JP2002148061A - Information terminal, weather forecast information service system, weather forecast information service method, and car navigation system with weather information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information terminal with which the user can easily know local weather information at a specific date and time, a system and method for weather forecast information service, and an on-vehicle navigation system with which the user can adjusts its running plan based on the local weather information. SOLUTION: When the user inputs a date and time and the information on a location for which the user wants to know weather forecast, namely, a destination from a portable telephone 50-1 by operating keys, the weather forecast information for the local area specified by the destination is transmitted from a server 20 to the telephone 50-1 through a communication network 3 and a base station 40, and the telephone 50-1 displays the transmitted contents in the form of a picture (weather map, etc.), characters, voice output, or their combinations. The on-vehicle navigation system displays the spots passed or transited by its own vehicle during running and the weather information for the destination so that the user may adjust its running plan.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a service technology for providing local weather information, and more particularly to a technology for providing weather information of an arrival destination by a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a vehicle-mounted navigation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a weather guidance service of NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation) as a service for notifying wide-area weather information at a prefecture level by dialing a dedicated guidance number for wide-area weather forecasting.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-332840, weather forecast results are automatically stored, and when a user inputs a telephone number of a region where the user wants to know weather information through a communication line, the weather information of the region is obtained. A method and apparatus for providing weather information to be transmitted to a user is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-30810.
No. 768 discloses a weather information distribution method and apparatus for updating the weather forecast distribution service data every time weather forecast data is input and distributing the latest weather information.

[0004] However, during leisure, travel or business trips, the weather information of the destination is an important concern, and many people look at the above-mentioned weather guidance service, newspaper / television or the Internet to check the wide area weather forecast. He makes plans and prepares himself.

[0005] In addition, cars are often used for leisure, travel, and the like. In recent years, private cars equipped with an on-vehicle navigation device (car navigation system) that guides a car by indicating a route to a destination have been widely sold. ing.

In a car navigation system, usually,
A database created by digitizing roads, place names, buildings, etc. on a map is stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and when a user sets a destination, the database is searched according to a route search database stored in the apparatus in advance. A taxiway is set, and the obtained taxiway is displayed on the screen while performing map matching between the obtained taxiway and the position of the own vehicle estimated from self-contained navigation using a gyroscope or vehicle speed pulse and radio navigation using GPS or FM multiplexing. A method for guiding a route is known.

Further, VICS (registered trademark) for providing traffic information such as local road information carried by an optical beacon using FM multiplex broadcasting technology to a car traveling on an expressway.
Most of the on-vehicle navigation devices are configured to receive a VICS optical beacon or the like and display the received traffic information on a route guidance map displayed on a screen.

Further, in an external information providing system such as VICS, a car traveling in a predetermined broadcasting zone can receive traffic information by FM multiplexing broadcasted from a local broadcasting station in the predetermined broadcasting zone. When it changes, the local broadcast station is automatically switched.

[0009]

However, according to the conventional weather guidance service and the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 10-332840 and Hei 10-308768, local weather information after a telephone number is input is obtained. Although it is possible to obtain weather information at a specific date and time in a narrow specific area (hereinafter referred to as “local area”), vague wide area weather information and local weather information at the date and time when planning leisure, travel or business trips There was a problem that a plan had to be made based on this. In other words, in the case of leisure, travel, business trip, or the like, the schedule is usually determined in advance in many cases. Therefore, it is convenient if the weather information of the destination at a specific date and time can be easily grasped.

[0010] In the conventional on-vehicle navigation device, traffic information, shopping information, arrival time prediction, and the like are the main components. However, when actually driving, the traffic situation and arrival time often depend on the weather, for example, when we were planning to connect by ferry, it rained and the road was congested, and we arrived at the ferry port Cannot be connected late, causing a problem that the subsequent schedule will be greatly deviated.

In other words, many people have already experienced that the driving plan is influenced by the weather, and if the appropriate local weather forecast is made, the driving plan can be corrected in advance, so that the expected schedule is not significantly changed. We can expect to be able to arrive at stopovers and destinations.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an information terminal, a weather forecast information service system, a weather forecast information service method, and an information terminal capable of easily knowing local weather information at a specific date and time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a navigation system with weather information capable of changing a travel plan based on geo-meteorological information.

[0013]

In order to solve the above problems, an information terminal according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information terminal for acquiring and displaying weather information, wherein the local weather forecast information is sequentially updated. Connecting means for connecting to a server which provides the information via a communication network, input / selection specifying means for inputting / selecting and specifying locality specifying information for specifying a desired locality and a forecast time, and input / selection specifying means. Forecast request creating means for creating a forecast request based on the input or selected designated local area designation information and forecast time, and a forecast request for transmitting the created forecast request to a server after connection with a communication network is established. It is characterized by comprising transmission means and display control means for displaying forecast data received from the server on the display means.

Further, in the weather information service system according to a second invention, the information terminal according to the first invention is a mobile terminal provided with a wireless transmitting / receiving means, and the communication network receives a forecast request from the information terminal and sends a request to the server. And a base station for transmitting the forecast data received from the server to the source terminal of the forecast request.

According to a third invention, in the information terminal according to the first invention or the weather information service system according to the second invention, the local designation information input or selected by the input / selection specifying means is a telephone number. , A region name or a region.

An information terminal according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an information terminal that obtains a current position, obtains an optimal route to a set destination, and performs route guidance. Communication connection means for connecting to a communication network connecting a server for providing weather forecast information and a plurality of base stations having a predetermined communication zone via any one of the plurality of base stations; Arrival time calculation means for calculating the arrival time of the server; forecast request creation means for creating a forecast request addressed to the server based on the calculated arrival time; and communication request creation means for establishing a connection with the communication network by the communication connection means. A forecast request transmitting means for transmitting the forecast request to a server via one of the plurality of base stations and the communication network, and a server via the communication network and any one of the plurality of base stations. Display control means for displaying the forecast data signal to the display unit, characterized by comprising a.

A weather forecast information service system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a weather forecast information service system including the following: (a) a weather forecast providing apparatus for providing a weather condition to a server connected to a communication network at a predetermined cycle; (B) weather data storage means for storing weather data; (c) a server including: (1) a screen storing a plurality of screen data expressing a predetermined screen display pattern displayed on a terminal connected to a communication network; Data storage means; (2) weather data update means for updating a weather data record stored in the weather data storage means with weather data received from the weather forecast providing device; (3) a specific location from the terminal and the local location A forecast request receiving means for receiving a forecast request including data designating a forecast time in (4); A weather data search means for searching the elephant data storage means and obtaining a weather data predicted value specified by the forecast request; and a local data specified by the forecast request among screen data stored in the screen data storage means. Forecast data creation means for creating forecast data by associating screen data representing weather with weather data prediction values obtained by weather data search means; (5) communicating forecast data created by the forecast data creation means (D) a terminal having the following: (1) a communication connection means for connecting to a server via the communication network; (2) a desired station Input / selection specifying means for inputting or selecting and specifying locality specifying information for specifying a place and a forecast time at the locality; (3) inputting or selecting Forecast request creation means for creating a forecast request addressed to the server based on the designated local area designation information and the forecast time at the local area; (4) Forecast request creation after connection with the communication network is established by the communication connection means Means for transmitting a forecast request created by the means to a server via a communication network; (5) display control means for displaying forecast data received from the server via the communication network on a display means; It is characterized by having.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the weather forecast information service system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixed-form image storing means for storing fixed-form image data representing a predetermined weather condition displayed on a terminal; A fixed image search means for searching the storage means based on the specific weather data predicted value included in the weather data record, and obtaining fixed image data associated with the weather data predicted value; A screen data representing a local weather specified by the forecast request among the screen data stored in the screen data storage means, and a weather data prediction value included in the weather data record searched by the weather data search means. In this case, the forecast data is created in association with the message data acquired by the standard image search means.

According to a seventh invention, in the weather forecast information service system according to the fifth invention, a message data storage means for storing predetermined message data to be displayed on a terminal, and the message data storage means is stored in a weather data record. Search by the included message search information,
Message data search means for acquiring message data associated with the weather data, wherein the forecast data creation means includes a weather data of a local area specified by the forecast request among the screen data stored in the screen data storage means. The forecast data is created by associating screen data representing the above, the weather data predicted value obtained by the weather data search means, and the message data obtained by the message data search means.

According to an eighth invention, in the weather forecast information service system according to the fifth invention, a message data storage means for storing predetermined message data to be displayed on a terminal, and a screen data storage means are searched for and searched. Message data retrieval means for acquiring message data associated with the locality specified by the location designation information,
Forecast data creation means, among the screen data stored in the screen data storage means, screen data representing the weather of the local area specified by the forecast request, weather data prediction value obtained by the weather data search means, The present invention is characterized in that forecast data is created in association with the message data obtained by the message data search means.

According to a ninth aspect, in the weather forecast information service system according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the communication network receives the forecast request from the terminal, transmits the request to the server, and A base station for transmitting forecast data received from a server to a source terminal of a forecast request is connected.

According to a tenth aspect, in the weather forecast information service system according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, the screen data is an HTML file.

In the weather forecast information service method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a step of connecting via the communication network to a server providing local weather forecast information that is sequentially updated via the communication network, A step of specifying a local area; a step of inputting or selecting local specification information and a forecast time at the local area; and a step of addressing the server based on the input or selected local specification information and the forecast time at the local area. And a step of transmitting the forecast request to the server via the communication network after the connection with the communication network has been established.

According to a twelfth aspect of the weather forecast information service method, the weather data record stored in the memory is updated with weather data periodically received from an external device; Receiving a forecast request including data designating the local designation information and the forecast time of the local area specified by the local designation information, and, when receiving the forecast request from the terminal, specifying the forecast request. Acquiring the weather data prediction value from the weather data records stored in the memory, and associating the acquired weather data prediction value with the screen data representing the weather of the local area specified by the forecast request Creating forecast data, and transmitting the created forecast data to the source terminal of the forecast request via the communication network; Characterized in that it contains.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides a car navigation system with weather information, a server for providing weather information sequentially updated for each station, a plurality of base stations having a predetermined communication zone, a server and a plurality of base stations. A car navigation system including a communication network connecting stations and an in-vehicle navigation device for guiding a route of a vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle navigation device includes the following means (a) to (h): (A) position acquisition means for acquiring the current position of the car; (b) optimal route acquisition means for searching for and acquiring an optimal route to the destination based on the acquired current position and the position of the set destination. (C) route guidance means for performing route guidance by displaying a map and a guidance route on the display means based on the acquired optimum route; (d) connecting via any one of the plurality of base stations. (E) destination arrival time calculation means for calculating the arrival time at the destination; (f) weather for creating a weather information transmission request addressed to the server based on the calculated destination arrival time. (G) after the connection to the communication network is established by the communication connection means, the weather information transmission request created by the weather information transmission request creation means is sent to one of the plurality of base stations and the communication network. (H) display control means for displaying, on a display means, weather information data received from a server via one of a communication network and a plurality of base stations.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the car navigation system with weather information according to the thirteenth aspect, the on-vehicle navigation device further includes the following (i) and (j):
Wherein the route guidance means performs route guidance by displaying a map and an alternative guidance route on the display means based on the alternative route acquired by the following alternative route acquisition means: (i) weather Alternative route search instructing means for instructing an alternative route search to the destination after displaying the information data: (j) When an alternative route search instruction is issued, the weather information data received from the server and the position information obtained by the position obtaining means. Alternative route acquisition means for searching for and acquiring an optimal alternative route to the destination based on the current position of the vehicle and the position of the destination.

According to a fifteenth aspect, in the car navigation system with weather information according to the fourteenth aspect, the on-vehicle navigation device further includes the following (k) to (n).
Wherein the display control means displays the set point weather information data received from the server via the communication network and any one of the plurality of base stations on the display means: (k) Point setting means for setting a desired point between the current position and the destination when the alternative guidance route is displayed by the route guidance means; (l) set point arrival time calculation means for calculating the arrival time at the set point; (m) Set point weather information transmission request creating means for creating a set point weather information transmission request addressed to the server based on the calculated set point arrival time; (n) Set point weather information created by the set point weather information transmission request creating means Set point weather information transmission request transmission means for transmitting a transmission request to a server via one of the plurality of base stations and the communication network.

The sixteenth invention is directed to the thirteenth to first aspects.
In the car navigation system with weather information according to any one of the fifth to fifth aspects, the on-vehicle navigation device further includes:
Including the following means (o) to (q), the reservation can be changed between the following reservation destinations by the following communication means: (o) destination or set point via a communication network (P) Reservation destination designating means for designating a usage reservation destination of a facility or the like at the time of displaying weather information by the display control means; (q) A reservation destination is specified. A reservation destination communication connection means for enabling communication between the communication means and the designated reservation destination terminal via the communication network.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the car navigation system with weather information according to the thirteenth aspect, the on-vehicle navigation device further includes the following (s) to (v).
Wherein the route guidance means performs route guidance by displaying a map and an alternative guidance route on the display means based on the alternative route acquired by the following alternative route acquisition means: (s) weather Receiving means for receiving information transmitted from a plurality of external information service stations providing information other than information; (t) additional information setting means for setting desired information as additional information among information other than weather information (U) alternative route search instruction means for instructing an alternative route search to a destination after displaying the weather information data; (v) when the alternative route search instruction is issued, the weather information data received from the server and the Based on the information data received from the information service station that provides the set additional information, and the current position of the vehicle and the position of the destination acquired by the position acquiring means, Alternative route acquiring unit searched, to obtain an alternative route to.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the car navigation system with weather information according to the seventeenth aspect, the additional information setting means includes means for setting a priority order of a plurality of pieces of additional information, and the alternative route obtaining means has a purpose. It is characterized in that when searching for an alternative route to the ground, an alternative route is searched in consideration of the priority order of the additional information.

The nineteenth invention is directed to the thirteenth to first aspects.
8. In the car navigation system with weather information according to any one of the eighth to eighth aspects, the display control means displays the advice information when the weather information is displayed.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment 1. First Embodiment Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the weather forecast information provider 1
The local weather forecast data for each local area is periodically provided to the local weather information providing provider 2. It is assumed that the local weather information provider 2 has an advertising publication contract for a weather forecast with an inn, a hotel, a golf course, a fishing inn, a tourist information association, an airport, facilities near the destination (hereinafter referred to as a sponsor), and the like.

The local weather forecast information is provided by weather forecast information provider 1
Terminal 10 such as (1-1,..., 1-m) weather forecasting device
(10-1,..., 10-m) are transmitted to the server 20 operated by the local weather information provider 2 via a dedicated line (wired line or wireless line) or a public communication line. Note that the weather forecast information provider 1 is not limited to one location. In other words, only a public weather forecast information provider such as a local meteorological observatory may be used, but in the embodiment, a local weather forecast information provider such as a weather forecaster is also included. The source of the weather forecast information may be the Meteorological Agency or an organization having a weather forecaster. Further, a local weather information providing provider may also serve as the local weather information provider.

When the server 20 receives the local weather forecast information from the terminal device 10, the server 20 updates the weather forecast information for each date and time and for each local area stored in the database 30. At this time, the weather condition data (observation data) for a predetermined period from the present to the past may be stored. The update of the weather forecast information from the weather forecast information provider 1 is performed by receiving the local weather data transmitted from the weather forecaster 10 of the weather forecast information provider 1 via the communication network 3 at the server 20. Then, the local weather data stored in the database 30 is automatically updated by the received local weather prediction by the weather data storage control unit described later. Alternatively, for example, the local weather data transmitted by fax from the weather forecast information provider 1-j may be manually input to the server 20 on the local weather forecast information provider 2 side.

Further, the server 20 allows the user to connect to the mobile terminal (50-) via the base station 40 and the communication network 3.
When the telephone number and the forecast date and time as the destination data and the telephone number (source phone number) of the mobile terminal 50 are received as input from (1,..., 50-n), the database 30 is received using the received forecast date and time and the telephone number as keys. , And retrieves the prediction data at the designated date and time of the local area including the location of the designated and input telephone number (hereinafter, designated telephone number) and converts it into forecast data with advertisement in a predetermined expression format (hereinafter, forecast data) or After editing, the base station 4
Send to 0.

The base station 40 connects to the server 20 via the communication network 3 based on a call (or connection request) from the mobile terminal 50 of the user 5 and automatically obtains the source telephone number and the forecast date and time entered by the user. And the telephone number to the server 20 via the communication network 3 such as the Internet. Further, when the base station 40 receives the forecast data from the server 20, the base station 40 transmits the forecast data based on the received telephone number.
The forecast data received to address 0 is transmitted.

The mobile terminal 50 is a terminal having a communication network connection function and a transmission / reception function, such as a mobile phone, a PDA, and a navigation device, and a display device or a sound output device. Further, the mobile terminal 50 is configured to be capable of selecting various applications, and a “destination weather forecast” application (local weather information search program) for knowing the weather forecast of the destination in the case of leisure, travel, business trip, or the like is installed. ing. When the user selects the “Destination Weather Forecast” application and key-in the date and time and the phone number of the destination for which he wants to know the weather forecast, the user connects to the server 20 via the base station 40 and the communication network 3, and
When the forecast data transmitted from is received, the weather forecast at the designated date and time of the local area including the destination is displayed on the mobile terminal 50 in a predetermined expression format (or voice output).

The weather forecasting device of weather forecast information provider 1 is:
It consists of a computer with a configuration that can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet.
The weather observation data from the past (predetermined time) to the present and the weather forecast data from the present to the future are transmitted to the server 20.

The local code is transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the server 20 in place of the designated telephone number.
, And retrieves the prediction data at the designated date and time of the local area including the location of the designated and input telephone number (hereinafter, designated telephone number) and converts it into forecast data with advertisement in a predetermined expression format (hereinafter, forecast data) or After editing, communication network 3
May be configured to be transmitted to the base station 40 via the.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server 20, FIG. 2 (a) is an overall view, and FIG. 2 (b) is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the local weather information server 20 ″. In fact, it consists of a computer and a memory.
In FIG. 2A, the server 20 includes a WWW server 20 ′, a local weather information server 20 ″, and a database 30 connected to the local weather information server 20 ″. The local weather information server 20 ″ is connected to the mobile terminal 5 via the WWW server 20 ′.
When a "forecast request" is received from 0, the forecast area is specified from the specified telephone number, the database 30 is searched using the specified date and time and the specified forecast area as a key, and the forecast data is taken out and the image data (or (For example, voice data), and then to an HTML file together with the message data, and transmits it via the communication network 3 to the mobile terminal 50 that has issued the “forecast request”.

The local weather information server 20 "receives weather data from the weather forecasting device 10 via a dedicated line or a public communication line, and updates the stored contents of the database 30.

In FIG. 2B, the local weather information server 20 ″ includes a weather data input unit 201, a weather data storage control unit 202, a storage record control unit 203, and a storage record unit 20.
4. Forecast request receiving unit 205, local code search unit 206,
Weather data search unit 207, fixed image search unit 208, message data search unit 209, forecast data creation unit 210,
A forecast data transmission unit 211 is provided.

Here, the weather data input unit 201 includes a reception buffer, inputs weather data transmitted from the weather forecasting device 10 every moment, and stores the data in the reception buffer. The weather data storage control unit 202 updates the storage content of the database 30 with the weather data held in the reception buffer of the weather data input unit 201. Further, the storage recording unit 204 stores and records weather data (observation data) a predetermined time past from the current time on a recording medium under the storage control of the storage recording control unit 203.

Further, the forecast request receiving unit 205 sends the mobile terminal 50 from the communication network 3 via the WWW server 20 '.
And sends the designated telephone number in the forecast request to the local code search unit 206 and the designated date and time to the weather data search unit 207. In addition, the source telephone number and the address of the base station are extracted and passed to the forecast data transmission unit 211.

The local code search unit 206 extracts the target local code from the database 30 using the designated telephone number received from the forecast request receiving unit 205 as a key, and the weather data search unit 207 is extracted by the local code search unit 206. The requested weather data is extracted from the database 30 using the local code and the designated date and time received from the forecast request receiving unit 205 as keys.

The standard image search unit 208 stores the standard image corresponding to the prediction result (or observation result) in the database 3.
From the local code or the like extracted by the local code search unit 206, the message data search unit 209 extracts from the database 30 the message data representing the weather or the like of the area (or destination).

The forecast data creation unit 210 creates forecast data (or observation data) based on the standard image, message data, and weather data extracted from the database 30, and the forecast data transmission unit 211 sends the forecast request reception unit 20
The transmission data is created from the telephone number of the mobile terminal received from 5 and the local weather forecast data created by the forecast data creation unit 210, and the transmission data is created together with the address number of the base station 40.
Hand over to WW server 20 '.

In the present embodiment, the forecast data creation unit 210 configures the standard image, message data, and forecast data retrieved from the database 30 as input data of a previously-formed forecast HTML file, and sends the forecast data transmission unit. 211 is the telephone number of the source terminal and the HT for forecasting
Although a set of ML files is assembled as transmission data and passed to the WWW server 20 'together with the address number of the base station 40, the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, a data retrieval unit for extracting from the database 30 the standard voice data corresponding to the prediction result is provided.
The forecast data creation unit 210 uses the standard image, message data, and voice data extracted from the database 30 and forecast data (or observation data) to generate forecast data (or observation data).
(Observation data).

Next, a configuration example of the database will be described with reference to FIG. The database 30 is composed of a removable storage memory such as a magnetic disk, and each file stored in the database can be efficiently searched.

In FIG. 3, a management file for each file management stored in the database, a local code file 31 for associating a telephone number designated by a user with a specific area (and a specific contractor) are stored in the database 30, A weather data file 32 for storing weather data transmitted from the weather forecasting apparatus 10, a message file A (33) for storing warning and warning messages, and an event expressing an event relating to a season or a season including a designated date and time. A message file B (34) storing message data,
A standard image search file 35 for searching for a standard image file corresponding to the prediction data (or observation data);
The fixed image files 36-1 to 36-n corresponding to the prediction data (or the observation data) and the transmission HTML files 37-1 to 37-m that are patterned by region are stored.

In the present embodiment, of the above files, the storage contents of the weather data file 32 are updated by the weather data transmitted from the weather forecasting apparatus 10,
Local code file 31, message file B (3
The contents stored in 4) are added, deleted, or updated by registration / update processing by key entry of the person in charge of the provider or the person in charge of the provider 2 on the local weather information providing server 20 "side at the time of contract with the sponsor. , Messages can be added, deleted or updated at regular intervals in the message file B (34).

The message file A (33), the fixed image files 36-1 to 36-n and the HTML files 37-1 to 37-m are stored in the local weather information providing server 20 ''.
Are registered in the database 30 by the registration / update program for each file or the file generation program at the time of initialization. Note that the standard image search file 35 is automatically generated when the standard image files 36-1 to 36-n are registered.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the local code record constituting the local code file. The local code file 31 stores a plurality of local code records.

In FIG. 4, a locality code record 310 has a telephone number column 311 for storing telephone numbers (usually the telephone numbers of sponsors) and a locality code for storing local codes consisting of a predetermined narrow area code and a sponsor code. Column 312 and sponsor name column 31 storing sponsor name (or region name)
Three. When there is no sponsor (a person who publishes an advertisement in the weather forecast), the sponsor code is “0”.
0 ", and a place name expressing a narrow area is stored in the sponsor name column. In the case of Tokyo, for example, the narrow area code indicates a ward, a size of about a city unit, and a municipalities indicates an area of a size within a city (inside a town, inside a village) and about a suburb (characters, large letters). , The locality indicates a limited range including the location specified by the telephone number input from the terminal).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a weather data record constituting a weather data file. The weather data file is a weather data file comprising weather forecast data for each region and date and time in the future from past weather conditions. Data records are stored.

In FIG. 5A, the weather data record 320
Is a local code column 321 storing a local code having the same configuration as the local code of the local code record 310 in FIG. 4, an input time storage column 322 storing the current weather data input time (date and time), From the observation data column 323 for storing the current (= input time) weather condition, and the prediction data column 32 for storing the weather prediction data within a predetermined period from the present to the future.
4. An HTML file ID column 325 storing an HTML file ID for extracting a weather information display screen (that is, an HTML file) configured to include display items specific to a region is provided.

In the example of FIG. 5A, the observation data column 3
23 is subdivided into columns 323-1 and 323-2 for storing observation data two hours ago and one hour ago and a column 323-3 for storing current weather data. It is not limited to. For example, you may go back several hours in 30-minute units. Alternatively, the present data may be stored without storing the past data (that is, only the observation data indicating the current weather condition and the prediction data indicating the future weather condition may be used).

Further, in the example of FIG.
24, 1 hour, 2 hours, ..., 1 day, 2 days, ..., 1 week, ..., 1 month, ... However, the predicted time segment is not limited to this. For example, up to 2 hours, 30 minutes at first, up to 2 hours, up to 6 hours, 1 hour, up to 3 days in the morning, daytime, evening, etc. You may make it a unit. Further, the prediction range may be limited to one week.

Each prediction data storage column is further subdivided into a data type column for storing a plurality of weather data as shown in FIG. 5 (b). Each column stores each weather prediction data and a warning / advisory. The warning code for issuing the message is stored. Here, the weather forecast data is obtained from the weather forecasting device, and is a probability (such as a probability of precipitation, a probability of precipitation, etc.) and a predicted value (e.g., precipitation, temperature, wind speed, wave height, snowfall, atmospheric pressure, humidity, etc.) after a predetermined time. Number, direction). The warning code when no warning is issued is “00”.

Although not shown, the observation data from the present to the past include precipitation probability or precipitation, temperature, wind speed, wave height,
It consists of observation values (numerical values, directions) such as snowfall, atmospheric pressure, and humidity, and a warning code when an alarm or warning is issued. In addition,
The warning code when no warning is issued is “00”.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a message data record constituting the message file A. The message file A stores an alert message data record. In FIG. 6, a message data record 330 for a warning includes a warning code column 331 for storing a warning code, a heavy rain warning, a wind and rain warning, a frost warning, a tsunami warning (in the case of a coastal region), and an avalanche warning (a mountain region). ) Is provided with a message column 332 for storing a warning / advisory message. The message data record 330 for the alert is searched by the message data search unit 209 using the storage content of the alert forecast code column 324-im in the weather data record 320 of FIG. 5 as a key.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a message data record constituting the message file B. The message file B stores an event message data record.

In FIG. 7, if the event message data record 340 has a sponsor in the area,
As shown in FIG. 7A, a local code column 341 for storing local codes and a message column 342 for storing sponsor event information and advertisement messages are provided. If there is no sponsor in the area, "00" is stored in the sponsor field of the local area code field 341 as shown in FIG. 7B, and the message field 342 shows the season of cherry blossoms and flowers. (Time information) is stored. The event message data record 340 is searched by the message data search unit 209 using the storage content of the local code column 312 in the local data record 310 of FIG. 4 as a key.

By the way, in order to express the weather at a glance, a standard image for displaying the weather such as fine weather → sun mark, cloudy → cloud mark, rain → umbrella mark is often displayed on a map. FIG. 8 shows fixed image files 36-1 to 36-n.
It is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a fixed image stored in the
The example of FIG. 8A shows the precipitation probability and the face mark (in this example, stored in the standard image files 36-1 to 36-7).
This is an example in which the probability of precipitation (%) is divided into stages, and each expression is associated with an expression. FIG. 8B is an example in which the background image of the local area is standardized. The mountain is an inland mountain village, the lake is a leisure area with a lake, and the sponsor is a golf course. In the case of a "golf course" or a beach, "seaside",...

Among the standard images, the image for displaying the weather is extracted from the database 30 by the standard image search unit 208 using the precipitation probability stored in the prediction data column 324 of the weather data record 320 as a key. The background image is obtained by using the narrow area code stored in the narrow area code column 321 of the weather data record 320 as a key.
08 can be retrieved from the database 30.

The weather forecast transmitted from the server 20 is displayed on the screen of the terminal 50 that has made a forecast request by the “destination weather forecast” application. However, in the case of a mobile terminal, the size of the display screen is limited. Even if the display format of the forecast is fixed, it is desirable to change the display items depending on the region. In other words, wave height, sea temperature, and water level are important concerns in coastal areas, but they are not necessary in inland areas, while snow cover is important in mountainous areas and snowy areas, but not so much in other areas. Therefore, it is desirable to change the display of the display items on the screen depending on the region.

In this case, it is possible to determine which of the forecast items in the forecast data column to be taken out as the display items by the narrow area code. However, the display on the screen can be changed by rewriting the HTML file, HTML, or the like. Set the input item of the display character string on the file, store the display character string on the screen of the display item corresponding to each forecast item in a separate database, and store the forecast item determined by the narrow area code. Take out the display character string corresponding to the base and
You may make it input into the input item of the display character string on a TML file, but in this Embodiment, it is fine, cloudy,
Character strings other than the basic forecast display such as rain are changed depending on whether the local area (destination) to be predicted is a coastal area, a mountainous area, a snowy area, an inland plain, a rural area, an urban area, or the like. Some HTML files are prepared (HTML files 37-1 to 37-m), and are extracted by the forecast data creation unit 210 based on the storage contents of the HTML file ID column 325 in the weather data record.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an embodiment of a screen displayed on a mobile phone. FIG. 9A shows a patterned HTM.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen definition of an L file 37-j (HTML file for displaying a weather forecast of a plain in a central mountainous region).
(B) is a display example. In FIG. 9A, reference numeral 90 denotes a display screen, reference numeral 91 in parentheses denotes a designated date and time display field, and reference numeral 92 denotes a locality name (that is, a narrow area name including a destination) specified by the designated telephone number. Reference numeral 93 denotes a fixed image display field for weather display corresponding to the precipitation probability as shown in FIG. 8A, reference numeral 94 denotes a precipitation probability display field, reference numeral 95 denotes a temperature display field, and reference numeral 96 denotes a warning / advisory display field. Reference numeral 97 denotes a column for displaying the current weather, reference numeral 98 denotes a message display column for displaying a message of event information, advertisement or time information, and reference numeral 99 denotes a column for displaying a sponsor name or a region name. In FIG. 9B, respective values and the like are displayed in the respective columns 91 to 99.

Here, when the portion indicated by the reference numeral 95 is an item for displaying information necessary for each region, assuming that the designated telephone number of the user is "Miyakejima" as the destination, the reference numeral 95 in FIG. 9 is used. To display the wave height instead of the temperature, an HTML file 37-k (HTML file for weather forecast display of islands) in which the character display of "Kion" indicating the temperature display is replaced with the character display of "Hako" is used. Will be done.

The base station 40 decodes the forecast request (wireless data) from the mobile terminal 50 into digital data and transmits the forecast request via the communication network 3 to the server 20 specified by the designated telephone number. When the weather forecast data addressed to the mobile terminal 50 is received, it is converted into wireless data and the mobile terminal 50 specified by the source telephone number
Wireless transmission to the address.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a mobile terminal connectable to the communication network 3. In this embodiment, a mobile phone is an example of a mobile terminal.

In FIG. 10, the mobile terminal 50 includes an application selection unit 51, a communication connection unit 52, a key input unit 53, a forecast request generation unit 54, a transmission buffer 55, a radio transmission / reception unit 56,
A reception buffer 57, a display control unit 58, and a display unit 59;
Voice input unit 60, voice output control unit 61, and voice output unit 6
2 is provided.

The application selecting section 51 has a display section 59
The application selection menu displayed in is determined. When the “destination weather forecast” application is selected, the communication connection unit 52 starts calling the base station 40,
A communication connection with the communication network 3 is established.

The key input unit 53 is operated by a user to input destination information (telephone number in the present embodiment) for "destination weather forecast" and a forecast date and time, or to select an area name or area displayed on the screen. specify. The key input unit 53 passes the input or selected data string to the forecast request generation unit 54. The forecast request generation unit 54 creates the forecast request data based on the telephone number and the forecast date and time input by the key, and transmits the data to the transmission buffer 55. To temporarily memorize it. In the transmission buffer 55, in addition to the forecast request data from the forecast request generation unit 54, voice data during voice communication is stored.

The radio transmission / reception unit 56 converts the forecast request data (digital data) in the transmission buffer 55 into radio data of a predetermined band, and transmits the radio data to the antenna via an antenna (not shown). The wireless transmitting / receiving unit 56 decodes wireless data (voice data, character data, image data) received from the base station 40 via the antenna, and temporarily stores the decoded data in the reception buffer 57.

The display control unit 58 controls the display of menu data and key-input data, passes those data to the display unit 59, and controls the execution of a WWW browser for mobile terminals installed in a storage memory (not shown). Then, display control of the received HTML file is performed, and the display data is transferred to the display unit 59.

The display section 59 generates characters for the character data passed from the display control section and displays the characters on a screen, and develops a bit map for the image data in a video memory to generate an image and display the screen. .

In the present embodiment, the terminal that transmits the forecast request to the server 20 and receives the forecast data is a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
It can be a PC).

2. Operation example 2-1. Operation example of local weather information providing server when inputting weather data FIG. 11 shows local weather information providing server 2 when inputting weather data
It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of "0".

Step S1: (Reception of Weather Data and Editing of Update Data) In FIG. 11, the weather data input unit 201 receives the weather data transmitted from the weather forecasting device 10 via the dedicated line or the public communication line. Then, the received weather data is classified according to a predetermined narrow area code, and the reception buffer edits and holds an update record having the same format as the weather data record as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that a predetermined narrow area code or an area code or a classification code corresponding to the predetermined narrow area code is added to the weather data transmitted from the prediction device 10 every moment.

Step S2: (Retrieval of Weather Data File) The weather data storage control unit 202 sends the weather data input unit 201
The weather data file 32 is searched by using the narrow area code of the update record held in the reception buffer of the key as a key, and when the narrow area code matches, the process proceeds to S3. At this time,
The weather data storage control unit 202 uses the narrow area code of the update record to display the screen pattern table 1 as shown in FIG.
20, the corresponding HTML file ID is extracted, and the screen code column (HTML in FIG.
(Corresponding to the file ID column 325).
The screen pattern table 120 in FIG. 12 is a table in which the narrow area codes correspond to the HTML file IDs defining the display screen, and is stored in a storage memory (not shown) of the local weather information providing server 20 ″.

Step S3: (Update of Weather Data File) The weather data storage control unit 202 passes the update data whose narrow area code matches in step S2 to the storage and recording unit 204. The storage recording unit 204 updates the weather data record (320) whose narrow area code matches with the received update data.

Step S4: (Storage Control of Observation Data) Next, at a predetermined time interval, the storage / recording control unit 203 sets the observation data past the current time by a predetermined time (in the example of FIG. 5, the observation data column two hours before). 323-1) and passes it to the storage recording unit 204. At this time, it is desirable that the storage recording interval is set to coincide with the time of the observation data that is a predetermined time past the current time (2 hours in the example of FIG. 5).
If the predetermined time for saving and recording has not arrived, the process returns to S2 using the narrow area code of the next update data held in the reception buffer as a key to start searching the weather data file 32.

Step S5: (Storing of Observation Data) The storage and recording unit 204 stores and records the observation data passed from the storage and recording control unit 203 in step S4 on a recording medium.

Step S6: (Repeat of update and save operation of weather data file) Update and save of weather data of steps S2 to S5 until all update data for each narrow area held in the reception buffer in step S2 is processed. When the recording operation is repeated and all the update data for each narrow area held in the reception buffer is processed, the process returns to S1 and waits for reception of weather data.

2-2. Operation Example of Mobile Terminal FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the mobile terminal when the “destination weather forecast” application is selected (when local weather forecast information is searched).

Step T1: (Display of Selection Menu) When the mobile terminal 50 is activated, when the user performs a specific key input operation, the mode is switched to the application mode, and the display control unit 58 displays the “ An application selection menu including a “destination weather forecast” application selection menu is transmitted, and an application selection menu (not shown) is displayed.

Step T2: (Selection of “Destination Weather Forecast” Application) When the user selects the “Destination Weather Forecast” application from the application selection menu by key operation, the application transitions to T3.

Step T3: (establishment of communication connection) When the “destination weather forecast” application is selected in step T2, the communication connection unit 52 starts calling the base station 40 and establishes a communication connection with the communication network 3. Establish.

Step T4 (input of telephone number and date and time) When a communication connection is established in step T3, destination candidate designation data (telephone number in this embodiment) by the user.
And forecast date and time designation data can be input. When the user inputs the telephone number of the destination candidate and the forecast date and time according to the input guide, the key input unit 53 passes the input telephone number (data) and date and time (data) to the forecast request generation unit 54.

Step T5: (Preparation of Forecast Request) The forecast request generator 54 creates a forecast request (transmission data) based on the telephone number data and the forecast date and time data entered by key, and temporarily stores them in the transmission buffer 55. .

Step T6: (Transmission of forecast request) The wireless transmitting / receiving unit 56 converts the forecast request data (digital data) in the transmission buffer 55 into wireless data of a predetermined band.
The signal is transmitted to the antenna via the antenna (not shown).

Step T7: (Reception Processing) The radio transmission / reception unit 56 decodes the radio data (voice data, character data, image data) received from the base station 40 via the antenna, and temporarily stores it in the reception buffer 57.

Step T8: (Determination as to whether or not it is a destination weather forecast) The display control unit 58 checks whether the data received and processed in step T7 is forecast data from the local weather information providing server 20 ", and if it is forecast data. Transitions to T9, and if not, branches to the corresponding process (for example, branches to call processing for call data).

Step T9: (Display of Destination Weather Forecast) The display control unit 58 also controls the display of the HTML file by the WWW browser for the mobile terminal, passes the data to the display unit 59, and the display unit 59 displays the data. The HTML file passed from the control unit 58 is displayed on the screen. As a result, the weather forecast (destination weather forecast) of the specified destination at the specified time as shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the mobile terminal 50.

2-3. Operation Example of Base Station FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the base station when transmitting and receiving data for a destination weather forecast, and FIG. 14A shows an operation example when a forecast request is received from the mobile terminal 50.
FIG. 14B shows an operation example when a forecast result (HTML file) is received from the server 20.

Step U1: (Prediction Request Reception Processing) In FIG. 14A, the base station 40 decodes a prediction request (wireless data) from the mobile terminal 50 into digital data and restores the prediction request (digital data). .

Step U2: (forecast request transmission processing) Next, the address (IP address) of the server 20 specified by the designated telephone number on the communication network and the address of the reply base station 40 are added to the restored forecast request. In addition, it is transmitted to the server 20 via the communication network 3.

Step V1: (Forecast Data Reception Processing) In FIG. 14B, when the weather forecast data (HTML file) addressed to the mobile terminal 50 is received from the server 20, the base station 40 converts the received weather forecast data into radio data. Convert to

Step V2: (Forecast Data Transmission Processing) Next, the base station 40 wirelessly transmits the weather forecast data received and processed in step V1 to the mobile terminal 50 specified by the source telephone number via an antenna (not shown). I do.

2-4. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the server 20 at the time of receiving a forecast request (when providing local weather forecast information).

Step W1: (Reception of Forecast Request) In FIG. 15, when the WWW server 20 ′ receives a forecast request addressed to the local weather information providing server 20 ″ from the base station 40 via the communication network 3, the WWW server 20 ′ sends the forecast request to the local Handover to the weather information providing server 20 ".

Step W2: (Forecast Request Reception Processing) In the local weather information providing server 20 ", the forecast request reception unit 205 sends the forecast request from the mobile terminal 50 received from the WWW server 20 'to the designated telephone number, designated date and time, and It is decomposed into the source telephone number and the address of the base station and stored in a temporary storage memory (not shown).

Step W3: (Acquisition of Local Code) The local code search unit 206 stores the local code file 31 stored in the database 30 using the designated telephone number of the destination stored in the memory in step W2 as a key. The local code stored in the local code record that stores the telephone number that matches the designated telephone number is retrieved by searching the local code record (310) and held in the temporary storage memory.

Step W4: (Acquisition of weather data for forecast) The weather data search unit 207 searches the weather data file 32 stored in the database 30 using the local code retrieved by the local code search unit 206 as a key. The corresponding weather data record (320) is taken out, and the predicted values closest to the designated time are taken out and held in the temporary memory.

Step W5: (Acquisition of fixed image) The fixed image retrieval unit 208 extracts precipitation probability data from the weather data records acquired in the above step W4, and classifies the values into predetermined values and ranks them. Code (for example, precipitation probability 0-10% → “01”, more than 10% ～
30% → “02”, more than 30% to 50% → “03”, 50
% To 70% → “04”, 70% to 90% → “0”
5 ", over 90% to 100% →" 06 ") as a key to search the standard image search file 35, and store the storage address of the standard image file with the matching key in the temporary memory.

Step W6: (Acquisition of Attention Forecast Message) The message data search unit 209 uses the alert code (324-im) of the weather data record for forecast (320) acquired at the above step W4 as a key to make the message file A To retrieve the warning / advisory message data and hold it in the temporary memory.

Step W7: (Acquisition of Event Information, etc.) The message data search unit 209 searches the message file B by using the local area code acquired in step W3 as a key, and acquires event information (message data).
Store in temporary memory.

Step W8: (Preparation of Forecast Data by Linking to HTML File) The forecast data creation unit 210 determines a predetermined numerical value (for example,
(Probability of precipitation, temperature, etc.), fixed image file, caution forecast message, and event information and each input field of the HTML file specified by the HTML file ID (325) in the weather data acquired in step W4 (link) ) As a result, the receiving side (mobile terminal) creates the forecast data having the screen display as shown in FIG. 9B (that is, the forecast data integrated with the screen data is created). ).

Step W9: (Creation of Forecasting Data for Transmission) The forecasting data transmitting unit 211 compares the telephone number of the mobile terminal (50) stored in the memory at step W2 with the telephone number of the mobile station
Forecast data (HTM linked to data)
L file), and creates transmission forecast data from the base station 4
It is passed to the WWW server 20 'together with the address number of 0.

Step W10: (Transmission of Forecasting Data for Transmission) The WWW server 20 'transmits the forecasting data for transmission created in step W9 to the base station 4 via the communication network 3.
0 is transmitted.

A fixed image file storing a fixed image expressing the weather in FIG. 3 is provided, and a fixed image corresponding to the prediction is searched in step W5 of the flowchart in FIG. Although it was configured to be displayed, the fixed image characters corresponding to the forecasts were replaced with the fixed image files (for example, fine weather, sunny, cloudy, rain, snow,
.) May be provided to display fixed characters corresponding to predictions (in this case, the fixed image search unit 208 in FIG. 2B is a fixed character search unit).

Further, in the above embodiment, the telephone number is inputted from the mobile terminal, and the weather information of the local area corresponding to the telephone number is taken out by the server 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a character string or code corresponding to a region name (local name) is transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the server 2 in place of the designated telephone number, and the server 20 searches the database 30 using the forecast date and time and the region name as a key. The prediction data at the designated date and time of the local area corresponding to the name is taken out, converted or edited into the prediction data with advertisement in a predetermined expression format (hereinafter, prediction data), and then transmitted to the base station 40 via the communication network 3. It may be configured as follows.

In this case, the area name is displayed on the screen of the display unit 59 in step T4 in FIG.
After narrowing down the locality by selecting from the wide area such as "Tohoku region" → "Fukushima prefecture" → "Fukushima city" by key operation of the key input unit 53, and finally narrowing down the region name (locality name) The forecast date and time may be input, and the forecast request may be generated based on the selected and designated area name, forecast date and time, and telephone number of the mobile terminal. In step T4 of FIG. 13, a map is displayed on the screen of the display unit 59, and the map is selected by a key operation of the key input unit 53 from a wide area map to a map for each prefecture and a map for each municipalities. Narrow down the local area and finally represent the local area
After narrowing down (for example, coordinate values), the forecast date and time may be input, and a report request may be generated based on the location information narrowed down in step T4, the forecast date and time, and the telephone number of the mobile terminal. In this case, the telephone number column 311 of the local area code file (FIG. 4) stored in the database 30 of the server 2 is a column for storing the area name or the location information. Also, in step T4 of FIG. 13, a plurality of forecast dates and times or icons indicating the forecast dates and times may be displayed on the screen of the display unit 59 and may be selected and designated.

[Second Embodiment] In the present embodiment, FIG.
The mobile terminal 50 is a vehicle-mounted navigation device (80), and current weather information such as a destination and weather forecast information (hereinafter, weather information) at an estimated arrival time are transmitted from the local base station to the vehicle-mounted navigation device, and the weather information is transmitted. The received in-vehicle navigation device displays on the route guidance map displayed on the screen the weather information of the destination and the guidance route corresponding to the received weather information together with the estimated arrival time at the destination and the like. This is an example of the configuration.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a car navigation system with weather information. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the vehicle-mounted navigation device.

In FIG. 16, a local weather forecast server 20 and a plurality of base stations 4 are connected to a communication network 3 such as the Internet.
0-1, 40-2, 40-3,... Are connected. The base stations 40-1, 40-2, 40-3,... Respectively have communication zones 40'-1, 40'-2, 4,
0′−3,.

In FIG. 16, an on-vehicle navigation device 80 (FIG. 17) mounted on a car 72 traveling on a highway 70 crossing the communication zone 40'-1 is a local base station 40--1.
1 and performs a communication connection operation. When the communication connection is established, the on-vehicle navigation device 80 sends a request for weather information transmission of the destination 73 including the calculated expected arrival time to the destination and the identification number of the on-vehicle navigation device 80 to the local base station 40-1 every predetermined time. And transmits the weather information data and the like at the current time and the estimated time of arrival at the destination 73 and the designated point, which are transmitted from the server 20 at predetermined time intervals via the local base station 40-1 and the communication network 3; 80 is displayed on the guidance route display screen 89.
At this time, the travel plan can be changed according to the weather conditions such as the destination, and the changed guidance route can be displayed.

[0120] Also, the communication zone becomes 4
When the value changes from 0'-1 to 40'-2, the local base station 4
Switching from 0-1 to the local base station 40-2 is performed automatically.

Referring to FIG.
(Mobile terminal) includes a GPS signal detecting unit 81, a relative azimuth detecting unit 82, a vehicle speed detecting unit 83, a control unit 84, memories 85 and 8,
6. Input unit 87, data transmitting / receiving unit 88-1 and display unit 8
9 is provided. Further, a voice input / output unit 69 may be provided. Further, as described later, the FM multiplex broadcasting station 4
, 41-2,... May be provided.

The GPS signal detecting section 81 receives a radio wave from a GPS satellite via an antenna, and receives an absolute position (absolute coordinate).
And the absolute direction is detected and sent to the control unit 84.

The relative azimuth detecting unit 82 includes an azimuth detecting device such as a gyro, and sends the detected azimuth to the control unit 84.
Further, the vehicle speed detection unit 83 obtains the vehicle speed from the rotation pulse obtained as the vehicle travels and sends it to the control unit 84. These detected values (azimuth and speed) are used by the control unit 84 to correct the absolute position and direction obtained from the GPS signal processing unit 81 and determine the current position of the own vehicle.

The control section 84 has a microprocessor configuration including a CPU, a timer and a CPU peripheral circuit.
The PU is connected to each of the above-described circuits and the like via a bus line, and is controlled by a navigation control program stored in a program storage memory (not shown).
In addition to performing overall control, execution control or the like of each function of the navigation device 80 is performed in response to an input signal (instruction signal) from the input unit 87 (for example, execution control of route search and guidance route display, map and route display, etc.). Display control, display of weather information based on the present invention, and change of travel plan based on weather information (execution control such as change of guidance route) are performed.

The program storage memory includes a map matching program, a display program for maps and routes, a route search program, a weather information display program and a road plan change program of the present invention, and a display unit 89.
, An operation guide menu, travel plan change advice message data, graphic patterns such as guidance marks and weather marks, constants, and the like are stored.

The memory 85 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic RAM). Under the control of the control unit 84, a required map out of maps taken from an external medium (a CD-ROM storing a map) and the like and a wide area adjacent to the map are required. Import a map. The memory 86 is a temporary memory composed of a high-speed RAM, and a map matching program, a display program such as a map and a route, a route search program, a route guidance control program, and a weather information display according to the control sequence of the control program when the navigation device 80 is started. The program, the travel plan change program, etc. are taken in at appropriate times. Also,
When the weather information display program and the travel plan change program are executed, an area for the display information table as shown in FIG. 18 is secured.

The input unit 87 is used by the user to select (designate) a departure point, a destination, and a final guidance point, to select a map, to designate a point requiring weather information, to select information for changing a travel plan, and to provide other necessary information. It is a means for inputting instruction information, and is provided with keys and buttons for input or keys for cursor movement and point (instruction).

The data transmission / reception unit 88-1 receives the position information, route information, weather information, and the like of the vehicle on an expressway or the like from the FM multiplex wave received via the antenna, and sends the information to the control unit 84. The control unit 84 corrects the received vehicle position information to determine the vehicle position by correcting the absolute position and direction obtained from the GPS.
Used in The route information and the weather information are used by the control unit 84 when performing a process of changing a travel plan or the like.

[0129] The display unit 89 displays weather information in addition to maps and guideways, names and menus stored in a display memory (not shown). When the voice input / output unit 69 is provided, the voice input / output unit 69 can notify the driver of the operation support guidance and the like in addition to the road information and the weather information, and can make a voice call.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display information table developed in the above-mentioned temporary memory 86 at the time of a forecast request for weather information or the like. In this example, position information (latitude, longitude) of a car is stored. There are provided a location information column 181, a weather information column 182 for storing weather information, a spot information column 183 for storing weather information and the like at an intermediate point (in this example, a tourist spot), and a parking information column 184 for storing parking information. .

The weather information column 182 includes the current location weather, the current weather information of the destination, the weather prediction information at the predicted arrival time, the weather recovery prediction information (or deterioration prediction information), the arrival time information to the destination, and the like. Are stored in the point information column 183, and current information (weather conditions and the like) and recovery prediction information (or deterioration prediction information) are stored in the point information column 183. The parking information column 184 stores the distance to the parking lot (position information) and the empty vehicle information. Etc. are stored. In addition, you may make it memorize | store traffic information, such as a traffic congestion state of the said spot, further in the spot information column 183. These pieces of information are displayed together with a predetermined message at a predetermined position on the screen on which the guide road map is displayed.

(Outline of Operation) FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the on-vehicle navigation device when a weather forecast is requested. Step X1: (Destination Setting) In FIG. 19, the user sets a destination by operating a key or the like.

Step X2: (Acquisition of Departure Position) The control unit 84 controls the absolute position data and the absolute direction data from the GPS signal detection unit 81, the direction data from the relative direction detection unit 82, and the vehicle speed data from the vehicle speed detection unit 83. And the departure position 71 of the car is acquired based on the map data in the memory 85.

Step X3: (Route Calculation) The control unit 84 calculates the optimum route between the departure position 71 and the destination 73 by a well-known route calculation method.

Step X4: (Route guidance display) Next, the control unit 84 displays a map as shown in FIG. 21 on the display unit 89, and obtains the symbol 171 indicating the departure position 71 and the above steps X1 to X3. A symbol 173 indicating the destination 73;
A symbol 172 indicating the current position 72 of the car, a guidance route and a guidance mark 179 are displayed.

Step X5: (Calculation and Display of Destination Arrival Time) The control unit 84 obtains the distance (extended distance of the road) L between the current position of the car 72 and the destination 73, and obtains the vehicle speed detection unit 83.
The estimated arrival time T at the destination is calculated from the vehicle speed V obtained from the vehicle speed V and is displayed at a predetermined position on the screen. Here, assuming that the current time is T0, the estimated arrival time T is T = T0 + L / V
Can be calculated by

Step X6: (Sending of a weather information transmission request) The control unit 84 sends the data transmission / reception unit 88-1 a point code such as a destination and an estimated arrival time, an address of the server 20 (local weather forecast server), and a vehicle-mounted device. The identification number of the navigation device 80, the point code such as the destination, the expected arrival time, and the like are passed. The data transmission / reception unit 88-1 converts a weather information transmission request including the address of the server 20 and the identification number of the vehicle-mounted navigation device into wireless data, and wirelessly transmits the request to a base station in a communication zone including the current position.

Step X7: (Display of Weather Information Data, etc.) When the data transmitting / receiving section 88-1 receives the weather information from the server 20 from the base station including the current position of the car 72 in the communication zone, the control section 84 arrives. The estimated time and weather information are displayed at a predetermined position on the screen together with the message. Also, at this time, the route is changed according to the weather conditions such as the destination, and weather information and a message are displayed or output together with the changed guidance route.

An FM multiplex reception processing unit 88-2 is provided, received from a traffic information service base station such as VICS, stored in the display information table 180 in combination with weather information, and taken out and displayed as necessary. It may be performed.

Step X8: (Determining Necessity of Switching Base Station, etc.) Further, the control unit 84 controls the base station by a well-known method, such as comparing the magnitude of the received signal strength between communication zones that changes as the vehicle 72 travels. The necessity of switching is determined, and base station switching is performed as necessary. At the time of base station switching, necessary information is transmitted to the server 20 from the base station after switching. It should be noted that, for the sake of explanation, this step X
7, it is performed as if it were performed after the end, but it is executed in parallel independently of the operations in steps X4 to X7.

Step X9: (Acquisition of the current position) The control unit 84 controls the position data and direction data from the GPS signal detection unit 81, the direction data from the relative direction detection unit 82, and the vehicle speed data from the vehicle speed detection unit 83. And memory 8
The current position 72 of the car is acquired based on the map data of No. 5, and the control is returned to step X4.

According to the flowchart of FIG. 19, the weather information at the current and expected arrival times such as the destination is always displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to display the weather information at the current and expected arrival times at predetermined intervals, and to display the weather information at the current and expected arrival times such as the destination each time the user operates a specific button. It may be configured as follows.

<Detailed Operation at the Time of Obtaining Weather Information> FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the display operation of the on-vehicle navigation device at the time of weather information acquisition. Specifically, FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a detailed operation. 20A is an example configured to receive only weather information, and FIG. 20B is an example configured to combine a plurality of pieces of information such as traffic information in addition to the weather information. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display example of weather information, a message, and the like displayed on the navigation device.

Step X7-1: (Reception and Display of Weather Information Data) When the data transmitting / receiving unit 88-1 receives the weather information data from the server 20 from the base station including the current position 172 of the car 72 in the communication zone, The data transmitting / receiving unit 88-1 decodes the received weather information data. After storing the weather information data in the display information table 180 of the memory 86, the control unit 84, as shown in the example of FIG. 21A, sends a message together with the current weather state 892 of the destination and the expected weather 8 at the time of arrival.
93 is displayed at a predetermined position on the screen on which the route guidance route is displayed.

Step X7-2: (Determination of Change in Route (Driving Plan)) The controller 84 sets the weather information column 18 in the display information table 180.
The weather recovery prediction information (or deterioration information) of FIG. 2 is taken out and displayed on the guidance route displayed on the display unit 89 in FIG.
The service area 175, 176, etc. are displayed while displaying as indicated by reference numeral 894 in FIG. Also, a message 896 asking whether to change the travel plan (route) is displayed. Then, it is determined whether or not the user has performed the route change instruction operation based on the signal from the input unit 87. If the user has performed the route change instruction operation, the process transits to X7-3, and the predetermined distance from the next intersection is determined. If no operation is performed by the time the vehicle advances inside, the flow shifts to X7-5.

Step X7-3: (Route Change Process) When the user performs a route change operation, the control unit 84 uses the well-known route calculation method to execute the above-described step X7-2.
Select a detour route that delays the arrival time at the destination by about the predicted weather recovery time indicated by.

Step X7-4: (Display of Changed Route, etc.) Next, as shown in FIG. 21C, the changed guide route is displayed (in the example of FIG. 21C, the guide mark 179 is displayed next). It guides the vehicle to go straight ahead at the intersection, and further guides the user to turn right at the second intersection at the next guidance mark 179 '), together with the expected arrival time, the current time, and the weather information at the time of arrival.

Step X7-5: (Determination of Presence or Absence of Setting of Weather Information Acquisition Point) Also, the control section 84 inquires whether or not the user sets a weather information acquisition point in order to acquire weather information of another point. A message 897 is displayed. The input unit 87 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation of setting an acquisition point such as weather information.
When the user performs an operation for setting an acquisition point such as weather information, the process proceeds to X7-6, and no operation is performed until the vehicle travels within a predetermined distance from the next intersection within a predetermined time. If not, transition is made to X7-9. Step X7-6: (Calculation and Display of Arrival Time to Set Point) In addition, the control unit 84 sets the position between the current position of the car 72 and the set point (indicated by the symbol 174 in FIG. 21D). The distance L 'is obtained, the estimated arrival time T' at the set point is calculated from the vehicle speed V obtained from the vehicle speed detection unit 83, and displayed at a predetermined position on the screen on which the route guidance is displayed.

Step X7-7: (Sending of a weather information transmission request at the set point) The control unit 84 sends the data transmission / reception unit 88-1 the point code of the set point and the estimated arrival time, the address of the server 20, and the on-vehicle navigation device 80. , The point code of the destination, the expected arrival time, and the like. Data transmission / reception section 8
8-1 converts the weather information transmission request including the address of the server 20 and the identification number of the in-vehicle navigation device into wireless data, and wirelessly transmits the request to the base station in the communication zone including the current position.

Step X7-8: (Display of Weather Information at Set Point) When the data transmitting / receiving section 88-1 receives the weather information data from the server 20 from the base station including the current position 172 of the car 72 in the communication zone, The data transmitting / receiving unit 88-1 decodes the received weather information data. After storing the weather information data in the display information table 180 of the memory 86, the control unit 84, as shown in the example of FIG. 21D, together with the message, the estimated arrival time 895-1 of the set point, the current weather state 8
95-2 and the expected weather 895-3 upon arrival are displayed at predetermined positions on the screen.

Step X7-9: (Determination of Presence or Absence of Reservation Change Operation) Also, the control unit 84 asks the user whether to make a reservation change in order to change the reservation (for example, a ferry reservation) 898 Is displayed (FIG. 21D).
Then, it is checked whether or not the user has performed the reservation change operation based on the signal from the input unit 87. If the user has performed the reservation change operation, the process transits to X7-10, and from the next intersection within a predetermined time. If the operation is not performed before the vehicle travels within the predetermined distance, this processing ends (that is, the operation of step X7 in FIG. 19 ends, and the process proceeds to the next step X8).

Step X7-10: (Process of Establishing Communication with Reservation Change Destination) When the user designates the reservation change destination by operating the key of the input unit 87, the control unit 84 sends the reservation change destination to the data transmission / reception unit 88-1. Terminal address and in-vehicle navigation device 8
Pass an identification number of 0. The data transmitting / receiving unit 88-1 converts the weather information transmission request including the terminal address of the reservation destination and the identification number of the in-vehicle navigation device 80 into wireless data, and wirelessly transmits the request to the base station in the communication zone including the current position. The base station connects to the reserved terminal via the Internet,
Enables calls with the person in charge of the reservation.

When the user is notified by a bell sound or display that the call is available, the user uses the microphone and receiver of the voice input / output device 69 (for example, a head mounted voice input / output device) to change the reservation. The user can make a call to negotiate a reservation change.

In this step, the reservation change may be made not based on the voice call but on the basis of the text message or code input from the input section 87 and the preceding message on the display section.

The number of points set in step X7-5 in the flowchart of FIG. 20 is not limited to one point. That is, you may comprise so that setting of a several point may be performed. In step X7-2, it is determined whether or not a route change (travel plan change) instruction has been issued.
Although 0 is determined, the route may be automatically changed without the route change instruction.

Application Example (1) By enabling the operation as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, it is possible to obtain the weather information of the destination and the progress point and take a drive-in break until the weather improves. Can be. As a specific example, a message such as "There is a rain cloud 30 km ahead and heavy rain. It will be clear in about 30 minutes, so why not take a break in the service area 5 km away?" .

Application Example (2) Also, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), when a traveling route is changed, if a midway point where the user wants to know weather information is set, the set point becomes a scenic spot where Mt. Fuji can be seen. In the case of the point, "The area around Mt. Fuji is currently cloudy and cannot be seen, but it is predicted that the weather will recover after about two hours and it will be possible to see it. Do you change your travel plan according to the time you can see? ”Can be displayed or voice output.

If the designated point is a ferry port,
"The base is generated 50km ahead, and the speed is limited to 50km. If you continue driving, you will not be able to catch the scheduled 3 o'clock ferry. Let's drive safely at 5 o'clock. By the way, until the last ferry There are two. "Message and voice output.

[0159] In addition, when a plurality of points are set in a sightseeing trip such as a leisurely trip, it is said that snow has come from a distance of 50 km. The next destination (△
(Regional is sunny) and the current destination is the third and what is your plan for tomorrow at 5 o'clock? ”.

Application Example (3) When the travel route is changed and a reservation change instruction is issued as shown in FIG. 21 (c), in the case of a ferry reservation change,
"The base is created 50km ahead and the speed is limited to 50km. If you continue driving, you will not be able to catch the scheduled 3 o'clock ferry. Let's drive safely at 5 o'clock." Would you like to cancel your reservation at 5:00 and make a reservation at 5:00? "
I was able to make a reservation at that time. "

In the case of a reservation change for a ryokan, etc., "Snow has started from 50 km. The priority is given to the next visit (△△ region is fine) over the current visit, and the current destination is 3
What is your plan for tomorrow at 5 o'clock? Do you want to give the other party a change consultation? , ..., "There was a reply from the other party. ◎◎ We will proceed with the plan."

<Combination with Traffic Information, etc.> FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle-mounted navigation system with weather information. The navigation system in the case of combining a plurality of pieces of information such as traffic information in addition to weather information. It is a block diagram.

In FIG. 22, a local weather forecast server 20 and a plurality of base stations 40 are provided in the communication network 3 in the same manner as in FIG.
, 40-2, 40-3,... Are connected, and the base stations 40-1, 40-2, 40-3,. 2, 40'-
3, ... The traveling route of the car 72 is VI
FM multiplex broadcasting station 41 for transmitting CS service information, etc.
Broadcast zones 41'-1, 41 'such as 1, 41-2, etc.
-2 ...

In FIG. 22, the car 72 traveling on the highway 70 crossing the communication zone 40'-1 has the estimated arrival time automatically calculated by the onboard navigation device 80 (FIG. 17) and the onboard navigation device. The weather information transmission request of the destination 73 including the identification number 80 is transmitted to the local base station 40-1 at predetermined time intervals, and the local base station 40
The weather information data and the like at the current time and the estimated arrival time of the destination 73 and the designated point transmitted from the server 20 at predetermined time intervals can be received from the server 20 via -1.

The communication zones 41'-1, 41'-
Since... Cross, the radio wave from the FM multiplex broadcasting station can be received.

In the flowchart of FIG. 20, the weather information such as the destination is acquired from the local weather forecast server 20 and displayed, the travel plan is changed and displayed, various recommended messages are displayed, and voice output is performed. Although it is possible, the FM multiplex reception processing unit 81-2 is provided in the navigation device 80, and a plurality of information such as traffic information in addition to the weather information is transmitted to the VIC.
S, etc., is received from an FM multiplex broadcasting station that broadcasts traffic information and the like, is stored in the display information table 180 in combination with weather information as shown in FIG. ) It can be configured to perform processing or generate a recommendation message to perform display or audio output. At this time, information to be added to the weather information may be selectable and may be set with a priority.

Step X7-1-1: (Selection and Setting of Additional Information) In FIG. 20B, a screen as shown in FIG. 23A is displayed in step X7-1 of FIG. 20A. Later, a message 895 asking whether the additional information can be set is displayed, and the current weather state 892 of the destination and the expected weather 893 upon arrival are displayed at predetermined positions on the screen on which the route guidance route is displayed. Prompts the user for an instruction operation. The message numbers are prioritized in the order in which the user inputs (or specifies) the message numbers in the input unit 87. For example, in FIG. 23 (a), when the number “1” of the “1. Traffic information added?” Message is input first, and then the number “2” of the “2. Next, priorities are set in the order of traffic information and event information.

Step X7-1-2: (Reception of Additional Information, etc.) Next, the channel is tuned to the FM multiplex broadcasting station that is serving the additional information set according to the priority order, and the additional information is received. The information is stored in the display information table 180 in combination with the information. This operation is repeated the same number of times as the number of additional information set in the order of the set additional information.

For example, when the traffic information is set in the first order and the event information is set in the second order, the traffic information to be FM multiplex broadcast is processed by the FM multiplex reception processing of the broadcast wave from the FM multiplex broadcasting station such as VICS. When the unit 88-2 receives and decodes the traffic data, the control unit 84 stores the traffic data in the display information table 180 in combination with the weather information. Also,
If there is an FM multiplex broadcasting station that performs an event information service by automatically selecting a channel such as the FM multiplex broadcasting stations 41-1, 41-2,..., The event information is received and combined with the weather information. It is stored in the display information table 180. In FIG. 23B, a “VICS” display 901 and an “event” display 902 indicate that additional information is set in this order.

The storage contents of the display information table 180 created in this way are taken out at appropriate times, combined or added at the time of message generation, to display the caution message 905 as shown in FIG. It is used in the route change process of X-3 (FIG. 24).

With the configuration of FIG. 23B, FIG.
In addition to the weather information display as shown in FIG.
The fog first occurred and the speed was limited to 50km.
〇 ○ How about changing the route to the road direction? It is expected to arrive at 8 o'clock. ”When the user issues a driving caution information and issues a route change (driving plan change) instruction, it will automatically arrive at the destination when the weather at the destination improves. A detour route can be searched and displayed.

FIG. 24 shows a route change due to a change in travel plan,
That is, it is an explanatory diagram of the detour search. In FIG. 24, the parts represented by symbols A, B,..., H are nodes (nodes), which means intersections such as intersections. The symbol S (symbol 71) is the departure place, the symbol ▲ (symbol 72) is the current position of the car, and the symbol X (symbol 73) is the destination.

Now, when the guidance route (optimal solution) calculated in step X3 in FIG. 19 is set as route ▲ → A → D → F → H → X, it is displayed in step X7-1 in FIG. 20 (a). Although the weather information of the destination X is “fine” and the weather information of the halfway point (node F) set in step X7-5 is “slightly cloudy”, step X7-1 in FIG. -1
Since the traffic information and the event information are selected as additional information in, it is assumed that a traffic accident has occurred between the node D and the node F, and that traffic congestion of about six hours has occurred.

In this case, step X7- in FIG.
The optimal solution (optimal detour) obtained in step 3 was route ▲ → A → B → G → H → X if there were no conditions such as weather information. However, the weather information caused heavy rain around node F, Since it turned out that it would not stop for 4 to 5 hours, the next optimal solution was calculated,
The route ▲ → A → B → F → H → X can be obtained.

It should be noted that this route →→ A → B → F → H → X can arrive at the destination X earliest at present, but since there are many mountain roads and tunnels on the way, the following route is examined and the route ▲ → A → C → E → H → X and get the node E from the event information △ ◎◎ The city has an annual festival, but it seems to be interesting because it is a little-known festival, and the traffic situation seems to be good In such a case, the user has to make a route ▲ → A → B → F →
Choose H → X, or do n’t get bored even if you send a little ▲ →
It is also possible to configure so that A → C → E → H → X can be selected.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.

[0177]

As described above, according to the information terminal of the first invention and the weather forecast information service system of the fifth invention, desired local designation information such as a destination is inputted, and a designated time is inputted. Then, the weather forecast at the specified time at the desired location is displayed, so that when planning a business trip, travel, leisure, etc., it is possible to know the weather forecast at a specific local date and time including the destination, as in the conventional case. Necessary information (weather information of a destination on a planned day) can be easily grasped as compared with a case where weather conditions in a wide area from the present to the future are displayed.

Further, according to the information terminal of the second invention, the same effects as those of the first invention can be expected in a mobile terminal or the like provided with key input means such as a mobile phone or a PDA.

Further, according to the information terminal of the third invention, the telephone number of the destination can be inputted as the locality designation information. Therefore, the telephone number of the company on the business trip, the telephone number of the inn or the tourist association, the golf course, By inputting the telephone number of a fishing inn or the like, it is possible to easily know weather information of a locality including a destination specified by the telephone number, a ryokan, a tourist association, a golf course, a fishing inn, and the like.

Further, according to the information terminal of the fourth invention, the destination information set at the start of the navigation is set as the locality designation information, and the destination arrival time is automatically set as the forecast time. The user can know the weather forecast of the destination at the estimated arrival time without inputting local designation information such as a telephone number or the designated time.

Further, according to the weather forecast information service system of the sixth invention, a standard image representing the weather condition can be displayed, so that the user can view a desired time at a desired place at a glance without seeing detailed weather information. Weather conditions can be ascertained.

Further, according to the weather forecast information service system of the seventh invention, a message corresponding to the weather condition in a small area, for example, a warning or a warning can be displayed, so that the user can clearly understand the meaning of the weather information. Know and avoid dangers and inconveniences and take countermeasures.

Further, according to the weather forecast information service system of the eighth invention, the message specified by the locality designation information can be displayed, so that the name and advertisement of the sponsor who provides the forecast of the locality, or the locality Can be displayed, and the user can easily know the event or the like in the destination area.

According to the weather forecast information service system of the ninth aspect, the same effects as those of the fifth to eighth aspects can be expected in mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs.

Further, according to the weather forecast information service system of the tenth aspect, the forecast data transmitted from the server to the terminal includes the HT of the pattern specified by the locality designation information.
Since the ML file is associated with the retrieved various weather forecast data values, fixed image data, and message data at the time of transmission, the fixed image data is combined with the HTML file when the weather data is input from an external device as in the related art. Compared with the system, the storage capacity per record is small, and the number of local areas can be larger than that of the specific area of the conventional system. That is, even if an area smaller than the conventional method is specified, there is no problem in storage capacity and processing speed.

According to the weather forecast information service method of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, desired local designation information such as a destination is inputted, and if a designated time is inputted, a weather forecast of a designated place at a designated time is inputted. Since the search is performed, it is possible to know the weather forecast at a specific local date and time including the destination when planning a business trip, travel, leisure, etc., and the same effect as the first invention can be expected.

[0187] According to the weather forecast information service method of the twelfth aspect, the station specified by the locality specifying information is obtained by specifying the desired locality specifying information such as the destination included in the forecast request transmitted from the terminal and the specified time. Searches the local weather data, creates forecast data, and sends it to the source terminal, so the terminal can know the specific local weather forecast including the destination when planning a business trip, travel, leisure, etc. Thus, the same effect as the first invention can be expected.

According to the navigation system with weather information of the thirteenth to eighteenth aspects, the weather information at the time of arrival at the destination can be known at the time of traveling. The travel plan can be reworked or the destination can be changed to delay or advance the route, and the travel plan can be corrected in advance, so that the vehicle can arrive at the relay point or the destination without significantly changing the intended schedule.

Further, according to the navigation system with weather information of the fourteenth invention, according to the weather condition of the destination,
The user can instruct to automatically change the travel plan (route change), and obtain an optimal alternative guidance route suitable for the weather condition.

Further, according to the navigation system with weather information of the fifteenth aspect, weather information of a desired point other than the destination can be displayed, so that a scenic spot, a rest place, a ferry or the like up to the final destination can be displayed. The travel plan can be changed by obtaining weather information of a connecting relay point or the like.

Further, according to the navigation system with weather information of the sixteenth aspect, the user changes the ferry boarding reservation, visit reservation, accommodation reservation, and the like by the communication means provided in the navigation device according to the weather condition of the destination. can do. In this case, the reservation is automatically connected to the terminal of the reservation only by specifying the reservation, so that the reservation can be changed by a simple operation.

Further, according to the navigation system with weather information of the seventeenth invention, information other than weather information, for example, traffic information is combined with weather information to perform a route search. Since the route search taking into account such circumstances can be performed, it is possible to realize route guidance in accordance with the actual situation during traveling.

According to the navigation system with weather information of the eighteenth aspect, a plurality of pieces of additional information can be set with priorities, so that, for example, if the user obtains information of interest, Conventionally, you can search for routes that take into account information other than weather information and traffic information, such as changing your travel plan, so that you can drop in to the area where you want to stop, and search for the shortest route to efficiently reach the destination Compared to the car navigation system described above, it is possible to perform a route search with more degrees of freedom.

Further, according to the navigation system with weather information of the nineteenth aspect, the advice information such as the caution message, the recommendation message, and the operation guide is displayed or output together with the map, the guide route, and the weather information. It is possible to quickly understand the necessity of coping with the output weather information and a change instruction, and to give instructions and guidance along guidance and guidance and to drive the car.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment of a method for searching for local weather forecast information and a method for providing local weather forecast information according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a database.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a local code record constituting a local code file.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a prediction data record constituting a prediction data file.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a message record for warning constituting a message data file A;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a message record constituting a message data file B;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a standard image stored in a standard image file.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a screen indicated by an HTML file.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a mobile terminal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a local weather information providing server when weather data is input.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a screen pattern table.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the mobile terminal when a destination weather forecast option is selected (when searching for local weather forecast information).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a base station when transmitting and receiving data for a destination weather forecast.

FIG. 15 When receiving a forecast request (when providing local weather forecast information)
9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the server of FIG.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an application example of the present invention to a navigation system.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle-mounted navigation device.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display information table expanded in a temporary memory at the time of a forecast request for weather information or the like.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the on-vehicle navigation device at the time of requesting a forecast such as weather information.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a specific display operation example of the on-vehicle navigation device when acquiring weather information and the like.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display example of weather information, a message, and the like displayed on the on-vehicle navigation device when acquiring weather information and the like.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle-mounted navigation system with weather information.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a display example of weather information, a message, and the like displayed on the in-vehicle navigation device when acquiring weather information and the like.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a route change due to a travel plan change.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 weather forecast information provider 2 local weather information provider 3 communication network 10 terminal (weather forecasting device (meteorological forecast providing means)) 20 server 20 'WWW server 20 "local weather information server 30 database (meteorological data storage means) 31 Local code file 32 Meteorological data file (meteorological data storage means) 33 Message file A 34 Message file B 35 Standard image search file (Standard image search means) 36-1 to 36-n Standard image file (Standard image storage means) 37-1 to 37-m HTML file (screen data storage means) 40, 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 Base station 40'-1, 40'-2, 40'-3 Communication zone 41-1, 41-2 FM multiplex broadcasting station 41'-1, 41'-2 broadcasting zone 50, 50-1, 50-2, 50- Mobile terminal (information terminal) 51 Application selection unit 52 Communication connection unit (communication connection unit) 53 Key input unit (input / selection setting unit) 54 Forecast request generation unit (forecast request creation unit) 55 Transmission buffer 56 Wireless transmission / reception unit (forecast) Request transmission means) 57 reception buffer 58 display control unit (display control means) 59 display unit (display means) 60 audio input unit 61 audio output control unit 62 audio output unit 69 audio input / output unit (communication means) 70 expressway 71 departure Position 72 Current position 73 Destination 80 In-vehicle navigation device 81 GPS signal receiving unit (position obtaining unit) 82 Relative azimuth detecting unit (position obtaining unit) 83 Vehicle speed detecting unit (position obtaining unit) 84 Control unit (position obtaining unit, optimal route) Acquisition means, alternative route acquisition means, route guidance means, destination arrival time calculation means, weather information transmission request creation Stage, the display control means, set point arrival time calculation means, setting point weather information transmission request creating means) 85 program storage memory 86 temporary memory 87 input unit (alternate route search instruction means, the point setting means,
88-1 Data transmitting / receiving unit (communication connecting means, weather information transmission request transmitting means, set point weather information transmission request transmitting means,
Reservation destination communication connection means) 88-2 FM multiplex reception processing unit (reception means) 89 display unit (display means) 90 display screen (display means) 91 designated date and time display field 92 local name display field 93 standard image display field 94 precipitation probability Display field 95 Temperature display field 96 Alarm / advisory display field 97 Field displaying current weather 98 Message display field 99 Field displaying sponsor name or area name 171 Departure point display mark 172 Car current position display mark (route guidance) Means) 173 Destination display mark (route guidance means) 179 Guidance mark (route guidance means) 180 Display information table (optimum route acquisition means, alternative route acquisition means) 201 Weather data input unit 202 Weather data storage control unit (weather data update) Means) 203 Storage recording control unit 204 Storage recording unit (meteorological data storage means) 205 Forecast request Communication unit (forecast request receiving unit) 206 Local code search unit (weather data search unit) 207 Weather data search unit (weather data search unit) 208 Standard image search unit (standard image search unit) 209 Message data search unit (message data) Search means) 210 Forecast data creation unit (forecast data creation unit) 211 Forecast data transmission unit (forecast data transmission unit) 310 Local code record 320 Weather data record 330 Message data record for warning 340 Event message data record 891 Estimated arrival time 892 Current weather 893 Weather at expected time 894-898, 905 Message (advice information)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) G09B 29/00 G09B 29/00 F 29/10 29/10 A F term (reference) 2C032 HB08 HB22 HB23 HB25 HC11 HC16 HC27 HC31 HD03 HD16 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB12 AB13 AC02 AC06 AC08 AC09 AC13 AC16 AC20 5H180 AA01 BB05 BB13 BB15 CC12 EE01 EE12 FF04 FF05 FF13 FF22 FF25 FF32

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An information terminal for acquiring and displaying weather information, comprising: a communication connection means for connecting via a communication network to a server for providing sequentially updated local weather forecast information; Input / selection specifying means for inputting or selecting and specifying the locality specifying information and the forecast time, and creating a forecast request based on the locality specifying information and the forecast time input or selected by the input / selection specifying means. Forecast request creating means for performing, after the connection with the communication network is established, a forecast request sending means for sending the created forecast request to the server, and displaying forecast data received from the server on a display means. An information terminal, comprising: display control means. 2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is a mobile terminal provided with a wireless transmission / reception unit.
A meteorological information service comprising: connecting a base station which receives a forecast request from the information terminal and transmits the forecast data received from the server to the server, and which transmits the forecast data received from the server to a source terminal of the forecast request system. 3. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the locality designation information input or selected and designated by the input / selection designation means is any of a telephone number, a region name, and a region. 2. The weather information service system described in 2. 4. An information terminal for obtaining a current position, obtaining an optimal route to a set destination, and performing route guidance, comprising: a server for providing sequentially updated local weather forecast information; A communication network connecting a plurality of base stations having communication zones of any one of the plurality of base stations.
Communication connection means for connecting through the two, arrival time calculation means for calculating the arrival time at the destination, forecast request creation means for creating a forecast request addressed to the server based on the calculated arrival time, After a connection with a communication network is established by the communication connection means, a forecast request transmission means for transmitting the created forecast request to the server via any one of the plurality of base stations and the communication network, An information terminal, comprising: display control means for displaying forecast data received from the server via one of the communication network and the plurality of base stations on a display means. 5. A weather forecast information service system, comprising: (a) a weather forecast providing device for providing a weather condition to a server connected to a communication network at a predetermined cycle; (b) weather storing weather data (C) a server including: (1) a screen data storage unit storing a plurality of screen data expressing a predetermined screen display pattern to be displayed on a terminal connected to the communication network; (2) the weather A weather data updating unit for updating a weather data record stored in the weather data storage unit with the weather data received from the forecast providing device; (3) a specific station and a forecast time at the station are designated from the terminal; Forecast request receiving means for receiving a forecast request including data; (4) when receiving the forecast request, the weather data storage means A weather data search means for searching for and obtaining a weather data predicted value specified by the forecast request; and a local weather specified by the forecast request among screen data stored in the screen data storage means. Forecast data creating means for creating forecast data by associating screen data to be performed with weather data forecast values obtained by the weather data searching means; (5) sending forecast data created by the forecast data creating means to the communication network (D) a terminal having the following: (1) communication connection means for connecting to the server via the communication network; (2) a desired communication connection means for connecting to the server via the communication network; Input / selection specifying means for inputting or selecting and specifying local specification information for specifying a local area and a forecast time at the local area; Forecast request creating means for creating a forecast request addressed to the server based on the selected and designated local designation information and the forecast time at the local location; (4) after the connection to the communication network is established by the communication connection means Forecast request transmitting means for transmitting the forecast request created by the forecast request creating means to the server via the communication network; and (5) displaying forecast data received from the server via the communication network on a display means. A weather control information service system comprising the above. 6. A fixed image storage means for storing fixed image data representing a predetermined weather condition to be displayed on the terminal,
A fixed image data storage means for searching based on a specific weather data predicted value included in the weather data record, and a fixed image search means for obtaining fixed image data associated with the weather data predicted value, The forecast data creating means includes, among screen data stored in the screen data storage means, screen data representing local weather specified by the forecast request, and weather data searched by the weather data search means. 6. The weather forecast information service system according to claim 5, wherein forecast data is created by associating the weather data prediction value included in the record with the message data acquired by the standard image search means. 7. A message data storage means for storing predetermined message data to be displayed on the terminal, and the message data storage means is searched by message search information included in the weather data record, and is associated with the weather data. Message data searching means for acquiring the message data, wherein the forecast data creating means includes a screen representing the local weather specified by the forecast request among the screen data stored in the screen data storage means. 6. The weather forecast according to claim 5, wherein forecast data is created by associating data, a weather data predicted value obtained by said weather data search means, and message data obtained by said message data search means. Information service system. 8. Message data storage means for storing predetermined message data to be displayed on the terminal, and message data associated with a locality specified by the locality specifying information by searching a screen data storage means. Message data search means for acquiring, the forecast data creation means, screen data representing the weather of the local area specified by the forecast request among the screen data stored in the screen data storage means, 6. The weather forecast information service system according to claim 5, wherein forecast data is created by associating weather data prediction values obtained by said weather data search means with message data obtained by said message data search means. . 9. The communication network includes a base station that receives a forecast request from the terminal, transmits the forecast request to the server, and transmits the forecast data received from the server to a source terminal of the forecast request. The weather forecast information service system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: 10. The weather forecast information service system according to claim 5, wherein the screen data is an HTML file. 11. A step of connecting via the communication network to a server providing local weather forecast information that is sequentially updated via the communication network, a step of specifying a desired station, And a step of inputting or selecting a forecast time in the local area; a step of creating a forecast request addressed to the server based on the input or selected local area specifying information and the forecast time in the local area; Transmitting the forecast request via the communication network to the server after the connection with the network is established. 12. A step of updating a weather data record stored in a memory with weather data periodically received from an external device, and using local designation information from a terminal connected to a communication network and said local designation information. A step of receiving a forecast request including data specifying a forecast time of the specified local area; and, upon receiving the forecast request from the terminal, storing the weather data forecast value specified by the forecast request in the memory. Obtaining from the weather data record that is present, and generating forecast data by associating screen data representing the weather of the local area specified by the forecast request with the obtained weather data forecast value. Transmitting the forecast data to the source terminal of the forecast request via the communication network. Measurement information service method. 13. A server for providing weather information which is sequentially updated for each station, a plurality of base stations having a predetermined communication zone, a communication network connecting the server and the plurality of base stations, and a route of a vehicle. A car navigation system including an in-vehicle navigation device that performs guidance, wherein the in-vehicle navigation device includes the following (a) to (h):
Car navigation system with weather information, characterized by including the following means: (a) position acquisition means for acquiring the current position of the car; (b) based on the acquired current position and the position of the set destination An optimal route acquisition means for searching for and acquiring an optimal route to the destination; (c) a route guidance means for displaying a map and a guidance route on a display device based on the acquired optimal route to perform route guidance; Communication connection means for connecting via any one of the plurality of base stations; (e) destination arrival time calculation means for calculating an arrival time at the destination; (f) weather information transmission to the server Weather information transmission request creating means for creating a request based on the calculated destination arrival time; (g) creating by the weather information transmission request creating means after connection with a communication network is established by the communication connecting means. Weather information transmission request transmitting means for transmitting the transmitted weather information transmission request to the server via any one of the plurality of base stations and the communication network; (h) the communication network and the plurality of bases from the server Display control means for displaying, on the display means, weather information data received via any one of the stations. 14. The on-vehicle navigation device further includes the following means (i) and (j), wherein the route guidance means includes a map and an alternative guidance route based on the alternative route acquired by the following alternative route acquisition means. 14. The car navigation system with weather information according to claim 13, wherein (i) instructing a search for an alternative route to the destination after displaying the weather information data. (J) when the alternative route search instruction is issued, based on the weather information data received from the server, the current position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition device, and the position of the destination. Alternative route obtaining means for searching for and obtaining an optimal alternative route to the destination. 15. The on-vehicle navigation device further includes each of the following units (k) to (n), wherein the display control unit is one of the communication network and the plurality of base stations from the server. 15. The car navigation system with weather information according to claim 14, wherein the set point weather information data received via the display means is displayed on the display means. (1) a set point arrival time calculating means for calculating an arrival time at the set point; (m) a set point weather information transmission request addressed to the server Setting point weather information transmission request creating means for creating the setting point weather information on the basis of the calculated set point arrival time; (n) I made a set point weather information transmission request to any one or set point weather information transmission request transmission means for the transmission server addressed via the communications network of said plurality of base stations. 16. The on-vehicle navigation device further includes each of the following means (o) to (q), and can change a reservation with the following reservation destination by the following communication means. Item 15: A car navigation system with weather information according to any one of Items 13 to 15: (o) communication means capable of contacting a use reservation place such as a facility at the destination or a set point via the communication network; A) a reservation designation means for designating a use reservation destination of the facility or the like at the time of displaying the weather information by the display control means; (q) when the reservation destination is designated, the communication means and the communication means via the communication network; Reservation destination communication connection means for enabling communication with a designated reservation destination terminal. 17. The on-vehicle navigation device further includes the following units (s) to (v), and the route guidance unit performs a map and an alternative guidance based on the alternative route acquired by the following alternative route acquisition unit. 14. A car navigation system with weather information according to claim 13, wherein a route is displayed on said display means, and (s) a plurality of external information service stations that provide a service for providing information other than the weather information. (T) additional information setting means for setting desired information out of information other than the weather information as additional information; and (u) the object after displaying the weather information data. Alternative route search instructing means for instructing an alternative route search to the ground; (v) when the alternative route search instruction is issued, the weather information data received from the server and the previous Searching for an alternative route to the destination based on the information data received from the information service station that provides the set additional information and the current position of the car and the position of the destination acquired by the position acquisition means, Alternative route acquisition means to acquire. 18. The additional information setting means includes means for setting a priority of a plurality of pieces of additional information, and the alternative route obtaining means takes into account the priority of the additional information when searching for an alternative route to the destination. 18. The car navigation system with weather information according to claim 17, wherein a search for an alternative route is performed by performing the search. 19. The car navigation system with weather information according to claim 13, wherein said display control means displays advice information when displaying weather information.