WO2007148698A1

WO2007148698A1 - Communication terminal device, communication method, communication program, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2007148698A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/062341
Authority: WO
Inventors: Koji Koga; Haruhiko Takagi; Hironori Goto; Seiji Tanezawa; Akihiko Oki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-06-21
Filing date: 2007-06-19
Publication date: 2007-12-27

Abstract

A detection section (112) detects a traveling speed, and when a determination section (113) determines that the traveling speed is not more than a predetermined level, a transmission section (114) sends a request for transmission of video information on the periphery of the leading end point of a segment of traffic congestion. A receiving section (115) receives the video information, and a display section (111) displays the video information on its display screen. Also, in an oncoming vehicle, when a receiving section (124) receives a transmission request, video information that is video of the periphery and is inputted by an input section (121) is stored in a storage section (122). Then, based on traffic information acquired by an acquisition section (123), a specifying section (125) specifies the leading end point of the traffic congestion. An extraction section (126) extracts, from the video information stored in the storage section (122), video information relating to the leading end point specified by the specifying section (125), and a transmission section (127) transmits the result.

Description

Specification

COMMUNICATION TERMINAL DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, COMMUNICATION PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

Technical field

The present invention relates to a communication terminal device that transmits and receives video information, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the communication terminal device, communication method, communication program, and recording medium described above.

Background

Conventionally, there is an imaging device that is installed at a plurality of monitoring points and images the traffic situation of each monitoring point. This imaging apparatus sends image information representing the captured image to the information center. The information center transmits image information to the vehicle via a road beacon device. In a communication terminal device mounted on a vehicle, an image to be displayed can be arbitrarily selected and a selected image is displayed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-180087

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, with the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the user can confirm! /, The situation of an intersection or road can be arbitrarily selected and confirmed with a communication terminal device. Therefore, it is possible to provide image information of a point desired by the user, but since only image information of the monitoring point where the imaging device is installed is provided, if the point desired by the user moves away from the monitoring point, One example is the problem of inability to obtain detailed image information.

Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a communication terminal device according to the invention of claim 1 is a communication terminal device mounted on a vehicle, and detects the traveling speed of the vehicle. And a vehicle when the travel speed detected by the detection device is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed, the vehicle is opposed to the vehicle when the vehicle is congested. Other communications mounted on the oncoming vehicle Transmitting means for transmitting a request for transmitting video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in the traffic jam state to the terminal device, and receiving for receiving the video information from another communication terminal device mounted on the oncoming vehicle Means and display means for displaying the video information received by the receiving means.

[0006] Further, the communication terminal device according to the invention of claim 4 is a communication terminal device mounted in an oncoming vehicle that faces the vehicle, and is an image obtained by photographing an image around the oncoming vehicle. Input means for inputting information, storage means for storing the video information input by the input means, and video information relating to the vicinity of the start point of a section in a traffic jam state from another communication terminal device mounted on the vehicle Receiving means for receiving the transmission request, specifying means for specifying the start point in response to the transmission request received by the receiving means, and video information relating to the periphery of the start point specified by the specifying means Extraction means for extracting from the video information stored by the means, and video information relating to the periphery of the head point extracted by the extraction means. Transmission means for transmitting to the communication terminal apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a.

[0007] In addition, a communication method according to the invention of claim 6 includes a detection step of detecting a traveling speed of the vehicle, and a traffic congestion state when the traveling speed detected by the detection step is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. A determination step for determining that there is a traffic congestion state, and when the determination step determines that there is a traffic congestion state, the communication device is in a traffic congestion state with respect to another communication terminal device mounted on an oncoming vehicle that faces the vehicle. A transmission step of transmitting a transmission request of video information related to the vicinity of the start point of a section, a reception step of receiving the video information from another communication terminal device mounted on the oncoming vehicle, and the reception step And a display step for displaying the video information.

[0008] The communication method according to the invention of claim 7 includes an input step of inputting video information obtained by shooting a video around the oncoming vehicle, and the video information input in the input step is stored. A receiving step for receiving a transmission request for video information relating to the vicinity of the start point of a section in a traffic jam state from another communication terminal device mounted on the vehicle, and a transmission request received by the receiving step. And specifying the head point according to the specifying step, and video information relating to the periphery of the head point specified by the specifying step. O

An extraction process for extracting information from the video information stored in the storage process, and video information relating to the vicinity of the head point extracted by the previous 1-extraction process.

Yes

And a transmission step of transmitting to the communication terminal device mounted on the device.

[0009] A communication program according to the invention of claim 8 causes a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 6 or 7.

[0010] The computer-readable recording medium according to the invention of claim 9 is

The communication program described in 8 is recorded.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle communication system that works according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a communication processing procedure of communication terminal apparatus A110.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a communication processing procedure of communication terminal apparatus B120.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a navigation device that is effective in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the navigation device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the navigation device mounted on the oncoming vehicle.

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining video information related to the vicinity of the start point of a section in a traffic jam state.

Explanation of symbols

Vehicle communication system

110 Communication terminal A

111 Display

112 Detector

113 Judgment part

114 Transmitter

115 Receiver

120 Communication terminal B

121 Input section 122 Storage unit

123 Acquisition Department

124 Receiver

125 Specific part

126 Extractor

127 Transmitter

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] (Embodiment)

Exemplary embodiments of a vehicle communication system, a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. An embodiment includes a vehicle communication system, a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium according to the present invention, each of which includes a communication terminal device mounted on a vehicle and a communication terminal device mounted on an oncoming vehicle. This is an example applied to a configured vehicle communication system.

[0014] (Configuration of vehicle communication system)

First, the configuration of the vehicle communication system 100 that works according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle communication system that works according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle communication system 100 includes a communication terminal device (communication terminal device A 110) mounted on a vehicle and a communication terminal device (communication terminal device) mounted on an oncoming vehicle that runs opposite to the vehicle. B120). Communication terminal device A110 and communication terminal device B120 are provided so that they can communicate with each other.

[0015] Communication terminal device A110 and communication terminal device B120 are portable computer terminals that can move with the vehicle. Specifically, for example, it is realized by a navigation device mounted on the vehicle.

[0016] (Functional configuration of communication terminal apparatus A)

Next, the functional configuration of communication terminal apparatus A110 that is relevant to the embodiment will be described. In FIG. 1, communication terminal apparatus A110 includes a display unit 111, a detection unit 112, a determination unit 113, a transmission unit 114, and a reception unit 115. The display unit 111 has a display screen that displays map data and video information. Here, the map data is stored in a storage unit (not shown). The map data includes road network data composed of nodes and links, and image data drawn using features related to facilities, roads, and other terrain (mountains, rivers, land). The map data may include text information, information such as facility names and addresses, and road and facility images. The video information is video information related to the vicinity of the head point of the section in a traffic jam state transmitted by communication terminal apparatus B120, which will be described later.

Detection unit 112 detects the traveling speed of the vehicle on which communication terminal device A110 is mounted. The traveling speed is detected according to the output value of the acceleration sensor or vehicle speed sensor force that detects the behavior of the vehicle. In addition, the detection unit 112 may detect the traveling speed from image processing based on video information from a camera mounted outside the vehicle.

[0019] When the traveling speed detected by the detecting unit 112 is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed, the determining unit 113 determines that the section in which the vehicle is traveling is in a traffic jam state. Causes of traffic congestion include waiting for traffic lights, traffic restrictions, road construction, and natural occurrence. The predetermined speed is an average value of the traveling speed of a vehicle that can be set by a user and travels for a predetermined time. Further, the determination unit 113 may determine whether or not the vehicle is in a traffic jam state based on an image in front of the vehicle taken by a shooting unit (not shown). In this case, when there is another vehicle ahead of the vehicle on which communication terminal device A110 is mounted, it is determined that the traffic is congested.

[0020] When the determination unit 113 determines that the traffic state is congested, the transmission unit 114 transmits a video information transmission request regarding the vicinity of the head point of the section in the congested state to the communication terminal device B120. . The video information related to the vicinity of the head point is video information in front of the head point and the head point of the section in a traffic jam state. The video information in front of the head point is video information for notifying the user of the cause of the traffic jam condition.

[0021] In addition, when the determination unit 113 determines that the transmission unit 114 is in a congested state, the transmission unit 114 is connected to the other communication terminal device A110 mounted in another vehicle existing in the section in the congested state. Video information. In addition, when the determination unit 113 determines that the traffic is not in a congested state, a section in which the speed is detected by the detection unit 112 is detected with respect to the other communication terminal devices A110 and B120 installed in other vehicles. Report that there is no traffic jam Broadcast information for notification is transmitted.

[0022] Receiving section 115 receives video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in a traffic jam state from communication terminal apparatus B120. The video information received by the receiving unit 115 is displayed on a display screen provided in the display unit 111.

[0023] (Functional configuration of communication terminal apparatus B)

Next, a functional configuration of communication terminal apparatus B120 will be described. The communication terminal device B120 realizes a function when a vehicle equipped with the communication terminal device A110 travels opposite a section in a congested state. In FIG. 1, the communication terminal device B120 includes an input unit 121, a storage unit 122, an acquisition unit 123, a reception unit 124, a specification unit 125, an extraction unit 126, and a transmission unit 127. .

[0024] The input unit 121 inputs video information obtained by shooting a video around the oncoming vehicle using a shooting unit (not shown). The image around the oncoming vehicle shall include the image of the lane in which the vehicle equipped with the communication terminal device A110 travels. The storage unit 122 stores map data and video information. The video information is video information input by the input unit 121.

[0025] The acquisition unit 123 acquires traffic information. Traffic information is road traffic information such as traffic jams and traffic regulations. In addition, the acquisition unit 123 may acquire information indicating that the vehicle is the head vehicle from the communication terminal device A110 that is mounted on a vehicle that exists in a section in a traffic jam state. The information indicating that the vehicle is the leading vehicle is, for example, information that the traveling speed of the vehicle on which the communication terminal device A110 is mounted has changed to a predetermined speed or more, and information that the vehicle has gone ahead.

[0026] Receiving section 124 receives a transmission request for video information relating to the vicinity of the head point of the section in which the vehicle power equipped with communication terminal device A110 is also in a congested state.

The identifying unit 125 identifies the start point of the section in a traffic jam state according to the transmission request received by the receiving unit 124. Based on the traffic jam information included in the traffic information acquired by the acquisition unit 123, the identification unit 125 extracts the latitude and longitude of the start point of the section that is congested and identifies the start point of the section that is congested To do. Further, the specifying unit 125, based on the information from the communication terminal device A110 acquired by the acquiring unit 123, the point where the traveling speed has changed to a predetermined speed or higher, the vehicle power ^, and the latitude Yo The start point of the section that is in a traffic jam state is specified by the longitude and longitude.

[0028] The extraction unit 126 includes video information regarding the vicinity of the start point of the section in a traffic jam state specified by the specifying unit 125, and video information obtained by shooting a video around the oncoming vehicle stored by the storage unit 122. Extract from The transmission unit 127 transmits the video information related to the vicinity of the head point of the section in a traffic jam extracted by the extraction unit 126 to the communication terminal device A110.

[0029] (Communication processing procedure of communication terminal device A110)

Next, a communication processing procedure of communication terminal apparatus A110 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a communication processing procedure of the communication terminal device A110. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, the detection unit 112 waits until the vehicle traveling speed is detected (step S201: No loop), and when the traveling speed is detected (step S201: Yes), the traveling speed is detected. Wait until the speed falls below the specified speed (step S202: No loop).

[0030] In step S202, when the traveling speed falls below a predetermined speed (step S202:

Yes), it is determined that the section in which the vehicle is traveling is in a traffic jam state (step S203). Then, a transmission request for video information related to the vicinity of the head point of the section in a traffic jam state is transmitted (step S204). Next, it is determined whether or not the video information is received (step S205). When the video information is received (step S205: Yes), the video information is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 111 (step S205). S206), a series of processing ends. On the other hand, when video information is not received in step S205 (step S205: No), the process returns to step S204 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

In the description of FIG. 2, the force that is determined to be in a traffic jam state in step S203 when the traveling speed becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined speed in step S202: Yes is not limited to this. For example, an image in front of the vehicle may be taken by a photographing unit (not shown), and it may be determined that there is a traffic jam when another vehicle is present ahead.

[0032] As described above, according to the vehicle communication system 100 of the embodiment, the communication terminal device A1 10 travels toward the vehicle when the determination unit 113 determines that the traffic is congested. The transmission unit 114 transmits a request for transmission of video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in a congested state to the communication terminal device B 120 mounted on the oncoming vehicle. The Then, the video information can be received by the receiving unit 115. Therefore, the display unit 111 can display video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in a traffic jam state. Thereby, the user can confirm the cause of the traffic jam state.

[0033] Also, according to the vehicle communication system 100 of the embodiment, in the communication terminal device A110, when the determination unit 113 determines that there is a congestion state, the transmission unit 114 determines that the section is in a congestion state Video information can be transmitted to another communication terminal device Al 10 mounted in another vehicle existing in the vehicle. Therefore, the communication terminal device A110 installed in each vehicle existing in the same traffic jam state can share the video information. As a result, each user in the same traffic condition can share video information for confirming the cause of the traffic condition.

[0034] Also, according to the vehicle communication system 100 of the embodiment, in the communication terminal device A110, when the determination unit 113 determines that the traffic is not congested, the communication terminal device mounted in another vehicle It is possible to transmit notification information for notifying that the section in which the speed is detected by the detection unit 112 is not in a traffic jam state to A110 and communication terminal device B120. Therefore, each communication terminal device can share information on sections that are not in a traffic jam state. Accordingly, each user can travel while avoiding a traffic jam condition by checking a section that is not in a traffic jam condition.

(Communication processing procedure of communication terminal apparatus B120)

Next, a communication processing procedure of the communication terminal device B120 mounted on the oncoming vehicle that runs opposite to the vehicle on which the communication terminal device A110 is mounted will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a communication processing procedure of the communication terminal device B120. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, first, the receiver 124 waits until it receives a video information transmission request from the communication terminal device A110 (step S301: No loop), and receives a video information transmission request (step S301: Step S301: Yes), video information obtained by shooting a video around the oncoming vehicle is input (step S302), and the video information input in step S302 is stored (step S303).

[0036] Then, traffic information is acquired by the acquisition unit 123 (step S304), and based on the acquired traffic information, the start point of the traffic jam state is specified by the specification unit 125 (step S305). ) o Next, the extraction unit 126 determines whether or not the video information related to the vicinity of the head point specified in step S305 is extracted from the video information stored in step S303 (step S306). When video information related to the periphery is extracted (step S306: Yes), the video information extracted in step S306 is transmitted to the communication terminal device A110 by the transmission unit 127 (step S307), and a series of processing is performed. finish. On the other hand, when video information relating to the vicinity of the head point is not extracted in step S306 (step S306: No), the process returns to step S302 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

In the description of FIG. 3, the force for inputting the video information in step S302 and storing the video information input in step S303 is not limited to this. The input of the video information may be always performed, or the input video information may be always stored.

Further, in the description of FIG. 3, the force for identifying the head point in step S305 based on the traffic information acquired in step S304 is not limited to this. For example, the head point of the traffic jam condition may be specified based on the information on the other vehicle power that is the leading vehicle in the traffic jam condition.

[0039] As described above, according to the vehicle communication system 100 of the embodiment, in the communication terminal device B120, in response to the transmission request received by the receiving unit 124, the identifying unit 125 causes a congestion state. The beginning point of the section which is is specified. Then, the video information relating to the identified vicinity of the head point can be extracted by the extraction unit 126 from the video information stored in the storage unit 122 and transmitted to the communication terminal device A110. Therefore, the communication terminal device A110 can receive video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in a traffic jam state. As a result, the user can confirm the cause of the traffic jam.

[0040] Also, according to the vehicle communication system 100 of the embodiment, in the communication terminal device B120, based on the traffic information acquired by the acquisition unit 123, the head of a section in a congested state by the specifying unit 125 A point can be specified. Therefore, the extraction unit 126 can easily identify the head point. As a result, the user can quickly confirm the cause of the traffic jam. Example

[0041] Examples of the present invention will be described below. In the present embodiment, an example in which the communication terminal device A110 and the communication terminal device B120 of the present invention are implemented by a navigation device mounted on a vehicle such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle) will be described. To do.

[0042] (Hardware configuration of navigation device)

Next, a hardware configuration of the navigation device 400 that is useful in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation apparatus that is effective in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the navigation device 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a magnetic disk drive 404, a magnetic disk 405, an optical disk drive 406, an optical disk 407, and an audio IZF (interface). 408, a microphone 409, a speaker 410, an input device 411, an image IZF 412, a display 413, a communication IZF 414, a GP S unit 415, various sensors 416, and a camera 417. Each component 401-417 is connected by a bus 420.

First, the CPU 401 governs overall control of the navigation device 400. The ROM 402 records programs such as a boot program and a data update program. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401. That is, the CPU 401 controls the entire navigation device 400 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 402 while using the RAM 403 as a work area.

The magnetic disk drive 404 controls reading and writing of data to the magnetic disk 405 according to the control of the CPU 401. The magnetic disk 405 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 404. As the magnetic disk 405, for example, HD (node disk) or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

In addition, the optical disk drive 406 controls data reading / writing to the optical disk 407 in accordance with the control of the CPU 401. The optical disc 407 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 406. The optical disk 407 can also use a writable recording medium. The removable recording medium may be a power MO of the optical disc 407, a memory card, or the like. Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 405 and the optical disk 407 include map data and function data. Map data includes background data that represents features such as buildings, rivers, and the surface of the earth, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road, and is composed of multiple data files divided by region. Has been.

[0047] The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, the presence / absence of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, the presence / absence of highway doorways and junctions, the length (distance) of each link, road width, direction of travel, road type (high speed). Road, toll road, general road, etc.).

[0048] The function data is three-dimensional data representing the shape of the facility on the map, character data representing the description of the facility, and other various data other than the map data. Map data and function data are recorded in blocks divided by district or function. Specifically, for example, the map data can be divided into blocks for each district so that each map represents a predetermined district on the map displayed on the display screen. For example, the function data can be divided into a plurality of blocks for each function so that each function realizes one function.

[0049] In addition to the above-described 3D data and character data, the function data is data for realizing functions such as program data that realizes route search, calculation of required time, route guidance, and the like. . Each of the map data and function data is composed of multiple data files divided by district or function.

The audio IZF 408 is connected to a microphone 409 for audio input and a speaker 410 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 409 is AZD converted in the sound IZF 408. The microphones 409 are installed, for example, near the sun visor of the vehicle, and the number may be one or more. The speaker 410 outputs a sound obtained by DZA-converting a predetermined sound signal in the sound IZF 408. Note that the sound input from the microphone 409 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 as sound data.

[0051] Examples of the input device 411 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, and a touch panel. The input device 411 may be realized by any one of a remote control, a keyboard, and a touch panel. It is also possible to realize with multiple forms.

The video IZF 412 is connected to the display 413. Specifically, the video IZF412 is output from, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 413, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. And a control IC that controls the display 413 based on image data.

The display 413 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. On the display 413, the above map data force is drawn in two or three dimensions. The map data displayed on the display 413 can be displayed with a mark representing the current position of the vehicle on which the navigation device 400 is mounted. The current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 401.

[0054] As the display 413, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be used. The display 413 is installed near the dashboard of the vehicle, for example. A plurality of displays 413 may be installed on the vehicle, for example, near the dashboard of the vehicle or around the rear seat of the vehicle.

Communication IZF 414 is connected to a network via radio and functions as an interface between navigation device 400 and CPU 401. The communication I / F 414 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via radio, and functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 401.

[0056] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication IZF414 is composed of, for example, FM tuner, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) Z beacon Resino, wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices. Get road traffic information such as traffic regulations. VICS is a registered trademark.

[0057] 0-3 boot 415 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 415 is used when the CPU 401 calculates the current position of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 416 described later. The information indicating the current position is information that identifies one point on the map data, for example, latitude'longitude, altitude, etc. The

[0058] Various sensors 416 output information for determining the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 416 are used by the CPU 401 to calculate the current position of the vehicle and the amount of change in speed and direction.

[0059] Camera 417 captures an image outside the vehicle. The video can be either a still image or a moving image. For example, video information obtained by photographing a video around the vehicle by the camera 417 is output to a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 via the video I ZF 412. The image around the vehicle includes the image in front of the vehicle and the image of the opposite lane facing the vehicle. In addition, the video output to the recording medium is overwritten and saved.

[0060] Display unit 111, detection unit 112, determination unit 113, transmission unit 114, reception unit 115, and input unit 121, storage unit 122, and acquisition included in communication terminal device A110 shown in FIG. Unit 123, reception unit 124, identification unit 125, extraction unit 126, and transmission unit 127 store programs and data recorded in ROM 402, RAM 403, magnetic disk 405, optical disk 407, etc. in navigation device 400 shown in FIG. The CPU 401 executes a predetermined program and controls each part in the navigation device 400 to realize the function.

That is, the navigation device 400 according to the embodiment executes the communication program recorded in the ROM 402 as a recording medium in the navigation device 400, whereby the communication terminal device A110 and the communication terminal device shown in FIG. The functions of the B120 can be executed by the communication processing procedure shown in FIGS.

[0062] (Contents of processing of navigation device 400)

Next, the processing contents of the navigation device 400 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, first wait until the vehicle traveling speed is detected (step S501: No loop). If the traveling speed is detected (step S501: Yes), whether the traveling speed is equal to or less than the predetermined speed. Is determined (step S502). When the traveling speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed (step S502: Yes), it is determined whether or not the vehicle force ^ is forward (step S503). And there is a vehicle ahead If so (step S503: Yes), it is determined that the traffic is congested (step S504). On the other hand, if the vehicle is in front of step S503! /! (Step S503: No), the process returns to step S502 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0063] If it is determined in step S504 that there is a traffic jam, a request for transmission of video information related to the vicinity of the head point of the section in the traffic jam is transmitted (step S505). Next, it is determined whether or not video information has been received (step S506). If video information has been received (step S506: Yes), it is displayed on the display screen of the display 413 (step S507).

[0064] Next, it is determined whether or not the driving speed of the vehicle has changed to a predetermined speed or higher (step S508). If the driving speed does not change to a predetermined speed or higher (step S508: No), the vehicle moves forward. It is determined whether or not there is any (step S509). In step S508, if the travel speed changes to a predetermined speed or higher (step S508: Yes), if there is no vehicle ahead in step S509 (step S509: No), it is determined that the vehicle is the leading vehicle in the congested section ( In step S510), the series of processes is terminated.

[0065] On the other hand, if the traveling speed is not less than or equal to the predetermined speed in step S502 (step S502: No), it is determined that the vehicle is not in a traffic jam state (step S511), and another navigation device mounted on another vehicle. 400 is informed that the section where the traveling speed is detected is not congested (step S512), and the series of processing ends. If there is a vehicle ahead in step S509 (step S509: Yes), the process returns to step S504 and the subsequent processing is repeated. If no video information is received in step S506 (step S506: No), the process returns to step S505 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0066] It should be noted that in the description of FIG. 5, when the traveling speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed in step S502: Yes, the force is not limited to the force that is used to determine whether or not the vehicle force ^ is forward in step S503. Absent. In step S502: Yes, if the traveling speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed, the process proceeds to step S504 as it is, and it may be determined that the traffic is congested.

[0067] (Contents of processing of navigation device 400 mounted on the oncoming vehicle)

Next, processing of the navigation device when a vehicle equipped with the navigation device 400 in FIG. 5 travels in a congested section will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the navigation device mounted on the oncoming vehicle. The In the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, it waits until it receives the video information transmission request transmitted in step S505 of FIG. 5 (step S601: No), and receives a video information transmission request (step S601: Yes), an image around the vehicle is captured by the camera 417 (step S602).

In step S 602, the image information captured is input (step S 603), and the image information is stored in the magnetic disk 405 and the optical disc 407 (step S 604). Then, it is determined whether or not the traffic information has been acquired (step S605) .If the traffic information is not acquired (step S605: No), the first vehicle in the section that is congested in step S510 in FIG. It is determined whether or not the position information is received from the head vehicle determined to be present (step S606). If traffic information is acquired in Step S605 (Step S605: Yes), and if information on the position is received from the leading vehicle in Step S606 (Step S606: Yes), the traffic is in a congested state. The start point of the section is specified (step S607).

[0069] Next, it is determined whether or not the video information related to the vicinity of the head point specified in step S607 is extracted from the video information stored in step S604 (step S608), and When the video information is extracted (step S608: Yes), the extracted video information is transmitted to step S608 (step S609).

[0070] On the other hand, if no information regarding the position is received from the leading vehicle in step S606 (step S606: No), the process returns to step S605 and the subsequent processing is repeated. If the video information related to the vicinity of the head point is not extracted in step S608 (step S608: No), the process returns to step S602 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0071] (Video information on the vicinity of the start point of a section in a traffic jam state)

Next, the video information relating to the vicinity of the start point of the section in a traffic jam state transmitted from the communication terminal apparatus B120 in step S609 and displayed on the display screen of the communication terminal apparatus A110 in step S507 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining video information related to the vicinity of the head point of a section in a traffic jam state. In FIG. 7, the display screen 700 displays an oncoming lane 701, a traffic lane 702, and a traffic jam leading vehicle 703. The oncoming lane 701 is a lane in which an oncoming vehicle on which the navigation device 400 described in FIG. 6 is mounted is traveling. Congested lane 702 This is a lane in which a vehicle equipped with the navigation device 400 described in FIG. 5 is running. The leading vehicle 703 in a congested state is a vehicle that is determined to be the leading vehicle in a congested state in step S510 of FIG. 5, and there is no other vehicle ahead.

[0072] In the explanation of FIG. 7, traffic regulation is performed in which there is no signal in front of the leading vehicle 703 in a traffic jam state! /, So that it can be determined that the traffic jam occurs naturally. it can . As a result, the user can confirm the cause of the traffic jam condition by receiving the video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in the traffic jam condition and displaying it on the display screen 700.

[0073] As described above, according to the navigation device 400 of the embodiment, when the determination unit 113 determines that the traffic is congested, the communication terminal device mounted on the oncoming vehicle that runs facing the vehicle. The transmission unit 114 transmits a transmission request for video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in a traffic jam state to the B120. Then, the video information can be received by the receiving unit 115. Therefore, the display unit 111 can display video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in a traffic jam state. As a result, the user can confirm the cause of the congestion state.

[0074] Also, according to the navigation device 400 of the embodiment, when the determination unit 113 determines that there is a traffic jam, the transmission unit 114 installs it in another vehicle that exists in the traffic jam status section. Video information can be transmitted to the other communication terminal device A110. Therefore, the communication terminal device A1 10 mounted on each vehicle existing in the same traffic jam state can share the video information. As a result, each user existing in the same traffic condition can share video information for confirming the cause of the traffic condition.

Further, according to the navigation device 400 of the embodiment, when the determination unit 113 determines that the traffic is not congested, the communication terminal device A110 and the communication terminal device B 120 mounted on another vehicle On the other hand, it is possible to transmit notification information for notifying that the section in which the speed is detected by the detection unit 112 is not in a traffic jam state! Therefore, each communication terminal device can share information on a section that is not in a traffic jam state. As a result, each user can travel while avoiding a traffic jam condition by checking a section that is not in a traffic jam condition. Furthermore, according to the navigation device 400 of the embodiment, the specifying unit 125 specifies the head point of the section in a traffic jam state in response to the transmission request received by the receiving unit 124. Then, the video information related to the identified vicinity of the starting point can be extracted from the video information stored in the storage unit 122 by the extraction unit 126 and transmitted to the communication terminal device A110. Therefore, communication terminal apparatus A110 can receive video information related to the vicinity of the head point of a section in a traffic jam state. As a result, the user can confirm the cause of the traffic congestion state.

Furthermore, according to the navigation device 400 of the embodiment, the specifying unit 125 can specify the head point of a section in a traffic jam state based on the traffic information acquired by the acquiring unit 123. Therefore, the extraction unit 126 can easily identify the head point. As a result, the user can quickly confirm the cause of the traffic jam state.

[0078] As described above, according to the vehicle communication system, communication terminal device A110, communication terminal device B120, communication method, communication program, and recording medium of the embodiment, the navigation device 400 is in a traffic jam state. If it is determined, the video information related to the vicinity of the head point of the section in a traffic jam state can be received and displayed. In addition, when the vehicle travels opposite a traffic jam section, the start point of the traffic jam section is identified based on traffic information and the beginning of the traffic jam section is stored from the stored video information. Video information related to the area around the point can be extracted and transmitted. As a result, the user can quickly and reliably confirm the cause of the traffic jam.

Note that the communication method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A communication terminal device mounted on a vehicle,

Detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle;

A judging means for judging that the vehicle is in a traffic jam state when the traveling speed detected by the detecting means is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed;

When the determination means determines that the traffic is in a traffic jam state, the video relating to the vicinity of the head point of the section in the traffic jam state is transmitted to another communication terminal device mounted on the oncoming vehicle that runs facing the vehicle. Transmitting means for transmitting an information transmission request; receiving means for receiving the video information from another communication terminal device mounted on the oncoming vehicle;

And a display means for displaying the video information received by the receiving means.

[2] When the determination unit determines that the transmission unit is in a congested state, the transmission unit is configured to communicate with another communication terminal device mounted on another vehicle existing in the section in the congested state. 2. The communication terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the video information is transmitted.

[3] When the transmission unit determines that the traffic state is not congested by the determination unit, the transmission unit detects the speed by the detection unit with respect to another communication terminal device mounted on another vehicle. The communication terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein notification information for notifying that a section is not in a traffic jam state is transmitted.

[4] A communication terminal device mounted on an oncoming vehicle that runs against the vehicle,

An input unit that inputs video information obtained by capturing a video around the oncoming vehicle, a storage unit that stores the video information input by the input unit, and a traffic congestion state from another communication terminal device mounted on the vehicle A receiving means for receiving a transmission request for video information related to the vicinity of the start point of the section,

Specifying means for specifying the head point in response to the transmission request received by the receiving means;

Extraction means for extracting video information relating to the vicinity of the head point specified by the specifying means from the video information stored by the storage means; Transmitting means for transmitting video information relating to the vicinity of the head point extracted by the extracting means to a communication terminal device mounted on the vehicle;

A communication terminal device comprising:

[5] An acquisition means for acquiring traffic information is provided.

5. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specifying unit specifies the head point based on traffic information acquired by the acquiring unit.

[6] a detection step of detecting a traveling speed of the vehicle;

A determination step of determining that the vehicle is in a traffic jam state when the traveling speed detected by the detection step is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed;

When it is determined in the determination step that the vehicle is congested, an image related to the vicinity of the start point of the section in the congested state with respect to another communication terminal device mounted on the oncoming vehicle that runs opposite the vehicle A transmission step of transmitting an information transmission request; a reception step of receiving the video information from another communication terminal device mounted on the oncoming vehicle;

A display step of displaying the video information received by the reception step.

[7] An input step of inputting video information obtained by shooting a video around the oncoming vehicle;

A storage step for storing the video information input in the input step; and a reception step for receiving a transmission request for video information related to a start point around a section in a traffic jam state from another communication terminal device mounted on the vehicle. When,

A specifying step of specifying the head point in response to the transmission request received by the receiving step;

An extraction step for extracting video information relating to the vicinity of the head point specified by the specifying step from the video information stored by the storage step;

A transmission step of transmitting video information relating to the vicinity of the head point extracted by the extraction step to a communication terminal device mounted on the vehicle;

A communication method comprising:

[8] A communication method according to claim 6 or 7, causing a computer to execute the communication method. Trust program.

9. A computer-readable recording medium on which the communication program according to claim 8 is recorded.