Patent Publication Number: US-7589621-B2

Title: Information delivery system, vehicle and broadcasting apparatus for an information delivery system, and method of outputting related information therefor

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a broadcasting apparatus, a vehicle for acquiring information distributed by a broadcast from the broadcasting apparatus, an information delivery system including the broadcasting apparatus and the vehicle, and a method of outputting related information therefore. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Recently, increased attention has been drawn to remote maintenance technology, for providing maintenance services from a server to a vehicle through a telephone circuit, in order to quickly and accurately eliminate device failures in the vehicle. 
   Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-109690 discloses a remote maintenance apparatus and method. In accordance with the disclosed remote maintenance apparatus and method, a vehicle that is suffering from a device failure sends an ID number and data concerning the device failure through a wireless link to a call center, which operates as a server. The call center identifies the vehicle based on the received ID number, and analyzes the device failure data to determine whether the vehicle requires stopgap measures to be performed or not. If the call center judges that the vehicle requires stopgap measures, then the call center delivers the details of such stopgap measures to the vehicle through the wireless link. If the call center judges that the vehicle needs to be moved to a maintenance shop (repair shop) for repairs, then the call center schedules a repair while sending details of the device failure to the repair shop, and delivers various information items, including information concerning the location of the repair shop, to the vehicle through the wireless link. 
   According to the disclosure of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-109690, as described above, the call center delivers information concerning the details of stopgap measures and various items of information, including information about the location of the repair shop, to the vehicle that suffers from a device failure through the wireless link. 
   When the call center delivers the above information through wireless links to a plurality of vehicles, even if the vehicles suffer from the same device failure, and the details of the stopgap measures and the location information of the repair shop are represented by the same information, the call center still generates the details concerning the stopgap measures and location information of the repair shop individually for each of the vehicles. As a result, as the call center handles an increased number of vehicles, then the call center is required to handle an increased amount of information, and hence experiences an increased burden in delivering such information to the vehicles. 
   The repair shop prepares replacement parts that are required to repair the vehicle based on the scheduled repair date and the device failure details, which are sent from the call center. At this time, a vehicle that is suffering from a failure may arrive at the repair shop, based on the location information of the repair shop received from the call center, before the repair shop has prepared the necessary replacement parts. Since the replacement parts have not yet been prepared, the repair shop must request that the occupant (driver) of the vehicle come again to the repair shop when the replacement parts are ready. As a result, the occupant of the vehicle is required to come twice to the repair shop in order to repair the vehicle. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a first object of the present invention to provide an information delivery system, a vehicle, a broadcasting apparatus, and a method of outputting related information, which are effective to reduce the burden when delivering information to the vehicle. 
   A second object of the present invention is to provide an information delivery system, a vehicle, a broadcasting apparatus, and a method of outputting related information, which are effective to prevent a vehicle and an occupant of the vehicle from coming unnecessarily to the repair shop. 
   According to the present invention, there is provided an information delivery system comprising a broadcasting apparatus for broadcasting an identification code and related information, and a vehicle for acquiring information delivered by a broadcast from the broadcasting apparatus, the vehicle comprising an identification code storage unit for storing a first identification code, a second identification code acquiring unit for acquiring a second identification code and first related information delivered by a broadcast from the broadcasting apparatus, an identification code comparator for comparing the first identification code and the second identification code with each other, and an information output unit for outputting the first related information if the first identification code and the second identification code, which are compared with each other by the identification code comparator, agree with each other. 
   According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of outputting related information, comprising the steps of storing a first identification code in an identification code storage unit of a vehicle, acquiring a second identification code and first related information delivered by a broadcast with a second identification code acquiring unit of the vehicle, comparing the first identification code and the second identification code with each other with an identification code comparator, outputting the first related information from an information output unit if the first identification code and the second identification code, which are compared with each other by the identification code comparator, agree with each other. 
   The information output unit outputs the first related information if the first identification code and the second identification code, which are compared with each other by the identification code comparator, agree with each other. Stated otherwise, the identification code comparator functions as a filter for controlling output of the first related information from the information output unit. As a result, the information output unit on the vehicle can output the first related information only if the vehicle stores the first identification code. 
   If information, which is to be delivered to each of a plurality of vehicles that store the first identification code, is delivered as the first related information by means of broadcasting to the vehicles, then the information output unit of each of the vehicles within a broadcasting area can output the acquired first related information. As a result, the burden posed when delivering information to the vehicles is reduced, and the first related information can reliably be delivered to the vehicles within the broadcasting area. 
   The first and second identification codes may be codes common to a plurality of vehicles, which represent types of vehicles, models of vehicles, periods during which the vehicles were manufactured, and other various codes such as IDs (so-called VIN numbers) inherent in vehicles. 
   The first related information refers to information to be delivered to the vehicle by a broadcast, and includes various types of guidance information, including campaign information and maintenance information, with respect to the vehicle. When these various types of guidance information for the occupant (driver) of the vehicle are delivered as first related information to the vehicle, the vehicle and the occupant thereof can be prevented from coming unnecessarily to a repair shop. Further, if the first related information is delivered via a broadcast, instead of by a written guidance notification, then since a written guidance notification is not required to be sent, costs required for sending such guidance information can be reduced. 
   The information output unit should preferably delete the first identification code stored in the identification code storage unit if the first identification code and the second identification code, which are compared with each other by the identification code comparator, agree with each other. 
   Since the first identification code stored in the identification code storage unit is deleted, the information output unit is prevented from outputting the same first related information redundantly. 
   The vehicle should preferably further comprise a first identification code acquiring unit for acquiring the first identification code and storing the acquired first identification code in the identification code storage unit. Therefore, the identification code storage unit stores only an identification code required for comparison in the identification code comparator. 
   The first identification code acquiring unit should preferably acquire the first identification code, which is delivered by a broadcast from the broadcasting apparatus. Therefore, the first identification code can be delivered efficiently to the vehicle. 
   The vehicle should preferably further comprise an identification code input unit for entering the first identification code, wherein the first identification code acquiring unit acquires the first identification code entered by the identification code input unit. Therefore, the first identification code can be acquired appropriately and stored in the identification code storing unit. 
   Preferably, the vehicle further comprises a device failure detecting means for detecting a device failure of the vehicle and outputting device failure information, and a failure information transmitting unit for transmitting the device failure information to the broadcasting apparatus, whereas the broadcasting apparatus further comprises a failure information receiver for receiving the device failure information transmitted from the failure information transmitting unit, and an identification code transmitting unit for transmitting the first identification code, corresponding to the device failure information received by the failure information receiver, to the vehicle. The first identification code acquiring unit preferably acquires the first identification code, which is transmitted from the identification code transmitting unit. 
   Preferably, the vehicle further comprises a device failure detecting unit for detecting a device failure of the vehicle and outputting device failure information, and a first identification code generating unit for generating the first identification code when the device failure information is output from the device failure detecting unit. The first identification code acquiring unit preferably stores the first identification code, which is generated by the first identification code generating unit, in the identification code storage unit. 
   As a consequence, information can be delivered corresponding to the first identification code, without fail to vehicles that are suffering from a device failure. 
   Preferably, the first identification code acquiring unit acquires both the first identification code and the second related information, and the information output unit outputs the acquired second related information when the acquired first identification code is stored in the identification code storage unit. When the vehicle acquires the first identification code, the vehicle can also acquire necessary information, as second related information, and can output the second related information from the information output unit. 
   The first related information preferably comprises a visit guidance message, for guiding the vehicle to a repair shop. The second related information preferably comprises a hold visit message, for holding (postponing) the visit of the vehicle to the repair shop. 
   When a hold visit message is output from the information output unit, the occupant of the vehicle, which is suffering from a device failure, is requested to hold (postpone) the visit to the repair shop. When a visit guidance message is output from the information output unit based on agreement between the first and second identification codes, the occupant of the vehicle is guided to visit the repair shop. As a result, the vehicle that suffers from the device failure, and the occupant of the vehicle, are reliably prevented from coming unnecessarily to the repair shop. 
   According to the present invention, there is further provided a vehicle, comprising an identification code storage unit for storing a first identification code, a second identification code acquiring unit for acquiring a second identification code and first related information delivered by a broadcast, an identification code comparator for comparing the first identification code and the second identification code with each other, and an information output unit for outputting the first related information if the first identification code and the second identification code, which are compared with each other by the identification code comparator, agree with each other. 
   According to the present invention, there is also provided a broadcasting apparatus for delivering, as a broadcast, a second identification code and first related information to a vehicle that stores a first identification code, wherein the first identification code and the second identification code are compared with each other, and the first related information is output if the first identification code and the second identification code agree with each other. 
   According to the present invention, as described above, the burden posed when delivering information to the vehicle is reduced. 
   According to the present invention, moreover, the vehicle, as well as the occupant (driver) thereof, can be prevented from coming unnecessarily to the repair shop. 
   The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative example. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an overall arrangement of a visit-and-repair system, i.e., an information delivery system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a vehicle and a broadcasting apparatus, pertaining to the visit-and-repair system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3A  is a diagram showing a message table; 
       FIG. 3B  is a diagram showing the message table illustrated in  FIG. 3A  together with HVC data stored therein; 
       FIG. 4A  is a diagram showing a reference table; 
       FIG. 4B  is a diagram showing the message table illustrated in  FIG. 3A  together with HVC data stored therein; 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing details of a processing sequence according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing details of a processing sequence according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing details of a processing sequence according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing details of a processing sequence according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  schematically shows an overall arrangement of a visit-and-repair system  10 , i.e., an information delivery system, according to the present invention.  FIG. 2  shows in block form a vehicle  12  and a broadcasting apparatus  17  that pertain to the visit-and-repair system  10 , wherein the broadcasting apparatus  17  includes a server  18  and a broadcasting means  20  for broadcasting data. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the visit-and-repair system  10  basically comprises a vehicle  12 , a server  18  connected to the vehicle  12  through a wireless link  14  using a public circuit network  16 , including a mobile communications network such as a cellular phone network, a broadcasting means  20  for broadcasting data transmitted from the server  18  within a predetermined broadcasting area, and a repair shop  26 , including a dealer and a service station for the vehicle  12 . Specifically, the data transmitted from the server  18  includes a first code (first identification code), a second code (second identification code), a visit guidance message (first related information), and a hold visit message (second related information). 
   The broadcasting means  20  includes a transmitting station  22  for receiving data from the server  18  and sending the received data via radio waves  24  through an antenna  25 , and a broadcasting unit  28 , such as a broadcasting satellite or the like, for relaying radio waves  24  from the transmitting station  22 , so as to deliver the data as a broadcast within the broadcasting area. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the vehicle  12  comprises a device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ),  30 ( 2 ), a central control device  32 , a navigation device  34 , a receiving means (first and second identification code acquiring means)  36 , a communicating means  38 , which serves as the first and second identification code acquiring means and as a failure information transmitting means, and a cellular phone unit  42 . 
   The device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ) and  30 ( 2 ) detect device failures of each of various devices mounted in the vehicle  12 , and outputs a diagnostic trouble code (device failure information, hereinafter referred to as a DTC) representing the detected failure to the central control device  32 . 
   The device failure represents a malfunction or failure of a device mounted in the vehicle  12 , a condition in which a given state of a device falls outside of a predetermined range, or a condition in which a device should be inspected or replaced before the device fails. When a device failure occurs, the vehicle  12  typically needs to be moved to the repair shop  26  for repair, replacement, or inspection. The DTC is a code indicative of the name of the device that suffers from a failure, the situation of the device that suffers from the failure, and the type of device. 
   The device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ) comprises an ECU or a sensor for detecting a device failure of a drive system device on the vehicle  12 . The device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ) includes means for detecting a failure of a fuel injector, means for detecting a malfunction or failure of the entire drive system, means for detecting a vehicle behavior malfunction, means for detecting a tire air pressure outside of a predetermined range, means for detecting a vehicle speed in excess of a predetermined speed, means for detecting a coolant temperature outside of a predetermined range, means for detecting that the engine oil has not been replaced after a predetermined traveled distance or a predetermined period, and means for detecting a malfunction or failure of a motor-operated power steering system. 
   The device failure detecting means  30 ( 2 ) comprises a sensor for detecting a device failure of an accessory on the vehicle  12 . The device failure detecting means  30 ( 2 ) includes means for detecting a malfunction or failure of an air conditioner, means for detecting a malfunction or failure of a motor-driven door mirror, means for detecting a malfunction or failure of a system for locking and unlocking the vehicle  12  with a card key, i.e., a so-called smart key system, means for detecting a malfunction or failure of a combination switch, and means for detecting a malfunction or failure of an audio system. 
   The central control device  32  includes a comparing means (an identification code comparing means, a first identification code generating means, and a first identification code acquiring means)  44 , a storage means (an identification code storage means)  46 , and an information output means  48 . 
   The storage means  46  includes a message table, as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B, and a reference table as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
   The message table has one column (a left column as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B) for storing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) output from the device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ),  30 ( 2 ), another column (a central column as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B) for storing hold visit messages (second related information), and another column (a right column as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B) for storing hold visit codes (hereinafter referred to as HVCs). 
   The reference table has one column (a left column in  FIG. 4A ), with a plurality of DTCs stored therein, and another column (a right column in  FIG. 4 ), with a plurality of HVCs stored therein that correspond to the DTCs. 
   Data stored in the message table are updated or changed in any of the following situations, i.e., when a DTC is input from the device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ),  30 ( 2 ) to the comparing means  44 , when an HVC (first or second code) and a hold visit message or a visit guidance message are input from the receiving means  36  or the communicating means  38  to the comparing means  44 , when an HVC (first code) is input from an operating unit  52  (see  FIG. 2 ) to the comparing means  44 , or when an HVC (first code) is generated by the comparing means  44  and stored in the storage means  46 . 
   Data stored in the reference table are updated or changed in any of the following situations, i.e., when an HVC (first code) and a DTC are input from the receiving means  36  or the communicating means  38  to the comparing means  44 , when an HVC (first code) is input from the operating unit  52  to the comparing means  44 , or when an HVC (first code) is generated by the comparing means  44  and stored in the storage means  46 . 
   The hold visit message (second related information) is a message for informing the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  to hold (postpone) bringing the vehicle  12  to the repair shop  26 . (see  FIG. 1 ), before a visit guidance message (first related information) received by the receiving means  36  is output to the navigation device  34 . 
   The visit guidance message (first related information) is a message for guiding (instructing) the vehicle  12  that suffers from a device failure to visit the repair shop  26 . The visit guidance message includes not only information for guiding the vehicle  12  with the device failure to visit the repair shop  26 , but also includes various other guidance information, e.g., campaign information and maintenance information with respect to the vehicle  12 , for guiding (instructing) the vehicle  12  and its occupant (driver) to visit the repair shop  26 . Such guidance information is delivered from the broadcasting apparatus  17  to the vehicle  12 , via radio waves  24  or via a wireless link  14  or a public circuit network  16 . 
   The HVC is a code for determining whether data delivered to the vehicle  12  from the broadcasting means  20  via radio waves  24 , or data delivered to the vehicle  12  from the server  18  via a public circuit network  16  or a wireless link  14 , is data destined for the vehicle  12  itself or not. 
   Various codes included in the data delivered to the vehicle  12  from the broadcasting means  20  via radio waves  24 , or included in the data delivered from the server  18  via the public circuit network  16  or the wireless link  14 , may be codes common to a plurality of vehicles, i.e., representing types of vehicles, models of vehicles, and periods during which the vehicles were manufactured, as well as various codes such as IDs (so-called VIN numbers) that are inherent in vehicles. The HVC is one of these codes. 
   The central control device  32  shown in  FIG. 2  operates, as described below, in the following situations: (1) when a code, an HVC (first code), and information (a hold visit message) are delivered from the broadcasting means  20  via radio waves  24  to the vehicle  12 , (2) when an HVC (second code) and information (a visit guidance message) are delivered from the broadcasting means  20  via radio waves  24  to the vehicle  12  while an HVC (first code) is stored in the message table, (3) when an HVC and information (a visit guidance message) are delivered to the vehicle  12  from the server  18  via the wireless link  14  and the public circuit network  16  while an HVC (first code) is stored in the message table, and (4) when a DTC is acquired from the device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ),  30 ( 2 ). 
   In the case of (1), the comparing means  44  determines whether the code received by the receiving means  36  is a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself or not. If the comparing means  44  judges that the received code is a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself, then the comparing means  44  outputs the judgment result to the information output means  48 , and stores an HVC (first code) and a hold visit message in the storage means  46 . The HVC is stored in a given position within the message table, i.e., in a given row in the HVC column shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B. The hold visit message similarly is stored in a given position within the message table, i.e., in a given row in the message column shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B. 
   Based on the input judgment result, the information output means  48  outputs the hold visit message, which is stored in the storage means  46 , to an output unit  50  (see  FIG. 2 ), and then deletes the hold visit message from the message table. 
   The comparing means  44  may also store the HVC and the hold visit message in the storage means  46  through the information output means  48 . Further, rather than storing the hold visit message in the message table, the information output means  48  may output the hold visit message that is input to the output unit  50  from the comparing means  44 . 
   In the case of (2) or (3), the comparing means  44  determines whether the HVC (second code) received by the receiving means  36  or the communicating means  38  and the HVC (first code) stored in the message table (see  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B) of the storage means  46  agree with each other or not. If the compared HVCs agree with each other, then the comparing means  44  determines that the information (visit guidance message) is information destined for the vehicle  12  itself, and outputs the determined result to the information output means  48  while storing the visit guidance message in the storage means  46 . The visit guidance message is stored in a given position in the message table, i.e., in a given row within the message column shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 B. 
   Based on the determined result that was input, the information output means  48  outputs the visit guidance message stored in the storage means  46  to the output unit  50 , and then deletes the visit guidance message and the HVC from the message table. Specifically, the information output means  48  resets “101” in the message table shown in  FIG. 3B , and “100” in the message table shown in  FIG. 4B , to “0”, and deletes the message from the message column. 
   The comparing means  44  may store the visit guidance message in the storage means  46  via the information output means  48 . Further, the information output means  48  may output the visit guidance message input from the comparing means  44  to the output unit  50 , rather than storing the visit guidance message in the message table. 
   In the case of (4), the central control device  32  shown in  FIG. 2  performs a process ( 4 - 1 ) of associating a DTC and an HVC (first code) with each other while outputting the DTC and the HVC to the communicating means  38 , and a process ( 4 - 2 ) of not associating a DTC and an HVC (first code) with each other while outputting only the DTC to the communicating means  38 . 
   In process ( 4 - 1 ), the comparing means  44  retrieves, from the reference table (see  FIG. 4A ), an HVC corresponding to a DTC that is input from the device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ),  30 ( 2 ). Once the comparing means  44  has successfully received the HVC, then the comparing means  44  stores the DTC and the HVC in the message table, and outputs the DTC and the HVC to the communicating means  38 . If a hold visit message corresponding to the DTC is stored in the message table, then the comparing means  44  outputs the retrieved result to the information output means  48 . Based on the input retrieved result, the information output means  48  outputs the hold visit message corresponding to the DTC to the output unit  50 , and then deletes the hold visit message from the message table. If no corresponding hold visit message is stored in the message table, then the comparing means does not output any retrieved result to the information output means  48 . 
   In process ( 4 - 2 ), the comparing means  44  stores a DTC input from the device failure detecting means  30 ( 1 ),  30 ( 2 ) in the message table, and outputs the DTC to the communicating means  38 . If a hold visit message corresponding to the DTC is stored in the message table, then the comparing means  44  outputs the retrieved result to the information output means  48 , which indicates that the hold visit message is stored in the message table. Based on the input retrieved result, the information output means  48  outputs the hold visit message corresponding to the DTC to the output unit  50 , and then deletes the hold visit message from the message table. 
   In cases (1) through (3), if the code received by the receiving means  36  is not a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself (case (1)), or if the received HVC and the HVC stored in the message table of the storage means  46  do not agree with each other (cases (2) and (3)), then the comparing means  44  does not store any of the HVC, the hold visit message, and the visit guidance message in the storage means  46 , and the judged result, the HVC, the hold visit message, and the visit guidance message are not output to the information output means  48 . 
   Therefore, when the vehicle  12  acquires an HVC, which is different from the HVC stored in the message table, from the broadcasting apparatus  17  via radio waves  24  or via the wireless link  14 , the output unit  50  does not display information (a visit guidance message or a hold visit message) from the server  18 , or information (a visit guidance message or a hold visit message) from the broadcasting means  20 . Stated otherwise, the comparing means  44  functions as a filter, which compares the HVCs with each other in order to determine whether or not the visit guidance message or the hold visit message, acquired from either the server  18  or the broadcasting means  20 , is a visit guidance message or a hold visit message with respect to a device failure of the vehicle  12  itself. 
   The navigation device  34  includes the output unit  50  and the operating unit (identification code inputting means)  52 . 
   The output unit  50  outputs a hold visit message or a visit guidance message from the information output means  48 , in the form of at least one of an image message and a speech message, which thereby instructs the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  to hold (postpone) visiting the repair shop  26 , or directs the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  to visit the repair shop  26 . 
   Data may be input to the operating unit  52  while the vehicle  12  is in a production factory, so as to store an HVC (first code) in the storage means  46  through the comparing means  44 . 
   When the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  receives a hold visit message from the output unit  50 , the occupant recognizes that the vehicle  12  is suffering from a device failure. Based on the hold visit message, the occupant may enter data into the operating unit  52 , whereby the comparing means  44  outputs a DTC, or an HVC and a DTC, stored in the storage means  46  to the communicating means  38  based on the entered data. Based on the data entered into the operating unit  52  by the occupant, the receiving means  36  may acquire a first or second code (HVC), which is delivered from the broadcasting means  20  via radio waves  24 , or the communicating means  38  may acquire a first or second code (HVC) from the server  18  via the public circuit network  16 , the wireless links  14  and  40 , and the cellular phone unit  42 . 
   The output unit  50  should preferably be a display unit that displays the hold visit message or the visit guidance message as an image. The operating unit  52  should preferably be an operating unit, including a touch panel, which is displayed on the screen of the display unit. 
   The communicating means  38  transmits the DTC, or the HVC and the DTC, to the cellular phone unit  42  via the wireless link  40 , which may be based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology or the like. The cellular phone unit  42  carried by the occupant transmits the DTC, or the HVC and the DTC, which have been received, to the server  18  via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 . 
   The server  18  includes a transmitting/receiving means (failure information receiving means and identification code transmitting means)  54 , a code/message generating means  56 , and a transmitting means  60 . 
   The transmitting/receiving means  54  receives the DTC, or the HVC and the DTC, from the vehicle  12 , and outputs the DTC, or the HVC and the DTC, which have been received from the vehicle  12 , to the code/message generating means  56 . The transmitting/receiving means  54  also transmits an HVC (first and second codes) and a visit guidance message, or a hold visit message, from the code/message generating means  56  to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 . 
   Based on the DTC from the transmitting/receiving means  54 , the code/message generating means  56  recognizes that the vehicle  12  has requested the server  18  to handle the device failure, analyzes the device failure based on the name of the failed device, the failure details thereof, and the device type, which are included in the DTC, and indicates analyzed results, which represent how the device failure should be handled, to the repair shop  26  through the transmitting means  60 . 
   The repair shop  26  then prepares a replacement (repair product) for the failed device, based on the device failure, and notifies the server  18  when the repair product has been prepared. 
   Based on a notice from the repair shop  26 , the code/message generating means  56  generates a visit guidance message and an HVC (second code) corresponding to the DTC, or a hold visit message and an HVC (first code), adds the visit guidance message or the hold visit message to the generated HVC, and outputs the HVC and the visit guidance message or the hold visit message to the transmitting/receiving means  54 . 
   Specifically, when only the DTC has been input, the code/message generating means  56  generates an HVC (first code) and a hold visit message, or an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message, and then delivers the HVC and the hold visit message or the visit guidance message to the vehicle  12  through the broadcasting means  20  or through the transmitting/receiving means  54 . When the DTC and the HVC (first code) are input, the code/message generating means  56  operates as follows: 
   An HVC (first code) and a DTC are input from the vehicle  12  to the server  18  via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 , and the server  18  delivers a visit guidance message to the vehicle  12 , in response to both the HVC and the DTC. In this case, the code/message generating means  56  generates an HVC (second code) for delivering information based on the HVC and the DTC that have been input, and transmits the HVC and the visit guidance message from the transmitting/receiving means  54  to the vehicle  12  through the public circuit network  16  and the wireless link  14 , or alternatively, delivers the HVC and the visit guidance message from the transmitting means  60  to the vehicle  12 , through the broadcasting means  20  and via radio waves  24 . 
   An HVC (first code) and a DTC are input from the vehicle  12  to the server  18 , whereupon the server  18  delivers a hold visit message to the vehicle  12  in response to the HVC and the DTC. In this case, the code/message generating means  56  transmits the input HVC and a generated hold visit message from the transmitting/receiving means  54  to the vehicle  12  through the public circuit network  16  and the wireless link  14 , or alternatively, delivers the HVC and the hold visit message from the transmitting means  60  to the vehicle  12  via the broadcasting means  20  and radio waves  24 . 
   Even in the absence of a request from the vehicle  12  to handle a device failure, the code/message generating means  56  is able to generate a code, an HVC, a hold visit message, and a visit guidance message, in anticipation of future device failures that may occur in the vehicle  12 . Specifically, if a device failure has not occurred on the vehicle  12 , although the same or similar device failures have already occurred on other vehicles of the same model, or on vehicles of the same type or which were manufactured during the same year as the vehicle  12 , or if, for other reasons, a device failure may be expected to occur in the future on the vehicle  12 , then when processes are established for handling such device failures, the code/message generating means  56  generates a code, an HVC, a hold visit message, and a visit guidance message. 
   Specifically, the code/message generating means  56  generates a code specified by the type of vehicle  12 , the model of the vehicle  12 , and the period during which the vehicle  12  was manufactured, an HVC, and a hold visit message, adds the HVC and the hold visit message to the code, and outputs the code, along with the HVC and the hold visit message added thereto, to the transmitting means  60 . The transmitting means  60  transmits the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message to the transmitting station  22 , which sends the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message over radio waves  24  from the antenna  25  to the broadcasting unit  28 . The broadcasting unit  28  then relays the radio waves  24  in order to transmit the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message as a broadcast within a given broadcasting area. 
   After having output the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message, when the code/message generating means  56  receives a notification from the repair shop  26 , the code/message generating means  56  generates a visit guidance message, adds the generated visit guidance message to the HVC, and outputs the HVC, along with the added visit guidance message, to the transmitting means  60 . The transmitting means  60  transmits the HVC and the visit guidance message to the transmitting station  22 , which sends the HVC and the visit guidance message over radio waves  24  from the antenna  25  to the broadcasting unit  28 . The broadcasting unit  28  then relays the radio waves  24  in order to transmit the HVC and the visit guidance message as a broadcast within the given broadcasting area. 
   If the vehicle  12  is inside the given broadcasting area, then the receiving means  36  receives the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message, or the HVC and the visit guidance message, via radio waves  24 , and outputs the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message, or the HVC and the visit guidance message, to the comparing means  44 . 
   If the HVC and the visit guidance message are stored in advance in the storage means  46 , then the code/message generating means  56  basically is not required to output the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message to the transmitting means  60 . However, if the HVC and the visit guidance message, which are stored in the storage means  46 , need to be updated, then the code/message generating means  56  outputs the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message to the transmitting means  60 . 
   Based on a notification from the server  18 , the repair shop  26  recognizes the vehicle  12  that is to visit the repair shop  26 , along with the device failure details of the vehicle  12 , and therefore prepares a repair product to replace the device that suffers from the device failure, before the vehicle  12  actually visits and arrives at the repair shop  26 . 
   The visit-and-repair system  10  according to the present invention, and the vehicle  12  and broadcasting apparatus  17  of such a visit-and-repair system  10 , are basically constructed as described above. Next, details of various processing sequences of the visit-and-repair system  10  shall be described below with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 8 . 
   Specifically, processing sequences according to first through fourth embodiments (1) through (4) shall be described below. 
   (1) First embodiment: After the vehicle  12  has acquired a code, an HVC (first code), and a hold visit code via radio waves  24 , the vehicle  12  acquires an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message (information) via radio waves  24 . 
   (2) Second embodiment: An HVC (first code) is stored in advance in the message table, and the vehicle  12  acquires an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message via radio waves  24 . 
   (3) Third embodiment: The vehicle  12  transmits a DTC to the server  18 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 , and the server  18  delivers a code, an HVC (first code), and a hold visit message corresponding to the DTC to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 , and thereafter delivers an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message via radio waves  24 . 
   (4) Fourth embodiment: The vehicle  12  transmits an HVC (first code) and a DTC to the server  18 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 , and the server  18  delivers a code, the HVC, and a hold visit message, or an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14 . 
   The first through fourth embodiments (1) through (4) shall be described below in the order named. 
   In the following descriptions of the first and second embodiments, for example, a device failure of a motor-driven door mirror  62  (see  FIG. 1 ), which cannot be properly stored, shall be handled. In the following descriptions of the third and fourth embodiments, for example, a device failure of an air conditioner temperature sensor (not shown) on the vehicle  12  shall be handled. 
   (1) First embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 3B ,  5 ): 
   In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a device failure (in which the motor-driven door mirror  62  cannot be properly stored) has not yet occurred on the vehicle  12 , although the same device failure has already occurred on other vehicles, which are of the same model or type, or which were manufactured during the same year, as the vehicle  12 . In such a case, the device failure can be handled based on an analysis of the device failure, which has been conducted by the broadcasting apparatus  17 . 
   In the processing sequence shown in  FIG. 5 , the code/message generating means  56  of the server  18  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) generates a code, an HVC (first code), and a hold visit message corresponding to the device failure, based on the result of an analysis of the device failure concluding that the motor-driven door mirror  62  cannot be properly stored, adds the HVC and the hold visit message to the code, and outputs the code with the HVC and the hold visit message added thereto to the transmitting means  60 . The transmitting means  60  transmits the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message to the transmitting station  22  (step S 1 ). When the transmitting means  60  transmits the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message to the transmitting station  22 , the transmitting means  60  also sends an instruction signal through the transmitting means  60 , instructing the repair shop  26  to prepare a replacement (repair product) for the motor-driven door mirror  62 . Based on the instruction signal from the transmitting means  60 , the repair shop  26  prepares a replacement for the motor-driven door mirror  62 . 
   The transmitting station  22  sends the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message from the antenna  25  to the broadcasting unit  28  via radio waves  24 . The broadcasting unit  28  relays the radio waves  24  in order to transmit the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message as a broadcast within a given broadcasting area (step S 2 ). 
   The receiving means  36  of the vehicle  12 , which is inside the broadcasting area, receives the transmitted code, the HVC, and the hold visit message, and then outputs the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message, which have been received, to the comparing means  44  (step S 3 ). 
   The comparing means  44  determines whether the code received by the receiving means  36  is a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself or not (step S 4 ). If the comparing means  44  determines in step S 4  that the received code is a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself, then the comparing means  44  stores the HVC (“101” in  FIG. 3B ) and the hold visit message in the message table (step S 5 ), and outputs the determined result to the information output means  48 . 
   Since the HVC is a code representing a device failure of the motor-driven door mirror  62  (see  FIG. 1 ), the comparing means  44  stores the HVC and the hold visit message, which have been input thereto, into the same row as a DTC (“P0301”) that corresponds to the device failure of the motor-driven door mirror  62 , which is stored in the third row of the message table. 
   Based on the input determined result, the information output means  48  reads the hold visit message from the message table, outputs the hold visit message to the output unit  50 , and deletes the hold visit message from the message table. As a result, the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  recognizes the information, “MOTOR-DRIVEN DOOR MIRROR CANNOT BE PROPERLY STORED. WAIT AWHILE UNTIL WE LET YOU KNOW THAT A REPAIR PRODUCT HAS BEEN PREPARED”, which is output as an image message or a speech message from the output unit  50 , and keeps the driver from bringing the vehicle  12  to the repair shop  26 . 
   If the HVC and the hold visit message have been stored in advance in the message table in step S 4 , then the comparing means  44  updates the HVC and the hold visit message stored in the message table, using the HVC and the hold visit message that are input to the comparing means  44 . 
   If the comparing means  44  determines, in step S 4 , that the received code is not a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself, then the comparing means  44  does not store the HVC and the hold visit message, which have been input thereto, in the storage means  46 . In this case, the comparing means  44  does not output the compared result to the information output means  48 , and continues to wait until a code and an HVC are input again from the receiving means  36 . 
   In step S 5 , the information output means  48  may output the hold visit message to the output unit  50 , rather than storing the hold visit message in the storage means  46 . 
   After the repair shop  26  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) prepares a replacement for the motor-driven door mirror  62 , the repair shop  26  notifies the server  18  with information that the replacement has been prepared. 
   Based on the notification from the repair shop  26 , the code/message generating means  56  generates a visit guidance message for directing the vehicle  12  to visit the repair shop  26 , adds the generated visit guidance message to an already generated HVC (second code), and outputs the HVC, with the visit guidance message added thereto, to the transmitting means  60 . The transmitting means  60  then transmits the HVC and the visit guidance message to the transmitting station  22  (step S 6 ). 
   The transmitting station  22  transmits the HVC and the visit guidance message, which have been received from the antenna  25 , to the broadcasting unit  28  via radio waves  24 . The broadcasting unit  28  relays the radio waves  24  in order to transmit the HVC and the visit guidance message as a broadcast within a given broadcasting area (step S 7 ). 
   The receiving means  36  of the vehicle  12 , which is inside the broadcasting area, receives the transmitted HVC and the visit guidance message, and outputs the HVC and the visit guidance message, which have been received, to the comparing means  44  (step S 8 ). 
   The comparing means  44  determines whether the input HVC agrees with the HVC (“101” stored in the HVC column shown in  FIG. 3B ) stored in the message table ( FIG. 3B ) or not (step S 9 ). If the comparing means  44  determines, in step S 9 , that the input HVC (second code) agrees with the stored HVC (first code), the comparing means  44  then stores the input visit guidance message in a location (third row in the message column shown in  FIG. 3B ) where the hold visit message is stored, and outputs the determined result, which indicates code agreement, to the information output means  48 . 
   Based on the input determined result, the information output means  48  outputs the visit guidance message stored in the message table (see  FIG. 3B ) to the output unit  50  (step S 10 ), resets the HVC (“102”) in the message table to “0”, and deletes the visit guidance message (step S 11 ). As a result, the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  recognizes the information, “REPAIR PRODUCT HAS BEEN PREPARED. PLEASE COME TO THE DEALER”, which is output as an image message or a speech message from the output unit  50 , and is advised to bring the vehicle  12  to the repair shop  26 . 
   When the vehicle  12  and the driver come to the repair shop  26 , the motor-drive door mirror  62  on the vehicle  12  is replaced with the prepared repair product in the repair shop  26 . 
   If the comparing means  44  determines, in step S 9 , that the input HVC does not agree with the stored HVC, then the comparing means  44  does not store the input visit guidance message in the storage means  46 , does not output the determined result to the information output means  48 , and continues to wait until an HVC and a visit guidance message are input again from the receiving means  36 . 
   In step S 10 , the information output means  48  may output the visit guidance message to the output unit  50 , rather than storing the visit guidance message in the storage means  46 . 
   In the first embodiment, if a hold visit message is stored in advance in the message table and does not need to be updated, then the server  18  may not have to generate and transmit a hold visit message. In this case, the broadcasting means  20  does not broadcast the hold visit message, and simply delivers only a code and an HVC to the vehicle  12 . 
   In step S 2 , according to the first embodiment, the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message are delivered as a broadcast to the vehicle  12 . However, the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message may also be delivered from the transmitting/receiving means  54  to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 . 
   (2) Second embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 3B ,  5 ,  6 ): 
   In the second embodiment, at the time the vehicle  12  is manufactured, it is assumed that a device failure (in which the motor-driven door mirror cannot be properly stored) has already occurred on other vehicles which are of the same model, the same type, or which were manufactured during the same year, as the vehicle  12 . However, since an analysis of the device failure has not yet been completed, an HVC is stored in advance in the message table when the vehicle  12  is shipped. Thus, when it becomes possible to handle the device failure, due to analysis of the device failure in the broadcasting apparatus  17 , the vehicle  12  is guided to visit the repair shop  26 . 
   In the processing sequence shown in  FIG. 6 , in the production factory for producing the vehicle  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), an HVC (first code) is stored in the message table of the vehicle  12 , based on a device failure, which has occurred on other vehicles, and which indicates that the motor-driven door mirror cannot be properly stored. When the worker in the production factory operates the operating unit  52  in order to enter the HVC, the HVC is output to the comparing means  44 . The comparing means  44  determines that the entered HVC (“101”) is an HVC representing a device failure of the motor-driven door mirror, and stores the HVC in the same row as the DTC (“P0301”) corresponding to the device failure of the motor-driven door mirror  62 , which is stored in the HVC column. The vehicle  12 , with the HVC stored in the message table, is then shipped out of the production factory (step S 12 ). 
   Thereafter, when the code/message generating means  56  of the server  18  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) establishes a solution to handle the device failure, in which the motor-driven door mirror cannot be properly stored on other vehicles, the code/message generating means  56  sends a notification, via the transmitting means  60 , in order to instruct the repair shop  26  to prepare a replacement for the motor-driven door mirror  62  of the vehicle  12 . Based on the notification, the repair shop  26  prepares a replacement part for the motor-driven door mirror  62 . Once the repair shop  26  has prepared the replacement for the motor-driven door mirror  62 , the repair shop  26  notifies the server  18  that such a replacement has been prepared. 
   As with step S 26  (see  FIG. 5 ), based on a notification from the repair shop  26 , the code/message generating means  56  generates a visit guidance message, which directs the vehicle  12  to visit the repair shop  26 , adds the generated visit guidance message to the same HVC (second code) that was used when the vehicle  12  was shipped, and outputs the HVC, with the visit guidance message added thereto, to the transmitting means  60 . The transmitting means  60  transmits the HVC, along with the visit guidance message, to the transmitting station  22  (step S 13 ). 
   As with step S 7  (see  FIG. 5 ), the transmitting station  22  transmits the HVC, and the visit guidance message which have been received from the antenna  25 , to the broadcasting unit  28  via radio waves  24 . The broadcasting unit  28  relays the radio waves  24  in order to transmit the HVC and the visit guidance message as a broadcast within a given broadcasting area (step S 14 ). 
   The receiving means  36  of the vehicle  12 , which is inside the broadcasting area, receives the transmitted HVC and the visit guidance message, and outputs the received HVC and the visit guidance message to the comparing means  44  (step S 15 ). 
   The comparing means  44  determines whether or not the input HVC agrees with the HVC that is stored in the message table ( FIG. 3B ) (step S 16 ). If the comparing means  44  determines in step S 9  that the input HVC agrees with the stored HVC, then processing from step S 10 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , is carried out in the vehicle  12 . 
   If the comparing means  44  judges in step S 16  that the input HVC does not agree with the stored HVC, then the comparing means  44  does not store the input visit guidance message in the storage means  46 , does not output the determined result to the information output means  48 , and continues to wait until an HVC and a visit guidance message are input again from the receiving means  36 . 
   In step S 14 , according to the second embodiment, the HVC and the visit guidance message are delivered as a broadcast to the vehicle  12 . However, the HVC and the visit guidance message may also be delivered from the transmitting/receiving means  54  to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 . 
   In step S 12 , according to the second embodiment, an HVC is entered into the message table of the vehicle  12  in the production factory. However, the HVC may also be entered manually in the repair shop  26 , at a dealer or the like, rather than in the production factory. 
   (3) Third embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 3A ,  4 B,  5 ,  7 ): 
   In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the device failure detecting means  30 ( 2 ) detects a device failure (device failure of an air conditioner temperature sensor) in the vehicle  12  and outputs a DTC, whereupon the vehicle  12  transmits the DTC to the server  18 , and based on the DTC, the server  18  delivers an HVC (first code) and a hold visit message, or an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message, to the vehicle  12 , based on the DTC. 
   In the processing sequence shown in  FIG. 7 , the device failure detecting means  30 ( 2 ) detects a device failure of the temperature sensor, and outputs the detected result as a DTC to the comparing means  44  (step S 17 ). 
   The comparing means  44  stores the input DTC in the message table (see  FIG. 4A ) (step S 18 ), and then outputs the input DTC to the communicating means  38 . Specifically, the comparing means  44  stores the input DTC in the second row of the DTC column (“P0300” in the left column shown in  FIG. 4A ). 
   The communicating means  38  transmits the input DTC to the cellular phone unit  42  via the wireless link  40 . The cellular phone unit  42  then transmits the received DTC to the server  18 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16  (step S 19 ). 
   The transmitting/receiving means  54  of the server  18  receives the DTC, and outputs the received DTC to the code/message generating means  56  (step S 20 ). The code/message generating means  56  analyzes the DTC (step S 21 ), recognizes the device failure of the temperature sensor, and sends a notification, via the transmitting means  60 , in order to instruct the repair shop  26  to prepare a replacement for the temperature sensor. 
   As with step S 1  (see  FIG. 1 ), based on the notification, the code/message generating means  56  generates a code corresponding to the device failure, a hold visit message for holding the visit of the vehicle  12  to the repair shop  26 , and an HVC (first code) based on the notification. The code/message generating means  56  adds the hold visit message to the code and the HVC, and outputs the hold visit message, the code, and the HVC to the transmitting/receiving means  54 . 
   The transmitting/receiving means  54  transmits the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message, which have been input to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16  (step S 22 ). The cellular phone unit  42  of the vehicle  12  transmits the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message to the communicating means  38 , via the wireless link  40  (step S 23 ). The communicating means  38  outputs the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message to the comparing means  44 . 
   As with step S 4  (see  FIG. 5 ), the comparing means  44  determines whether or not the input code is a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself (step S 24 ). If the comparing means  44  determines in step S 24  that the input code is a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself, then processing according to step S 5  is performed in order to store the HVC and the hold visit message in the message table. According to the third embodiment, the processing step S 6 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , is subsequently carried out. 
   If the comparing means  44  determines in step S 24  that the received code is not a code destined for the vehicle  12  itself, then the comparing means  44  does not store the HVC and the hold visit message, which have been input thereto, in the message table, and continues to wait until a code, an HVC, and a hold visit message are input again from the receiving means  36 . 
   In steps S 22  and S 23 , according to the third embodiment, the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message are transmitted from the transmitting/receiving means  54  to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 . However, as with steps SI through S 3  shown in  FIG. 5 , the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message may also be delivered to the vehicle  12  as a broadcast from the broadcasting means  20 . 
   (4) Fourth embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 5 ,  8 ): 
   In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the device failure detecting means  30 ( 2 ) detects a device failure (device failure of an air conditioner temperature sensor) in the vehicle  12  and outputs a DTC, whereupon the vehicle  12  transmits the DTC and an HVC (first code) to the server  18 , and based on the DTC and the HVC, the server  18  delivers the HVC and a hold visit message, or an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message, to the vehicle  12 , based on the DTC and the HVC. 
   The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment (see  FIG. 5 ) and the third embodiment (see  FIG. 7 ), except that the server  18  generates and delivers the HVC and a hold visit message, or an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message, to the vehicle  12  based on the DTC and the HVC that have been received. Only those features of the fourth embodiment, which differ from the first and third embodiments, shall be described below. 
   In step S 25 , the comparing means  44  retrieves an HVC (“100”) corresponding to the input DTC (“P0300”) from the reference table (see  FIG. 4A ), and stores the DTC and the retrieved HVC in the message table (see  FIG. 4B ). Specifically, the comparing means  44  determines that the HVC (“100”) stored in the second row of the HVC column in the reference table corresponds to the DTC (“P0300”), stores the HVC in the second row of the HVC column in the message table, and stores the DTC in the second row of the DTC column in the message table. Alternatively, in step S 25 , the comparing means  44  may generate an HVC (“100”) corresponding to the input DTC, and store the DTC and the HVC in the message table. 
   Then, the comparing means  44  outputs the DTC and the HVC that are stored in the message table to the communicating means  38 . The communicating means  38  transmits the DTC and the HVC, which have been input thereto, to the cellular phone unit  42  via the wireless link  40 . The cellular phone unit  42  transmits the DTC and the HVC to the server  18 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16  (step S 26 ). 
   The transmitting/receiving means  54  of the server  18  receives the DTC and the HVC, and outputs the DTC and the HVC to the code/message generating means  56  (step S 27 ). The code/message generating means  56  analyzes the DTC and the HVC (step S 28 ), thus recognizing the device failure of the temperature sensor, and sends a notification via the transmitting means  60  in order to instruct the repair shop  26  to prepare a replacement part for the temperature sensor. 
   In this case, the code/message generating means  56  determines whether the vehicle  12  can be directed to visit the repair shop  26  or not (step S 29 ). Specifically, if the code/message generating means  56  establishes a solution to handle the temperature sensor device failure, and the repair shop  26  has already prepared a replacement therefore, then the code/message generating means  56  delivers a visit guidance message to the vehicle  12 , which judges that it is necessary to direct the vehicle  12  to visit the repair shop  26 , and then performs the processing from step S 6 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . If the repair shop  26  has not yet prepared a replacement, and has not sent a notification to the server  18  indicating that the replacement has been prepared, then the code/message generating means  56  delivers a hold visit message to the vehicle  12 , which judges that it is necessary to hold (postpone) bringing the vehicle  12  to the repair shop  26 , and then performs the processing from step S 22 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   According to the present embodiment, as described above with respect to the first embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 5 ), the broadcasting apparatus  17  delivers a code, an HVC (first code), and a hold visit message via a first broadcast to the vehicle  12  that is inside the broadcasting area of the broadcasting means  20 . In a second broadcast, after the code, the HVC, and the hold visit message have been delivered, the broadcasting apparatus  17  delivers an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message to the vehicle  12  in the broadcasting area of the broadcasting means  20 . 
   When the HVC, which is received by the receiving means  36  and stored in the storage means  46  in connection with the first broadcast, agrees with the HVC received by the receiving means  36  in connection with the second broadcast, the information output means  48  outputs a visit guidance message to the output unit  50 . Stated otherwise, since the comparing means  44  functions as a filter when outputting the visit guidance message to the output unit  50 , only a vehicle  12 , which actually stores the HVC, can output the visit guidance message from the information output means  48  to the output unit  50 . 
   Therefore, when the broadcasting apparatus  17  delivers information, which is to be delivered to a plurality of vehicles  12  that store the HVC, and provides visit guidance message in one broadcast inside of a predetermined broadcasting area via radio waves  24 , then each of the vehicles  12  within the broadcasting area can output the acquired visit guidance message to the output unit  50 . As a result, the burden posed on the broadcasting apparatus  17  when delivering information to the vehicles  12  is reduced, and the visit guidance message can reliably be delivered to the vehicles  12  within the broadcasting area. 
   As described above, the visit guidance message refers to information that is to be delivered to the vehicle  12  via radio waves  24 , wherein the information includes various guidance information items, including campaign information and maintenance information with respect to the vehicle  12 . When the various guidance information items for the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  are delivered as a visit guidance message to the vehicle  12 , the vehicle  12  and the occupant can be prevented from coming unnecessarily to the repair shop  26 . Further, since the visit guidance message is delivered via a broadcast instead of in written form, then since such a written guidance notification is not required, the costs required for sending the guidance information can be reduced. 
   When the hold visit message stored in the message table is output to the output unit  50 , before the visit guidance message is output to the output unit  50 , the occupant of the vehicle  12  recognizes the hold visit message through the information output means  48  and the output unit  50 . As a result, since the hold visit message is output at an early stage, the vehicle  12  and the occupant are prevented from visiting the repair shop  26  before the visit guidance message is output to the output unit  50 . 
   Furthermore, because the information output means  48  resets the HVC that is stored in the message table each time the visit guidance message is output to the output unit  50 , the output unit  50  is prevented from outputting information (i.e., visit guidance message) redundantly. 
   According to the present embodiment, as described above with respect to the second embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 6 ), the broadcasting apparatus  17  delivers an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message, as a broadcast to each of the vehicles  12  within the broadcasting area. When the HVC (first code) stored in the storage means  46  and the HVC received by the receiving means  36  agree with each other, the information output means  48  outputs the visit guidance message to the output unit  50 . 
   In this case, as with the first embodiment, since only a vehicle  12  which stores the HVC can output the visit guidance message from the information output means  48  to the output unit  50 , the burden posed on the broadcasting apparatus  17  in delivering information to the vehicles  12  is reduced, and the visit guidance message can reliably be delivered to the vehicles  12  within the broadcasting area. 
   According to the present embodiment, as described above with respect to the third embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 7 ), when the server  18  of the broadcasting apparatus (information delivering apparatus)  17  receives a DTC from the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 , the server  18  generates an HVC (first code) and a hold visit message, or an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message, based on the received DTC. If the comparing means  44  judges that the HVC received by the communicating means  38  and the HVC stored in the message table agree with each other, the information output means  48  outputs the hold visit message and the visit guidance message to the output unit  50 . 
   Accordingly, only a vehicle  12  that transmits the DTC to the broadcasting apparatus  17  and stores the HVC can output the hold visit message and the visit guidance message to the output unit  50 . Thus, it is possible to deliver the hold visit message and the visit guidance message only to the vehicle  12 , which actually has transmitted the DTC to the broadcasting apparatus  17 . 
   When the broadcasting apparatus  17  receives the same DTC from a plurality of vehicles  12 , based on the DTC, the broadcasting apparatus  17  generates an HVC and a hold visit message or a visit guidance message, and delivers the HVC and the hold visit message or the visit guidance message simultaneously to the plurality of vehicles  12  within the delivery area. As a result, the burden posed on the broadcasting apparatus  17  when delivering information to a plurality of vehicles  12  within the delivery area is reduced, and the hold visit message or the visit guidance message can reliably be delivered to the vehicles  12 . 
   The visit guidance message refers to information to be delivered to the vehicle  12 , via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 , wherein the information includes various guidance information items, including campaign information and maintenance information with respect to the vehicle  12 . When various guidance information items for the occupant (driver) of the vehicle  12  are delivered as the visit guidance message to the vehicle  12 , the vehicle  12 , and the occupant thereof, can be prevented from coming unnecessarily to the repair shop  26 . If the visit guidance message is delivered in this manner, instead of in written form, then since a written guidance notification is not required, the costs required to send the guidance information are reduced. 
   According to the present embodiment, as described above with respect to the fourth embodiment (see  FIGS. 1 through 8 ), the vehicle  12  transmits an HVC (first code) and a DTC to the server  18 , whereupon the server  18  uses the received HVC (first code) as an HVC for information delivery, adds a hold visit message to the HVC, and delivers the hold visit message and the HVC to the vehicle  12 , or alternatively, generates an HVC (second code) and a visit guidance message based on the DTC, adds the visit guidance message to the HVC, and delivers the visit guidance message and the HVC to the vehicle  12 . In this case, since the server  18  delivers information based on the HVC received from the vehicle  12 , it is possible to deliver the hold visit message or the visit guidance message reliably to the vehicle  12 , which has transmitted the HVC, so that the hold visit message or the visit guidance message can be output to the output unit  50 . 
   In the fourth embodiment, the comparing means  44  can generate an HVC (first code) and transmit the generated HVC and the DTC to the server  18 . As a consequence, it is possible to deliver information corresponding to the HVC without fail to vehicles  12  that suffer from device failures. 
   In the first through fourth embodiments, a device failure of a motor-driven door mirror  62 , and a device failure of an air conditioner temperature sensor, have been described. However, the principles of the present invention are also applicable to device failures of a drive system device on the vehicle  12 , or to device failures of any of other accessories on the vehicle  12 . 
   Processes for guiding the vehicle  12  and the occupant of the vehicle  12  that suffers from a device failure, as well as for holding the visit of the vehicle  12  and occupant thereof to the repair shop  26 , have been described above. The DTC, the hold visit message, and the HVC, which are stored in the message tables shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 B, and the DTC and the HVC, which are stored in the reference table shown in  FIG. 4A , can be updated by means of deliveries made as a broadcast from the broadcasting means  20 , or made from the server  18  via the wireless link  14  through the public circuit network  16 . 
   Specifically, the code/message generating means  56  adds a DTC, a hold visit message, and an HVC for updating the message table, or a DTC and an HVC for updating the reference table, to a code or to an HVC. The code/message generating means  56  further delivers such updating data in the form of a broadcast from the broadcasting means  20  to the vehicle  12  via radio waves  24 , or delivers such updating data from the server  18  to the vehicle  12 , via a wireless link  14  through a public circuit network  16 . Based on comparison of such updating data with the code or the HVC in the comparing means  44 , the data in the message table and the data in the reference table in the storage means  46  are updated by the received updating data. 
   Although, in the illustrated embodiments, the broadcasting means  20 , which includes the broadcasting unit  28 , delivers a code and an HVC, or an HVC and a visit guidance message, via a broadcast, it is also possible to deliver such data according to other delivery processes, such as a terrestrial digital broadcasting process. 
   Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.