Route guidance method, navigation apparatus, portable terminal, and information server

A route guidance method provides route guidance from a current position to a destination by using a navigation apparatus capable of displaying a route from the current position to the destination in combination with a portable terminal carried by a user. The navigation apparatus produces a 2-dimensional code based on information associated with the destination and a location at which the user leaves his/her car en route to the destination and displays the thus produced code. The portable terminal acquires the information associated with the location at which the user leaves his/her car and the destination by reading the 2-dimensional code displayed by the navigation apparatus.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-127107 filed on Apr. 22, 2004, including the specification, drawings and abstract thereof, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a route guidance method, a navigation apparatus, a portable terminal and an information server.

2. Description of the Related Art

In some cases, en route to a destination, a car is parked at a parking lot located close to the destination or a transportation station, and the remaining distance to the destination is traveled on foot or using a public transportation system. In such cases, a navigation system may provide route guidance for a route to the parking lot by indicating the route on a displayed map. For further guidance along the route from the parking lot to the destination, a portable terminal having a GPS capability and a route guidance capability may be used. However, use of such a portable terminal requires the user to perform complicated and troublesome operations to input information, associated with the destination, into the portable terminal when the user leaves the car.

With another device, when a destination is reached, a navigation apparatus is operated to store the destination as a registered point in a server as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-20304. After the destination has been registered, if the server detects that a user is leaving a car, the server transmits information to the user's portable terminal indicating a route from the user's car to the registered point (destination). When a destination is reached, it is necessary to operate the navigation apparatus mounted within the car to enter the destination as a registered point. Although this makes it unnecessary for a user to manually input destination information into the portable terminal, it is impossible to acquire route information via the portable terminal in a case in which the user leaves his/her car en route to the destination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient technique for providing route information to a user of a navigation apparatus and a portable terminal.

To solve the problems described above, the present invention provides a route guidance method for providing route guidance from a current position to a destination by use of a navigation apparatus capable of displaying a route from the current position to the destination and a portable terminal carried by a user, which method includes a step, performed by the navigation apparatus, for producing a code based on information associated with the destination and the current position en route to the destination and displaying the thus produced code, and steps, performed by the portable terminal, for acquiring code image information by capturing an image of the code displayed by the navigation apparatus and for providing route guidance to the destination based on the thus acquired code image information.

In this route guidance method, the navigation apparatus produces the code based on information associated with the destination and the current position en route to the destination and displays the produced code, and the portable terminal acquires code image information by capturing the image of the displayed code and provides route guidance to the destination based on the code image information. Thus, when a user leaves his car to walk to the destination or to use a public transportation system to reach the destination, the portable terminal can provide route guidance for a route from the current position to the destination based on the acquired information associated with the current position and the destination, even if the portable terminal does not have a position detection capability. A user can transfer at least information associated with the destination simply by capturing the code image from the display of the code without need for a troublesome operation inputting the information associated with the destination into the portable terminal, such as operation of keys.

The route guidance method may further include a step, performed by an information server connected to the portable terminal via a two-way communication line, for receiving code image information produced by capturing the image of the code with the portable terminal, and extracting information associated with the current position and the destination by analyzing the received code image information. This makes it possible for the portable terminal to extract the information associated with the current position and the destination without a capability for analyzing the image information.

In another embodiment the route guidance method further includes a step, performed by the portable terminal, for extracting information associated with the current position and the destination by analyzing the code image information obtained from the captured code image. This embodiment makes it unnecessary to use an external apparatus for analyzing the code.

The route guidance method may further include a step, performed by an information server, for searching for a route from the current position to the destination based on the extracted information associated with the current position and the destination, and transmitting information associated with the route. This makes it possible for the portable terminal to acquire route guidance information from the information server, without need for a searching capability.

In another embodiment, the route guidance method may further include a step, performed by the portable terminal, for searching for a route from the current position to the destination based on the extracted information associated with the current position and the destination. This embodiment makes it unnecessary to use an external apparatus to search for the route to the destination from the location at which the user leaves his/her car en route to the destination.

In yet another embodiment of the route guidance method the searching step is performed by the navigation apparatus. In this embodiment the navigation apparatus searches for a route from the current position to the destination based on the information associated with the current position and the destination, and incorporates information associated with the route into a code which is then displayed. In this route guidance method, the code produced by the navigation apparatus includes information associated with the route to the destination. This makes it possible to acquire the information associated with the route, from the current position to the destination, simply by analyzing the image information obtained by capturing the image of the code.

The route guidance method may further include a step, performed by an information server connected to the portable terminal via a two-way communication line, for producing information for a route or a running schedule of a transportation system, based on the extracted information associated with the current position and the destination and a step for transmitting the thus produced information to the portable terminal. This makes it possible to acquire information associated with a transportation system when the transportation system is to be used en route to the destination.

The route guidance method may further include a step, performed by the portable terminal or an information server connected to the portable terminal via a two-way communication line, for transmitting facility information associated with the current position or facility information associated with the destination to the portable terminal, based on the extracted information associated with the current position and the destination. This makes it possible for the portable terminal to acquire information about facilities located in the vicinity of the current position or the destination, without need for a position detection capability and without need for storage of facility information in a storage unit incorporated into the portable terminal.

The present invention also provides a navigation apparatus for displaying a route from a current position to a destination, which navigation apparatus includes code generation means for generating a code which includes information associated with the current position and the destination and whose image can be captured by a portable terminal, and a display screen for displaying the generated code on a display of the navigation apparatus.

In this navigation apparatus, the code, which is produced based on the information associated with the current position and the destination and whose image can be captured by a portable terminal, is displayed on a display screen of the navigation apparatus. Thus, in a case in which a user uses a portable terminal to acquire route guidance for a route from a parking location to the final destination, it is possible to transfer the information associated with the current position and the destination to the portable terminal by capturing the image of the code displayed on the navigation apparatus. This makes it possible for the portable terminal to acquire the information associated with the current position without need for a capability of detecting the current position and also makes it possible for the portable terminal to acquire the information associated with the destination simply by capturing the image of the code without need for re-input of the information associated with the destination.

The present invention also provides a portable terminal capable of obtaining information associated with a current position and a destination by transfer from a navigation apparatus. For this purpose the portable terminal includes an imaging unit for capturing, as image information, an image of a code, produced based on information associated with the current position and the destination and displayed on the screen of the navigation apparatus, and analysis means for extracting information associated with the current position and the destination by analyzing the captured code image information. This makes it possible for the portable terminal to acquire the information associated with the current position without need for capability of detecting the current position and also makes it possible for the portable terminal to acquire the information associated with the destination simply by capturing the image of the code without need for re-input of the information associated with the destination.

The present invention also provides an information server connected, via two-way communication, to a portable terminal carried by a user. In this embodiment, the information server includes analysis means for receiving code image information based on information associated with a current position and a destination and transmitted from the portable terminal, and for extracting information associated with the current position and the destination by analyzing the code image information. This makes it possible for the portable terminal to acquire the information associated with the current position and the destination without need for capability of analyzing the code, because the information server performs the analysis for the portable terminal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the invention is described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 9. As shown inFIG. 1, the route guidance system of the first embodiment includes a navigation apparatus1installed in a vehicle M, a portable terminal2, and an information server3installed in an information center. The navigation apparatus1is connected to the server3via a network N that allows two-way data communication between the navigation apparatus1and the server3. The portable terminal2is also connected to the server3via the network N for data communication therebetween.

Details of the navigation apparatus1are shown inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 2, the navigation apparatus1includes a controller5, a position detection unit6, a storage unit7, an input unit8, and an output unit9.

The controller5includes a main controller10and a code generator13serving as code generation means. In accordance with a route guidance program, the main controller10executes various routines such as searching for a route from a current position to a destination and displaying the thus determined route. The main controller10also performs data communication with the server3in accordance with the route guidance program.

The code generator13generates a 2-dimensional code by coding a present position, a destination, a URL of the server3and authentification information. The generated 2-dimensional code output from the code generator13is supplied to the output unit9.

The position detection unit6detects the present position of the vehicle M and includes a GPS receiver15, a vehicle speed sensor16, and a direction sensor17.

The storage unit7stores various programs executed by the main controller10of the controller5or the code generator13. For example, the programs include a program for data communication with the server3, a program for displaying a map and route guidance information on the display23of the output unit9, and a program for displaying the 2-dimensional code. The storage unit7also stores data such as destination data used to set a destination, and map data and road data used in route searching.

The input unit8is composed of switches or a remote controller. The input unit8is used to input various control signals to the controller5for setting of a destination, searching for a route, and route guidance. The output unit9includes a display unit23and a speaker. The display unit23is, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, and is used to display an image and various kinds of information produced as a result of the various routines and processing executed by the main controller10of the controller5or the code generator13.

The portable terminal2as shown inFIG. 3is intended to be carried by a user. Specific examples of the portable terminal2include a portable telephone and a PDA device. The portable terminal2includes a controller25, a storage unit26, an input unit27, and an output unit28.

The controller25controls data transmission with the server3. The storage unit26stores various kinds of programs including a browser program. The storage unit26also stores data received from the server3and data input via the input unit27. The input unit27includes a digital camera32serving as an imaging unit and also includes an input button. The digital camera32, for example, a CCD camera, is used for capturing an image of a 2-dimensional code displayed on the display unit23of the navigation apparatus1. The output unit28includes a display unit31for displaying a map and an operation screen, and also includes a speaker.

Next, the server3located in the information center will be explained with reference toFIG. 4which is a schematic diagram of the electrical configuration of the server3. As shown inFIG. 4, the server3includes a controller35and a storage unit36.

The controller35includes a data transmission/reception unit37serving as analysis means, a route search unit38, and an associated information search unit39. The data transmission/reception unit37provides data communication with the navigation apparatus1or the portable terminal2. The route search unit38searches for a route from a current position to a destination, based on position information associated with the current position and the destination received from the navigation apparatus1. If the route determined by the search includes a public transportation system, the route search unit38searches for a public transportation line to be used.

The associated information search unit39searches for associated information such as information for facilities at particular points and/or train schedules (timetable information), responsive to signals received from the navigation apparatus1or the portable terminal2. The information obtained by the route search unit38and associated with the route from the current position to the destination and the facility information obtained by the associated information search unit39are transmitted by the data transmission/reception unit37to the portable terminal2.

The storage unit36of the server3stores the route guidance program used to analyze two-dimensional codes. The storage unit36includes a map data storage unit40, a search data storage unit41, and a facility data storage unit42. The map data storage unit40stores map data used to display a map on the display unit31of the portable terminal2. The search data storage unit41stores data including road data and node data used in searching for the shortest route between two points, e.g., between the detected or input current position and a destination. The search data storage unit41also stores train schedules and other information for public transportation systems. The facility data storage unit42stores information associated with facilities such as hospitals and schools located in various areas.

A route guidance method according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described, with reference toFIGS. 5 to 9.

Assuming that the navigation apparatus1is currently providing route guidance by displaying a route from a current position to a destination on the display unit23, the navigation apparatus1operates as follows. Referring toFIG. 5, in step S1-1the navigation apparatus1(the controller5) executes a route guidance program to provide route guidance from the current position to the destination by displaying a map of an area around the current position on the display unit23. When a user parks vehicle M in a parking lot or other parking location en route to the destination and leaves the vehicle M, the user operates a switch on the input unit8of the navigation apparatus1to display a setting screen G1as shown inFIG. 6for transferring information associated with the destination on the display unit23.

As shown inFIG. 6, the setting screen G1includes an address setting button, a history button, and a destination transfer button S1. When a user touches the destination transfer button S1on the setting screen G1, the navigation apparatus1(the controller5) determines that a destination transfer command has been issued (step S1-2is answered affirmatively), the navigation apparatus1produces a 2-dimensional code by the code generator13and displays the generated 2-dimensional code on the display unit23(step S1-3). The 2-dimensional code C is displayed, as shown inFIG. 7, in a display area R in the lower right corner of the display unit23on which the map is also displayed.

The 2-dimensional code C includes coded information associated with the current position and the destination set by the user in the navigation apparatus1. The 2-dimensional code C can include a large amount of information in a small area and can be read from an arbitrary direction. When the 2-dimensional code C is generated as described above, the information associated with the current position is given by the position detection unit6, and the information associated with the destination is read from the storage unit7. The 2-dimensional code C displayed also includes coded information associated with the URL of the server3of the information center and authentication information needed to access the server3. The information associated with the URL and the authentication information represented in the 2-dimensional code C are acquired from the storage unit7.

When the 2-dimensional code displayed on the navigation apparatus1is read (captured) by the portable terminal2, the tasks of the navigation apparatus1are completed and electric power thereto is turned off.

Next, the operation of the portable terminal2will be explained with reference toFIG. 8.

When the 2-dimensional code C is displayed on the display unit23of the navigation apparatus1, the user captures the image of the 2-dimensional code C using the digital camera32of the portable terminal2(step S1-4). The controller25temporarily stores the captured 2-dimensional code as image data (image information) in the storage unit26. In response to an input command (operation by the user), the controller25transmits the image data of the 2-dimensional code stored in the storage unit26to the server3(step S1-5).

After the transmission of the image data of the 2-dimensional code, the portable terminal2(the controller25) waits for route guidance information to be transmitted, in response to the image data, from the server3(step S1-6). More specifically, in accordance with information indicated by the image data (the 2-dimensional code), the server3transmits route guidance information or error information to the portable terminal2. Depending on the situation, the route guidance information includes route information and train schedule information (timetable information) or includes only route information. If the server3receives image data (2-dimensional code) from an unauthorized portable terminal, the server3transmits, to that portable terminal, an error message indicating that the portable terminal is not allowed to receive route guidance.

When the portable terminal2receives the route guidance information from the server3(that is, if step S1-6is answered affirmatively), the portable terminal2(the controller25) displays the route guidance from the current position to the destination on the display unit31. If the route guidance information received from the server3includes schedule information for a public transportation system to be used en route to the destination, this schedule information is also displayed on the display unit31(step S1-7a). More specifically, when the portable terminal2(the controller25) receives route information and train schedule information, the portable terminal2(the controller25) first displays a menu screen K1on the display unit31as shown inFIG. 9. The name of the current position and the name of the destination are displayed on the menu screen K1. The menu screen K1also displays “Search for route”, “Display current-position area”, and “Display destination area” buttons, which are selectable by pressing. As shown inFIG. 9, if “Search for route” is selected, the portable terminal2(the controller25) displays a route display screen K2. If “Display current-position area” is selected, a current-position area map screen K3is displayed. If “Display destination area” is selected, a destination area map screen K4is displayed.

On the route display screen K2, a route guidance map from the current position to the destination is displayed. In the case in which a public transportation system is to be used en route to the destination, a departure station and a departure time table, a transfer station and a transfer time table, and an arrival station and an arrival time table are also displayed. The current-position area map screen K3presents a map of an area in the vicinity of the current position. Likewise, the destination area map screen K4displays a map of an area in the vicinity of the destination. The user can easily reach the destination in accordance with information displayed on the screens K2to K4. In the case in which a public transportation system is to be used, the user can easily determine by what time it is necessary to reach the departure station, based on the displayed information associated with the departure station and the departure times, the transfer station and the transfer time table, and the arrival station and the arrival time table.

If the route guidance information received in step S1-6includes only route information, i.e., without the above-described schedule information, the portable terminal2(the controller25) displays, for route guidance, a map of the route from the current position to the destination (step S1-7b). More specifically, the portable terminal2(the controller25) displays the menu screen K1, the route display screen K2, the current-position area map screen K3, and the destination area map screen K4similar to those shown inFIG. 9, except that train schedule information is not displayed on the route display screen K2. Thus, the user can easily reach the destination in accordance with information displayed on the screens K2to K4.

In a case in which an error message is received in step S1-6, the portable terminal2(the controller25) displays, on the display unit31, a message indicating that display of route guidance is not allowed (step S1-7c).

In operation of the server3, as shown inFIG. 8, the server3waits for receipt of the data from the image of the 2-dimensional code transmitted from the portable terminal2, while performing normal processing (steps S1-8and S1-9). When the image data is received (if step SI-9is answered affirmatively), the data transmission/reception unit37of the server3analyzes the 2-dimensional code included in the received image data (step S1-10). More specifically, the data transmission/reception unit37extracts information associated with the current position, information associated with the destination, and authentication information needed to access the server3, from the image data of the 2-dimensional code.

If the data transmission/reception unit37can extract neither information associated with the current position and the destination (position information) nor the authentication information needed to access the server3(that is, if step S1-11is answered negatively), the data transmission/reception unit37of the server3resumes normal processing (step S1-8) and waits for arrival of the image data of a 2-dimensional code to be transmitted from the portable terminal2(step S1-9).

If information associated with the current position and the destination (position information) and authentication information are successfully extracted from the image data (that is, if step S1-11is answered affirmatively), the data transmission/reception unit37compares the extracted authentication information with pre-registered authentication information (step S1-12). More specifically, the data transmission/reception unit37verifies the received authentication information by comparing it with user information stored in a user information storage unit (not shown). If the authentication is unsuccessful (step S1-12is answered negatively), the data transmission/reception unit37transmits an error message to the portable terminal2(step S1-13).

On the other hand, if the authentication is successful (step S1-12is answered affirmatively), the server3searches for a route from the current position (car parking location) to the destination, based on the extracted information associated with the current position and the destination (step S1-14). More specifically, the route search unit38of the server3produces optimum route information indicating an optimum route from the current position (car parking location) to the destination based on search data stored in the search data storage unit41. The route search unit38extracts map data (map information) from the map data storage unit40based on the optimum route information, and produces route information for display of a map with the optimum route shown thereon.

The route search unit38then examines the optimum route information to determine whether a public transportation system is to be used en route. (step S1-15). If it is determined that no public transportation system is available for use en route to the destination (step S1-15is answered negatively), the server3(the data transmission/reception unit37) transmits the optimum route information as route information to the portable terminal2(step S1-16).

On the other hand, if it is determined that a public transportation system is to be used en route to the destination (step S1-15is answered affirmatively), the associated information search unit39of the server3acquires train schedule data or other transportation schedule data (step S1-17). More specifically, the associated information search unit39reads information from the search data storage unit41of the server3and produces information associated with routes (lines) of the public transportation system, such as a train system. The associated information search unit39reads train schedule information from a train schedule storage unit (not shown) of the server3and produces a train schedule table (indicating a departure station, a departure time, an arrival station, and an arrival time (and also a transfer station and a transfer time, if transfer is necessary)). The data transmission/reception unit37transmits the train schedule information including the train line information and the train schedule table together with the route information to the portable terminal2(step S1-18).

Summarizing, in the first embodiment, the navigation apparatus1produces a 2-dimensional code based on information (position information) associated with a car parking spot and a destination, and displays the thus produced 2-dimensional code on the display unit23. The portable terminal2reads the displayed 2-dimensional code by capturing an image of the 2-dimensional code using the digital camera32and transmits the image data to the server3. The server3extracts the position information by analyzing the received image data. The server3searches for a route from the car parking spot to the destination based on the extracted position information, and transmits route guidance information indicating the detected route to the portable terminal2.

Thus, in a case in which a user leaves his/her vehicle M en route to the destination, and walks or uses public transportation to reach the destination, the user can acquire information associated with the route from the car parking spot to the destination via the portable terminal2, even if the portable terminal2does not have a position detection capability using a GPS or the like, does not have a route searching capability, and does not have a 2-dimensional code analysis capability. Further, the user need not operate input buttons or the like to input information associated with the destination into the portable terminal2. This provides a great convenience to the user.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 10. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for some modification in processing. In the following description of the second embodiment, features similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation is focused on the what is different from the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the controller25(analysis means) of the portable terminal2analyzes the image data of the 2-dimensional code. Thus, the data transmission/reception unit37of the server3does not analyze the image data of the 2-dimensional code.

Referring toFIG. 10, in step Si-4, when an image of a 2-dimensional code is captured using the digital camera32of the portable terminal2, the controller25temporarily stores the captured 2-dimensional code as image data in the storage unit26. The controller25analyzes the 2-dimensional code included in the captured image data (step S2-1). That is, the controller25extracts information (position information) associated with a current position and a destination and authentication information needed to access the server3, from the image data of the 2-dimensional code.

If the controller25can extract neither position information nor authentication information needed to access the server3(the answer in step S2-2is negative), the controller25displays an error message on the display unit31(step S2-3). On the other hand, if position information and authentication information are successfully extracted from the image data (the answer in step S2-2is affirmative), the controller25transmits the extracted position information and authentication information to the server3(step S2-4). Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the portable terminal2(the controller25) waits for receipt of transmitted route guidance information, in response to the image data (the 2-dimensional code), from the server3(step S1-6).

The server3waits for receipt of the position information and the authentication information transmitted from the portable terminal2(step S2-5). When position information and authentification information are received (the answer in step S2-5is affirmative), the data transmission/reception unit37executes a routine similar to that of the first embodiment (steps S1-12to S1-18) to produce route guidance information or error information and transmits the thus produced information to the portable terminal2.

Summarizing, in the second embodiment, the navigation apparatus1produces a 2-dimensional code based on location information associated with a current location (a car parking location) and a destination, and displays the thus produced 2-dimensional code on the display unit23. The portable terminal2reads the displayed 2-dimensional code by capturing the image of the 2-dimensional code using the digital camera32and analyzes the image data (the 2-dimensional code). The portable terminal2extracts the location information from the 2-dimensional code and transmits the extracted location information to the server3. The server3searches for a route from the car parking location to the destination based on the location information received from the portable terminal2and transmits route guidance information to the portable terminal2.

Thus, in a case in which a user leaves his/her vehicle M en route to the destination, and travels on foot or by public transportation to reach the destination, the user can acquire information associated with the route from the car parking location to the destination via the portable terminal2, even if the portable terminal2has neither a position detection capability using a GPS or the like nor a route searching capability. The user does not need to operate input buttons or the like of the portable terminal2to input information associated with the destination. This provides great convenience to the user. The server3does not need to analyze the image data (the 2-dimensional code), and thus the processing burden imposed on the server3is reduced.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described below with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except for some modifications in the configuration of the portable terminal2and in the routine executed by the portable terminal2. In the following explanation of the third embodiment, components similar to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation is focused on the those features different from the first embodiment.

This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that route guidance information is produced, not by the server3, but by the portable terminal2. To this end, the portable terminal2stores map data, search data and facility data in its storage unit, and the controller25has the capability of searching for a route from the current position to a destination and the capability of searching for facilities located in various areas along the thus determined route. Furthermore, the controller25of the portable terminal2has the capability of analyzing the 2-dimensional code by communicating with the navigation apparatus1.

A route guidance method according to the third embodiment of the invention will now be described below with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12.

Referring toFIG. 11, in step S1-4, when an image of a 2-dimensional code is captured using the digital camera32of the portable terminal2, the controller25temporarily stores the captured 2-dimensional code as image data in the storage unit26. The controller25analyzes the 2-dimensional code included in the captured image data (step S2-1). That is, the controller25extracts information (“location” or “position”) associated with a current position and a destination from the image data of the 2-dimensional code. Note that in the present embodiment the 2-dimensional code does not include authentication information for access to the server3, because no data from the server3is necessary.

If position information is extracted from the image data (step S2-2is answered affirmatively), the controller25displays a menu screen K5on the display unit31as shown inFIG. 12, and waits for a selection from the menu (steps S3-1and3-2). The “current position” and the “destination” extracted from the 2-dimensional code are displayed on the menu screen K5. Furthermore, the menu screen K5also includes a “Search for route” button, a “Display current-position area” button, and a “Display destination area” button.

If the “Search for route” button is selected on the menu screen K5(step S3-2is answered affirmatively), the controller25searches for an optimum route from the current position to the destination utilizing the search data stored in the storage unit26(step S3-3). Based on optimum route information obtained as a result of the searching, the controller25retrieves map information for the optimum route from map data stored in the storage unit26, and the controller25displays the optimum route on the display unit31of the portable terminal2(step S3-4). More specifically, a map screen K6such as that shown inFIG. 12is displayed on the display unit31, and a map of a relative wide area showing the route from the car parking location to the destination is displayed on the map screen K6.

If the “Display current-position area” button or the “Display destination area” button is selected on the menu screen K5(step S3-2is answered affirmatively), the controller25searches for map data associated with the current position or the destination based on the extracted position information (step S3-5).

On the other hand, if “Facilities in current position area” or “Facilities in destination area” is selected on the menu screen K5(step S3-2is answered affirmatively), the controller25first displays a facility category selection screen K7, as shown inFIG. 12. The controller25then searches for facilities associated with the current position or the destination based on a facility category selected from the menu presented on the facility category selection screen K7and the extracted position information (step S3-7). The controller25displays information indicating detected facilities on the display unit31(step S3-8).

The user can then travel in accordance with the map and the facility information displayed on the display unit31of the portable terminal2.

Summarizing, in the third embodiment, the navigation apparatus1produces a 2-dimensional code based on position information and displays the thus produced 2-dimensional code on the display unit31. The portable terminal2reads the displayed 2-dimensional code by capturing the image of the 2-dimensional code using the digital camera32and analyzes the image data. Based on data obtained as a result of the analysis, the portable terminal2searches for a route from the current position (car parking location) to the destination, a map of an area in the vicinity of the car parking location or in the vicinity of the destination, and facilities. Based on information obtained by the search, a screen with the map and facility information is displayed on the display unit31of the portable terminal2.

Thus, if a user leaves his car en route to the destination, and walks or uses a public transportation system to reach the destination, the user can acquire information associated with the route from the car parking location to the destination via the portable terminal2, even if the portable terminal2has no position detection capability using a GPS or the like. The user need not operate input buttons or the like of the portable terminal2to input information associated with the destination, which is a great convenience to the user. Because the portable terminal2has a route search capability, the user can acquire information associated with the route from the current position (car parking location) to the destination by using the portable terminal2even in a poor communication environment.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment except for modifications in the configuration of the navigation apparatus1and in the processing performed by the navigation apparatus1. In this explanation of the fourth embodiment, components similar to those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation focuses on what is different from the third embodiment.

In this fourth embodiment, as shown inFIG. 13, the main controller10of the navigation apparatus1searches for a route from the current position (a car parking spot) to a destination, based on search data and map data stored in the storage unit7(step S4-1). The main controller10produces a 2-dimensional code based on optimum route information obtained by this searching and further based on information associated with the location of the parking place and the destination.

The main controller10displays the thus produced 2-dimensional code on the display unit23(step S1-3). The 2-dimensional code produced by the code generator13of the navigation apparatus1includes information associated with the current position, the destination, and the optimum route.

As shown inFIG. 14, the portable terminal2stores at least facility data in the storage unit26. The portable terminal2captures the display of the 2-dimensional code displayed on the display unit23of the navigation apparatus1through use of digital camera32(step S1-4). The controller25of the portable terminal2analyzes image data obtained by capturing the 2-dimensional code (step S2-1).

Using information (position information) associated with the current position and destination and optimum route information extracted from the image data (answer in step S2-2is affirmative), the controller25executes a routine similar to that executed in the third embodiment to display a map with a route indicated thereon, a map of an area in the vicinity of the current position or in the vicinity of the destination, and a screen showing facility information on the display unit31. In this fourth embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, the portable terminal2does not search for a route to the destination, because the optimum route information is provided by the navigation apparatus1.

Summarizing, in the fourth embodiment, based on search data and map data stored in the storage unit7of the navigation apparatus1, the navigation apparatus1searches for a route from a current position (parking location) to a destination. Furthermore, the navigation apparatus1produces a 2-dimensional code based on the thus produced optimum route information, and displays that 2-dimensional code on the display unit23. The portable terminal2reads the displayed 2-dimensional code by capturing the image of the 2-dimensional code using the digital camera32and analyzes the image data. A map indicating the route, a map of an area in the vicinity of the current position or in the vicinity of the destination, and a screen providing facility information are displayed on the display unit31of the portable terminal2.

Thus, in a case in which a user leaves his car en route to the destination, and walks or uses a public transportation system to reach the destination, the user can acquire information associated with the route, from the parking location to the destination, via the portable terminal2, even if the portable terminal2does not have a position detection capability using a GPS or the like and does not have a searching capability. Further, the user does not need to operate input buttons or the like on the portable terminal2to input information associated with the destination, a great convenience to the user.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 15. In the fifth embodiment, the navigation apparatus1of the first embodiment is modified as in the fourth embodiment. In the following description of the fifth embodiment, components similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the following explanation focuses on the differences from the first embodiment.

That is, in the fifth embodiment, like the fourth embodiment, the navigation apparatus1possesses the search capability, i.e., a capability to search the search data and map data stored in the storage unit7of the navigation apparatus1. The navigation apparatus1searches for an optimum route and produces a 2-dimensional code including optimum route information. Thus, the server3does not search for an optimum route, because the searching is performed by the navigation apparatus1.

Referring toFIG. 15, the data transmission/reception unit37of the server3analyzes the image data of the 2-dimensional code to extract position information, optimum route information, and authentication information. If the authentication information is verified as valid (the answer in step S1-12is affirmative), the data transmission/reception unit37of the server3performs step S1-15without execution of a search routine.

Summarizing, in the fifth embodiment, the navigation apparatus1searches for a route from a parking location to a destination based on the position information. Furthermore, the navigation apparatus1produces a 2-dimensional code based on the produced optimum route information, and the 2-dimensional code displayed on the display unit is read by portable terminal2by capturing the image of the 2-dimensional code using the digital camera32and transmits the image data to the server3. The server3analyzes the received image data to extract the optimum route information. Based on the extracted optimum route information, the server3produces route guidance information, a map of an area in the vicinity of the current position (car parking location) or in the vicinity of the destination, and facility information and transmits the thus produced information to the portable terminal2.

Thus, if a user leaves his car en route to the destination, and walks to or uses a public transportation system to reach the destination, the user can acquire information associated with the route, extending from the parking location to the destination, via the portable terminal2, even if the portable terminal2does not have a position detection capability using a GPS or the like, does not have a route searching capability, and does not have a 2-dimensional code analysis capability. Further, the user does not need to operate input buttons or the like on the portable terminal2to input information associated with the destination, thus providing a great convenience to the user. The server3does not need to execute a searching routine, and thus the processing burden imposed on the server3is reduced.

Various modifications of the above-described embodiments are possible, some examples of which are described below.

In the embodiments described above, when a user presses a destination transfer button SI on the setting screen G1displayed on the display unit23of the navigation apparatus1, the navigation apparatus1responds by displaying the 2-dimensional code on the display unit23. Alternatively, the navigation apparatus1may display the 2-dimensional code on the display unit23when the car has reached the vicinity of the destination. More specifically, if a selection button S2corresponding to “Displaying of 2-dimensional code” on a setting screen G3shown inFIG. 16is pressed, the navigation apparatus1determines that a destination transfer command has been issued (answer in step S1-2is affirmative). Then, the navigation apparatus1determines that the car has reached an area within a predetermined distance (for example, 500 m) from the destination or a departure station, the navigation apparatus1displays the 2-dimensional code including position information on the display unit23.

In the embodiments described above, the code displayed on the display unit23of the navigation apparatus1is in a 2-dimensional form. Alternatively, a bar code may be used. In this case, the portable terminal captures the image of the bar code using the digital camera32thereby acquiring image data. The image data is analyzed by the portable terminal2or the server3to extract the information associated with the current position and the destination.

In the embodiments described above, only the 2-dimensional code C is displayed on the screen50of the display unit23of the navigation apparatus1, as shown inFIG. 17. However, the 2-dimensional code C may be displayed in a display area Z1located at the substantial center of the screen50, as also shown inFIG. 17.

In the embodiments described above, a screen51is displayed on the display unit23of the navigation apparatus1as shown inFIG. 18. However, a map of, for example, the area of the current position may be displayed in an area Z2on the left-hand side of the screen51, and a 2-dimensional code C may be displayed in an area Z3on the right-hand side of the screen51, as also shown inFIG. 18.

The first, second, and fifth embodiments may be modified so that the server3does not perform the search for a route or a running schedule of a transportation system.

In the embodiments described above, information associated with routes of public transportation systems, such as train systems, may be stored in the storage unit26of the portable terminal2. The controller25of the portable terminal2may produce information associated with a route and schedule information for the transportation system based on the information stored in the storage unit26.

The embodiments described above may be modified so that the 2-dimensional code produced by the navigation apparatus and read by the portable terminal2is analyzed by the server3and the resultant decoded data is returned to the portable terminal2.

In the embodiments described above, when the portable terminal2accesses the server3, the authentication process performed between the portable terminal2and the server3may be omitted. In this case, the 2-dimensional code need not include authentication information, and thus it is possible to reduce the data size of the code.

In the embodiments described above, the portable terminal2may have a position detection capability using a GPS or the like, and may further have a route searching capability. Even in this case, the portable terminal2can acquire the information associated with the destination from the navigation apparatus1without input of information, a feature which is very convenient for the user.

In the embodiments described above, the navigation apparatus1is assumed to be installed in the vehicle M, Alternatively, the navigation apparatus1may be a terminal installed, for example, in a store, an office, or other location.