a unified manner, and display the real-time information on the screen for tracking and monitoring. It can be applied to rescue and rescue in mountains and seas. Here, an example of the multi-function search devices 2 has been described, but it is preferable to carry the position detection device 1 which is convenient to carry, use the multi-function search device 2 in an office or at home, and transmit and receive the two. . If both are on the mobile,
It is preferable to carry the position detection device 1 and connect it to the server via the Internet for navigation.

In addition to the above, as an application example of the position search system, for example, from an emergency / accident site or distress site, position information, an accident situation image at the scene, a fire situation image, a patient condition image, an electrocardiogram, a pulse, etc. By transmitting and receiving medical data to the relevant police, fire departments, and hospitals in real time, it is possible to respond promptly to the rescue of life savings. Then, the ambulance receiving the emergency signal from the accident site rushes to the site by the navigation of the present invention, and searches for hospitals that can be accepted from a pre-registered list according to the condition of the patient and calls the telephone displayed on the screen. Checking the number, calling the hospital, and navigating to the hospital by the navigation according to the present invention can be performed. In addition to the above, a myriad of application examples are conceivable, such as vehicle management of courier service, protection of wandering elderly people with dementia, and guidance for new delivery staff.

In the multipurpose position searching system according to the second and subsequent aspects, when the position detecting device having no navigation function is used alone as a mobile phone, the navigation function of the server is utilized via the Internet. Navigation becomes possible in the same manner as the multi-function search device.
In addition to the map information such as convenience stores and gas stations, the server also provides the latest map-related information such as discount information on products, bargain information on department stores, event information on amusement parks, and vacancy information on hotels. The information is provided and stored via the Internet, and the information user can use the latest map-related information and the like via the Internet. Furthermore, based on the access history data of the information provider and the information user stored in the server of the information center, it is possible to manage data registration fees, data usage fees, prevention of unauthorized access, etc. It can also be collected from the user as a packet fee (for example, a paid information originator registration (IP) such as NTT DOCOMO's i-mode).

[0027]

According to the position search system according to the present invention, unlike the current car navigation system, the position search system according to the present invention can perform both sea and land position search. It is not dedicated, but can be used in a wide range of applications, such as personal computers at home or office, car navigation in cars, guidance for work or vacation, communication in all areas with satellite functions, and existing Therefore, the cost required for new design and development can be reduced, and it is extremely economical.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a front view illustrating a position detecting device constituting an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the same.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram exemplifying a multi-function search device for configuring an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a position search system (first to third embodiments) according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a position search system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart on the transmitting side in the position search system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart on the transmitting side in the position search system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart on the transmitting side in the position search system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart on the receiving side in the position search system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart on the receiving side in the position search system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart on the receiving side in the position search system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: position detection device, 2: multi-function search device, 3: base station,
4: satellite, 11: digital camera, 12, 12 ': display unit, 13: short video recording button, 14: keyboard, 15: GPS device, 16: keyboard cover, 1
7: position button, 18: emergency button, 19: camera shutter, 20: mobile personal computer, 21: flat antenna, 22: rod antenna

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A position detecting device in which a position detecting means, a photographing means, and a means for receiving and transmitting an emergency signal or a position signal are added to a mobile phone, and the position detecting device is detachably mounted on a personal computer. A multi-function search device that is externally connected and has map information and a navigation function;
A position search system comprising any of a plurality of types of devices (a position detection device and a multi-function search device), transmitting and receiving mutual current position data, image data, and other information data. A multi-purpose position search system, wherein the data is displayed on a display unit of the device in real time to enable confirmation / tracking and navigation with a partner as a destination. 2. A position detecting device comprising a mobile phone connectable to the Internet via a provider, and a position detecting means, a photographing means, and a means for receiving and transmitting an emergency signal or a position signal added thereto. A multi-function search device that is detachably built-in or externally connected to a personal computer and has map information and a navigation function; and any one of the two types of devices (position detection device and multi-function search device) A location search system capable of providing and utilizing information by transmitting and receiving data through a server that can be connected to the Internet via a provider using map information and a navigation function. Information provider and information user who are telephone subscribers who have a device or multi-function search device connect to the Internet via a provider The telephone number, the ID number, and the password are registered in the server, and the information data can be transmitted and stored in the server based on the request of the information provider based on the ID number and the password. Based on the request of the user, certain position data of the position detecting device possessed by the information user, image data, and other information data are transmitted to the server, and the map information for displaying the position data from the map information stored in the server is displayed. Search and select, transfer the selected map information along with image data and other information data to the position detection device or multi-function search device,
The position is displayed on a map on the display unit of the device, and the image data and other information data are also displayed so that confirmation / tracking and navigation as a destination can be performed by the information provider and the information user. A multi-purpose position search system characterized in that history data of accessing a server is stored in a storage unit of the server in a manageable manner. 3. A storage unit of a personal computer or a server constituting the multi-function search device stores a shore map or a marine chart for displaying a position on the sea and a map for displaying a position on the land in a centrally searchable manner. It is characterized by integrally searching the coast map or chart and map based on current position data, and displaying desired current position data on the searched coast map, chart or map on the display unit. Claim 1
Or the multipurpose position search system according to 2. 4. A variety of information such as coastal maps, nautical charts, maps, and accompanying map information such as roads, parking lots, restaurants and hospitals, merchandise, business information / events, service information, etc., are transmitted through a predetermined procedure via the Internet. The map information is stored in the storage unit of the personal computer or server in a searchable manner, can be constantly updated to the latest data, and the searched coastal chart, marine chart or map is displayed on the display unit. 3. The multi-purpose position search system according to claim 1, wherein desired current position data is displayed together with the map information. 5. The position detecting device has a satellite mobile phone function in addition to a mobile phone function, and one of the mobile phone function and the satellite mobile phone function is automatically selected and transmitted / received according to the strength of a signal to be received. 3. The multi-purpose position search system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-purpose position search system can perform the search. 6. The multipurpose position search system according to claim 1, wherein said current position data, image data and other information data are transmitted and received by packet communication. 7. Pressing the signal transmitting means transmits an emergency signal or a position signal to the previously registered position detecting device or multi-function searching device of the other party, and displays current position data, 3. The multi-purpose position search system according to claim 1, wherein the image data and other information data can be displayed or notified by an alarm or the like.