JPH116743A - Mobile terminal device and voice output system for it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output natural and easy-to-understand voice and at the same time suppress storage capacity for outputting the voice to a small value. SOLUTION: A navigation ECU 4 detects an own vehicle position by a GPS device 12 and a map database 10. The own vehicle position and the nearest center are searched by the map database 10. Then, when a destination is inputted by an operation part 16, the map database 10 searches a path from a current location to the destination, and path data are created. When the path data of scheduled distance covered by driving are transmitted to a center, a group of intersection names related to the path data are searched at the center and are transmitted to the vehicle as voice data. When the voice data are received, the voice data of a group of intersection names are stored at a voice data storage part 14. Then, the navigation ECU 4 reads an intersection name from the voice data storage part 14 as required and guides the path.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device, a mobile terminal device for outputting voice such as reading out of e-mail, a medium recording an operation program thereof, and a system therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, a navigation device for route guidance has been known, and this device recognizes a current position detecting device such as a GPS device for detecting the current position of a vehicle and the detected current position of the vehicle as a position on a map. A map database,
have. Using these, the map and the current location are displayed on the display to guide the driver's traveling. Further, the navigation device has a function of searching for an optimal route to a destination by inputting the destination. Then, when the vehicle travels to set a route to the destination, when the vehicle approaches an intersection (guidance intersection) where guidance such as an intersection that turns right and left is required, guidance about right and left turns is provided. Here, this guidance is performed by displaying an enlarged view of the intersection on a display and indicating the traveling direction in the enlarged view, and also providing guidance by voice. Since the driver gazes ahead while the vehicle is running, guidance by voice is easier to understand. For this reason, voice guidance has become widespread. Thus, audio output is performed in a mobile terminal such as a navigation device.

[0003] As a navigation device that provides guidance on the traveling direction by voice, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
There is one described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 249100.

[0004] In such a navigation device, it is preferable to read out the intersection name and the like in order to make voice guidance easy to understand. For example, 500 m before the intersection A, which is a guidance intersection, "500 m ahead, A
Turn left at the intersection. "And the like.

[0005] In order to perform the voice reading, voice data regarding each intersection is required. In an ordinary map database, a map of the whole country is stored, and all intersection names used for guidance are stored as text data. For this reason, by performing voice synthesis from the text data, voice data of an intersection name is created and voice guidance is output.

However, in such speech synthesis, speech data for reading out is created by a combination of unit sounds such as 50 tones which are stored in the apparatus in advance. For this reason, the intersection name, the intonation, the accent, the pronunciation, and the like are different from the case where the intersection name is read aloud normally, making it difficult to hear. In particular, in the guidance to the driver during driving, the guidance based on the above-described voice synthesis is not sufficient in terms of ease of hearing, and a guidance voice that is easy to understand is desired.

Therefore, it has been practiced to store all the voice data for each intersection name. That is, for each intersection name or the like, data that is actually read out is subjected to a predetermined encoding process or the like, and is stored as audio data in the map database. Thereby, natural and easy-to-understand voice guidance can be performed. Note that the audio data is encoded data such as PCM (pulse code modulation).

[0008]

However, the conventional voice-guided navigation device has the following problems. When all audio data is stored, the amount of data becomes enormous, and the capacity of the storage medium increases. Usually, a CD-ROM is used for the map database, but a capacity several times larger than that of normal map data is required for storing audio data.

Therefore, there has been a demand for a navigation device and a navigation system that can read out a voice naturally and easily and can reduce the storage capacity of a storage medium and the like.

[0010] In addition, services for exchanging e-mail and the like and receiving various data from a center have also been started by using an on-board terminal device. In many cases, information obtained by such a service should be read aloud. In such a case, a natural and easy-to-understand voice output is also desired for the read-aloud voice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal device and the like which can output natural and easy-to-understand voice and can reduce the storage capacity for the purpose. Aim.

[0012]

According to the present invention, there is provided a data acquisition means for acquiring voice data for voice output from an external database via a network, and a voice for voice output including a word corresponding to the voice data. And output means. As described above, according to the present invention, various sounds can be output based on sound data acquired from the outside. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a large-capacity memory for storing voice data in the mobile terminal device. Also, compared to the case where voice output is performed by voice synthesis, voice output with natural utterance can be performed.

Also, the present invention provides a storage means for storing voice data of frequently used words among words to be processed for voice output, and a text synthesizing method for words expressed by text data. And a text synthesizing unit for outputting voice, wherein voice output is performed by synthesizing voice data from the storage unit and voice data from the text synthesizing unit. According to this, voice data of a frequently used word can be acquired, and this word can be output with a natural pronunciation instead of a text synthesis, so that the voice output can be easily understood as a whole. Also,
The storage capacity of audio data can be made sufficiently small.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that when the frequency of use of a word output in text synthesis becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the data acquisition means acquires voice data for the word from the outside. In this way, voice data for frequently used words can be supplemented in the mobile terminal.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a data erasing process is performed on the acquired audio data having a low use frequency. In this way, only the necessary audio data can be stored, and the storage capacity of the memory can be used effectively.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the audio output means outputs a reading voice of text data for display. By outputting the text data for display by voice, it is possible to make it easier to hear the read-out output such as a tourist guide or an e-mail.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the voice output means outputs a guidance voice of a navigation device. The guidance voice includes many words such as place names, and by receiving these words from the outside, the memory capacity required in the mobile terminal device can be reduced. Then, natural pronunciation can be maintained.

Further, in the present invention, the data acquisition means may include:
Voice data relating to a geographical name is obtained from outside, and the voice output means performs voice guidance including a reading voice of the geographical name based on the obtained voice data. Therefore, it is not necessary to previously store voice data for a geographical name required for route guidance, and the capacity of a storage medium or the like for storing data can be reduced to a minimum. Further, since a voice output is obtained based on voice data received from outside the vehicle, the read-out voice becomes natural. Therefore, for the driver,
Natural and easy-to-understand voice route guidance can be performed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the voice output means reads out the acquired geographical name in addition to the traveling direction guidance sentence of voice guidance. The driver can hear the traveling direction guidance with a message including the geographical name, and can easily recognize the traveling direction.

Further, the present invention further comprises transmitting means for transmitting data relating to the destination to the outside of the vehicle, wherein the data acquiring means transmits information relating to a route between the current position and the destination to the vehicle by voice data. It is obtained from outside. In this case, since the data on the destination is transmitted to the outside of the vehicle, it is possible to receive voice data on the geographical name between the current location and the destination.
Therefore, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary portions of the received audio data.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the audio data to be acquired is information within a predetermined range determined based on the current position and the traveling direction, and the predetermined range can be changed. For example, the predetermined range can be determined according to the volume of audio data to be transmitted and received.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined range, which is the range for acquiring the voice data, is determined in consideration of the running history of the own vehicle or the past traffic flow. In these cases, a necessary geographical name can be determined by predicting a traveling route in consideration of not only the distance to the destination but also past traffic conditions and past traveling histories of the own vehicle. Therefore, necessary audio data can be obtained reliably.

Further, the present invention further comprises external information receiving means for receiving external information, and decoding means for decoding coded audio data contained in the received external information, The audio output unit reads out the audio using the audio data obtained by the decoding unit. In this manner, the audio data in the received data can be decoded and immediately output as it is.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the voice data receiving means and the voice guidance means are mounted on a portable terminal device. As described above, when the portable terminal device is mounted on the portable terminal device, a route can be set at an arbitrary place using the portable terminal device. Since the storage of voice data is unnecessary, the size and weight of the portable terminal device can be reduced. Further, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which map data is received from the center, the map database itself becomes unnecessary, and the size of the apparatus can be further reduced.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the audio data obtained from the outside is sampling audio data. By acquiring the sampled voice data obtained from a human voice, a natural voice similar to a human voice can be reproduced.

The present invention relates to an information providing system comprising the above-mentioned mobile terminal device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a medium storing a program for achieving an operation of a mobile terminal. It is preferable that the operation program is stored in a ROM, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, or the like in the mobile terminal device. In addition, the user
-Navigating a new program by purchasing ROM
It can also be loaded into the CU. Further, the medium is a CD
-Not limited to the ROM, any format may be used as long as it can store the audio output program, such as a DVD or FD, and it is also preferable to provide it by communication. In particular, it is preferable that the center provides the operation program to the mobile terminal device by communication.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a navigation device (mobile terminal) according to the present invention. In the navigation device 2, a navigation ECU (hereinafter, referred to as a navigation ECU) 4, a modem 6, an audio signal output device 8, a map database 10, and a G
The PS device 12, the audio data storage unit 14, the operation unit 16, and the display unit 18 are connected.

The modem 6 is a wireless communication device 2 such as a car telephone.
0, and performs modulation and demodulation processing necessary for receiving audio data sent from outside the vehicle, transmitting information to the outside of the vehicle, and the like. A speaker 22 is connected to the audio signal output device 8, and outputs a sound from the speaker 22 according to a signal from the navigation ECU 4 to provide a route guidance to the driver. The navigation ECU 4 stores a predetermined program in an internal ROM, and achieves various operations by executing the program. This ROM is
Although a mask ROM may be used, it is preferable that the memory be rewritable, such as an EEPROM. In this case, it is also preferable to store an operation program (audio output program) in a CD-ROM used as the map database 10 and load this program into an EEPROM or the like in the navigation ECU 4. This allows the user to access the CD-ROM
By purchasing, a new program can be loaded into the navigation ECU 4, and the navigation ECU 4 can be operated based on the new program. The medium is
Not only the CD-ROM, but also any other format capable of storing an audio output program, such as a DVD or FD, may be used.

The GPS device 12 detects the current position (latitude and longitude, etc.) by receiving radio waves from a plurality of artificial satellites. Then, using the map database 10, G
The current location detected by the PS device 12 is recognized as a position on the map. The voice data storage unit 14 stores voice data sent from outside the vehicle via the navigation ECU 4. In addition, as this audio | voice data storage part 14,
Usually, a RAM is used, but an EEPROM or the like may be used.
The operation unit 16 is used to perform various data input processing to the navigation ECU 4 and the like. The display unit 18 performs display for inputting various data by the operation unit 16, display of current position information on a map by the map database 10 and the GPS device 12, display of a message, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing a navigation system using the navigation device 2. Route data from the navigation device 2 to the center 3
When the transmission is made to 0, the center 30 creates voice data necessary for route guidance when traveling on this route, and provides it to the navigation device 2. Therefore, the navigation device 2 can provide route guidance based on the voice data.

A route guidance method using voice data using the above navigation device 2 and its system will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in the navigation system, and FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of route guidance. Note that such processing is achieved by the navigation ECU 4 executing a program stored therein.

In FIG. 3, the vehicle is initially in position X. In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the position X is first detected by the GPS device 12 as an absolute position (latitude and longitude), and among the centers 30 installed in each region, the position X is closest to the own vehicle position. The center 30 is searched by the map database 10 (S102). Further, the vehicle position X is recognized on the map by the map database 10 as a position on the map. Note that the current location may be transmitted to the center 30 and map data around the current location may be received to recognize the own vehicle position X on the map.

Next, the data of the destination is input by the operation unit 16. Then, the navigation ECU 4 stores the map database 1
Use 0 to search for a route from your current location to your destination,
Route data is created (S104). Then, route data including links and nodes for a distance a (km) to be traveled on the route from the current position to the destination is transmitted to the center 30 via the wireless communication device 20 or the like (S
106).

A link refers to one unit of a road divided for each intersection, and an intersection serving as a break between these links is called a node. The distance a (km) is the processing speed of the center 30, the capacity of the audio data storage unit 14,
It is determined in consideration of the volume of received audio data and the like. For example, a fixed distance such as 10 km may be used, but it is preferable to change the distance according to conditions.

Subsequently, when the center 30 receives the route data composed of links and nodes for the planned traveling distance a (km) on the route, it searches for an intersection name group corresponding to the route data and transmits it to the vehicle. (S108).

The search for the intersection name group will be described in detail below. The intersection name group D (U) is determined by the extraction function f (U) defined by the route data U for the link and the node at the planned traveling distance a (km). FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams each showing a range of extracting an intersection name determined by an extraction function f (U) for each node. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a radius b (k
m), all intersections 54 within the range within m) are extracted, and a set of these intersection names is set as an intersection name group D (U).
As another example, as shown in FIG.
Intersection 5 within a distance b (km) from each node 50 on 6
4 can be extracted and these intersection names can be used as an intersection name group D (U). Note that the distance b (k
m) can be changed according to the processing speed of the center 30, the capacity of the audio data storage unit 14, the capacity of audio data to be received, and the like.

As described above, by obtaining not only the names of the intersections on the route but also the intersections within a certain range, it is possible to provide guidance when the route deviates, direction guidance, and the like.

After searching for the intersection name, the center 30 transmits the intersection name group D (U) from the center 30 to the navigation device 2 as voice data.

As described above, when the voice data is received, the received voice data of the intersection name group D (U) is stored in the voice data storage unit 14 of the vehicle (S11).
0). Thereafter, route guidance is started (S112). Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle travels from the current location X based on route guidance. Then, when approaching the intersection A, for example, "300 meters ahead, turn left at the intersection A."
Is read aloud to provide route guidance. When approaching the intersection B, a voice such as "300 meters ahead, the intersection B is to the right" is read.

Here, voice data such as an intersection name necessary for guidance while the vehicle travels a distance a (km) is received from the center 30 in the vehicle. Therefore,
The voice data of the intersection names A and B in the guidance as described above is stored in the voice data storage unit 14. Therefore,
Intersection names in guidance can be output with natural pronunciation. As for other standard guidance voices, voice data is stored in the map database 10 and is read and used.

Each time the vehicle travels a predetermined distance, it is determined in step S114 whether the vehicle has reached a point 1 km before the distance a (km). If the own vehicle position does not reach the point of the predetermined distance a-1 (km) in step S114, the process returns to step S112 and continues voice guidance. This 1 km is not limited to this distance, but can be changed according to the processing speed on the center 30 side. If the vehicle has reached a point 1 km before the distance a (km), it is determined in step S116 whether the distance from the vehicle position to the destination is within 1 km. If it is determined in step S116 that the position of the vehicle has not reached the destination within 1 km, the process returns to step S102, repeats the above steps, transmits route data from the current location to the destination, and outputs necessary voice data. To receive route guidance. On the other hand, if the vehicle is within 1 km of the destination, the voice route guidance ends, and the vehicle travels to the destination as it is.

The voice data obtained from the center 30 may be, for example, a geographical name or a facility name such as 12 at F city instead of the intersection name, and the geographical name and the intersection name are combined as voice data. Is also good. Furthermore, the voice data may include an intersection name group that is not necessary for route guidance in consideration of the situation of each vehicle.

As described above, in the present embodiment, audio data relating to an intersection name and the like can be obtained from the center 30. For this reason, it is not necessary to store the audio data in advance. Then, the voice data storage unit 1 stores only voice data related to the amount necessary for route guidance during traveling.
4 is stored. For this reason, the capacity of the audio data storage unit 14 may be small. In addition, since the received voice data is read out from the center 30, the voice data becomes natural. For this reason, it is possible to provide a voice route guidance that is natural and easy for the driver to understand.

In the present embodiment, the setting of the destination and the search for the route related to the destination are performed by the navigation device 2 on the vehicle side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, after the destination is set on the vehicle side, data relating to the destination is transmitted to the center 30, and the center 30 searches for a route from the current location to the destination to create route data, and the route data is generated. Voice data such as an intersection name may be prepared based on the intersection name.

Further, it is also possible to determine an intersection name and the like necessary for route guidance using the past traffic situation database of the center 30 side. Usually, the number of vehicles traveling on the road changes according to the traveling day, the traveling time, the weather, and the like. For this reason, information on the number of vehicles based on the travel time and the like is stored in the traffic situation database for each route. Based on the past traffic situation database such as the travel time, voice data such as an intersection name is prepared for a route that is determined to have many vehicles to be selected as a route during the travel time during route guidance. FIG. 6 shows an example of a route in consideration of past traffic conditions. As shown in this figure,
The route XX is the route determined first, but not only the nodes G, H, etc. on this route, but also the intersections about the intersections M, N, etc. on the route YY which can be considered in consideration of the past traffic volume and the like. The center 30 also transmits audio data such as name groups. For this reason, when the route YY is selected and traveled according to the traveling situation, it is also possible to perform voice guidance on this route.

Further, the traveling history of the own vehicle, for example, the number of times of traveling of the own vehicle for each of different routes in a predetermined section is stored in the traveling history database, and based on the traveling history database, a target intersection name is entered. It is also possible to decide. In this case, after setting the route to the destination on the vehicle side, referring to the past driving history,
Routes with a high traveling frequency are also added to the route data. Therefore, it is possible to obtain voice data for an intersection name based on these plural routes.

As described above, by obtaining the voice data in consideration of the past traffic conditions and the past running history of the own vehicle, voice guidance can be performed in response to a change in the running route.

It is also preferable to mount the navigation device 2 on a portable terminal device. In this case, a route is set using a mobile terminal device, and a route and a minimum amount of audio data are obtained using a telephone such as a mobile phone or a PHS as in the above-described case. During traveling, detailed data is appropriately obtained, and route guidance can be performed using the data. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing voice guidance using a mobile terminal device. Before traveling of the vehicle, a destination is input, for example, at home. Then, the current location is detected by the GPS device 12, and the destination and the current location are determined by the center 30.
Send to Then, the center 30 searches for the optimum route based on the transmitted current location and destination, and transmits the optimum route data and the voice data and map data such as the intersection name group corresponding to the nodes and links on this route to the portable information. Send to terminal. At this time, the audio data should be minimized. Note that the GPS device may not be provided if the current location (running start position) is input. Further, the above-described operation may be performed at the time of starting traveling of the vehicle. In particular, when there is an area such as an urban area where antennas such as DSRC and PHS are provided in the route, the data in this area should be minimized. Note that DSRC (Dedicated Sh
ort Range Communication) often uses an optical beacon or the like.

Then, the portable terminal device for which the route has been set is carried into the vehicle, and travels to the destination while receiving route guidance from the portable terminal device. As shown in FIG. 7, when traveling in an area where an antenna such as DSRC or PHS is provided, such as an urban area, the node 50 is used.
Each time the vehicle approaches the center, the center 30 is telephoned by PHS or the like in a timely manner, receives an intersection name group D (U) within a predetermined range (for example, within the range of a circle 70) from the intersection, and provides voice route guidance. Do. In addition, by calling the center 30 and receiving detailed map data at any time, the amount of data stored in advance can be extremely reduced, and desired route guidance can be performed. Further, since the map data can be obtained at any time, the amount of map data required in advance for the portable terminal device may be further reduced.

As described above, if it is not necessary to store the voice data and the map data is obtained from the center 30, the map database itself becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the size of the device can be reduced, and the portable terminal device can be easily assembled. Furthermore, if a mobile terminal device is used,
Since a route can be set at an arbitrary place, a route can be set while talking about a drive plan with a friend or the like.

Further, it is also preferable to combine a portable terminal device and a navigation device mounted on a vehicle. In particular, if a communication device with a roadside beacon is provided in a vehicle-mounted navigation device, necessary data during traveling can be obtained with the communication device.

Second Embodiment FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a speech synthesizer 40 is provided. The voice synthesizing device 40 synthesizes voice from text data supplied from the navigation ECU 4 and outputs a synthesized voice from the speaker 22. Therefore, the navigation ECU 4 outputs voice data from the speaker 22 via the voice signal output device 8 based on the voice data when outputting the voice data, and outputs voice data via the voice synthesizing device 40 when outputting text data.
Voice is output from the speaker 22. The fixed memory 42
Is provided in place of the voice data storage unit 14, receives voice data of frequently used words (main keywords), such as an EEPROM, and stores the voice data in a fixed manner. That is, a normal word is output by speech synthesis, and a frequently used word is provided with its voice data and stored in the fixed memory 42. Therefore, for words that are frequently used in voice output, voice output is performed using the supplied voice data, so that voice output that is easy to understand as a whole can be performed. Note that, similarly to the conventional map database 10, it is also preferable to store voice data of words that are usually used in route guidance. by this,
There is no need to acquire these words.

As described above, in this embodiment, voice data is acquired for frequently used words and phrases,
This is stored in the fixed memory 42. About this behavior,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when text data is received, a reading process of the text data is executed (S20).
2). That is, for the received text data, for the words stored in the voice data storage unit 14,
A voice is output based on the voice data read out from here, and voice synthesis is performed by the voice synthesizer 40 for words that are not stored in the voice data storage unit 14. Next, it is determined whether there is a word that has not been stored in the fixed memory 42 (S204). In this determination, if YES, that is, if there is a word that is not stored, the corresponding word is stored as text data (S206). Here, if the word has already been stored, the count value for that word is incremented by one. For the first word, along with the count value 1,
Remember that word. This data is stored in the navigation ECU
4 may be stored in the RAM.

Next, it is determined whether any of the stored words has a count value exceeding a predetermined value (for example, five times) (S208). For the corresponding word, the center 30 is requested to provide audio data (S2).
10) The audio data is provided from the center 30 and stored in the fixed memory 42 (S212). Next, in the fixed memory 42, a past predetermined period (for example, one year)
It is determined whether there is an unused word (S214).
This means that the appropriate timestamp for each word (eg, year,
This can be achieved by storing data indicating the month) and checking this. Then, in the case of YES in this determination, it is advised that the word is deleted from the fixed memory 42 (S216). When the process of S216 is completed, and when S204, S208, and S214 are NO, the process is completed.

At the time of the advice of word deletion in S214, a message "Word OO has not been used for one year. Would you like to delete it?" Is displayed on the display unit 18, and "YES" or "YES" is displayed. A method of waiting for the input of "No" and deciding whether to delete or not is adopted. Also, when requesting voice data in S210, it is also preferable to make an inquiry such as "Do you want voice data for word XX?"

By storing the text data in this manner, the frequency of use is detected, and the voice data is automatically stored in the fixed memory 42 for the frequently used words.
Voice data can be deleted for words that are not frequently used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fixed memory 42 from being occupied by unnecessary audio data.

In the same manner as in the first embodiment, it is also preferable to always receive predetermined audio data from the center 30 and store the audio data in the fixed memory 42 for frequently used audio data. . In this case, depending on the content to be output, audio data from the map database 10, the fixed memory 42, and the audio data storage unit 14,
Voice output is performed based on the output from the voice synthesizer 40.

Further, in the system as described above,
In the center 30, the number of voice data requests for each word from the user is counted, and when the predetermined number is reached, the data can be automatically distributed to each user. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when distributing information in the center 30, it is determined whether or not the voice data request from the user has reached 50 times for each word Ti (S30).
2). If the determination is YES, the word is automatically distributed to the user terminal (mobile terminal) (S304). It is also preferable that such processing be performed only in a predetermined area. That is, it is possible to count a request from a mobile terminal located in a certain area and automatically distribute the voice data of the word to a mobile terminal located in the certain area.

[Exemplary Voice-Reading Data] Next, an example will be described in which, when the center 30 provides traffic information, voice data is attached and attached to a vehicle (mobile terminal).
In this case, the audio data is encoded and attached. Thus, in the mobile terminal device, audio output can be obtained by decoding the received audio data.

The center 30 provides data as shown in Table 1 when providing traffic congestion information on roads in a predetermined area or a set route. That is, in addition to the congestion level data corresponding to each link, congestion information reading data and road name reading data are provided to the mobile terminal.
For example, for the links 1 to 7, "no traffic", "slight traffic", "2 km traffic", "significant traffic", "decrease lane", "construction location", "no traffic", etc. are provided as traffic information reading data. As the name reading data, "National Route 1", "Maruyama Koen-dori northbound", "Nishi-Otsu bypass Katata area", "Kaohsiung Parkway Arashiyama area", etc. are provided.

[0063]

[Table 1] Therefore, the mobile terminal performs guidance using the provided voice data according to the route. For example, if a route is determined when you leave your home, and you have obtained congestion information for that route, you may say, "This is a route that goes from Route 1 to the Nishi-Otsu Bypass. Route 1 has * a little congestion *.
Please drive with caution in the Nishi-Otsu bypass Katata area as there are * lane reduction * places. In front of the intersection while driving, the voice data provided with voice guidance such as "500 m ahead, left in front of Maruyama Park. The northbound Maruyama Koen Dori is * 2 km congestion *." Reading data)
It can be performed using.

When the route is calculated on the vehicle side,
Although a predetermined range of traffic data is provided to the mobile terminal, if the center 30 calculates a route, the center 30 knows the route. Therefore, the data provided to the mobile terminal can be the minimum data required for guidance.

In the case where the center 30 provides information (fullness information) on the use status of the parking lot, Table 2
Is provided.

[0066]

[Table 2] As described above, the parking lot No. is specified. In response to the above, text data of the parking lot name, reading data of the parking lot name, occupancy level data, and occupancy status reading data are transmitted. Therefore, in the mobile terminal device, when performing guidance, the guidance can be performed using the reading data that has received the parking lot name and the fullness level.

Further, in the route guidance, it is preferable to notify a mark (POI: Point of Intent) such as a characteristic building. Therefore, it is preferable to provide voice data on these POIs to the mobile terminal device. Table 3 shows an example of providing such aloud data of the POI and its attribute data.

[0068]

[Table 3] In this example, for example, the node No. About 171, P
The "TV tower" is provided as the OI, and "TV toe" is provided as the voice reading data, and the data "Red and the highest" is provided as the POI attribute data, and "Akaku, Ichibantakai" is provided as the voice reading data. Is provided.

Accordingly, in the voice guidance, it is possible to provide voice guidance such as "* Turn right in front of the tallest TV tower in red, and you will be in front of the prefectural office." In addition, "After passing * prefectural office building * of * brown 34 trees * along * row of ginkgo trees *, it is 500m to the left.""After turning left, you can see * Mt.Fuji in the right front." 300m
Ahead is * municipal underground parking lot *. You can enter by turning left. "
Etc. can also be provided.

FIG. 11 shows an image in which the mobile terminal device is actually mounted on a vehicle. As described above, the GPS antenna 12a constituting the GPS device 12 is provided above the instrument panel in the vehicle interior, and is provided with an ECU for navigation.
4a (part of the navigation ECU 4) and the map database 10
Is provided in the rear trunk. Also, the display unit 18 and an ECU for information control (a part of the navigation ECU 4) are integrally formed,
The wide multi station 60 is disposed in a space between a driver seat and a passenger seat. A cradle 80 for operating the mobile telephone constituting the wireless communication device 20 as a hands-free telephone is connected to the wide multi-station 60 via a cable 62.

That is, in this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the portable telephone 82 constituting the mobile telephone 32 is placed on the cradle 80. Then, by connecting the connector 80a of the cradle 80 to the connector connection terminal 82a of the mobile phone 82, the mobile phone 82 and the cradle 80 are connected. Various devices such as a microphone, a speaker, and a one-touch dial button for making a hands-free call are connected to the cradle 80. The mobile phone 82 is used by setting the mobile phone 82 in the cradle 80. It will be used as a hands-free phone.

Various operations are performed using the input operation unit of the wide multi station 60. The wireless communication device 20 is not limited to this configuration, and it is preferable to provide a dedicated vehicle-mounted telephone system.

[Other Configurations] It is preferable that the radio communication device 20 also exchanges electronic mail and the like with the center 30. In this case, the acquired e-mail is usually text data, which is
Is stored in the RAM. Then, it is displayed on the display unit 18, but is output as a voice during driving or the like. That is, the navigation ECU 4 supplies the text data of the received e-mail to the voice synthesizing device 40, and the read-out voice of the e-mail is output from the speaker 22. Also in this case, it is preferable to appropriately acquire audio data for necessary words and phrases. In addition, audio data of a buzzword or the like can be acquired for a predetermined number of uses or more.

Further, for various kinds of audio data, ID
If a code such as a number is determined in advance, and the voice data is stored in the mobile terminal device in association with the ID number, the data to be communicated is only the ID number.
Therefore, the amount of communication data can be significantly reduced.

Further, the communication between the mobile terminal device and the center is performed by a normal mobile phone line, PHS, FM multiplex broadcasting, TV multiplex broadcasting, terrestrial digital communication, optical beacon,
A device using a radio beacon or the like is available.

[0076]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The capacity of a storage medium or the like necessary for storing audio data can be reduced to a necessary minimum. Also, since the voice data received from outside the vehicle is read aloud, the read voice becomes clear. For this reason, a voice output such as a voice route guide that is natural and easy for the driver to understand can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a route diagram illustrating voice guidance according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing performing voice guidance according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a route and a range of intersection name groups according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a route determined in consideration of a traffic situation database and a range of intersection name groups thereof.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a route and a range of intersection name groups in voice guidance when the portable terminal device is used.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of acquiring audio data according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a word deletion operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image in which the mobile terminal device is actually mounted on a vehicle.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication device.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 navigation device, 4 navigation ECU, 6 modem, 8 audio signal output device, 10 map database,
12 GPS device, 14 voice data storage unit, 16 operation unit, 18 display unit, 20 wireless communication device, 22 speakers, 30 center, 50 nodes, 52 routes, 5
4 Intersection, 70 Intersection name extraction range.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G10L 5/02 G10L 5/02 J

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A data acquisition means for acquiring voice data for voice output from an external database via a network, and a voice output means for voice output including a word corresponding to the voice data. Characteristic mobile terminal device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, among words to be processed for voice output, storage means for storing voice data of frequently used words, and a word represented by text data And a text synthesizing means for outputting voice by text synthesis, and synthesizing voice data from the storage means and voice data from the text synthesizing means to output voice. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the frequency of use of the word output in the text synthesis becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value, the data acquisition means acquires voice data for the word from outside. A mobile terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a data erasing process is performed on the acquired voice data having a low use frequency. 5. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the voice output unit outputs a voice for reading out text data for display. 6. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the voice output unit outputs a guidance voice of a navigation device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires audio data relating to the geographic name from outside, and the audio output unit acquires the audio data of the geographic name based on the acquired audio data. A mobile terminal device that performs voice guidance including a reading voice. 8. The mobile terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the voice output unit reads out the acquired geographical name in addition to a traveling direction guidance sentence of voice guidance. 9. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits data relating to the destination to the outside of the vehicle, wherein the data acquiring unit includes a current position and the destination. A mobile terminal device that acquires information on a route between the vehicle and the vehicle as voice data from outside the vehicle. 10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the acquired audio data is information within a predetermined range determined based on a current position and a traveling direction, and the predetermined range is A mobile terminal device which can be changed. 11. The mobile terminal according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined range, which is a range in which the voice data is obtained, is determined in consideration of a traveling history of the own vehicle or a past traffic flow. apparatus. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an external information receiving means for receiving external information; and a coded information included in the received external information. And a decoding means for decoding the audio data obtained to obtain audio data, and wherein the audio output means reads out the audio using the audio data obtained by the decoding means. 13. The mobile terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the voice data receiving unit and the voice guidance unit are mounted on a portable terminal device. . 14. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the audio data obtained from the outside is sampling audio data. 15. A medium in which a voice output program for causing a mobile terminal device to output voice is recorded, wherein the voice output program transmits voice data for voice output to a mobile terminal device from an external database through a network. A medium for recording a sound output program characterized by causing a sound output including a word corresponding to the obtained sound data. 16. The medium according to claim 15, wherein the audio output program causes the mobile terminal device to extract a main keyword from words to be processed for audio output. For the main keyword, read-out voice data corresponding to the main keyword is read from the keyword storage unit, and the voice data from the voice data output unit is combined with the voice data for the main keyword to output voice. A medium recording an audio output program characterized by the following. 17. The medium according to claim 15, wherein the audio output program outputs a text to the mobile terminal device when the corresponding audio data does not exist among the words to be processed. A medium on which a voice output program is recorded, wherein voice output is performed by synthesis, and when the frequency of use of the word output by the text synthesis becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, voice data is externally acquired for the word. 18. The medium according to claim 15, wherein the voice output program records a voice output program that causes a mobile terminal device to output a guidance voice of a navigation device. Medium. 19. The medium according to claim 18, wherein the voice output program causes a mobile terminal device to obtain voice data relating to a geographical name from outside, and reads out the geographical name based on the obtained voice data. A medium on which a voice output program characterized by performing voice guidance including voice is provided. 20. The medium according to claim 17, wherein data relating to the destination is transmitted to the outside of the vehicle, and information relating to a route between the current position and the destination is output as audio data as voice data. A medium in which an audio output program characterized by being obtained from a computer is recorded. 21. A medium according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein an audio output program is recorded, wherein sampled audio data is obtained from outside. 22. A system for outputting voice in a mobile terminal device, wherein voice data for voice output in the mobile terminal device is transmitted from an external center, and the mobile terminal transmits voice data to the transmitted voice data. An audio output system for outputting audio including corresponding words. 23. When a vehicle approaches a guidance intersection,
In a voice output system that reads a geographical name and performs route guidance by voice, data relating to a destination of the vehicle is transmitted from a vehicle side to a center, and the center transmits a voice regarding the geographical name based on the received data. A voice output system which prepares data, transmits them to a vehicle, and the vehicle performs route guidance by voice using the received voice data. 24. The audio output system according to claim 22, wherein the audio data is sampling audio data.