JP4563150B2 - Information exchange system - Google Patents

Description

  Conventionally, the information obtained by driving by the driver is not only reused by the driver but also provided to other people for effective use. For example, by repeating communication (hopping) or exchanging image information with each other, the image information acquired by a certain car is relayed to another car, from another car to another car, or to a fixed station. Distant weather and traffic conditions can also be grasped by the display device of the vehicle.

  For example, data such as travel time between points and movements of wipers are collected from a number of traveling vehicles and uploaded to a fixed station by a probe system, which is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-152790 (Patent Document 1). If a car is entered into a specific area using wireless communication, the driver of the car can know traffic information and weather.

  By the way, the driving support information is provided to general users who have undergone predetermined procedures.

  On the other hand, information obtained by driving is also provided only to specific close friends. For example, personal information such as photos, videos, comments, etc. obtained from driving experience using the Internet is appealing to human sensitivity, and is useful for comfortable driving and planning. However, since personal contents may be included, it is necessary to identify the other party. Of course, it can be provided to general users on the homepage, but it was necessary to select and limit whether or not the information is acceptable.

In this way, private information obtained from driving experience is very useful, but it is very time consuming to provide (disclosure) that information to a specific person or group, so private information is widely used. It was a hindrance to do.
JP 2002-152790 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional technology, and an object thereof is to provide an information exchange system capable of easily setting a private information provision range.

  The above-described problem is an information exchange system configured by an information exchange device (in-vehicle server) installed in each vehicle and a plurality of servers that can communicate and connect with the information exchange device (in-vehicle server). The information exchange apparatus (in-vehicle server) includes a communication unit, an input unit capable of inputting content data, a storage medium capable of storing the content, the communication unit, the input unit, and the storage medium. Control means for controlling, the control means determines the storage destination of the content from the recording medium and the plurality of servers according to the additional information of the content input via the input means, The control unit of the server in which the content is stored or the information exchange apparatus (in-vehicle server) in which the content is stored in the storage medium is an information exchange apparatus (in-vehicle) When receiving the content providing request from over server), it is solved by the information exchange system, characterized in that determining whether to provide the content according to the additional information of the content.

  In the present invention, additional information is added to each content, and the storage destination of the content is determined from the recording medium of the information exchange device (in-vehicle server) mounted on the vehicle and a plurality of servers outside the vehicle according to the additional information. To do. Then, when the content is stored in the storage medium, or when the content is stored in the storage medium, the control unit of the information exchange device (in-vehicle server) receives a content provision request from the information exchange device (in-vehicle server) of another vehicle. At the time, it is determined whether to provide the content according to the additional information of the content. This makes it possible to finely set a target for publishing the content, instead of selecting whether to publish the content. For example, it is possible to limit the content to be disclosed only to vehicles in a specific region, only a specific group, or only a person having a specific hobby.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an information exchange system of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this information exchange system includes an information exchange device (hereinafter referred to as an in-vehicle server) installed in each of a plurality of vehicles 10 and an area information exchange device (hereinafter referred to as “in-vehicle server”) installed in a plurality of facilities 30. And a wide area information exchange apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a wide area server). One or a plurality of facilities 30 are installed in each area (for example, for each municipality or for each tourist area).

  In this information exchange system, wireless communication or communication via the Internet is performed. Communication between the vehicle and the vehicle and between the vehicle and the facility (section connected by a solid arrow in FIG. 1) is performed wirelessly. Communication between the facilities and the facilities (sections connected by broken arrows in FIG. 1) is performed via the Internet or a dedicated line. Access from the vehicle to the regional server is performed via wireless communication between the vehicle and the facility, and access from the vehicle to the regional server is performed via wireless communication between the vehicle and the facility and a dedicated line or the Internet. Is called. Note that access to the wide area server in the facility may be directly performed via wireless communication between the vehicle and the facility. In short, the regional server is a server that can be accessed only via the facility 30 in the region, and does not need to physically belong to the facility or region. The wide area server may be accessed via a nearby facility, may be accessed from a facility other than the vicinity, or may be directly accessed from the vehicle via the Internet.

  In the vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the in-vehicle server mounted on the vehicle 10 can communicate with the vehicle 10 within a predetermined communication range (for example, a range having a radius of 200 m). Further, by repeating wireless communication like a relay between vehicles (hereinafter, such an operation is referred to as hopping), the in-vehicle server of the vehicle 10 can also communicate with the in-vehicle server of the vehicle 10 outside the communication range. Is possible. In this hopping communication, it is possible to limit the communication range by limiting the hopping frequency or hopping area.

  In the vehicle-facility communication, each facility 30 has a predetermined communication range (for example, a range having a radius of 10 km). The vehicle 10 can communicate with the facility 30 when it exists within the communication range of the facility 30.

  This information exchange system can be used only by registered persons. When an individual registers with the system, information such as name, e-mail address, gender, age, hobby, address and telephone number is required. The registered person becomes a member and is given a member number (identification number). Thereafter, the member registers a password for logging in to the system. In addition, this information exchange system can be used not only by individuals but also by groups (for example, corporations and public organizations). When used in a group, for example, it is necessary to register information such as the group name together with information such as the name, e-mail address, age, hobby, address and telephone number of each person belonging to the group. A unique number (group number) is assigned to the registered group.

  An outline of information exchange in this information exchange system will be described. For example, a member inputs private content (hereinafter simply referred to as “private content”) such as an image taken with a digital camera, video, music, and text to an in-vehicle server mounted on the vehicle 10, and the private content. Are added to the storage medium 15 such as a hard disk with additional information (attributes) indicating whether or not the data is disclosed and to whom the data is disclosed. Data collected with the traveling time between specific points, the movement of the wiper, or other traveling of the vehicle may be used as private content.

  Thereafter, the in-vehicle server uploads (posts), for example, the private content to the regional server or the wide area server through the facility 30 according to the additional information of the private content. As a result, the private contents are stored in the regional server or the wide area server designated by the member. However, depending on the additional information, the private content is held in a storage medium inside the vehicle without being sent to the outside of the vehicle.

  After that, the regional server or the wide area server determines whether or not to permit the provision of private contents to other members according to the additional information when another member requests the provision of private contents. Send private content to other members' in-vehicle servers.

  In addition, when the in-vehicle server mounted on the vehicle 10 is directly requested to provide private content by another member's in-vehicle server, it determines whether or not to permit the member to provide private content according to the additional information. When it is determined that the content is permitted, the private content is transmitted to the in-vehicle server of the member. Hereinafter, members who post private content are called contributors.

  Next, additional information on private contents will be described with reference to FIG. The additional information is composed of information of a plurality of attributes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the attribute, “public range” indicating an object permitted to view private content, “public region” indicating an area permitted to view private content, and the name of the poster are disclosed. “Name” indicating whether or not the e-mail address of the contributor is to be disclosed, “E-mail” indicating whether or not to disclose the contributor's e-mail address, and usage fee charged by the administrator when storing private contents on a regional server or a wide area server In such a case, there is a “billing acceptance / rejection” indicating whether or not to accept the payment of the fee, and an “expiration date” for setting a time limit for storing the private contents. When the expiration date is set for the private content, the local server or the wide area server automatically deletes the stored private content after the expiration date.

  “Publication” includes “No” indicating that private contents are not permitted to be provided to the outside, “Member designation” indicating that only members with the specified membership number are permitted to provide private contents, and the specified group "Group designation" indicating that only private members are allowed to provide private content, "Classification" indicating that only members of the specified category are allowed to provide private content, and private to all members There are five options of “unlimited” indicating permission to provide content. In addition, when “specify category” is selected, a category permitting the provision of private content is set separately. This category includes, for example, gender, hobby or age group.

  In the “public area”, “no” indicating that private content is not disclosed to the outside, posted on the server of the facility 30 including the current location of the vehicle 10 within the communication range (viewing by other vehicles from the facility 30 is permitted. Post to the current location's local server), post to the server of the facility 30 with the specified area as the communication range (permit viewing by other vehicles from the facility 30 and post to the regional server of the specified region) ) There are four options: “designated area” indicating that the information is to be posted and “wide area” indicating that the information is posted to the wide area server.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the in-vehicle server 10a mounted on the vehicle 10 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the in-vehicle server 10 a mounted on the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the in-vehicle server 10a is realized using the hardware of the in-vehicle navigation device, that is, the in-vehicle server 10 is built in the in-vehicle navigation device. Further, it is assumed that the in-vehicle server 10a of each vehicle 10 has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle server 10a includes a control unit 11, a private content input unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, a hard disk (HDD) 15, a GPS receiver 16, and a display unit 17. .

  The control part 11 is comprised by the microcomputer, and while performing a process required as a navigation apparatus according to a program, a process required as an in-vehicle server is performed so that it may mention later. 11a is a first memory for storing a member number, a password, and the like. 11b is a group table composed of a group number and a group name corresponding to the group number, a facility number (for example, an IP address) and its It is the 2nd memory in which the facility table comprised by the name and installation area of the facility corresponding to a facility number was memorized. The member number, group number, facility number, password and the like are preferably encrypted. The control unit 11 has a built-in clock, and the current date and time are acquired by this clock.

  For example, a camera cable is connected to the private content input unit 12 to input image data. The communication unit 13 is controlled by the control unit 11 to perform vehicle-vehicle communication and vehicle-facility communication.

  The operation unit 14 is provided with buttons and the like for operating the navigation device. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 14 includes a touch panel 14 a disposed on the front surface of the display unit 17. The touch panel 14 a operates the in-vehicle server 10 a.

  As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5, the hard disk 15 stores a map storage area in which electronic map data obtained by digitizing information such as the position, shape, and name of roads and facilities, and private contents are stored in FIG. And an information storage area to be stored together with the attributes shown in FIG. This information storage area includes a first folder 15a for temporarily storing private content input via the private content input unit 12, and a second folder for storing private content that is neither posted nor provided externally. 15b, the third folder 15c for storing private content that is not posted but provided to the outside, the private content that is posted and provided to the outside, and the private content that is posted to the outside but is not provided A fourth folder 15d and a fifth folder 15e for storing private content acquired by the communication unit 13 from the outside are configured.

  The GPS receiver 16 receives a signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, detects the latitude / longitude of the current position of the vehicle, and outputs it to the control unit 11.

  The display unit 17 is configured by a liquid crystal panel, for example. The control unit 11 displays, for example, a map around the current position of the vehicle on the display unit 17 when operating as a navigation device, and displays a menu screen or the like described later on the display unit 17 when operating as an in-vehicle server. To do. In addition, a touch panel 14 a constituting a part of the operation unit 14 is disposed on the front surface of the display unit 17. When the user's finger touches a button displayed on the screen of the display unit 17, a signal corresponding to the contact position of the user's finger is output from the touch panel 14 a to the control unit 11.

  Next, the configuration of the regional server 30a and the wide area server 30b provided in the facility 30 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the regional server 30 a among the servers of the facility 30.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the regional server 30 a includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a first communication unit 33, a second communication unit 34, an operation unit 35, a regional database (region DB) 36, and a display unit 37. It is comprised by.

  The control unit 31 is constituted by a microcomputer, and executes processing necessary as a regional server according to a program. A memory 31a stores the address of the regional server.

  The storage unit 32 includes a member information table composed of a member number and member information corresponding to the number (name, password, e-mail address, gender, age, hobby, address, telephone number, etc.), a group number, This is a memory in which a group information table composed of group information (group name, password, e-mail address, address, telephone number, affiliation name, etc.) corresponding to the number and a facility table are stored. This facility table has the same contents as the facility table stored in the second memory 11b of the vehicle 10. The member number, group number, facility number, password, etc. are preferably encrypted.

  The first communication unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 31 to perform vehicle-regional server communication. The second communication unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 31 to perform communication between the regional server and the regional server and communication between the regional server and the wide area server.

  The operation unit 35 is a keyboard for inputting information. Private contents accessed via the facility 30 are stored in the regional DB 36.

  The display unit 37 is configured by a liquid crystal panel, for example. The control unit 31 displays a list of private contents stored in the regional DB 36 on the display unit 37.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the wide area server 30b among the servers of the facility 30. As shown in FIG. 7, the wide area server 30 b includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, and a wide area database (wide area DB) 44.

  The control unit 41 is configured by a microcomputer and executes predetermined processing according to a program. 41a is a memory in which the address of the wide area server is stored.

  The storage unit 42 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk. The storage unit 42 stores a member information table, a group information table, and a facility table. These member information table, group information table, and facility table have the same contents as those stored in the storage unit 32 of the regional server 30a. The member number, group number, password, facility number, password, etc. are preferably encrypted.

  The communication unit 43 is controlled by the control unit 41 to perform communication between the regional server and the wide area server. The wide area server stores private contents that are posted to the wide area server.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the vehicle 10, the regional server 30a, and the wide area server 30b when a poster posts private content will be described.

  First, the operation of the in-vehicle server 10a when the poster sets his / her membership number (or group number) and password in the in-vehicle server 10 of the vehicle will be described.

  When the accessory switch (ACC) of the vehicle is turned on, power is supplied to the in-vehicle server 10a. When the poster touches the touch panel 14a at this time, the control unit 11 generates a main menu screen (not shown) and displays it on the display unit 17. When the contributor selects the item “initially set” from the items on the main menu screen, the control unit 11 generates a submenu screen (not shown) and displays it on the display unit 17. When the contributor selects “input member number” from the items on the submenu screen, the control unit 11 generates a screen (not shown) for inputting the member number and password and displays the screen on the display unit 17.

  When the contributor inputs the member number and password on the screen, the control unit 11 records the member number and password in the first memory 11a. In this way, the poster's membership number and password are set in the in-vehicle server 10a.

  If the contributor is a member of the group, the contributor sets the group number and password in the in-vehicle server 10a.

  Next, the operation of the in-vehicle server 10a when the poster creates a rank and sets it in the in-vehicle server 10a will be described. For example, the rank is the distinction of the combination of the contents of each attribute of “public range”, “public region”, “name”, “e-mail”, “acceptance of charging”, and “expiration date” frequently used by the poster. It is.

  When the sub-menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 17 of the in-vehicle server 10a, when the contributor selects “create rank” among the items on the sub-menu screen, the control unit 11 displays the rank creation screen. Is generated and displayed on the display unit 17.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the rank creation screen. In the rank creation screen, a combination of a button 61 for selecting the contents of each attribute (for example, a “member designation” button for the disclosure range and a “area designation” button for the posting area) and the contents of the selected attribute is used as a rank. For example, a “return” button 63 for returning to the previous rank creation screen, and a “delete” button 64 for deleting the set rank.

  When the contributor selects the “member designation” button 61 in the disclosure range, for example, the control unit 11 displays the “member designation” button 61 on the display unit 17 with the background color and the character color reversed as shown in FIG. Then, a screen (not shown) for inputting a member number of a member permitted to provide private contents is generated and displayed on the display unit 17. When the poster selects, for example, the “Region Designation” button 61 for the posting region, the control unit 11 displays the “Region Designation” button 61 on the display unit 17 with the background color and the character color reversed as shown in FIG. Then, a region list (not shown) for designating regions where private contents are posted is generated and displayed on the display unit 17.

  When the contributor enters the membership number on the screen for entering the membership number or designates the area in the area list, selects the contents of each attribute, and then selects the “decide” button 62, the control unit 11 A screen (not shown) for recognizing a combination of attribute contents selected by the poster as a rank (rank 2 in FIG. 8) and confirming whether to create the next rank or finish creating the rank Is generated and displayed on the display unit 17.

  When the contributor selects “create next rank” on the confirmation screen, the control unit 11 generates a rank creation screen for the next rank and displays it on the display unit 17. On the other hand, when the contributor selects “Finish the rank creation” on the confirmation screen, the control unit 11 terminates the operation of creating the rank and records the rank created by the contributor in the first memory 11a. . In this way, the rank created by the poster is set in the in-vehicle server 10.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the rank created in this way. FIG. 9 shows examples of four ranks.

  In rank 1, the content of each attribute of “public range”, “public region”, “name”, “e-mail”, “acceptance / non-acceptance” and “expiration date” is “no”, “no”, “−”, respectively. (No setting), “-(No setting),“-(No setting) ”and“-(No setting) ”,“ Do not allow other members to provide private content ”and“ I The content is not sent to the outside of the vehicle.

  In rank 2, the contents of each attribute of “public range”, “public region”, “name”, “e-mail”, “acceptance of charging” and “expiration date” are “member designation”, “no”, “ “Public”, “Anonymous”, “− (no setting)” and “− (no setting)” are set. In this example, “member number of member A” and “member number of member B” are set in “member designation”. In this rank 2, “Permit private content to members A and B only”, “Do not post private content to the outside”, “Publish the name of the contributor”, and “Contributor's email” The setting is “Do not disclose the address”.

  In rank 3, the content of each attribute of “public range”, “public region”, “name”, “e-mail”, “acceptance of charge” and “expiration date” is “member designation”, “region designation”, respectively. "Public", "Anonymous", "Accept" and "Setting". In this example, “Member A's membership number” and “Member B's membership number” are set in “Member designation”, “Kitakata area” is set in “Region designation”, and “Expiration date” "2004/8/31" is set. In this rank 3, “Permit private content to member A and member B only”, “Post private content to facilities in Kitakata area”, “Publish name of contributor”, “Contributor's name” The settings are “Do not disclose e-mail address”, “Accept payment of usage fee”, and “Delete private contents after August 31, 2004”.

  In rank 4, the content of each attribute of “open range”, “open region”, “name”, “e-mail”, “acceptance of charging” and “expiration date” is “unlimited”, “wide area”, “open” "," Public "," Non ", and"-(no setting) ". In this rank 4, "Permit private contents to all members", "Post private contents to a wide area server", "Publish poster name", "Publish poster email address" "Yes" and "Reject payment of usage fee". In the above example, the user himself / herself sets the ranks, but it is needless to say that these ranks may be set in advance by the manufacturer.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the in-vehicle server 10a from when the contributor inputs private content to the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 until additional information (attribute) is added to the private content are shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the member number, the password, and the four ranks shown in FIG. 9 are set in the in-vehicle server 10a.

  When the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 is operable (in the normal operation mode), the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a monitors the presence / absence of private content input. For example, when image data of autumnal scenery taken by a poster with a digital camera is input to the control unit 11 via the private content input unit 12, the process proceeds to step S12, and the control unit 11 inputs the input image data ( (Private content) is stored in the first folder 15a of the hard disk 15.

  When the poster touches the touch panel 14a, the control unit 11 generates a main menu screen (not shown) and displays it on the display unit 17. In step S13, when the contributor selects “post information” from the items on the main menu screen, the process proceeds to step S14, and the control unit 11 switches from the normal operation mode to the information posting mode.

  In step S15, the control unit 11 extracts one of the image data (private contents) stored in the first folder 15a and displays it on the display unit 17. In step S <b> 16, the control unit 11 generates a screen (not shown) for inputting a title and a comment on the image displayed on the display unit 17 and displays the screen on the display unit 17.

  In step S <b> 17, the control unit 11 monitors whether the contributor has input a title and a comment. If it is determined in step S17 that the poster has input a title or comment (YES), the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the control unit 11 detects the latitude / longitude of the current position of the vehicle and the current date / time. In step S19, the control unit 11 generates a rank selection screen (for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 12) and displays it on the display unit 17.

  In step S20, the control unit 11 monitors whether the poster has selected a rank on the rank selection screen. In step S20, when it is determined that the poster has selected a rank (YES), the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the control unit 11 adds, to the image data (private content), the title and comment input by the poster, the current position (latitude / longitude) of the vehicle, the current date and time, and the poster An attribute (additional information) corresponding to the selected rank is added.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of private content. As shown in FIG. 13, the private content is composed of, for example, image data and additional information. In this example, the additional information is composed of the various attributes described above, the title and comment of the private content, and the position (latitude / longitude) and date / time (year / month / day and time) when the private content was created. Has been.

  In step S <b> 22, the control unit 11 transfers the private content to any one of the second to fourth folders 15 b to 15 d of the hard disk 15 according to the contents of the private content attribute “publication range” and the attribute “posting area”. save.

  For example, in the case of private content to which the attribute “public range” “do not” and the attribute “public region” “no” are added (in the case of private content of rank 1), the control unit 11 performs the private content. The content is stored in the second folder 15b as being neither posted nor provided outside the vehicle. In addition, in the case of private content to which any of the attributes “public range” other than “no” and the attribute “public area” “no” is added (in the case of private content of rank 2), the control unit 11 Stores the private content in the third folder 15 c of the hard disk 15. Furthermore, in the case of private content to which any one other than the attribute “public range” other than “no” and the attribute “public area” other than “no” is added (private content of rank 3 or rank 4) ), The control unit 11 stores the private content in the fourth folder 15 d of the hard disk 15. Note that in the case of private content to which any of the attributes “public range” “no” and the attribute “public region” other than “no” is added, the control unit 11 stores the private content in the hard disk 15 as the first content. 4 in the folder 15d.

  Thereafter, in step S23, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not other private content is stored in the first folder 15a. In step S23, when another image is stored in the first folder 15a (in the case of YES), the process returns to step S15, and the control unit 11 receives the data of the next private content from the first folder 15a. Extracted and displayed on the display unit 17. Thereafter, the operations from step S15 to step S23 are performed.

  On the other hand, if no other private content is stored in the first folder 15a in step S23 (NO), the operation is terminated.

  Next, the operation from when the in-vehicle server 10a posts private content until the regional server or wide area server stores the private content will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When private content is stored in the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 (in the information posting mode), the control unit 11 monitors the presence or absence of a signal transmitted from the facility 30 in step S31. In step S31, when the vehicle 10 enters the communication range of the facility 30 and the communication unit 13 receives a signal of the facility 30 (YES), the process proceeds to step S32, and the control unit 11 passes through the communication unit 13. Send a signal requesting permission to post, membership number and password.

  On the other hand, in step S101, the control unit 31 of the facility 30 (regional server 30a) monitors whether a post permission request signal, a membership number, and a password are received from the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10. In step S101, when the vehicle 10 enters the communication range of the facility 30 and the first communication unit 33 receives these signals (YES), the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the control unit 31 searches the member information table in the storage unit 32 and confirms whether or not the received member number and password are appropriate. If it is determined in step S102 that the membership number and password are not appropriate (NO), the operation is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the membership number and password are appropriate (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step S103, and the control unit 31 permits posting via the first communication unit 33. A signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle server 10a.

  In step S <b> 33, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10 a monitors whether or not a posting permission signal is received from the facility 30. In this step S33, when the posting permission signal is received by the communication unit 13 (YES), the control unit 11 determines that the facility 30 is connected to the facility 30, and the process proceeds to step S34. In step S <b> 34, the control unit 11 generates a screen (for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 15) for confirming whether private content can be posted and displays it on the display unit 17. Thereafter, the control unit 11 monitors whether the poster has selected “Yes” or “No”. In this step S34, when the contributor selects “No” (NO), the control unit 11 switches from the information posting mode to the normal operation mode and ends the operation.

  On the other hand, if the contributor selects “Yes” in step S34 (YES), the process proceeds to step S35, and the control unit 11 stores the private content stored in the fourth folder 15d via the communication unit 13. Transmit to the regional server 30a. Then, the control unit 11 switches from the information posting mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the operation of posting private content.

  In step S104, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a monitors whether private content has been received. When private content is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control unit 31 determines a location for storing the private content according to the content of the attribute “public area” of the private content.

  For example, in the case of private content in which “current location” is set in the attribute “public area”, the control unit 31 stores the private content in the local server 30 a of the own (facility 30 of the current location). Also, in the case of private content in which “area specification” is set in the attribute “public area”, the control unit 31 determines that the specified area (for example, “Kitakata area” in the example shown in FIG. 9) is its own area. The private content is stored in the own region DB 36, and when it is determined that the designated region is not the own region, the private content is transmitted to the facility 30 in the designated region via the second communication unit 35. . When the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a of the facility 30 in the designated region receives the private content, it stores it in its own region DB 36. Further, in the case of private content in which “wide area” is set in the attribute “public area”, the control unit 31 transmits the private content to the wide area server 30 b directly or via another area server 30 a. When receiving the private content, the control unit 41 of the wide area server 30b stores it in its own wide area DB 44.

  In this way, the private content posted from the in-vehicle server 10 of the vehicle 10 is stored in the regional server 30a or the wide area server 30b.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the servers 10a, 30a, and 30b of the vehicle 10 and the facility 30 when the member obtains private contents will be described in the following example. Here, it is assumed that the intelligent content is image data.

(Case 1) When a Member Obtains Private Content around the Current Location FIGS. 16 and 17 show the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 and the regional server 30a of the facility 30 when the member obtains private content around the current location. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement. Here, it is assumed that the member number and password of the member who obtains information are set in the in-vehicle server 10a.

  When the in-vehicle server 10a is operable (in the normal operation mode), when the member touches the touch panel 14a, the control unit 11 generates a main menu screen (not shown) and displays it on the display unit 17. . When the member selects “obtain current location information” from the items on the main menu screen, in step S41, the control unit 11 switches from the normal operation mode to the current location information acquisition mode.

  In step S42, the control unit 11 monitors the presence or absence of a signal transmitted from the facility 30. And if the signal which the facility 30 transmits is received (YES), it will transfer to step S43 and the control part 11 will transmit an information request signal, a member number, and a password via the communication part 13. FIG.

  In step S111, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a monitors whether the information request signal, the membership number, and the password of the vehicle 10 are received. When these signals are received (YES), the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the control part 31 searches the member information table of the memory | storage part 32, and confirms whether the received member number and password are appropriate. If it is determined in step S112 that the membership number and password are not appropriate (NO), the operation is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S112 that the membership number and password are appropriate (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step S113, and the control unit 31 generates a screen (not shown) for inputting a keyword. Transmission is performed via the first communication unit 33.

  In step S44, the control unit 11 monitors whether or not a keyword input screen has been received. In step S44, when the keyword input screen is received by the communication unit 13 (YES), the process proceeds to step S45, and the control unit 11 displays the keyword input screen on the display unit 17.

  In step S46, the control unit 11 monitors whether or not the member has input a keyword on the keyword input screen. When the member inputs a keyword (for example, “autumn leaves”) (YES), the process proceeds to step S47, and the control unit 11 transmits the keyword via the communication unit 13.

  In step S114, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a monitors whether or not a keyword has been received. In step 114, when the first communication unit 33 receives a keyword (YES), the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, the control unit 31 searches the additional information (private content title, comment, creation time, creation position, etc.) of the private content stored in the regional DB 36, and extracts the private content including the keyword. Next, based on the content of the attribute “publication range” of the extracted private content and the received member number, the control unit 31 selects private content that is permitted to be provided to the member from among the private content including the keyword. Extract further. In step S116, the control unit 31 generates a content list (for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 18) that includes the keyword and is configured based on the additional information of the private content permitted to be provided to the member. Then, the data is transmitted via the first communication unit 33.

  In step S48, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 monitors whether or not a content list has been received. When the content list is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S49, and the control unit 11 displays the list on the display unit 17.

  In step S50, the control unit 11 monitors whether the member has selected private content in the content list. When the member selects private content (YES), the process proceeds to step 51, and the control unit 11 transmits information on the private content selected by the member to the facility 30 via the communication unit 13.

  In step S117, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a monitors whether or not the private content information selected by the member has been received. And if the information of the private content which the member selected is received (YES), it will transfer to step S118 and the control part 31 will extract the private content which the member selected from regional DB36, and will transmit to the in-vehicle server 10a. .

  In step S52, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 monitors whether private content is received. When private content is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S53, and the control unit 11 displays the private content (image) on the display unit 17. At this time, when the member performs a predetermined operation, the control unit 11 stores the private content in the fifth folder 15 e of the hard disk 15. Then, the control unit 11 sets the current location information acquisition mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the operation of acquiring private content.

(Case 2) When Member Acquires Private Content in Other Areas FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrate operations of the servers 10a and 30a of the vehicle 10 and the facility 30 when the member acquires private contents in another area. It is a flowchart which shows.

  When the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 is in an operable state (in the normal operation mode), when the member touches the touch panel 14a, the control unit 11 generates a main menu screen (not shown) and displays the display unit 17. To display. When the member selects “Obtain other area information” from the items on the main menu screen, in step S61, the control unit 11 switches from the normal operation mode to the other area information acquisition mode. In step S <b> 62, the control unit 11 generates a region list (not shown) that specifies a region from which information is obtained and displays the region list on the display unit 17.

  In step S63, the control unit 11 monitors whether or not the member has designated a region in the region list. And if a member designates an area (YES), it will shift to Step S64.

  In step S64, the control unit 11 monitors the presence or absence of a signal transmitted from the facility 30. And if the signal which the facility 30 transmits is received (YES), it will transfer to step S65 and the control part 11 will transmit an information request signal, the area | region designated by the member, a member number, and a password via the communication part 13. FIG.

  In step S121, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a of the facility 30 monitors whether or not the information request signal of the vehicle 10, the region designated by the member, the member number, and the password are received. When these signals are received (YES), the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the control unit 31 searches the member information table in the storage unit 32 and confirms whether or not the received member number and password are appropriate. If it is determined in step S122 that the membership number and password are not appropriate (NO), the operation ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S122 that the membership number and password are appropriate (YES), the process proceeds to step S123, and the control unit 31 generates a screen (not shown) for entering a keyword to generate the first Is transmitted via the communication unit 33.

  In step S66, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 monitors whether or not the keyword input screen is received. When the keyword input screen is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S67, and the control unit 11 displays the keyword input screen on the display unit 17.

  In step S68, the control unit 11 monitors whether or not the member has input a keyword on the keyword input screen. And if a member inputs a keyword (YES), it will transfer to Step S69 and control part 11 will transmit a keyword to facility 30 via communications department 13.

  In step S124, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a of the facility 30 monitors whether or not a keyword has been received. And if a keyword is received (YES), it will transfer to step S125.

  In step S125, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a (first regional server) assigns a keyword to the regional server (second regional server 30a or wide-area server 30b) designated by the member via the second communication unit 34. Send. When the control unit (the control unit 31 or the control unit 41) of the second regional server 30a or the wide-area server 30b receives the keyword in the communication unit (the communication unit that performs communication via the Internet), the control unit (DB36 or DB44) The additional information of the private content stored in (1) is searched, and the private content including the keyword and permitted to be provided to the member is extracted. And the control part of the 2nd regional server 30a or the wide area server 30b produces | generates the content list | wrist of those private contents, and transmits to the 1st regional server 30a via a communication part. When the control unit 31 of the first regional server 30a receives the content list from the second regional server 30a or the wide area server 30b in the second communication unit 34 in step S126, the first communication unit 33 in step S127. The content list is transmitted to the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 via.

  In step S70, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a monitors whether or not a content list has been received. When the content list is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S71, and the control unit 11 displays the list on the display unit 17.

  In step S72, the control unit 11 monitors whether the member has selected private content in the content list. In this step S72, when the member selects private content in the content list (YES), the process proceeds to step 73, and the control unit 11 sends the information on the private content selected by the member via the communication unit 13 to the regional server 30a. Send.

  In step S128, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a monitors whether the private content information selected by the member has been received. When the information on the private content selected by the member is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S129.

  In step S129, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a (first regional server) sends the private content information selected by the member via the second communication unit 34 to the second regional server 30a or the regional server 30b. Send. When the control unit of the second regional server 30a or the wide area server 30b receives information on the private content selected by the member in the communication unit, the control unit extracts the private content from the DB (DB 36 or DB 44) and passes it through the communication unit. To the first regional server 30a. When the control unit 31 of the first regional server 30a receives private content from the second regional server 30a or the wide area server 30b by the second communication unit 34 in step S130, the first communication unit 33 in step S131. The private content is transmitted to the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 via

  In step S74, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a monitors whether private content has been received. When the private content is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S75, and the control unit 11 displays the private content (image) on the display unit 17. At this time, when the member performs a predetermined operation, the control unit 11 stores the private content in the fifth folder 15 e of the hard disk 15. Then, the control unit 11 sets the other area information acquisition mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the operation for acquiring the private content.

(Case 3) When Member A or Member B Obtains Private Content of Other Vehicle 10 FIG. 22 shows Member A or Member A when Member A or Member B obtains private content from the in-vehicle server 10a of other vehicle 10. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement with the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 (1st vehicle) of the member B, and the other vehicle 10 (2nd vehicle). At this time, it is assumed that private content of rank 2 (private content permitted to be provided to member A and member B) is stored in the third folder 15c of the hard disk 15 of the in-vehicle server of the second vehicle 10.

  When the in-vehicle server 10a of the first vehicle 10 is in an operable state (in the normal operation mode), for example, when the member A touches the touch panel 14a, the control unit 11 generates a main menu screen (not shown). And displayed on the display unit 17. When the member A selects “obtain other vehicle information” from the items on the main menu screen, the control unit 11 switches from the normal operation mode to the vehicle information acquisition mode in step S81. In step S <b> 82, the control unit 11 transmits the information request signal, the member number of member A, and the password via the communication unit 13.

  In step S <b> 141, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10 a of the second vehicle 10 monitors whether an information request signal, a member number, and a password are received from the first vehicle 10. When these signals are received (YES), the process proceeds to step S142.

  In step S142, the control unit 11 of the second vehicle 10 based on the received member number (member A's member number) and the content of the attribute “publication range” of the private content stored in the third folder 15c. It is determined whether or not the member A is permitted to provide private content. If it is determined in step S142 that the member number of member A is not the member number specified in the additional information (in the case of NO), the operation is terminated without providing private content.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S142 that the member number of member A is the member number designated by the additional information (YES), the process proceeds to step S143, and the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the second vehicle 10 The private content permitted to be provided to the member A is extracted from the private content stored in the third folder 15 c and transmitted to the first vehicle 10 via the communication unit 13.

  In step S83, the in-vehicle server 10a of the first vehicle 10 monitors whether private content is received. When private content is received (YES), the process proceeds to step S84, and the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a displays the private content (image) on the display unit 17. At this time, when the member performs a predetermined operation, the control unit 11 stores the private content in the fifth folder 15 e of the hard disk 15. And the control part 11 sets vehicle information acquisition mode to normal operation mode, and complete | finishes the operation | movement which acquires private content.

(Case 4) When a member obtains private contents through the hopping system The hopping system is composed of the regional server 30a of the facility 30 and the in-vehicle server 10a of the other vehicle 10, and the private server provided by the regional server 30a. A member obtains private content by receiving the content received by the in-vehicle server 10a of the other vehicle 10 and receiving the private content transmitted by the in-vehicle server 10a of the other vehicle 10 by the in-vehicle server 10a of the member's vehicle 10. It is.

  For example, the administrator of the facility 30 performs a predetermined operation with the operation unit 35 of the regional server 30a and arranges the private contents stored in the regional DB 36 in the descending order of the number of times and displays them on the display unit 37. . Then, the administrator designates a predetermined number of private contents (for example, the top 100 private contents by the number of accesses) on the operation unit 35. Then, the control unit 31 adds a hopping flag to the designated private content. This hopping flag means that the local server 30a provides those private contents to the in-vehicle server 10a without receiving the information request signal. Further, when the in-vehicle server 10a receives the information request signal from another vehicle To provide those private content.

  Thereby, when the vehicle 10 enters the communication range of the facility 30, the control unit 31 of the regional server 30a transmits the private content having the top 100 access counts to the vehicle according to the hopping flag. The in-vehicle server 10a that has received these private contents (the in-vehicle server mounted in the first vehicle) stores the private contents in, for example, the fifth folder 15e of the hard disk 15.

  On the other hand, the member of the second vehicle 10 performs a predetermined operation on the touch panel 14a of the in-vehicle server 10a so as to obtain private contents in the designated area. That is, by operating the touch panel 14a, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a transmits an information request signal, a region designated by the member, a member number, and a password via the communication unit 13.

  In such a state, the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 10 can communicate with each other. When the communication unit 13 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the first vehicle 10 receives these signals from the second vehicle 10, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the first vehicle 10 accesses according to the hopping flag. The top 100 private contents are transmitted to the second vehicle 10. The control unit 11 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the second vehicle 10 stores the received private contents in, for example, the fifth folder 15e of the hard disk 15.

  In a hopping system for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, it is possible to transmit data only to a vehicle traveling in a predetermined direction using position information detected by the GPS receiver 16. In such a system, For example, the member can know in advance the traffic information or other information (private content) of the area where he / she will run.

  In addition, when acquiring private content by a hopping system, the attribute to add is not limited to said hopping flag. For example, an attribute for limiting the number of hoppings may be added.

  In the present embodiment, the additional information is automatically set by simply selecting a preset rank. However, the contents of each attribute may be set individually without using the rank.

  In the present embodiment, any one of the created ranks is set as a default rank, and when private content is input from the intelligent content input unit 12, an addition according to the default rank is automatically performed. Information may be added to private content.

  In the present embodiment, private content with an expiration date set is deleted when the expiration date has passed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the expiration date has passed, private content may be transferred to a storage area that is not normally accessible, and erased after a predetermined period (for example, one year) has elapsed. For private contents stored in the hard disk 15 of the vehicle 10 without being published for a long period of time, the private content attribute “publication range” is reset to “do not collect” when the expiration date has passed. You may do it.

  In the present embodiment, the case where image data is input from the digital camera to the private content input unit 12 of the in-vehicle server 10a of the vehicle 10 has been described. However, the private content input to the private content input unit 12 is an image. It is not limited to data only. For example, data such as moving images and sound captured by a camera, information such as travel time between points and wiper movement may be input as private content.

  In the present embodiment, the facility 30 is provided with the region DB 36 in which private contents of the region are stored, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the facility 30 may be provided with a region DB 36 and a wide area DB in which wide area private contents are stored. In this case, the plurality of wide area DBs may operate as one wide area DB by connecting the wide area DBs of the plurality of facilities 30 via the Internet.

  In the present embodiment, the regional server 30a and the wide area server 30b are shown as servers outside the vehicle, but the server outside the vehicle is not limited to this. For example, the server outside the vehicle may include a PC (personal computer) at the home of the member. For example, communication between the PC and the vehicle via the Internet, a password is entered and all private content is transferred from the vehicle 10 to the PC, or the personal information stored in the in-vehicle server 10a mounted on the vehicle 10 from the PC. Or delete specific content individually.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an information exchange system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the contents of attributes added to private contents. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle server mounted on the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a touch panel arranged on the front surface of the display device. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the storage area of the hard disk. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information exchange device of the regional server. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information exchange device of the wide area server. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rank creation screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of ranks created on the rank creation screen shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the operation of the in-vehicle server from when the contributor inputs private content to the in-vehicle server until adding additional information (attribute) to the private content. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the in-vehicle server from when the contributor inputs private content to the in-vehicle server until adding additional information (attribute) to the private content. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rank selection screen. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of private content. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation from when a vehicle posts private content until the regional server or the wide area server stores the private content. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a private content posting confirmation screen. FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the operation of the regional server of the vehicle and the facility when the member obtains private contents around the current location. FIG. 17 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the regional server of the vehicle and the facility when the member obtains private contents around the current location. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content list. FIG. 19 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the operation of the regional server of the vehicle and the facility when the member obtains private contents in another region. FIG. 20 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the regional server of the vehicle and the facility when the member obtains private contents in another region. FIG. 21 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the operation of the regional server of the vehicle and facility when the member obtains private contents in another region. FIG. 22 shows the in-vehicle server of member A or member B's vehicle (first vehicle) and other vehicle (second vehicle) when member A or member B obtains private content from the in-vehicle server of another vehicle. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... vehicle,
10a ... In-vehicle server of the vehicle,
11 ... control unit,
12 ... Private content input part,
13 ... communication section,
14 ... operation part,
14a ... touch panel,
15 ... HDD (hard disk),
15a-15e ... folder,
16 ... GPS receiver,
17 ... display part,
30 ... Facility,
30a ... regional server,
30b ... wide area server,
31 ... control unit,
32 ... storage part,
33. First communication unit,
34. Second communication unit,
35 ... operation unit,
36… Regional database (Regional DB)
37 ... display section,
41. Control unit,
42. Storage unit,
43. Communication part,
44 ... Wide area database (wide area DB),
45: Operation unit.

Claims (8)

An information exchange system comprising an information exchange device mounted on an individual vehicle and a plurality of servers capable of communication connection with the information exchange device,
The information exchange apparatus includes: a communication unit; an input unit capable of inputting content data; a storage medium capable of storing the content; and a control unit configured to control the communication unit, the input unit, and the storage medium. And the control means determines the storage destination of the content from the recording medium and the plurality of servers according to the additional information of the content input via the input means,
The control unit of the server in which the content is stored or the information exchange apparatus in which the content is stored in the storage medium receives the content provision request from the information exchange apparatus of another vehicle. An information exchange system characterized by determining whether or not content can be provided.   The information exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the additional information is added to the content by the control means when an option of a preset item is selected.   The control means is set with a plurality of ranks indicating combinations of specific choices among the choices of items constituting the additional information. When a desired rank is selected from these ranks, the control means responds. The information exchange system according to claim 1, wherein additional information to be added is added to the content.   The additional information includes at least one of information indicating a region where the content is disclosed, information indicating a publication period, information indicating a group to be disclosed, and information specifying an individual to be disclosed, The information exchange system according to claim 1.   The information exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the information exchange device is capable of transmitting the content through vehicle-to-vehicle communication.   The information exchange system according to claim 5, wherein the additional information includes information indicating a hopping area during vehicle-to-vehicle communication.   The information exchange system according to claim 6, wherein the server storing the content transmits the content to the information exchange device mounted on the vehicle in the hopping area via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. .   The plurality of servers include a regional server that is accessed from the information exchange device via a communication means via a predetermined facility exclusively via a predetermined facility, and the information exchange device via a communication means. The information exchange system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of at least one of an arbitrary predetermined facility, the Internet, or a wide area server accessed via the both is included.

Images