Abstract:
An information system capable of utilizing information in which a user evaluation pertaining to the environment or conditions surrounding a traveling vehicle is highly precise (very near real time). The information system ( 100 ) comprises an onboard terminal device ( 110 ) for outputting information obtained by a user&#39;s input operation, a communication terminal device ( 120 ) for transmitting the information outputted by the onboard terminal device ( 110 ) to the exterior, and an information center ( 130 ) for classifying and delivering the information received from the onboard terminal device ( 110 ). The onboard terminal device ( 110 ) varies the level of detail of the information that the user is allowed to input in accordance with the speed of the vehicle or the presence/absence of a passenger other than the driver of the vehicle.

Description:
This application is entitled to and claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-127768 dated Jun. 5, 2012, the disclosure of which including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an information system in which an information center and a communication terminal device mounted (or placed) in a vehicle perform bidirectional and real-time wireless communication and also relates to an in-vehicle terminal device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventionally, an information system is known in which an information center searches for a region in which a vehicle density is high on the basis of location information transmitted from vehicles, and transmits a question about a region satisfaction level to the vehicles in the found region (see, for example, PTL 1). In this information system, the information center further receives the answers for the question, and posts the information relating to the received satisfaction level on the network. The vehicles can receive the information. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-222193 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, in the conventional information systems, questions are transmitted only to stopped vehicles in the searched region or vehicles which are in the searched region and in which a passenger other than the driver exists. Consequently, the user cannot voluntarily transmit the answer for the question from the vehicle side, resulting in lack of a real time property. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an information system and an in-vehicle terminal device that allows for an operation in which location information of a vehicle and brief user information are transmitted, and then detailed user information is added to the transmitted brief user information when the vehicle is stopped or a passenger other than the driver exists in the vehicle. 
     Solution to Problem 
     To achieve the above-mentioned object, embodiments of the present invention include a communication terminal device having a control section and a wireless communication section; an in-vehicle terminal device having a display section, a control section, a user interface section, a vehicle information detection section, and a location information detection section; and an information center having a wireless communication section, a control section. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to the present invention, a user can voluntarily transmit information to the information center from the vehicle side, and thus real time information update can be achieved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a configuration diagram of information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of brief user information D 3 , and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of detailed user information D 3 , and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of brief user information D 3  in in-vehicle terminal device  110  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of detailed user information D 3  in in-vehicle terminal device  110  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart for describing reception of feedback information D 5  in in-vehicle terminal device  110  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of center transmission information D 4  in communication terminal device  120  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart for describing reception of feedback information D 5  in communication terminal device  120  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart for describing an operation of an information communication in information center  130  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view for describing a first example of input of brief user information D 3  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view for describing a second example of input of brief user information D 3  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view for describing a third example of input of brief user information D 3  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view for describing a fourth example of input of brief user information D 3  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view for describing a first example of input of detailed user information D 3  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view for describing a second example of input of detailed user information D 3  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view for describing a third example of input of detailed user information D 3  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a configuration diagram of information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of brief user information D 3 , and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of detailed user information D 3 , and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of brief user information D 3  in in-vehicle terminal device  210  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of detailed user information D 3  in in-vehicle terminal device  210  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a flow chart for describing a transmission of center transmission information D 4  in communication terminal device  220  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiment 1 
     In the following, information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. First, vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2 , user information D 3 , center transmission information D 4 , feedback information D 5 , user information selection information D 6 , and display selection information D 7 , which are used in the following description, will be described. 
     Vehicle information D 1  is information provided from the vehicle. Vehicle information D 1  represents a vehicle speed, an operation state of a brake, an operation state of a wiper, a steering angle of a steering, the position of a passenger in the vehicle, the number of people in the vehicle, and the like. 
     Location information D 2  is information that is obtained by utilizing a GPS antenna, and represents the position of the vehicle. 
     User information D 3  is information that is input by the user. For example, user information D 3  is information representing road conditions such as a traffic volume, a lane regulation in association with a road closure or a road construction, and the like of the road where the vehicle travels, which are perceived by the user in the vehicle. In addition, for example, user information D 3  is information representing impressions and opinions for the surrounding condition such as the scenery and shops of the road where the vehicle travels, and the like. 
     Center transmission information D 4  is information generated by communication terminal device  120 . Center transmission information D 4  includes at least location information D 2  and user information D 3 , and allows for determination of the association with location information D 2  on information center  130  side. It is to be noted that vehicle information D 1  may be included in center transmission information D 4 . In addition, center transmission information D 4  may be generated by in-vehicle terminal device  110 . 
     Feedback information D 5  is information generated by information center  130 . Feedback information D 5  is information in which center transmission information D 4  transmitted from a plurality of vehicles is sorted by (or collected for statistics on) traffic volume, road conditions, a surrounding condition, and the like. It is to be noted that, in feedback information D 5 , in the case where there are pieces of information whose content can be determined to be the same, weight information may be added to prioritize the information used for displaying. 
     User information selection information D 6  is information input by the user. User information selection information D 6  is information used for selecting, from pieces of brief user information D 3  input by the user, brief user information D 3  to which detailed user information D 3  is added. 
     Display selection information D 7  is information input by the user. Display selection information D 7  is information used for selecting whether to display feedback information D 5  transmitted from information center  130  on display section  111  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 . 
     Next, information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 1  is the configuration diagram of information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 1 , information system  100  includes in-vehicle terminal device  110 , communication terminal device  120 , and information center  130 . In-vehicle terminal device  110  is provided with a function of detecting vehicle information D 1  and location information D 2 ; a function of acquiring, displaying, and inputting user information D 3 ; a function of acquiring user information selection information D 6 ; and a function of acquiring display selection information D 7 . Communication terminal device  120  transmits information (D 1  to D 3 ) from in-vehicle terminal device  110 , or receives information (D 5 ) from information center  130 . Information center  130  is a device for receiving information from vehicles (D 4 ), collecting the received information, and transmitting information to vehicles (D 5 ). 
     Here, the term “collection of information” means the operation of information center  130  in which the received data is sorted by (or collected for statistics on) the traffic volume, road conditions, and surrounding condition. 
     It is to be noted that, in information center  130 , as information is received from a plurality of the vehicles having in-vehicle terminal device  110  and communication terminal device  120 , the amount of information collected in information center  130  is increased, thus improving the reliability of information. In this manner, the information transmitted from information center  130  can be used as useful information for the users who received the information from information center  130 . 
     In-vehicle terminal device  110  and communication terminal device  120  are provided in a vehicle such as an automobile (or placed in a vehicle), and information center  130  is provided outside a vehicle. For example, information center  130  is provided in an office that provides service, and the like. 
     In-vehicle terminal device  110  detects vehicle information D 1  and location information D 2 , acquires and stores user information D 3  input by the user, and transmits the information to communication terminal device  120 . In addition, in-vehicle terminal device  110  receives feedback information D 5  received from information center  130  by communication terminal device  120 , and displays the information on the basis of display selection information D 7 . Here, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is a car navigation device, for example. 
     In-vehicle terminal device  110  includes display section (notification section)  111 , control section  112 , user interface section  113 , vehicle information detection section  114 , and location information detection section  115 . Display section (notification section)  111  is, for example, a display. Control section  112  is composed of a microcomputer, ROM and RAM as storage sections, and the like, for example. User interface section  113  is composed of a touch panel on the display, a remote controller, a steering switch or other switches. User interface section  113  acquires user information D 3 , user information selection information D 6 , and display selection information D 7 . Vehicle information detection section  114  detects vehicle information D 1 . Location information detection section  115  detects location information D 2 . 
     The microcomputer of control section  112  executes a computer program which is stored in the ROM and configured to perform a control process, by using the RAM as a work area. At this time, the microcomputer of control section  112  temporarily stores vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2 , and user information D 3  in the RAM area, and temporarily stores feedback information D 5  received from the communication terminal device. 
     Communication terminal device  120  is configured to receive user information D 3 , and location information D 2  and vehicle information D 1  (in association with user information D 3 ) from in-vehicle terminal device  110 , convert the information into center transmission information D 4 , and transmit center transmission information D 4  to information center  130 . 
     In addition, communication terminal device  120  is configured to receive feedback information D 5  collected by information center  130 . Here, as communication terminal device  120 , a mobile phone, a smartphone or the like can be utilized, for example. 
     Communication terminal device  120  is composed of control section  121  and wireless communication section  122 . Control section  121  is composed of a microcomputer, ROM and RAM as storage sections, and the like, for example. Under the instruction of control section  121 , wireless communication section  122  transmits center transmission information D 4 , or receives feedback information D 5  from information center  130 . 
     The microcomputer of control section  121  executes a computer program which is stored in the ROM and configured to perform a control process, by using the RAM as a work area. At this time, the microcomputer of control section  121  temporarily stores information transmitted from in-vehicle terminal device  110  (D 1  to D 3 ), and information (D 5 ) transmitted from information center  130 , in the RAM area. 
     Information center  130  receives and collects center transmission information D 4  transmitted from vehicles, and transmits feedback information D 5  to the vehicles so as to provide feedback on the collected information to the vehicles. Here, information center  130  is a cloud, a file server or the like, for example. 
     Information center  130  is composed of control section  131  and wireless communication section  132 . Control section  131  is composed of a microcomputer, ROM and RAM as storage sections, and the like, for example. Wireless communication section  132  receives center transmission information D 4  from communication terminal device  120 . 
     Next, the processing and operation of information system  100  having the above-mentioned configuration are described. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart of a transmission of brief user information D 3 , and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     First, with reference to  FIG. 2 , the flow of the whole process of information system  100  is described. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , upon detecting vehicle information D 1  and location information D 2  and acquiring brief user information D 3 , control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 101 ), and transmits the information to control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  (step S 102 ). 
     Upon receiving vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2 , and brief user information D 3 , control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 111 ), and converts the information into center transmission information D 4  (step S 112 ). Then, control section  121  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  120  and wireless communication section  132  of information center  130 , to thereby transmit center transmission information D 4  to control section  131  of information center  130  (step S 113 ). 
     Upon receiving center transmission information D 4 , control section  131  of information center  130  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 121 ), collects the information on the basis of center transmission information D 4  transmitted from a plurality of vehicles (step S 122 ), and generates feedback information D 5  (step S 123 ). Then, control section  131  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  132  of information center  130  and wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  120 , to thereby transmit feedback information D 5  to control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  (step S 124 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130 , control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  stores feedback information D 5  in the RAM area (step S 114 ), and transmits the information to control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (step S 115 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130  through communication terminal device  120 , control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  stores feedback information D 5  in the RAM area in control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (step S 103 ). Then, in accordance with display selection information D 7 , control section  112  controls display section  111  to display the content representing feedback information D 5  (step S 104 ). 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart of a transmission of detailed user information D 3 , and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  100  in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , upon acquiring user information selection information D 6  and detailed user information D 3 , control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 201 ), and transmits the information to control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  (step S 202 ). 
     Upon receiving vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2  and detailed user information D 3 , control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 211 ), and converts the information into center transmission information D 4  (step S 212 ). Then, control section  121  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  120  and wireless communication section  132  of information center  130 , to thereby transmit center transmission information D 4  to control section  131  of information center  130  (step S 213 ). 
     Upon receiving center transmission information D 4 , control section  131  of information center  130  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 221 ), collects the information on the basis of center transmission information D 4  transmitted from a plurality of vehicles (step S 222 ), and generates feedback information D 5  (step S 223 ). Then, control section  131  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  132  of information center  130  and wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  120 , to thereby transmit feedback information D 5  to control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  (step S 224 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130 , control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 214 ), and transmits the information to control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (step S 215 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130  through communication terminal device  120 , control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  stores feedback information D 5  in the RAM area in control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (step S 203 ). Then, in accordance with display selection information D 7 , control section  112  controls display section  111  to display the content representing feedback information D 5  (step S 204 ). 
     Next, the flows of the processing of control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 , control section  121  of communication terminal device  120 , and control section  131  of information center  130  illustrated in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  are separately described in detail. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a transmission of brief user information D 3  executed by control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 .  FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a transmission of detailed user information D 3  executed by control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 . 
     The flow of  FIG. 4  is now described. First, control section  112  detects vehicle information D 1  and location information D 2  (step S 301 ), and determines whether brief user information D 3  is input by the user as the passenger of the vehicle (step S 302 ). It is to be noted that the processes of step S 301  and step S 302  may be reversed. 
     When the result of the determination process at step S 302  is “Yes,” in other words, when brief user information D 3  input by the user has been acquired, the operation is performed as follows. Control section  112  stores detected vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2 , acquired brief user information D 3 , control section  112  in the RAM area (step S 303 ), and transmits the information to control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  (step S 304 ). 
     When the result of the determination process at step S 302  is “No,” in other words, brief user information D 3  cannot be acquired, the process is returned to step S 301 , in other words, the process of detecting vehicle information D 1  and location information D 2 . 
     The flow of  FIG. 5  is now described. First, control section  112  determines whether brief user information D 3  in which detailed user information D 3  is not input is stored (step S 305 ). 
     When the result of the determination process at step S 305  is “Yes,” in other words, when brief user information D 3  is stored in RAM area of control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 , the operation is performed as follows. Control section  112  determines whether information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is detected from the vehicle speed information in vehicle information D 1 , or determines whether a vehicle passenger other than the driver is detected on the basis of information from the seating sensor in vehicle information D 1  (step S 306 ). 
     When the result at step S 306  is “Yes,” in other words, when information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is detected from the vehicle speed information, or when a vehicle passenger other than the driver is detected by the seating sensor, the operation is performed as follows. On the basis of location information D 2  stored in the RAM area of control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 , control section  112  displays brief user information D 3  on display section  111  (step S 307 ). 
     It should be noted that, when the result at step S 305  or step S 306  is “No,” the process is returned to step S 305 . 
     When brief user information D 3  is displayed at step S 307 , the user as a vehicle passenger can perform an input operation by utilizing user interface section  113 . 
     Here, when the user performs the input operation, control section  112  determines whether user information selection information D 6  is acquired or not (step S 308 ), and determines whether detailed user information D 3  input by the user as a vehicle passenger can be acquired (step S 309 ). 
     When it is determined that user information selection information D 6  cannot be acquired at step S 308  (No at step S 308 ), or when it is determined that detailed user information D 3  cannot be acquired at step S 309  (No at step S 309 ), the process is returned to step S 305 . 
     When it is determined that user information selection information D 6  is acquired at step S 308  (Yes at step S 308 ), and that detailed user information D 3  can be acquired at step S 309  (Yes at step S 309 ), the operation is performed as follows. Control section  112  acquires detailed user information D 3 , stores detailed user information D 3  thus acquired in the RAM area of control section  112  (step S 310 ), and transmits the information to control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  (step S 311 ). 
     Then, control section  112  determines whether the user has completed the input of detailed user information D 3  for all brief user information D 3  (step S 312 ). 
     When detailed user information D 3  has not been acquired for brief user information D 3  stored in the RAM area of control section  121  (No at step S 312 ), the process is returned to step S 305 , in other words, the process of determining whether brief user information D 3  is stored. 
     It should be noted that, when the result in step  312  is “No,” it can be said that brief user information D 3  is stored. Therefore, the process may be returned to step S 306  when the results at step S 312  is “No.” That is, the process may be returned to the process of detecting information indicating that the vehicle is stopped from the vehicle speed information in vehicle information D 1 , or the process of detecting a vehicle passenger other than the driver on the basis of information from the seating sensor in vehicle information D 1 . 
     When detailed user information D 3  is acquired (Yes at step S 312 ) for all brief user information D 3  stored in the RAM area of control section  121 , the process is terminated. 
     It is to be noted that the relationship between the flow chart of  FIG. 4  illustrating transmission of brief user information D 3  and the flow chart of  FIG. 5  illustrating transmission of detailed user information D 3  is that the process is advanced from the process of transmitting brief user information D 3  to the process of transmitting detailed user information D 3 , in a predetermined case. Here, the “predetermined case” is a case where information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is detected from the vehicle speed information in vehicle information D 1 , or a case where a vehicle passenger other than the driver is detected from information from the seating sensor in vehicle information D 1 , when brief user information D 3  is stored in the RAM area of control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 . 
     It is to be noted that an interrupt may be adopted for transferring the process from the process of transmitting brief user information D 3  to the process of transmitting detailed user information D 3 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a reception of feedback information D 5  of control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , control section  112  sequentially determines whether feedback information D 5  has been received (step S 401 ). Then, when feedback information D 5  has been received (Yes at step S 401 ), control section  112  stores the information in the RAM area of control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (step S 402 ). 
     Further, control section  112  determines whether display selection information D 7  input by a vehicle passenger (user) has been acquired (step S 403 ). Then, depending on whether display selection information D 7  has been acquired, control section  112  determines whether to display feedback information D 5  on display section  111 . 
     Display selection information D 7  in the present embodiment is information indicating the user&#39;s intention (intention to display information) input by the user about whether to display received feedback information D 5  and the like on display section  111 . 
     Therefore, when it is determined at step S 403  that display selection information D 7  has been acquired (step S 403 ), control section  112  displays feedback information D 5  on display section  111  (step S 404 ), and terminates the process. 
     On the other hand, when it is determined at step S 402  that display selection information D 7  has not been acquired (No at step S 403 ), control section  112  does not display feedback information D 5  on display section  111 . Then, the process is returned to step S 403 . That is, the process is returned to the process of determining whether to display feedback information D 5  on the basis of the display selection information input by the vehicle passenger (user). 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the process of communication terminal device  120  is described.  FIG. 7  is a flow chart of a transmission of center transmission information D 4  in control section  121  of communication terminal device  120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  sequentially determines whether vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2 , and user information D 3  are received from control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (step S 501 ). 
     When it is determined at step S 501  that the pieces of information (D 1  to D 3 ) have been received from control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (Yes at step S 501 ), control section  121  stores the pieces of information (D 1  to D 3 ) in its RAM area (step S 502 ), and converts vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2 , and user information D 3  into center transmission information D 4  (step S 503 ). Then, through wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  120 , control section  121  transmits center transmission information D 4  to information center  130  (step S 504 ), and terminates the process. It is to be noted that, when it is not determined at step S 501  that the pieces of information (D 1  to D 3 ) have been received (No at step S 501 ), control section  121  again performs the determination of step S 501 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart of a reception of feedback information D 5  in control section  121  of communication terminal device  120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  sequentially determines whether feedback information D 5  has been received from information center  130  (step S 601 ). 
     Under the control of control section  131  of information center  130 , feedback information D 5  is transmitted through wireless communication section  132  of information center  130 . Upon receiving feedback information D 5  through wireless communication section  122  (Yes at step S 601 ), control section  121  stores the information in its RAM area (step S 602 ). Then, control section  121  transmits feedback information D 5  to control section  112  of in-vehicle terminal device  110  (step S 603 ), and terminates the process. It is to be noted that, when no feedback information D 5  has been received (No at step S 601 ), control section  121  waits for the reception of feedback information D 5 . 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 9 , the process executed by control section  131  of information center  130  is described.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart of a reception of center transmission information D 4 , and a transmission of feedback information D 5  in control section  131  of information center  130 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , control section  131  of information center  130  sequentially determines whether center transmission information D 4  has been received from communication terminal device  120  (step S 701 ). 
     Under the control of control section  121  of communication terminal device  120 , center transmission information D 4  is transmitted through wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  120 . Upon receiving center transmission information D 4  through wireless communication section  132  (Yes at step S 701 ), control section  131  stores the information in its RAM area (step S 702 ). It is to be noted that, when no center transmission information D 4  has been received (No at step S 701 ), control section  121  waits for the reception of center transmission information D 4 . 
     Control section  131  collects center transmission information D 4  received from a plurality of vehicles and stored therein (step S 703 ), and generates feedback information D 5  (step S 704 ). Then, control section  131  transmits feedback information D 5  to control section  121  of communication terminal device  120  through wireless communication section  132  (step S 705 ), and terminates the process. 
     The following description explains a method for inputting user information D 3  for the acquisition of (brief) user information D 3  illustrated in  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 5  (step S 302 ) and the acquisition of (detailed) user information D 3  (step S 309 ) in information system  100  that performs the process in the above-mentioned manner. 
       FIGS. 10 to 13  are schematic views illustrating a method for inputting brief user information D 3 .  FIGS. 10 to 13  schematically illustrate the user interface section  113  whose state is changed (in two stages, in the example illustrated in  FIGS. 10 to 13 ) in accordance with the speed of the vehicle in which in-vehicle terminal device  110  and communication terminal device  120  are mounted. 
       FIGS. 10 to 13  illustrate an example in which a reference speed of the vehicle speed is set, and the state of user interface section  113  is changed from one to the other depending on whether the speed is high or low with respect to the reference speed. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 10 , buttons provided on the steering device are utilized as user interface section  113 , and a method in which light of the buttons as a notification section is turned on, blinked, or turned off is adopted (details are described later). This allows the user to input brief user information D 3 . 
     Further, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 10 , for example, a reference speed is set, and when the speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed, a button indicating “Good” is lighted or blinked for example, or a button indicating “Bad” is turned off, for example. When the speed is equal to or lower than the reference speed, for example a button indicating “Bad” is lighted or blinked, for example, or a button indicating “Good” is turned off, for example. By assisting the user to press the buttons in this manner, brief input of information by the user is achieved. 
     Specifically, when the vehicle is travelling at a speed higher than the reference speed set in advance, it can be estimated that the road is not crowded and that the vehicle is comfortably travelling, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to press the “Good” button provided on the steering device. 
     When the vehicle is travelling at a speed lower than the reference speed set in advance (or when the vehicle is stopped), it can be estimated that the road is crowded, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “not good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to press the “Bad” button provided on the steering device. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , a touch panel is utilized as user interface section  113 , and buttons displayed on a display as display section  111  are utilized. This allows the user to input brief user information D 3 . 
     In this example, for example, a reference speed is set, and when the speed is greater than the reference speed, for example, a button indicating “Good” is lighted or blinked or the size of the button to be displayed is relatively increased. When the speed is lower than the reference speed, for example, a button indicating “Bad” is lighted or blinked or the size of the button to be displayed is increased. By assisting the user to press the buttons in this manner, smooth input of brief user information by the user can be achieved. 
     Specifically, when the vehicle is travelling at a speed higher than the reference speed set in advance, it can be estimated that the road is not crowded and that the vehicle is comfortably travelling, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to press the “Good” button displayed on the screen (light or blink the buttons, or increase the size of the buttons). 
     When the vehicle is travelling at a speed lower than the reference speed set in advance (or when the vehicle is stopped), it can be estimated that the road is crowded, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “not good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to press the “Bad” button displayed on the screen. 
     It is to be noted that, while the buttons for the input operation by the user described above are the buttons provided on the steering device or the buttons displayed on the screen, the buttons may be disposed in other places, and other switches may alternatively be used. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a microphone is utilized as user interface section  113 , and an in-vehicle speaker is utilized as the notification section in place of display section  111 . This allows the user to input brief user information D 3 . 
     In this case, for example, a reference speed is set, and the question, for example, “Feel Good” is asked through the in-vehicle speaker when the speed is greater than the reference speed, and the user&#39;s answer is detected through in-vehicle microphone. When the speed is lower than the reference speed, for example, the question “FeelBad” is asked through the in-vehicle speaker, and the user&#39;s answer is detected through the in-vehicle microphone. By assisting the user to answer in this manner, smooth input of brief user information by the user can be achieved. 
     Specifically, when the vehicle is travelling at a speed higher than the reference speed set in advance, it can be estimated that the road is not crowded and that the vehicle is comfortably travelling, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “good.” Therefore, the question output through the in-vehicle speaker is “FeelGood,” and vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to return an answer representing “Good.” 
     When the vehicle is travelling at a speed lower than the reference speed set in advance (or when the vehicle is stopped), it can be estimated that the road is crowded, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “not good.” Therefore, the question output through the in-vehicle speaker is “FeelBad,” and vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to return an answer representing “Bad.” 
     It is to be noted that a plurality of reference speeds may be set, and the state of user interface section  113  may be set to any of three or more states in accordance with the reference speeds. 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 14  to  FIG. 16 , the operation performed at the time of inputting detailed user information D 3  is described.  FIGS. 14 to 16  are schematic views illustrating a method for inputting detailed user information D 3 .  FIGS. 14 to 16  schematically illustrate the state where the content displayed on display section  111  (content to be notified) changes in accordance with previously input brief user information D 3  (in the example illustrated in  FIGS. 14 to 16 , two types of brief user information D 3 ). 
       FIGS. 14 to 16  illustrate an exemplary case where the state of user interface section  113  is changed one to the other in accordance with previously input brief user information D 3 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , buttons and a touch panel indicating fixed phrases on a screen are used as display section  111  and user interface section  113 . This allows for input of detailed user information D 3 . 
     Further, in the case where previously input brief user information D 3  is “Good,” buttons indicating fixed phrases “SoGood,” “Good,” “Bad,” and “SoBad” are displayed in this order from the upside of the display, for example. 
     In the case where previously input brief user information D 3  is “Bad,” buttons indicating fixed phrases “SoBad,” “Bad,” “Good,” “SoGood” are displayed in this order from the upside of the display, for example. By assisting the user to press the buttons in this manner, input of detailed user information D 3  by the user is facilitated. 
     Specifically, when previously input brief user information D 3  is “Good,” it can be estimated that the road is not crowded and that the vehicle is comfortably travelling, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to press the button indicating a fixed phrase “SoGood,” and the button indicating a fixed phrase “Good” in this order. 
     When previously input brief user information D 3  is “Bad,” it can be estimated that the traveling road is crowded, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “not good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner as to facilitate the user to press the button indicating a fixed phrase “SoBad,” and the button indicating a fixed phrase “Bad” in this order. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 15 , in a display as display section  111 , buttons in which the sizes of fixed phrases are changed are utilized. This allows for input of detailed user information D 3  (also in this case, a touch panel is used as user interface section  113 ). 
     Further, when previously input brief user information D 3  is “Good,” the buttons indicating fixed phrases are displayed such that the sizes of the buttons are reduced in the order of “SoGood,” “Good,” “Bad,” and “SoBad” from the upside of the display, for example. 
     When previously input brief user information D 3  is “Bad,” the buttons indicating fixed phrases are displayed such that the sizes of the buttons are reduced in the order of “SoBad,” “Bad,” “Good,” and “SoGood” from the upside of the display, for example. By assisting the user to press the buttons in this manner, smooth input of detailed user information D 3  by the user can be achieved. 
     Specifically, when previously input brief user information D 3  is “Good,” it can be estimated that the road is not crowded and that the vehicle is comfortably travelling, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner that the sizes of the fixed phrases indicating “SoGood” and “Good” displayed on the screen are changed so as to facilitate the user to press the buttons. 
     Then, when previously input brief user information D 3  is “Bad,” it can be estimated that the traveling road is crowded, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “not good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance in such a manner that the sizes of the fixed phrases indicating “SoBad” and “Bad” displayed on the screen are changed so as to facilitate the user to press the buttons. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 16 , a microphone is utilized as user interface section  113 , and an in-vehicle speaker is utilized as the notification section. This allows for input of detailed user information D 3 . 
     Further, when previously input brief user information D 3  is the answer for “FeelGood,” the questions “FeelSoGood,” “FeelGood,” “FeelBad,” and “FeelSoBad” are asked in this order through the in-vehicle speaker, for example, and the user&#39;s answer is detected through the in-vehicle microphone. 
     When previously input brief user information D 3  is the answer for “FeelBad,” the questions “FeelSoBad,” “FeelBad,” “FeelGood,” and “FeelSoGood” are asked in this order through the in-vehicle speaker, for example, and the user&#39;s answer is detected through the in-vehicle microphone. By facilitating the user&#39;s answer in this manner, smooth input of detailed user information D 3  by the user can be achieved. 
     Specifically, previously input brief user information D 3  is the answer for “FeelGood,” it can be estimated that the road is not crowded and that the vehicle is comfortably travelling, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance such that the questions “FeelSoGood” and “FeelGood” are output through the in-vehicle speaker in this order so as to facilitate the user to answer. 
     When previously input brief user information D 3  is the answer for “FeelBad,” it can be estimated that the traveling road is crowded, and therefore the evaluation (impression, opinion, etc.) of the user can be estimated as “not good.” Therefore, in-vehicle terminal device  110  is set in advance such that the questions “FeelSoBad” and “FeelBad” are output through the in-vehicle speaker in this order so as to facilitate the user to answer. 
     It is to be noted that, while detailed user information D 3  to be displayed is a fixed phrase in the above-mentioned example, any detailed user information D 3  may be input by the user. 
     In addition, the fixed phrases may be displayed in the order obtained from the statistical result of information transmitted from the vehicles and collected in information center  130 . 
     In the present embodiment, information system  100  transmits brief user information D 3  to information center  130 , and then transmits detailed user information D 3  when stop information is detected or when a passenger other than the driver is detected, whereby information can be voluntarily transmitted from the vehicle side to information center  130  and a real time operation can be achieved. 
     Embodiment 2 
     Next, information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the configurations as those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and details of such configurations will be omitted. First, display information D 8  used in the following description is described. 
     Display information D 8  is information generated by communication terminal device  220 , which is used for a display (notification) on display section (notification section)  111  so that the user selects brief user information D 3  to which detailed user information D 3  is input. It is to be noted that display information D 8  includes at least location information D 2  and brief user information D 3 . 
     It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which location information D 2  is transmitted to in-vehicle terminal device  210 , and display information D 8  is generated in in-vehicle terminal device  210 . 
     Next, information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 17  illustrates the configuration diagram of information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 17 , information system  200  includes in-vehicle terminal device  210 , communication terminal device  220 , and information center  130 . In-vehicle terminal device  210  is provided with a function of detecting vehicle information D 1 ; a function of acquiring, displaying and inputting user information D 3 ; a function of acquiring user information selection information D 6 ; a function of acquiring display selection information D 7 ; and a function of acquiring and displaying display information D 8 . Communication terminal device  220  transmits information (D 1 , D 3 ) from in-vehicle terminal device  210  and information (D 2 ) from communication terminal device  220 , or receives information (D 5 ) from information center  130 . Information center  130  is a device for reception of information from the vehicle (D 4 ), collection of the received information, and transmission of the information to vehicles (D 5 ). 
     It is to be noted that, in information center  130 , as information is received from a plurality of the vehicles having in-vehicle terminal device  210  and communication terminal device  220 , the amount of information collected in information center  130  is increased, thus improving the reliability of information. In this manner, as in Embodiment 1, the information transmitted from information center  130  can be used as useful information for the users who received the information from information center  130 . 
     In-vehicle terminal device  210  and communication terminal device  220  are provided in a vehicle such as an automobile (or the vehicle interior). 
     In-vehicle terminal device  210  is configured to detect vehicle information D 1 , acquire and store user information D 3  input by the user, and transmit the information to communication terminal device  220 . 
     In addition, in-vehicle terminal device  210  is configured to display information D 8  received from communication terminal device  220 . In addition, in-vehicle terminal device  210  is configured to receive feedback information D 5  received by communication terminal device  220  from information center  130 , and display the information on the basis of display selection information D 7 . Here, in-vehicle terminal device  210  is an in-vehicle terminal device in which a display is mounted. For example, in-vehicle terminal device  210  is an in-vehicle device such as a display audio and a meter display. 
     In-vehicle terminal device  210  includes display section  111 , control section  212 , user interface section  113 , and vehicle information detection section  114 . Display section  111  is a display, and the like. Control section  212  is composed of a microcomputer, ROM and RAM as storage sections, and the like, for example. User interface section  113  is composed of a touch panel on the display, a remote controller, a steering switch or other switches. User interface section  113  acquires user information D 3 , user information selection information D 6 , and display selection information D 7 . Vehicle information detection section  114  detects vehicle information D 1 . 
     The microcomputer of control section  212  executes a computer program which is stored in the ROM and configured to perform a control process, by using the RAM as a work area. At this time, the microcomputer of control section  112  temporarily stores vehicle information D 1 , user information D 3 , and display information D 8  in the RAM area, and temporarily stores feedback information D 5  received from the communication terminal device. 
     Communication terminal device  220  receives user information D 3  and vehicle information D 1  from in-vehicle terminal device  210 , and detects location information D 2  at this time. Communication terminal device  220  converts the information into center transmission information D 4  and display information D 8 , and transmits the information to information center  130  and in-vehicle terminal device  210 . 
     In addition, Communication terminal device  220  receives feedback information D 5  collected by information center  130 . Here, as communication terminal device  220 , a mobile phone, a smartphone or the like can be utilized, for example. 
     Communication terminal device  220  includes control section  221 , wireless communication section  122 , and location information detection section  223 . Control section  221  is composed of a microcomputer, ROM and RAM as storage sections, and the like, for example. Under the instruction of control section  221 , wireless communication section  122  transmits center transmission information D 4 , or receives feedback information D 5  from information center  130 . Location information detection section  223  detects location information D 2 . 
     The microcomputer of control section  221  executes a computer program which is stored in the ROM and configured to perform a control process, by using the RAM as a work area. At this time, the microcomputer of control section  221  temporarily stores information transmitted from in-vehicle terminal device  210  (D 1  to D 3 ), location information D 2  detected by location information detection section  223 , and information (D 5 ) transmitted from information center  130 , in the RAM area. 
     Next, the processing and operation of information system  200  having the above-mentioned configuration are described. 
       FIG. 18  is a flow chart of a transmission of brief user information D 3  and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. First, with reference to  FIG. 18 , the flow of the whole process of information system  200  is described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , upon detecting vehicle information D 1  and acquiring brief user information D 3 , control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 801 ), and transmits the information to control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  (step S 802 ). 
     Upon detecting location information D 2  and receiving vehicle information D 1  and brief user information D 3 , control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 811 ), and converts the information into center transmission information D 4  and display information D 8  (step S 812 ). Then, control section  221  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  220  and wireless communication section  132  of information center  130 , to thereby transmit center transmission information D 4  to control section  131  of information center  130  (step S 813 ). In addition, control section  221  transmits display information D 8  to in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 814 ). 
     Upon receiving display information D 8 , control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 803 ), and displays the information on display section  111  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 804 ). 
     Upon receiving center transmission information D 4 , control section  131  of information center  130  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 821 ), collects the information on the basis of center transmission information D 4  transmitted from a plurality of vehicles (step S 822 ), and generates feedback information D 5  (step S 823 ). Then, control section  131  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  132  of information center  130  and wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  220 , to thereby transmit feedback information D 5  to control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  (step S 824 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130 , control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 815 ), and transmits the information to control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 816 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130  through communication terminal device  220 , control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  stores feedback information D 5  in RAM area in control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 805 ). Then, in accordance with display selection information D 7 , control section  212  displays the content representing feedback information D 5  on display section  111  (step S 806 ). 
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart of a transmission of detailed user information D 3  and a reception of feedback information D 5  in information system  200  in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. First, with reference to  FIG. 19 , a flow of the whole process of information system  200  is described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , upon acquiring user information selection information D 6  and detailed user information D 3 , control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 901 ), and transmits the information to control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  (step S 902 ). 
     Upon receiving detailed user information D 3  and display information D 8 , control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 911 ), and converts the information into center transmission information D 4  (step S 912 ). Then, control section  221  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  220  and wireless communication section  132  of information center  130 , to thereby transmit center transmission information D 4  to control section  131  of information center  130  (step S 913 ). 
     Upon receiving center transmission information D 4 , control section  131  of information center  130  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 921 ), collects the information on the basis of center transmission information D 4  transmitted from a plurality of vehicles (step S 922 ), and generates feedback information D 5  (step S 923 ). Then, control section  131  establishes a communication between wireless communication section  132  of information center  130  and wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  220 , to thereby transmit feedback information D 5  to control section  121  of communication terminal device  220  (step S 924 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130 , control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  stores the information in the RAM area (step S 914 ), and transmits the information to control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 915 ). 
     Upon receiving feedback information D 5  from information center  130  through communication terminal device  220 , control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  stores feedback information D 5  in the RAM area in control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 903 ). Then, in accordance with display selection information D 7 , control section  212  controls display section  111  to display the content representing feedback information D 5  (step S 904 ). 
     Next, the flows of the processing of control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  and control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 20, 21, and 22  are separately described in detail. 
       FIG. 20  is a flow chart of a transmission of brief user information D 3  executed by control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210 .  FIG. 21  is a flow chart of a transmission of detailed user information D 3  executed by control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210 . 
     The flow of  FIG. 20  is now described. First, control section  212  detects vehicle information D 1  (step S 1001 ), and determines whether brief user information D 3  has been input by the user as a vehicle passenger (step S 1002 ). It is to be noted that the processes of step S 1001  and step S 1002  may be reversed. 
     When the result of the determination process at step S 1002  is “Yes,” in other words, when brief user information D 3  input by the user has been acquired, the operation is performed as follows. Control section  212  stores detected vehicle information D 1  and acquired user information D 3  in its RAM area (step S 1003 ), and transmits the information to control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  (step S 1004 ). It is to be noted that when brief user information D 3  cannot be acquired (No at step S 1002 ), the process is returned to step S 1001 , in other words, the process of detecting vehicle information D 1 . 
     Subsequent to step S 1004 , upon receiving display information D 8  from communication terminal device  220  (step S 1005 ), control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  stores display information D 8  in the RAM area (step S 1006 ). 
     The flow of  FIG. 21  is now described. First, control section  212  determines whether brief user information D 3  included in display information D 8  in which detailed user information D 3  is not input is stored (step S 1007 ). 
     When the result of the determination process at step S 1007  is “Yes,” in other words, when brief user information D 3  included in display information D 8  is stored in the RAM area of control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210 , the operation is performed as follows. Control section  212  determines whether information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is detected from the vehicle speed information in vehicle information D 1 , or determines whether a vehicle passenger other than the driver is detected from information from the seating sensor in vehicle information D 1  (step S 1008 ). 
     When the result at step S 1008  is “Yes,” in other words, when information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is detected from the vehicle speed information, or when a vehicle passenger other than the driver is detected by the seating sensor, the operation is performed as follows. Control section  212  displays brief user information D 3  on display section  111  on the basis of information D 8  stored in its RAM area (step S 1009 ). 
     It should be noted that, when the result at step S 1007  or step S 1008  is “No,” the process is returned to step S 1007 . 
     When brief user information D 3  is displayed at step S 1009 , the user as a vehicle passenger can perform an input operation by utilizing user interface section  113 . 
     Here, when the user performs the input operation, control section  212  acquires user information selection information D 6  (step S 1010 ), and determines whether detailed user information D 3  input by the user as a vehicle passenger can be acquired (step S 1011 ). 
     When it is determined at step S 1010  that user information selection information D 6  cannot be acquired (No at step S 1010 ), or when it is determined at step S 1011  that detailed user information D 3  cannot be acquired (No at step S 1011 ), the process is returned to step S 1007 . 
     When it is determined at step S 1011  that detailed user information D 3  can be acquired (Yes at step S 1011 ), control section  212  acquires detailed user information D 3 . Then, control section  212  stores acquired detailed user information D 3  in its RAM area (step S 1012 ), and transmits the information to control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  (step S 1013 ). 
     Then, control section  212  determines whether the user has completed the input of detailed user information D 3  for all brief user information D 3  (step S 1014 ). 
     When detailed user information D 3  has not been acquired for brief user information D 3  stored in the RAM area of control section  212  (No at step S 1014 ), the operation is performed as follows. The process is returned to step S 1007 , in other words, the process for determining whether brief user information D 3  is stored. 
     It should be noted that, when the result at step S 1014  is “No,” it can be said that brief user information D 3  is stored, and the process may be returned to step S 1008  when the result at step S 1014  is “No.” That is, the process may be returned to the process of detecting information indicating that the vehicle is stopped from the vehicle speed information in vehicle information D 1 , or the process of detecting a vehicle passenger other than the driver from the information from the seating sensor in vehicle information D 1 . 
     When detailed user information D 3  is acquired for all of brief user information D 3  stored in the RAM area of control section  212  (Yes at step S 1014 ), the process is terminated. 
     It is to be noted that the relationship between the flow chart of a transmission of brief user information D 3  illustrated in  FIG. 20 , and the flow chart of a transmission of detailed user information D 3  illustrated in  FIG. 21  is that the process is advanced from the process of transmitting brief user information D 3  to the process of transmitting detailed user information D 3 , in a predetermined case. Here, the “predetermined case” is a case where information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is detected from the vehicle speed information in vehicle information D 1 , or a case where a vehicle passenger other than the driver is detected from information from the seating sensor in vehicle information D 1 , when brief user information D 3  is stored in the RAM area of control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210 . 
     It is to be noted that an interrupt may be adopted for transferring the process from the process of transmitting brief user information D 3  to the process of transmitting detailed user information D 3 . 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 22 , the flow of the process of communication terminal device  220  is described.  FIG. 22  is a flow chart of a transmission of center transmission information D 4  in control section  221  of communication terminal device  220 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , control section  221  of communication terminal device  220  detects location information D 2  (step S 1101 ), and sequentially determines whether vehicle information D 1  and user information D 3  have been received from control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 1102 ). It is to be noted that the processes of step S 1101  and step S 1102  may be reversed. 
     When it is determined at step S 1102  that pieces of information (D 1 , D 3 ) have been received (Yes at step S 1102 ), the operation is performed as follows. Control section  221  stores pieces of information (D 1  to D 3 ) in its RAM area (step S 1103 ), and converts vehicle information D 1 , location information D 2  and user information D 3  into center transmission information D 4  and display information D 8  (step S 1104 ). Then, through wireless communication section  122  of communication terminal device  220 , control section  221  transmits center transmission information D 4  to information center  130  (step S 1105 ), transmits display information D 8  to control section  212  of in-vehicle terminal device  210  (step S 1106 ), and terminates the process. It is to be noted that, when it is not determined at step S 1102  that pieces of information (D 1 , D 3 ) have been received (No at step S 1102 ), control section  221  returns to the process of step S 1101 . 
     As described above, an in-vehicle terminal device of the embodiments of the present invention transmits information to an information center through a communication terminal device connected to a subject device, the in-vehicle terminal device including: a location information detection section that detects location information of a vehicle in which the subject device is mounted; a user interface section from which a user performs an input operation; a vehicle information detection section that detects vehicle speed information of the vehicle in which the subject device is mounted or a seated person in the vehicle; a notification section that provides options for the input operation of the user; and a control section that associates location information detected by the location information detection section with information input from the user interface section, and outputs the location information detected by the location information detection section and the information input from the user interface section associated with each other, wherein the control section changes content provided by the notification section in accordance with vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection section. 
     Here, the “options for the input operation of the user” means the “Good” and “Bad” described in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the options are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and words, icons, symbols and the like representing intentions to be input by the users may be appropriately utilized. 
     Here, as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, the “notification” means informing the user by applying on and off of a light source (illumination) to a switch, by displaying on a screen, or by sound. 
     In the in-vehicle terminal device of embodiments of the present invention, since the content to be notified by the notification section is changed in accordance with vehicle information, a brief content is notified (presented) to the user while the vehicle is travelling so that the user promptly performs an input operation, and detailed user information relating to the information is notified after the vehicle is stopped or notified by a passenger other than the driver. Thus, the user can input detailed information with ease. 
     Thus, real time input of information representing evaluation and impression of the user on the surrounding condition and circumstance during traveling (road condition and congestion) is achieved, and thus information on the evaluation of the user with high accuracy can be obtained. 
     Further, when it is desired to input more detailed evaluation than the evaluation input by the user while travelling, evaluation information can be input after the vehicle is stopped, or can be input by a passenger other than the driver with case. 
     It is to be noted that the in-vehicle terminal device of the embodiments of the present invention may have the following configurations in accordance with the function of the communication terminal device to be connected (function for detecting location information). 
     Specifically, an in-vehicle terminal device of embodiments of the present invention transmits information to an information center through a communication terminal device configured to acquire location information, the in-vehicle terminal device including: a user interface section from which a user performs an input operation; a vehicle information detection section that detects vehicle speed information of a vehicle in which a subject device is mounted or a seated person in the vehicle; a notification section that provides options for the input operation of the user; and a control section that outputs information input from the user interface section to the communication terminal, wherein the control section changes content provided by the notification section in accordance with vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection section. 
     In this case, by establishing a connection with the communication terminal device that can detect location information, the control section of the communication terminal device can associate location information detected by the communication terminal device with information input from the user interface section and can output the associated information, and therefore an device provided with no location information detection function (for example, a display audio or a meter display) can be utilized as the in-vehicle terminal device. 
     In the in-vehicle terminal device of the embodiments of the present invention, the configuration “changes content provided by the notification section in accordance with vehicle information” includes the following three configurations as described in the above-mentioned embodiments. 
     Specifically, as the first example, the user interface section is a steering switch provided on a steering device of the vehicle, the notification section is a light source that lights the steering switch, and the control section switches between on and off of the light source in accordance with a vehicle speed set in advance. 
     Here, “steering switch provided on a steering device of the vehicle” may not be integral with the steering device, and the switch only has to be easily visually confirmed by the driver and provided around the steering device. Further, the switch may be detachably provided to the steering device. 
     In addition, the steering switch may be composed of a light transmissive member in which an LED or another light source is provided. Alternatively, the steering switch may be composed of, in place of the light transmissive member, a touch panel with a liquid crystal or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display. 
     Further, the configuration of “switches between on and off of the light source” which means the configuration “changes content provided” includes not only switching between ON/OFF of the light source, but also blinking, flicking and changing the frequency of blinking or flicking. 
     In this configuration, since the notification section and the user interface section are disposed at a position near the range of view of the driver and hands of the driver of the vehicle, the configuration is useful in the case where the driver performs an input operation. 
     As the second example, the user interface section is a touch panel, the notification section is a display provided on the back face of the touch panel, and the control section changes content displayed on the display in accordance with a vehicle speed set in advance. 
     In this case, the configuration “changes content displayed on the display” which means the configuration “changes content provided” includes not only changing the color, brightness, or size of the buttons displayed on the display, but also changing the form, and expression using animation. 
     In this configuration, since the notification section and the user interface section are disposed at a position near the range of view of the driver and hands of the driver of the vehicle, the configuration is useful in the case where the driver and, in particular, the passenger perform an input operation. 
     As the third example, the user interface section is a microphone, the notification section is a speaker, and the control section changes sound content output from the speaker in accordance with a vehicle speed set in advance. 
     Here, the “microphone” may not be integral with the in-vehicle terminal device, and the microphone only has to be provided at a position where the sound output by the driver can be caught. For example, “microphone” may be detachably provided in the in-vehicle terminal device, a dedicated microphone may be provided as a user interface section, or a microphone function provided in a mobile phone or a smartphone may be utilized. 
     In addition, while a dedicated speaker may be provided as the “speaker,” space-saving of the vehicle interior can be achieved and clear sound can be obtained when a speaker fixed in the vehicle is used. Alternatively, the speaker function provided in a mobile phone or a smartphone may be utilized. 
     In the third example, “changes sound content output from the speaker” which means the configuration “changes content provided” is not limited to changing spoken languages such as “Good” and “Bad.” For example, it is also possible to switch between a male voice and a female voice, or between a low-pitched sound and a high-pitched sound, and further, the combinations thereof may be used. 
     With this configuration, since the notification section and the interface section are disposed regardless of the positions of all the passengers in the vehicle, this configuration is useful in the case where all passengers in the vehicle perform an input operation. In the in-vehicle device of the embodiment of the present invention, in the case where the control section “changes content provided by the notification section in accordance with vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection section,” the vehicle information detection section includes the following configurations. 
     Specifically, a configuration in which the vehicle information detection section detects a speed of the vehicle in which the subject device is mounted; and the control section determines whether the vehicle is stopped or traveling on a basis of the speed detected by the vehicle information detection section, and changes the content provided by the notification section. 
     In addition, a configuration in which the vehicle information detection section detects an operation state of a parking brake of the vehicle in which the subject device is mounted; and the control section determines whether the vehicle is stopped or traveling on a basis of the operation state of the parking brake detected by the vehicle information detection section, and changes the content provided by the notification section. 
     It should be noted that, the above-mentioned two configurations may be combined to enhance the accuracy of the determination whether “vehicle is stopped or traveling.” 
     Alternatively, in the case where the control section “changes content provided by the notification section in accordance with vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection section,” it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the vehicle information detection section detects a state of a seating sensor of the vehicle in which the subject device is mounted; and the control section determines whether a passenger is present or not in a front passenger seat or a rear seat of the vehicle on a basis of the state of the seating sensor detected by the vehicle information detection section, and changes the content provided by the notification section. Here, as the seating sensor, a dedicated component such as a piezoelectric element provided under the seat may be provided, and a function for detecting the use of a seat belt may be utilized. 
     The in-vehicle terminal device of the embodiments of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration is applicable to the following system. 
     Specifically, an information system including an in-vehicle terminal device that outputs information obtained by an input operation performed by a user, a communication terminal device that transmits to an outside information output from the in-vehicle terminal device, an information center that sorts (or collects statistics) and delivers information received from the in-vehicle terminal device, wherein the in-vehicle terminal device changes a detail level of information used for the input operation of the user according to a speed of a vehicle in which a subject device is mounted or according as a seated person other than a driver is present in the vehicle or not. 
     It should be noted that the “outside” to which the communication terminal device transmits information is not limited to the information center, and may be a base station used for communication of mobile phones or an access point used for wireless LAN communication. The information transmitted by the communication terminal device is transmitted to the information center via the base station or the access point. 
     With the information system having the above-mentioned configuration, the user on the vehicle side can voluntarily transmits information to the information center, and thus, improvement of the accuracy of the evaluation information by the user and real time information update can be achieved. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The in-vehicle terminal device, the communication terminal device, and the information center of the embodiments the present invention allow for utilization of highly accurate information (with a real time property) about user evaluations on surrounding conditions and circumstances of traveling vehicles, and therefore are useful as an information system. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           100  Information system 
           110  In-vehicle terminal device 
           111  Display section 
           112  Control section 
           113  User interface section 
           114  Vehicle information detection section 
           115  Location information detection section 
           120  Communication terminal device 
           121  Control section 
           122  Wireless communication section 
           130  Information center 
           131  Control section 
           132  Wireless communication section 
           200  Information system 
           210  In-vehicle terminal device 
           212  Control section 
           220  Communication terminal device 
           221  Control section 
           223  Location information detection section 
         D 1  Vehicle information 
         D 2  Location information 
         D 3  User information 
         D 4  Center transmission information 
         D 5  Feedback information 
         D 6  User information selection information 
         D 7  Display selection information 
         D 8  Display information