US20030018743A1 - Network system for serving information to mobile terminal apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An information serving system includes a mobile apparatus and a terminal apparatus. The mobile apparatus includes a memory which stores ticket information including departure time data,

and a display. The terminal apparatus is installed in a building, and includes a communication device, a database, and a controller. The controller controls the communication device to read the ticket information stored in the memory of the mobile apparatus, calculates a time interval between a current time and a departure time represented by the departure time data, retrieves usable facility information from the database in accordance with a length of the time interval, and pauses the communication device to transmit to the mobile apparatus the retrieved usable facility information together with map information. The mobile apparatus then controls its display to display the transmitted usable facility information on a map based on the transmitted map information.

Description

• This is a Division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/155,001 filed Sep. 14, 1998.[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to a system for serving various information which a server or a host computer retains to a mobile terminal apparatus through a network.[0002]
BACKGROUND ART
• Various data has been digitized and recorded as a database in recent years, and desired data can be acquired from the database by utilizing a computer. Meanwhile, computers have been minified in size and have become portable and mountable in cars. The development of a network which connects host computers to each other and the enhancement of a radio infrastructure enable users to freely acquire data anywhere from given computers.[0003]
• However, when the amount of accessible information is large, the distinction between necessary information and unnecessary information is complicated, and appropriate information cannot be easily acquired when needed.[0004]
• It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a system which allows a user to acquire necessary information with ease.[0005]
• It is another object of the present invention to provide a system which supplies a user with information which will help the user's activities when he/she goes to an unfamiliar building, facility, place or local area on foot or by car.[0006]
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
• According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information serving system comprising a mobile terminal apparatus and an information serving apparatus,[0007]
• said mobile terminal apparatus including[0008]
• specific information storage means ([0009]20,117) for storing specific information,
• transmission means ([0010]10,12,111,118) for transmitting the specific information stored in said specific information storage means (20,117) to said information serving apparatus,
• reception means ([0011]10,12,111,118) for receiving information from said information serving apparatus, and
• output means ([0012]18,113) for outputting (for example, displaying, and printing) the information received by said reception means (10,12,111,118),
• said information serving apparatus including[0013]
• a database ([0014]70,72,74,143) which stores information on places,
• retrieval means ([0015]64,66,142) for receiving the specific information transmitted from said mobile terminal apparatus and retrieving Information on a particular place from said database (70,72,74,143) in accordance with said specific information as information which a user consults in order to determine a place to which the user is to move, and
• reply means ([0016]60,62,141) for transmitting the information retrieved by said retrieval means (64,66,142) to said mobile terminal apparatus.
• For example, said specific information storage means ([0017]20) stores information to utilize a public facility; said database (70,72,74) stores location information on locations of installations in said public facility; said retrieval means (64,66) includes means for receiving the specific information transmitted from said mobile terminal apparatus and retrieving location information on the location of at least one of said installations from said database (70,72,74) in accordance with said specific information; and said reply means (60,62) includes means for transmitting the location Information retrieved by said retrieval means (64,66) to said mobile terminal apparatus as map Information.
• For example, said specific information storage means ([0018]20) stores train ticket information as said specific information; said information serving apparatus reads out said train ticket information from said specific information storage means (20) through communications with said mobile terminal information, and transmits location information on a train location which corresponds to said train ticket information and in which the user is to board a train to said mobile terminal apparatus, together with a map of a station yard; and said mobile terminal apparatus further includes map output means (18) for outputting said map with said train location being shown on said map in accordance with the location information transmitted from said information serving apparatus.
• For example, said specific information storage means ([0019]20) stores personal information on at least one of age and taste as said specific information; said transmission means (10,12) transmits the personal information stored in said specific information storage means (20) to said information serving apparatus;
• said retrieval means ([0020]64,66) receives the personal information transmitted from said mobile terminal apparatus, and retrieves location Information on the location of at least one of said installations from said database (70,72,74) in accordance with said personal information; and said reply means (60,62) transmits the location information which said retrieval means (64,66) has retrieved in accordance with said personal information to said mobile terminal apparatus.
• Said retrieval means ([0021]64,66) may retrieve said location information from said database (70,72,74), using a time element based on a current time as a condition.
• Said mobile terminal apparatus may further includes map output means ([0022]18,113) for outputting a map and output control means (10,14111,112) for controlling said map output means (18,113) to outputting said map with the retrieved information from said information serving apparatus being shown on said map.
• Said mobile terminal apparatus may further include time measuring means ([0023]114) for measuring time; and when said time measuring means (114) measures a predetermined time, said transmission means (111,118) requests said retrieval means (142) to perform the retrieval.
• Said mobile terminal apparatus may further includes distance detection means ([0024]120) for detecting a distance by which said mobile terminal apparatus has been moved; and when said distance detection means (111,120) detects that said mobile terminal apparatus has been moved by a predetermined distance, said transmission means (111,118) requests said retrieval means (142) to perform the retrieval.
• According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information serving apparatus which communicates with a mobile terminal apparatus, said information serving apparatus comprising:[0025]
• a database ([0026]72,74,76,143) which stores various information on places;
• reception means ([0027]60,62,141) for receiving, through communications with said mobile terminal apparatus, specific information stored in said mobile terminal apparatus;
• retrieval means ([0028]64,66,142) for retrieving information from said database (70,72,74,143) as information which a user of said mobile terminal apparatus consults in order to determine a place to which the user is to move, in accordance with the specific information received by said reception means (60,62,141); and
• transmission means ([0029]60,62,141) for transmitting the information retrieved by said retrieval means (64,66,142) to said mobile terminal apparatus.
• For example, said information serving apparatus is arranged in a public facility, and communicates with said mobile terminal apparatus which is moved in said public facility; said database ([0030]70,72,74) stores location information on locations of installations in said public facility; when said reception means (60,62) receives information input by the user, said retrieval means (64,66) retrieves location information on the location of at least one of said installations from said database (70,72,74) in accordance with the information input by the user, and said transmission means (60,62) transmits to said mobile terminal apparatus the location information which said retrieval means (64,66) has retrieved in accordance with the information input by the user.
• Said transmission means ([0031]60,62) may transmit the location information retrieved by said retrieval means (64,66) to said mobile terminal apparatus as information to be output on a output of said mobile terminal apparatus as a map showing the location of said at least one of said installations.
• According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal apparatus comprising:[0032]
• communication means ([0033]12,118) for performing data communications;
• storage means ([0034]20,117,135) for storing specific information;
• request means ([0035]10,12,111,118) for outputting the specific information stored in said storage means (20,117,135) to a predetermined external apparatus as a request for supply of associated information when a predetermined place condition is satisfied as a result of a movement of said mobile terminal apparatus;
• communication control means ([0036]10,111) for controlling said communication means (12,118) to receive retrieved information including position information and sent from said predetermined external apparatus in reply to said request; and
• output means ([0037]18,113) for outputting a map with said received information being shown in a corresponding position on said map.
• The mobile terminal apparatus may further comprising navigation means ([0038]112) for making said output means (113) outputting a map of an area around a current location of said mobile terminal apparatus with said current location being shown on said map.
• Said mobile terminal apparatus may further comprise time measuring means ([0039]111,114) for measuring time; and when said time measuring means (111,114) measures a predetermined time, said request means (111,118) requests said predetermined external apparatus to perform a retrieval in accordance with said specific information.
• For example it may further includes distance detection means ([0040]120) for detecting a traveling distance which a vehicle has traveled; and
• when said traveling distance detection means ([0041]120) detects a predetermined traveling distance, said request means (111,118) requests said predetermined external apparatus to perform a retrieval in accordance with said specific information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structure of an information serving system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;[0042]
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a[0043]portable apparatus8 according to the first embodiment;
• FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams exemplifying the structure of various data stored in a[0044]memory20 of theportable apparatus8 according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of a[0045]terminal apparatus4 according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying service data acquired from the[0046]terminal apparatus4 and displayed on a screen of theportable apparatus8;
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the[0047]portable apparatus8 according to the first embodiment at the time of passing through a ticket gate;
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the[0048]terminal apparatus4 according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing by what steps the[0049]terminal apparatus4 of the first embodiment performs an attendant data retrieving process;
• FIG. 9 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structure of a car navigation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;[0050]
• FIG. 10 is a block diagram which schematically shows a PDA according to the second embodiment;[0051]
• FIG. 11 is a diagram exemplifying data in a personal database which the PDA illustrated in FIG. 10 stores;[0052]
• FIG. 12 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structure of a[0053]service center140 according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a file which a[0054]database143 stores;
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the car navigation apparatus supplied with information according to the second embodiment;[0055]
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart explaining a process (1) for communications between the car navigation apparatus and the service center according to the second embodiment;[0056]
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining a process (2) for communications between the car navigation apparatus and the service center according to the second embodiment;[0057]
• FIG. 17 is a diagram exemplifying drive data which is input to the car navigation apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9; and[0058]
• FIGS. 18A, 18B and[0059]18C are diagrams exemplifying what the display of the car navigation apparatus supplied with information displays.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTIONFirst Embodiment
• The first embodiment will now be explained with reference to an example in which an information serving system, in the case where a user carries a portable computer with him/her, is applied to a railroad station which is a public facility.[0060]
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structure of the information serving system according to the first embodiment. This system includes a[0061]terminal apparatus4 and aportable apparatus8.
• The[0062]terminal apparatus4 is installed at a ticket gate in a station, for example, and communicates with theportable apparatus8 which a user who passes through the ticket gate carries with him/her. When theterminal apparatus4 acquires data functioning as a ticket from theportable apparatus8, theterminal apparatus4 performs a gate opening and closing control, simultaneous with which theterminal apparatus4 supplies the user with information which will be helpful when using the facility. Details will be described later.
• In addition to the function as a ticket for location a train, the[0063]portable apparatus8 has the function of showing the user the information supplied from theterminal apparatus4, as will be described later in detail.
• The[0064]portable apparatus8 is realized as a small-sized computer whose operation is controlled by any program stored in a storage medium. Theportable apparatus8 can also be formed as a thin, portable card-type apparatus.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the[0065]portable apparatus8. Theportable apparatus8 includes aCPU10, acommunication section12, astorage unit14, aninput section16, adisplay section18 and amemory20.
• The[0066]CPU10 controls the entirety of theportable apparatus8, and the operation of theCPU10 is controlled by any program stored in thestorage unit14 or thememory20. TheCPU10 controls the individual sections in accordance with control programs, thereby making theportable apparatus8 function.
• The[0067]communication section12 sends and receives various data to and from theterminal apparatus4 by infrared rays or radio waves under the control of theCPU10 at the time theportable apparatus8 passes through the ticket gate.
• The[0068]storage unit14 stores various programs and data, etc. for controlling the operation of theCPU10.
• The[0069]input section16 is one to which a user inputs an instruction and so forth in order to use the functions conferred on theportable apparatus8, and controls the input operations corresponding to keys provided on theportable apparatus8.
• The[0070]display section18 causes a screen to display the contents of data sent from theterminal apparatus4, a message and so on for use in utilizing the functions of theportable apparatus8.
• The[0071]memory20 functions as a work memory for the operation of theCPU10, and also stores a programs) and various data. Those various data includerailway ticket data20aandpersonal data20b. Therailway ticket data20acontains the data functioning as a ticket. Thepersonal data20bis data concerning the person who has theportable apparatus8.
• FIGS. 3A and 3B exemplify the structures of various data stored in the[0072]memory20. FIG. 3A illustrates therailway ticket data20a. Therailway ticket data20acontains railwaycompany name data30,ticket kind data31,section data32, date/time data33,train name data34 and reservedseat data35. The railwaycompany name data30 specifies the name of the railway company which has issued the ticket. Theticket kind data31 specifies the kind of the ticket (whether the ticket is a train ticket, an express train ticket, a reserved seat ticket or the like). Thesection data32 represents the departure point and the destination. The date/time data33 represents the departure date and time of the train which the user intends to board when the ticket is a reserved seat ticket, or represents the validity date of the ticket when the ticket is a non-reserved seat ticket. Thetrain name data34 specifies the name of the train which the user intends to board when the ticket is a reserved seat ticket. Thereserved seat data35 specifies which seat has been reserved when the ticket is a reserved seat ticket. Therailway ticket data20ais input at a booking window in either a station or a travel company in exchange of the fare.
• FIG. 3B shows the[0073]personal data20b. The persona!data20bcontains information (personal1,2, . . . ) concerning the person who owns or uses theportable apparatus8, and information (taste1,2, . . . ) concerning his/her taste. Examples of the information concerning the person are “age” and “sex”, while examples of the Information concerning his/her taste are “cigarette” and “coffee.” The persona!data20bis one registered in advance by the user.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of a system including[0074]terminal apparatuses4 and which are arranged in a station. Theterminal apparatuses4 are installed at the ticket gates of the station, and are connected to aschedule database72, ayard map database74 and anattendant information database76 via acommunication line50.
• Each[0075]terminal apparatus4 includes aCPU60, acommunication section62, astorage unit64, anetwork connection section66, agate control section68 and amemory70.
• The[0076]CPU60 controls the entirety of theterminal apparatus4, and the operation of theCPU60 is controlled by any program stored in thememory70. TheCPU60 controls the individual sections in accordance with control programs stored in thestorage unit64 or thememory70, thereby making theterminal apparatus4 function. By counting operation clocks, theCPU60 functions as a timer for measuring the current time, etc.
• The[0077]communication section62 sends and receives various data to and from theportable apparatus8 by infrared rays or radio waves under the control of theCPU60 at the time theportable apparatus8 passes through a ticket gate.
• The[0078]storage unit64 stores various programs and data, etc. for controlling the operation of theCPU60.
• In accordance with an instruction supplied from the[0079]CPU60, thenetwork connection section66 retrieves necessary information from the databases connected thereto via a network.
• Depending on whether the contents of the[0080]railway ticket data20aare proper or not, thegate control section68 performs control operations for opening/closing a ticket gate which the user passes through.
• The[0081]memory70 functions as a work memory for the operation of theCPU60.
• The[0082]schedule database72 stores information contained in a train schedule. The information stored in theschedule database72 includes the names, departure times, destinations and location (platforms) of trains and attendant information associated with the trains.
• The[0083]yard map database74 stores map data showing the structure of a station yard and including the locations of platforms, stairs, ticket gates, etc.
• The[0084]attendant information database76 stores attendant information concerning various installations in the station yard. The attendant information contains information on the locations of restaurants, coffee stands, toilets, kiosks, stairs and escalators, for example.
• FIG. 5 illustrates the state in which a[0085]display screen80 displays the map of the station yard in accordance with data which theportable apparatus8 has acquired from theterminal apparatus4. Thedisplay screen80 displays, for example, the contents of data stored as therailway ticket data20aand thepersonal data20b, various setting menus (for the input of the personal data, etc.) and images, etc. (examples of which will be described later) representing other information acquired from theterminal apparatus4.
• As illustrated in FIG. 5, the[0086]portable apparatus8 has afunction key82 and adrive key84.
• The[0087]function key82 is one for giving various setting instructions to theportable apparatus8 in order to use the functions of theportable apparatus8 as in the case of registering thepersonal data20b. Thedrive key84 is one for making theportable apparatus8 activate its functions.
• The operation of a system for utilizing facilities according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to flowcharts.[0088]
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining how the operation of the[0089]portable apparatus8 at the time of passing through a ticket gate. FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining the operation of theterminal apparatus4. FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining the steps in an attendant data retrieving process which theterminal apparatus4 performs.
• When a[0090]terminal apparatus4 installed at a ticket gate detects the approach of theportable apparatus8, theterminal apparatus4 makes thecommunication section62 send a request for a ticket (FIG. 7, step B1).
• When the[0091]CPU10 of theportable apparatus8 receives the request for a ticket from theterminal apparatus4 through the communication section12 (FIG. 6, step A1), theportable apparatus8 sends ticket data stored in thememory20 and containing therailway ticket data20a, etc. to theterminal apparatus4 through the communication section12 (step A2). Further, theCPU10 determines whether thememory20 stores thepersonal data20b(step A3). When theCPU10 determines that thememory20 stores thepersonal data20b, theportable apparatus8 sends thepersonal data20bto theterminal apparatus4 through the communication section12 (step A4).
• When the[0092]terminal apparatus4 receives therailway ticket data20afrom the portable apparatus8 (step B2), theterminal apparatus4 refers to data stored in theschedule database72 via thenetwork connection section66, and determines whether data such as that shown in FIG. 3A is proper (step B3).
• When the[0093]terminal apparatus4 does not receive the ticket data in reply to the request for a ticket in the step B2, or when theterminal apparatus4 determines in the step B3 that the contents of the received ticket data are not proper, theterminal apparatus4 executes an alarm process (step B4). In the alarm process, theterminal apparatus4 which is provided with a non20 illustrated output unit (such as a lamp, a display, a speaker or the like), etc. causes the output unit to output an alarm, or sends alarm data to theportable apparatus8 through thecommunication section62, in order to alert theportable apparatus8.
• When the[0094]terminal apparatus4 determines in the step B3 that the received railway ticket data is proper, then it determines whether thepersonal data20bhas been received together with therailway ticket data20a(step B5). When theterminal apparatus4 determines in the step B5 that thepersonal data20bhas been received together with therailway ticket data20a, theterminal apparatus4 stores the received personal data in the memory70 (step B6).
• Next the[0095]CPU60 of theterminal apparatus4 reads out the yard map data from theyard map database74 through the network connection section66 (step B7). Based on the railwaycompany name data30, theticket kind data31, thetrain name data34 and thereserved seat data35, etc., contained in therailway ticket data20areceived from theportable apparatus8, theCPU60 discriminates the place (platform) where the user is to board a train, and affixes guide data specifying the location place to the yard map data (step B8).
• Then, in accordance with the date/[0096]time data33 contained in therailway ticket data20aand current time data, theCPU60 determines whether the interval between the current time and the departure time of the train is shorter than a predetermined period of time, in other words, whether the interval between the current time and the departure time of the train is so short that the user should directly go to the place for the departure of the train (step B9).
• When the[0097]CPU60 determines in the step B9 that the interval between the current time and the departure time of the train is shorter than the predetermined period of time, theCPU60 sends the yard map data to which the guide data has been affixed in the step B8 to theportable apparatus8 through the communication section62 (step B10).
• The[0098]portable apparatus8 determines whether the service data sent from theterminal apparatus4 in the step B10, in this case, the yard map data with the guide data affixed thereto has been received (step A5). When theportable apparatus8 determines in the step A5 that the service data has been received, theCPU10 causes thedisplay section18 to display a yard map, based on the service data (step A6). In the yard map, the place for the departure of the train which the user is going to board, more specifically, the location platform and the location thereof, are shown using any predetermined mark, character and/or the like. When theportable apparatus8 determines in the step AS that the service data has not been received, theportable apparatus8 terminates processing.
• After the[0099]terminal apparatus4 sends the service data to theportable apparatus8 in the step B10, theterminal apparatus4 makes thegate control section68 open the ticket gate so that the user can pass therethrough (step B11).
• When the[0100]CPU60 determines in the step B9 that the interval between the current time and the departure time of the train which the user is going to board is not shorter than the predetermined period of time, theterminal apparatus4 executes the attendant data retrieving process (step B12). Theterminal apparatus4 executes the attendant data retrieving process by the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, for example. Let it be assumed that the personal data acquired form theportable apparatus8 contains information such as the age information “55 years” and the taste information “cigarette” shown in FIG. 3B.
• First of all, the[0101]CPU60 of theterminal apparatus4 determines whether the age information contained in the personal data is not less than “60 years” preset in the storage unit64 (step C1). When the age information is not less than “60 years”, theterminal apparatus4 retrieves escalator location information on the location of an escalator from theattendant information database76, and affixes the escalator location information to the yard map data (step C2).
• Next the[0102]CPU60 determines whether the personal data contains the taste information “cigarette” (step C3). When theCPU60 determines in the step C3 that the personal data contains the taste information “cigarette”, theCPU60 retrieves smoking place location information on the location of a smoking place from theattendant information database76, and affixes the smoking place location information to the yard map data (step C4).
• Furthermore, based on the date/[0103]time data33 contained in therailway ticket data20aand the current time, theCPU60 determines whether the interval from the current time between the current time and the departure time of the train which the user will board is not less than 1 hour (step C5). When theCPU60 determines in the step C5 that the interval is not less than 1 hour, it acquires, from theattendant information database76, restaurant guide information concerning a restaurant where the user can spend time until the departure of the train, and affixes the restaurant guide information to the yard map data (step C7).
• When the[0104]CPU60 determines in the step CS that the interval between the current time and the departure time is less than 1 hour, then theCPU60 determines whether the interval is not less than 30 minutes (step C6). When theCPU60 determines in the step C6 that the interval is not less than 30 minutes, theCPU60 acquires, from theattendant information database76, coffee stand guide information concerning a coffee stand where the user can spend time until the departure of the train, and affixes the coffee stand guide information to the yard map data (step C8).
• When the[0105]CPU60 determines in the step C6 that the interval is less than 30 minutes, it acquires kiosk guide information from theattendant information database76, and affixes the kiosk guide information to the yard map data (step C9).
• In the above-described attendant data retrieving process, the guide data to be affixed (the restaurant guide information, the coffee stand guide information and the kiosk guide information) is determined in accordance with the interval between the current time and the departure time of the train. However, the guide data to be affixed can be selected in accordance with the contents of the personal data from among a plurality of choices corresponding to individual time zones.[0106]
• After the step C[0107]9, theterminal apparatus4 sends, to theportable apparatus8 through thecommunication section62, the yard map data to which the guide data and the attendant data have been affixed (step B10).
• When the[0108]portable apparatus8 has completely received the service data, theterminal apparatus4 makes thegate control section68 open the ticket gate so that the user can pass therethrough (step B11.
• In the information serving system of this embodiment, as explained above, the[0109]portable apparatus8 sends theterminal apparatus4 therailway ticket data20aand thepersonal data20bwhich theportable apparatus8 stores, theterminal apparatus4 sends theportable apparatus8 the service data according to the contents of the data which theterminal apparatus4 has received, and theportable apparatus8 displays the service data sent from theterminal apparatus4.
• The[0110]portable apparatus8 of this embodiment can supply the user with appropriate information, which allows the user to efficiently utilize installations provided in the station yard.
• An example of the service data which the[0111]display screen80 of theportable apparatus8 displays as described above will now be described with reference to FIG. 5.
• In order to facilitate understanding, let it be assumed that the date for location the train and the departure time[0112]13:45 of the train have been set as the date/time data33 in therailway ticket data20a. Thepersonal data20bis as shown in FIG. 3B.
• In this case also, the[0113]railway ticket data20aand thepersonal data20bare sent to theterminal apparatus4 in the steps A2 and A4 shown in FIG. 6. In the step B3 shown in FIG. 7, theterminal apparatus4 refers to theschedule database72 and discriminates the platform from which the train is going to depart, based on therailway ticket data20areceived in the step B2. Let it be assumed that the train is going to depart from platform No. 3. In the step B8, the guide data representing the location of platform No. 3 discriminated in the step B3 is affixed to the yard map data read out in the step B7. In the step B9, the current time which is, for example, 13:00, and the departure time 13:45 which therailway ticket data20aspecifies are compared with each other, and it is determined that the interval between the current time and the departure time is not shorter than a predetermined period of time. Then the attendant data retrieving process, the details of which are shown in FIG. 8, is carried out in the step B12.
• Further, in the step C[0114]3, it is determined that thepersonal data20bcontains the taste information “cigarette”, and consequently the smoking place location information is affixed to the yard map data in the step C4.
• Moreover, in the steps C[0115]5 and C6, it is determined that the interval between the current time and the departure time is less than 1 hour but is not less than 30 minutes, and accordingly the coffee stand guide information is affixed to the yard map data in the step C8.
• In the step B[0116]10, theterminal apparatus4 sends theportable apparatus8 the yard map data to which the guide data has been thus affixed.
• In the step A[0117]5, thedisplay section18 of theportable apparatus8 receives the yard map data to which the guide data has been affixed and which has been sent in the step B10. Based on the data as received, a yard map is displayed on thedisplay screen80 in the step A6.
• As illustrated in FIG. 5,[0118]location platform data90 representing the location platform and affixed to the yard map data in the step B8, smokingplace data92 representing a smoking place, and coffee standdata94 representing a coffee stand are displayed together with the yard map data on thedisplay screen80. The current location of theportable apparatus8 in the station yard is discriminated by identifying theterminal apparatus4 which theportable apparatus8 has communicated with, andcurrent location data96 specifying the current location of theportable apparatus8 is displayed on thedisplay screen80.
• Since the[0119]personal data20bcontains the age information “55 years”, it is determined in the step C1 shown in FIG. 8 that the age is less than 60 years, and therefore no escalator location information is affixed to the yard map data. Accordingly, no data representing an escalator is displayed on thedisplay screen80 illustrated in FIG. 5.
• In the first embodiment, the age and the taste “cigarette” which are contained in the[0120]personal data20bare exemplified. However, any other personal information can also be adopted. Theattendant information database76 is searched in association with each piece of information set in thepersonal data20b, and if there is any corresponding information in theattendant information database76, it will be sent as the service data to theportable apparatus8.
• Moreover, according to the first embodiment, one of the restaurant guide information, the coffee stand guide information and the kiosk guide information is selected on a[0121]30-minute intervals basis, in other words, in accordance with whether the period of time for which the user will wait until the departure of the train is less than 30 minutes, or is not less than 30 minutes but is less than 1 hour, or is not less than 1 hour, and the selected guide information is affixed to the yard map data. However, the time intervals and the information to be affixed are not limited thereto, and can be freely determined depending on facilities.
• Furthermore, the first embodiment has been explained exemplifying a station as a public facility. However, the present invention is applicable also to other public facilities such as an airport, a harbor, a government office, a library, a stadium, a concert hall, etc. In the case of the public facilities such as a stadium, a concert hall and the like where seats are reserved by tickets, the same operations as those mentioned previously can be attained by registering ticket information in the[0122]portable apparatus8 of the first embodiment and installingterminal apparatuses4 at the entrances.
• The[0123]terminal apparatuses4 may be installed not only at the facilities' entrances like ticket gates, but also at given locations within or around the facilities.
• Displaying the yard map under the control of the[0124]display section18 is exemplified as the information output mode of theportable apparatus8 in the first embodiment. However, other output modes can be employed. For example, aterminal apparatus4 may send voice data to theportable apparatus8, and theportable apparatus8 may output a voice or perform printing (theterminal apparatus4 may send character information/data, etc. to theportable apparatus8, and theportable apparatus8 may convert the character information/data, etc. to the voice data).
• The above-described steps which the[0125]terminal apparatus4 and theportable apparatus8 carry out in the first embodiment can be realized by writing those steps in the form of programs executable by computers into recording mediums such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.) and semiconductor memories, for example, and by providing theterminal apparatus4 and theportable apparatus8 with the recording mediums. It is also possible to transfer control programs to theterminal apparatus4 and theportable apparatus8 through any communication medium. The computers, which realize the apparatuses of the present invention, read the control programs recorded in the recording mediums, and execute the above-described steps while their operations are being controlled by the control programs.
• In the first embodiment, the data transmitted from the[0126]terminal apparatus4 to theportable apparatus8 is displayed on thedisplay section18. However, the way to output the data is arbitrary. For example, the data may be printed by a printer provided in theportable apparatus8, and it may be output from a speaker after being transferred to an acoustic sound.
Second Embodiment
• An example of an information serving system, in the case where the user moves using a vehicle, will now be described.[0127]
• The system according to the second embodiment includes a[0128]car navigation apparatus110 having a two-way communication function and mounted in a vehicle as a mobile terminal apparatus, and aservice center140 which sends information to the mobile terminal apparatus via a network.
• FIG. 9 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structure of the aforementioned car navigation apparatus.[0129]
• The[0130]car navigation apparatus110 has: aCPU111; aGPS unit112; adisplay section113 apparatus; aclock section114; aninput section115; aRAM116; astorage unit117 with astorage medium117a; acommunication section118; aninterface119; anodometer120 and afuel sensor121, etc.
• The CPU (Central Processing Unit)[0131]111 stores in a program storage area of theRAM116 an application program which is selected from system programs and their corresponding various application programs in thestorage unit117. TheCPU111 stores in theRAM116 various instructions or data supplied from theGPS unit112, theodometer120, thefuel sensor121, etc. In accordance with the supplied instructions or data, theCPU111 executes various processing according to the application programs stored in thestorage unit117, and stores the result of the processing in theRAM116.
• While the vehicle is in motion, the[0132]CPU111 computes current location coordinates specifying the current location of the vehicle, on the basis of current location data supplied periodically from theGPS unit112, and retrieves map data representing a map on a predetermined scale and containing the current location coordinates from thestorage medium117aof thestorage unit117. TheCPU111 displays the map data on a display apparatus of thedisplay section113 as the map of an area around the current location of the vehicle, and displays the current location of the vehicle on the map.
• Moreover, the[0133]CPU111 executes a drive assistance process (which will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.14 to16), sends theservice center140 the request for performing a retrieval in association with input drive data, receives the retrieval result including position information and sent from theservice center140 in reply to the request, and displays the retrieval result on the map.
• The GPS (Global Positioning System)[0134]unit112 receives latitude information and longitude information, etc. from at least three geosynchronous satellites by means of a dedicated antenna mounted on the vehicle, and outputs current location data obtained by computing the absolute location (the longitude, latitude) of the vehicle to theCPU111.
• The[0135]display section113 has a display apparatus113a, and a VRAM113bin which the map data, etc. are stored as image data by theCPU111. The display113adisplays a map, etc., based on the image data stored in the VRAM113b.
• The[0136]clock section114 has a time measuring function and supplies the current time to theCPU111. Theinput section115 has a cursor key, a numeral input key and various function keys, etc., and outputs a key press signal corresponding to a pressed key to theCPU111.
• The[0137]RAM116 has a work area for storing a designated application program, an input instruction, input data and the result of processing, etc.
• The[0138]storage unit117 has thestorage medium117awhich stores a program, data and so forth and which is a magnetic/optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. Thestorage medium117amay be fixedly provided in thestorage unit117, or may be removably provided therein.
• The[0139]storage medium117astores system programs, their corresponding various application programs, various data inputting, detecting and communicating processes, and data, etc. processed by individual processing programs.
• Further, the[0140]storage medium117aprestores map data obtained by digitizing (expressing in numerical values) points on the roads in maps. Thestorage medium117aalso stores information concerning gasoline service stations in association with the map data.
• The programs and data, etc. stored in the[0141]storage medium117amay be those which the car navigation apparatus has received from another apparatus connected to thecar navigation apparatus110 via a communication line or the like. The above-mentioned another apparatus connected to thecar navigation apparatus110 via the communication line or the like may be provided with a storage unit having such a storage medium, and the programs, data, etc. stored in that storage medium may be utilized by thecar navigation apparatus110 through the communication line.
• The[0142]communication section118 is a unit which performs data communications by radio, and has the infrared ray communication function of performing short-distance communications with aPDA130 on the basis of an IrDA (Inferred ray Data Association) communication protocol and the radio communication function of performing two-way communications with theservice center140.
• The[0143]interface119 receives outputs from theodometer120, and supplies them to theCPU111 after subjecting them to processing such as AND conversion.
• The[0144]odometer120 is a sensor which detects the distance which the vehicle has traveled and which outputs data representing the measured traveling distance to theCPU111 through theinterface119.
• The[0145]fuel sensor121 detects the residual amount of gasoline (or gas) and the residual amount of oil, and outputs the detected residual amount data to theCPU111 through theinterface119.
• FIG. 10 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structure of the PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)[0146]130. ThePDA130 is a portable computer having a schedule management function and an address notebook function, etc. In the second embodiment, thePDA130 operates as a unit which supplies a destination and personal information concerning any person who travels on the vehicle to thecar navigation apparatus110.
• The[0147]PDA130 includes aCPU131, adisplay section132, aninput section133, aRAM134, astorage unit135 with astorage medium135a, and acommunication section136, for example.
• The CPU (Central Processing Unit)[0148]131 executes a program stored in thestorage unit135, and stores the result of the execution of the program in theRAM134.
• The[0149]display section132 has an LCD display screen which displays various data.
• The[0150]input section133 has, for example, various function keys and a tablet (formed in integration with the display screen) for inputting data with a pen. Using the keys and/or the pen, data is input to the input section133 (the recognition of a character handwritten with the pen is included).
• The[0151]storage unit135 has thestorage medium135awhich stores programs, data, etc., and which is a magnetic/optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. Thestorage medium135amay be fixedly provided in thestorage unit135, or may be removably provided therein.
• The[0152]storage medium135astores system programs, various application programs and processed data, etc. Thestorage medium135aalso stores, as address notebook data, the personal data shown in FIG. 11. The personal data shown in FIG. 11 contains items “name”, “telephone No.”, “address”, “favorite food” and “hobby.”
• The[0153]communication section136 is a unit which has the infrared ray communication function based on an IrDA communication protocol, and which performs short-distance data communications with thecar navigation apparatus110.
• FIG. 12 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structure of the[0154]service center140. Theservice center140 has acommunication unit141, aninformation retrieving unit142 and adatabase143.
• The[0155]communication unit141 performs two-way radio communications on the basis of a predetermined communication protocol.
• The[0156]information retrieving unit142 is a computer having a CPU, a ROM and a RAM, etc. (not shown). In reply to a request for retrieval from an external apparatus such as thecar navigation apparatus110, theinformation retrieving unit142 retrieves the corresponding data from thedatabase143. For example, when theinformation retrieving unit142 receives from the car navigation apparatus110 a request for performing a retrieval in association with a restaurant in a neighboring area, theinformation retrieving unit142 retrieves information on such a restaurant from thedatabase143, and sends the retrieved information in reply.
• The[0157]database143 is a collection of integrated data files concerning various information. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a file stored in thedatabase143. The file shown in FIG. 13 concerns restaurant data, and individual data items “shop's name”, “place”, “menu”, “kind” and “open hours” are stored in association with each other.
• In the case of the data “restaurant A”, for example, the place in which the restaurant A is located is “XXX city, x prefecture”, the kind of cuisine is “Italian”, and the open hours are “24 hours.”[0158]
• Operations according to the second embodiment will now be described.[0159]
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart explaining a process in which the[0160]car navigation110 receives drive assistance information from theservice center140. FIG. 15 is a flowchart explaining a communication process (1) (step S5) shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining a communication process (2) (step S10) shown in FIG. 14.
• FIG. 17 exemplifies input drive data, while FIG. 18 exemplifies what the display[0161]113aof thecar navigation apparatus110 displays. In FIG. 14, the drive data shown in FIG. 17 (a date, a destination, the hobbies and favorite foods, etc. of a driver and any companion who are traveling on the same vehicle) is input to thecar navigation apparatus110 by pressing theinput section115 or through data communications with the PDA130 (step S1). Specifically, the date “11/3”, the destination “Inawashiro”, the hobby “painting” and the favorite food “Italian food” of companion Mr. C are input by pressing theinput section113. The input data is stored into thestorage unit117.
• The input of the above-described data can be performed also from the[0162]PDA130. In that case, the drive data can be created utilizing schedule data stored in thePDA130 stores and data items which are associated with the companion (Mr. C) and which are contained in address notebook data stored in thePDA130. The schedule data contains the scheduled date “11/3” and destination of a drive, while the address notebook data contains personal information such as the name, address, favorite food (Italian food) and hobby (painting), etc. of the companion. The drive data which thePDA130 has created is sent to thecar navigation apparatus110 through thecommunication section136. The received drive data is stored into thestorage unit117.
• Next the[0163]CPU111 detects residual fuel amount data from the fuel sensor121 (step S2). Then, based on the residual fuel amount data detected in the step S2, theCPU111 determines whether the vehicle can reach the destination (step S3). When theCPU111 determines in the step S3 that the vehicle can reach the destination, it goes to step S5. When theCPU111 determines in the step S3 that the vehicle cannot reach the designation, it goes to step S4. In the step S4, theCPU111 retrieves information on any nearby gasoline service stations (GS) from thestorage medium117a, and shows them in their corresponding positions on the map displayed on the display113a, together with the position of the vehicle, as illustrated in FIG. 18A. In FIG. 18A, gasoline service stations N, I and J are shown on the map.
• The communication process (1) is executed in the step S[0164]5. This communication process (1) will now be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15.
• In FIG. 15, the[0165]car navigation apparatus110 first sends the destination data and hobby data, input in the step S1, from thestorage unit117 to theservice center140 through thecommunication section118 as a request for retrieval (step S20). For example, thecar navigation apparatus110 sends the destination data “Inawashiro” and the hobby data “painting” as a request for retrieval.
• When the[0166]service center140 receives the destination data and the hobby data from thecar navigation apparatus110 as a request for retrieval (step P20), theservice center140 retrieves information on any facility or the like which will suffice the hobby and which is located near the destination from thedatabase143 in accordance with the received data (step P21), and sends the retrieval result to thecar navigation apparatus110 which is the sender of the request for retrieval (step P22). For example, theservice center140 retrieves information on an art museum near Inawashiro from thedatabase143 in accordance with the destination data “Inawashiro” and the hobby data “painting”, and sends the retrieved information to thecar navigation apparatus110.
• When the[0167]car navigation apparatus110 receives the retrieval result from the service center140 (step S21 ), it stores the retrieval result in the RAM116 (step S22), terminates the communication process (1) and goes to step S6 shown in FIG. 14.
• In the step S[0168]6, theCPU111 extracts a group of map data including a spot (a facility or the like which will suffice the hobby and which is located near the destination) corresponding to the retrieval result from thestorage medium117a, and displays a map on the display113a, as illustrated in FIG. 18B. Simultaneously, theCPU111 shows the above-mentioned spot on the map in order to teach the driver and any other person in the vehicle that a facility or the like which will suffice the hobby is located near the destination. (In this case, if thecar navigation apparatus110 receives attendant information, for example, a history, an address, etc. of the facility or the like, theCPU111 may show also the attendant information on the map.) In the example shown in FIG. 18B, an art museum is shown on the map in association with the hobby (painting).
• Next the[0169]CPU111 displays the map of an area around the current location of the vehicle on the display113a, and shows marks or the like representing the current location and traveling direction of the vehicle on the map. As the vehicle moves, theCPU111 scrolls the map in accordance with the movement of the vehicle. In order to realize this, the map data on the VRAM113bis shifted, and other necessary map data is read out from thestorage medium117aand is developed on an empty area of the VRAM113b(step S7).
• While the vehicle is in motion, the[0170]car navigation apparatus110 performs a general navigating display operation, and constantly checks time, the traveling distance and the amount of fuel. More specifically, theCPU111 detects time data from theclock section114, and determines whether a predetermined time which is, for example, lunch time (12:00), has come (step S8). When theCPU111 determines in the step S8 that the predetermined time has come, it goes to step S10 in which the communication process (2) is executed. When theCPU111 determines in the step S8 that the predetermined time has not yet come, theCPU111 detects data output from theodometer120, and determines whether the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance which is 100 km, for example (step S9). When theCPU111 determines in the step S9 that the vehicle has traveled the predetermined distance, it goes the step S10 in which the communication process (2) is performed. When theCPU111 determines in the step S9 that the vehicle has not yet traveled the predetermined distance, theCPU111 detects the residual fuel amount data from thefuel sensor121, and determines whether the residual fuel is enough for the vehicle to reach the destination (step S12). When theCPU111 determines in the step S12 that the residual fuel is enough, it returns to the step S7 and repeats a checking process.
• When the[0171]CPU111 determines in the step S12 that the residual fuel is not enough, it goes to step S13 and displays a message indicating the shortage of fuel. Simultaneously, theCPU111 retrieves information on the gasoline service stations near the current location of the vehicle from thestorage medium117a, and shows the gasoline service stations (GS) in their corresponding positions on the displayed map. Then theCPU111 returns to the step S7.
• The step S[0172]10 in which the communication process (2) is executed will now be described in detail, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16.
• When it is determined in the step S[0173]8 that the predetermined time (e.g. lunch time 12:00) has come, thecar navigation apparatus110 sends favorite food data, input in the step S1, to theservice center140 as a request for retrieval (step S30).
• When the[0174]service center140 receives the favorite food data from thecar navigation apparatus110 as the request for retrieval (step P30), theservice center140 retrieves information on any restaurant or the like which serves the favorite food and which is present near the current location from the database143 (step P31), and sends the retrieval result to theservice center140 in reply (step P32). In the case of Mr. C, his favorite food is Italian food, and accordingly theservice center140 retrieves information on any Italian restaurant near the current location from thedatabase143, and sends the retrieved information to thecar navigation apparatus110.
• When the[0175]car navigation apparatus110 receives the retrieval result from the service center140 (step S31), thecar navigation apparatus110 stores the retrieval result in the RAM116 (step S32), terminates the communication process (2) and goes to the step S11 shown in FIG. 14.
• In the step S[0176]11, as illustrated in FIG. 18C, a restaurant which serves the favorite food of the driver or any other person in the vehicle and which is present near the current location of the vehicle is shown in its corresponding position on the map displayed on the display113a, in order to teach the driver and so on that such a restaurant is present near the current location. Thus, any place which serves the favorite food of the driver or any other person can be automatically displayed at lunch time, etc. so that the drive becomes pleasant. In this case, restaurant A attendant information (e.g. a menu, a recommendable cuisine, and the like) can also be displayed if received. In FIG. 18C, an Italian restaurant is shown in association with the favorite food (Italian food).
• Next the flow of processing goes to the step S[0177]7, and the above-described steps are repeated.
• When the communication process (2) is performed in the step S[0178]10 after it is determined in the step S9 that the vehicle has traveled the predetermined distance, the driver and any other person in the vehicle may be tired due to a drive over a long period of time. In consideration of this, a request for performing a retrieval in association with a rest house or the like can be sent to theservice center140, and the result of the retrieval performed in association with the rest house or the like can be acquired from theservice center140 in the communication process (2).
• The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are examples, and changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.[0179]
• In the second embodiment, the[0180]car navigation apparatus110 communicates with theservice center140. However, thePDA130 can perform data communications with theservice center140. In this case, thePDA130 may send the service center140 a request for performing a retrieval in association with the drive data, receive the retrieval result from theservice center140, and send the retrieval result to thecar navigation apparatus110.

Claims (20)

1. A vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus comprising:

a navigation device which outputs a map of a neighborhood in a current location, and which indicates the current location on the map;

a communication device which communicates data with a service center;

a memory which stores personal information regarding an occupant of a vehicle;

a monitor which monitors at least one of time and mileage of the vehicle;

a controller which: (i) when said monitor detects that a current time corresponds to a predetermined time or that the vehicle has driven a predetermined distance, controls said communication device to transmit the personal information to the service center and a request that the service center supply information associated with the personal information, and (ii) controls said communication device to receive information which is transmitted from the service center in accordance with said request; and

a display which displays the received information on the map of the neighborhood output by said navigation device.

2. The vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein:

the personal information stored in said memory includes information regarding personal preferences; and

said controller of said vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus requests the service center to search information regarding a restaurant or an amusement facility in accordance with the information regarding personal preferences.

3. The vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a monitor which monitors a residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle, and wherein said controller controls said display to display a location of a gas station on the map of the neighborhood output by said navigation device when the residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle becomes low.

4. The vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising means for acquiring the personal information from an address' book memory of a PDA, and for storing the personal information in said memory.

5. The vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising:

an input device for inputting a destination;

a monitor which monitors a residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle; and

means for determining before departure whether the vehicle can reach the destination with the residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle.

6. The vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein said input device includes means for acquiring the destination from a schedule data stored in a PDA.

7. The vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus according toclaim 6, wherein said controller controls said display to display a location of a gas station on the map of the neighborhood output by said navigation device when it is determined that the vehicle cannot reach the destination.

8. An information serving system comprising a vehicle-mountable electronic apparatus and a service center, wherein:

said vehicle-mountable electronic apparatus includes:

a navigation device which outputs a map of a neighborhood in a current location, and which indicates the current location on the map;

a communication device which communicates data with said service center;

a memory which stores personal information regarding an occupant of a vehicle;

a monitor which monitors at least one of time and mileage of the vehicle;

a controller which: (i) when said monitor detects that a current time corresponds to a predetermined time or that the vehicle has driven a predetermined vehicle;

a controller which: (i) when said monitor detects that a current time corresponds to a predetermined time or that the vehicle has driven a predetermined distance, causes said communication device to transmit the personal information to said service center and a request that said service center supply information associated with the personal information, and (ii) controls said communication device to receive information which is transmitted from said service center in accordance with said request; and

a display which displays the received information on the map of the neighborhood output by said navigation device, and said service center includes:

a communication device which communicates data with said electronic apparatus; and

an information searching device which receives a request for searching specific information from said electronic apparatus via said communication device of said service center, and searches a database for the specific information.

9. The information serving system according toclaim 8, wherein:

the personal information stored in said memory includes information regarding personal preferences; and

said information searching device of said service center searches information regarding a restaurant or an amusement facility in accordance with the information regarding personal preferences.

10. The information serving system according toclaim 9, wherein said information searching device of said service center further receives information regarding a destination, and searches information regarding a restaurant or an amusement facility which exists in the destination in accordance with the information regarding personal preferences.

11. The information serving system according toclaim 10, wherein said electronic apparatus further includes means for acquiring the information regarding a destination or the information regarding personal preferences from a PDA which stores the personal information and the information regarding a destination.

12. The information serving system according toclaim 10, wherein:

said electronic apparatus further includes a monitor which monitors a residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle; and

said controller of said electronic apparatus controls said display to display a location of a gas station on the map of the neighborhood output by said navigation device when the residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle becomes low.

13. An information serving method comprising:

a step of preparing a vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus having a navigation function for outputting a map of a neighborhood in a current location and indicating the current location on the map, and a communication function for communicating data with a service center;

a step of storing personal information regarding an occupant of a vehicle in a memory of the vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus;

a monitoring step of monitoring at least one of time and mileage of the vehicle;

a requesting step of controlling, when said monitoring step detects that a current time corresponds to a predetermined time or that the vehicle has driven a predetermined distance, the communication function to transmit the personal information to the service center and a request that the service center supply information associated with the personal information;

a receiving step of controlling the communication function to receive information which is transmitted from the service center in accordance with said request; and

a display step of displaying the received information on the map of the neighborhood output by said navigation function.

14. The information serving method according toclaim 13, wherein:

the personal information stored in the memory of the vehicle-mountable terminal apparatus includes information regarding personal preferences; and

said requesting step requests the service center to search information regarding a restaurant or an amusement facility in accordance with the information regarding personal preferences.

15. The information serving method according toclaim 14, further comprising:

a step of acquiring information regarding a destination; and

a step of searching the information regarding a restaurant or an amusement facility which exists in the destination in accordance with the information regarding personal preferences.

16. The information serving method according toclaim 13, further comprising:

a step of monitoring a residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle; and

a step of displaying a location of a gas station on the map of the neighborhood output by the navigation function when the residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle becomes low.

17. The information serving method according toclaim 13, further comprising a step of acquiring the personal information from a PDA which stores the personal information.

18. The information serving method according toclaim 13, further comprising:

a step of inputting a destination;

a step of monitoring a residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle; and

a step of determining before departure whether the vehicle can reach the destination with the residual quantity of fuel in the vehicle.

19. The information serving method according toclaim 18, further comprising a step of displaying a location of a gas station on the map of the neighborhood output by the navigation function when it is determined that the vehicle cannot reach the destination.

20. The information serving method according toclaim 18, wherein said step of inputting a destination includes a step of acquiring schedule data from a PDA which stores the schedule data.

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