Service Information Provision Communication System

Abstract

To provide a service information provision communication system to make effective use of optical communication devices and popularize the optical communication devices while receiving large amounts of information in real-time in an automobile by transmitting service information to be provided in a service provision site, using the optical communication device installed in the automobile.SOLUTION: Optical communication is performed between a vehicle-side optical communication device 1 installed in an automobile V and a shop-side optical communication device 2 installed in a service provision site (restaurant) SS1 that provides service, so as to provide service information though the optical communication from the shop-side optical communication device 2 to the vehicle-side optical communication device 1. Based on information of the vehicle V in which the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 is installed, the shop-side optical communication device 2 provides the service information through the optical communication to the automobile V that visits the service provision site SS1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system that enables provision of various service information to a vehicle equipped with an optical communication device.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=X]] In order to ensure the safe driving of vehicles, particularly automobiles, automobiles equipped with an inter-vehicle communication device for performing traffic information communication between automobiles or a road-vehicle communication device for performing traffic information communication between an automobile and road facilities are provided. In Patent Document 1, an automobile equipped with an optical communication device using visible light is proposed as a communication device. The optical communication device can transmit and receive a large amount of information in a short time as compared with a communication device using so-called radio waves. However, since it costs a certain amount to equip an optical communication device, in the current situation where the optical communication device is only used to acquire traffic information, the necessity of equipping the optical communication device and the cost trade-off have become an obstacle to the popularization of the optical communication device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when using various stores such as restaurants and gas stations, or various facilities such as entertainment facilities and parking lots, that is, places that provide certain services to automobiles (hereinafter referred to as service providers), it may be necessary to check the service information at the service provider in advance. This service information includes, for example, the inventory status of products, vacancy information of parking lots and seats, menu information of restaurants, and so on.

[0005] [[ID=X]] In recent years, it has become common to use mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to access service providers via the internet and other communication lines to check service information. However, the operation to access these services is cumbersome, and it is particularly difficult to do so while driving. Furthermore, due to the limitations of communication line capacity, it takes longer to check service information compared to fiber optic communication, and real-time information may not be available due to the time lag between access and actually reaching the service provider.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to enable the real-time reception of large amounts of information in a vehicle by transmitting service information from a service provider using an optical communication device installed in the vehicle, while also promoting the effective use of optical communication devices and contributing to the widespread adoption of optical communication devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a service information provision communication system configured to perform optical communication between a vehicle-side optical communication device installed in a vehicle and a store-side optical communication device installed in a service provider such as a store that provides services, and to provide service information from the store-side optical communication device to the vehicle-side optical communication device via optical communication, wherein the store-side optical communication device acquires information about the vehicle on which the connected vehicle-side optical communication device is installed, and provides service information to the vehicle via optical communication when the acquired information meets predetermined conditions.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the store-side optical communication device transmits service information to the vehicle when the vehicle slows down or stops, or when it is steered toward a service provider, based on the vehicle information it has acquired. For example, when the store-side optical communication device and the vehicle-side optical communication device establish a communication connection, the store-side optical communication device acquires vehicle information from the vehicle-side optical communication device.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention isThe store-side optical communication device has a communication area set up in the vicinity of the entrance where the vehicle enters the service area, allowing for optical communication connection with the vehicle-side optical communication device. Furthermore, both the vehicle-side and store-side optical communication devices are equipped with auxiliary communication units that have a wider communication area than optical communication. The store-side auxiliary communication unit transmits information to the vehicle-side auxiliary communication unit to guide the vehicle to the optical communication area. This auxiliary communication unit is, for example, an acoustic communication unit that uses sound waves for communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by transmitting service information using an optical communication device, it is possible to transmit large amounts of service information, which is a characteristic of optical communication, at high speed. This enhances convenience for the vehicle receiving the service information and contributes to the widespread adoption of optical communication devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of Embodiment 1, where the service provider is a restaurant. [Figure 2] External view of a vehicle equipped with an on-board optical communication device. [Figure 3] Block diagram of the vehicle-side optical communication device. [Figure 4] Block diagram of the store-side optical communication equipment. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the operation of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of service information in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Conceptual diagram of Embodiment 2, in which the service provider is a drive-through store. [Figure 8] A conceptual diagram of Embodiment 3, in which the service provider is a gas station. [Figure 9] Block diagram of the vehicle-side optical communication device. [Figure 10] Block diagram of the store-side optical communication equipment. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the operation of Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of service information in Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing a configuration in which an automobile V, as a vehicle, uses a suburban restaurant SS1, as a service provider. The automobile V is equipped with an optical communication device (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle-side optical communication device) 1, which is capable of mutual optical communication with an optical communication device (hereinafter referred to as the store-side optical communication device) 2 deployed in the restaurant SS1. These optical communication devices 1 and 2 can be conventional optical communication devices for traffic information communication, as described in Patent Document 1, and in this embodiment, various service information such as parking information, seat availability information, and menu information is transmitted from the restaurant SS1 to the automobile V via this optical communication. The occupants of the automobile V can check this service information and take appropriate action.

[0013] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a vehicle-side optical communication device 1 installed in an automobile V. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 is positioned in the passenger compartment of the automobile V facing the front windshield FW. Alternatively, a portion of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 may be installed within the front lamp (headlamp, clearance lamp, etc.) FL of the automobile V, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2. This vehicle-side optical communication device 1 has a directional capability that makes a required angular range the communication area in front of the automobile V, and optical communication with other optical communication devices is possible within this directional range.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1, and includes an optical communication unit 11 that transmits and receives optical signals to and from a counterpart optical communication device, here the store-side optical communication device 2. As shown in a schematic cross-sectional configuration, this optical communication unit 11 is incorporated in a casing 10 whose front surface is formed of a light-transmissive protective cover 10a. The optical communication unit 11 includes a substrate 110 fixedly supported within the casing 10. On the front surface of this substrate 110, that is, the surface facing the protective cover 10a, an LD (laser diode) 111 as a light transmitting element with its emitting surface facing forward and a PD (photodiode) 112 as a light receiving element with its light receiving surface facing forward are mounted.

[0015] Also, the optical communication unit 11 includes a light transmitting lens 113 and a light receiving lens 114 each having a multi-group configuration, and are supported within the casing 10. The optical axis of the light transmitting lens 113 is aligned with the emission optical axis of the LD 111, and the optical axis of the light receiving lens 114 is aligned with the light receiving optical axis of the PD 112. Then, the light emitted from the LD 111 is transmitted by the light transmitting lens 113 toward a required angular region. Also, the light in the required angular region received by the light receiving lens 114 is received by the PD 112. These light transmitting and receiving angular regions become the directivity region of this vehicle-side optical communication device 1, that is, the communicable region.

[0016] The substrate 110 equipped with the LD111 and PD112 is electrically connected to a control device 12 configured separately from the optical communication unit 11, and is further electrically connected to a terminal device 13 having a display such as a navigation device or a monitor device equipped in an automobile via a control line such as a CAN (Controller Area Network). The control device 12 includes an optical modulation unit 121 that converts information input to the terminal device 13 into an optical signal in the LD111, an optical demodulation unit 122 that converts the optical signal received by the PD112 into information and displays it on the display of the terminal device 13, and a control unit 120 that controls the optical modulation unit 121 and the optical demodulation unit 122. Thereby, when the occupant of the automobile V operates the terminal device 13, information can be transmitted as an optical signal from the LD111, and the information included in the optical signal received by the PD112 can be displayed on the display of the terminal device 13.

[0017] When the terminal device 13 is configured as a navigation device, the control device 12 can include vehicle speed information and steering information as information of the automobile obtained from the terminal device 13 in the optical signal to be transmitted. When the terminal device 13 is configured as a monitor device without a navigation function, a vehicle speed sensor 14 and a steering sensor 15 provided in the automobile V are connected to the control device 12, and the vehicle speed information and steering information from these sensors may be included in the optical signal. Instead of the steering sensor 15, a direction indication signal for driving a direction indicator of the automobile may be used.

[0018] On the other hand, the store-side optical communication device 2 deployed in the restaurant SS1 shown in FIG. 1 has the configuration shown in FIG. 4 and basically has the same configuration as the vehicle-side optical communication device 1. In FIG. 4, although the details of the configuration equivalent to FIG. 3 are omitted, an optical communication unit 21 and a control device 22 are provided in a casing 20 having a protective cover 20a. The optical communication unit 21 has an LD211 and a PD212 mounted on a substrate 210. The LD211 transmits an optical signal through a transmission lens 213, and the PD212 receives an optical signal through a reception lens 214. The control device 22 includes an optical modulation unit 221, an optical demodulation unit 222, and a control unit 220.

[0019] On the other hand, the store-side optical communication device 2 has a configuration that differs from the vehicle-side optical communication device 1. In this configuration, the control device 22 is connected to an input / output terminal 23 such as a personal computer via a wired or wireless signal line, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). By operating this input / output terminal 23, restaurant staff can send the required service information as an optical signal from the store-side optical communication device 2, or receive an optical signal from the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 to obtain information about the vehicle V.

[0020] Furthermore, as part of the service information, an external imaging device 24 that images the area outside of restaurant SS1, such as the parking lot, and an internal imaging device 25 that images the seats inside restaurant SS1 are connected. The images captured by each imaging device 24 and 25 are processed by the control device 22 and made available for transmission of light from the light transmitting and receiving unit 21.

[0021] In the service information provision system consisting of the automobile V and restaurant SS1 shown in Figure 1, equipped with the optical communication devices 1 and 2 configured as described above, an example of the service form of restaurant SS1 to automobile V will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. At restaurant SS1, as shown in Figure 1, the store-side optical communication device 2 is set up so that the required area of ​​the road facing the entrance, in particular a part of the road from which automobile V travels towards the entrance, becomes the communicationable area A1. Then, in step S11, the store-side optical communication device 2 is kept in a constantly operating state and communication connection requests are continuously made so that an optical communication connection can be established with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 of automobile V that has traveled into the communicationable area A1.

[0022] When a vehicle V equipped with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 travels to the communication area A1, it receives a communication connection request from the store-side optical communication device 2 and sends a communication connection response. If there is no communication connection response, no communication connection is made, and the store-side optical communication device 2 determines that the vehicle is not equipped with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 and is not a vehicle eligible for the service. Alternatively, it determines that the vehicle has no intention of entering the store. On the other hand, if a communication connection response is received from vehicle V and an optical communication connection is made with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1, the store determines that vehicle V is a candidate vehicle eligible for the service (S12). Normally, these communication connection requests and communication connection responses are configured to be made automatically.

[0023] Next, the store-side optical communication device 2 receives vehicle speed information and steering information from the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 of the automobile V as optical signals, and detects the vehicle speed and direction of travel of the automobile V (S13). This vehicle speed information and steering information is obtained from the terminal device 13 of the automobile V if the terminal device 13 is configured as a navigation device. If the terminal device 13 is configured as a monitor, it is obtained from the vehicle speed sensor 14 and the steering sensor 15.

[0024] Then, the store-side optical communication device 2 determines that the vehicle will not enter restaurant SS1 if the vehicle speed of the candidate vehicle does not decrease, that is, if the candidate vehicle does not slow down or stop, and if there is no steering signal to the left (steering signal or turn indicator signal). On the other hand, if the candidate vehicle slows down and proceeds slowly or stops, or if there is a steering signal to the left, it determines that the candidate vehicle will enter restaurant SS1 (S14). In the former case, no service information is transmitted, and in the latter case, service information is transmitted immediately (S15).

[0025] As mentioned above, this service information includes restaurant parking information, seating availability information, and food and beverage menu information. This service information is transmitted from the store-side optical communication device 2 to the vehicle-side optical communication device 1. The transmitted service information is received by the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 and displayed on the terminal device 13's display. For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), the message "Welcome" is displayed along with the items "□Parking Information", "□Seating Information", and "□Menu".

[0026] The occupants of the vehicle V can select any item displayed on the terminal device 13 to see detailed information about that item. For example, in Figure 6(b), selecting "□Parking Information" will display a parking map showing the current availability of parking spaces. In Figure 6(c), selecting "□Seating Information" will display a seating map showing the current availability of seats in the store. In Figure 6(d), selecting "□Menu" will display a special menu.

[0027] When transmitting and displaying this service information, in the case of parking information and seating information, high-speed, high-capacity data communication via optical communication is used to display videos of the parking lot and the interior of the store captured by the external imaging device 24 or internal imaging device 25 connected to the store's optical communication device 2. Similarly, by using high-speed, high-capacity data communication via optical communication, various food and beverage menus can be displayed sequentially with fast and clear images.

[0028] In this way, by utilizing optical communication with optical communication equipment, it is possible to accurately identify vehicles attempting to enter a restaurant and provide service information quickly. Therefore, compared to obtaining service information via communication lines using mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets, access and other operations from the mobile terminal are unnecessary, ensuring safe driving of the vehicle. In addition, real-time service information from the restaurant can be obtained. Furthermore, if equipping vehicles with optical communication equipment allows them to receive suitable services in addition to obtaining traffic information as before, the convenience will justify the cost of the optical communication equipment, thus promoting the widespread adoption of this type of optical communication equipment.

[0029] Furthermore, by creating a difference between the service information provided via optical communication by such optical communication devices and the service information provided when connecting to a restaurant via conventional communication lines using mobile terminals, the restaurant's ability to attract customers can be enhanced. For example, special offers (such as discount information or event information) can be added to the service information. Alternatively, information exclusive to customers who actually visit the restaurant, especially by setting a customer ID, could be provided, such as increased points based on the number of visits.

[0030] (Embodiment 2) Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a so-called drive-through store SS2, where the service provider is a hamburger, coffee, or pizza shop. A store-side optical communication device 2 with a communication area A1 is installed in the passage from the store entrance to the drive-through window. When a car V passes through the entrance and slows down before reaching the drive-through window SW, the store-side optical communication device 2 establishes a communication connection with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, the communication connection may be established when the car approaches the window SW. In the case of this drive-through store SS2, there is a high probability that the car driving from the entrance is a car intending to visit the store, so in step S13 of the flow in Figure 5, it is only necessary to determine whether the speed of the car that has established a communication connection has decreased, that is, whether it is slowing down or has come to a complete stop.

[0031] In this drive-thru store SS2, although not shown in the diagram, after a communication connection is established, the store transmits service information such as menu information and payment methods to the vehicle. At that time, special offers (discounts, event information, etc.) may also be transmitted to the vehicle. Since this service information transmission is based on high-speed, high-capacity optical communication, it is possible to display various menus sequentially with high-speed and clear images, just as in the case of the restaurant described above. In addition, the occupants of the vehicle may check the transmitted menu on the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 and transmit their order and payment method to the store. In the case of this drive-thru store SS2, for example, it is possible to alleviate congestion around the store caused by drive-thru vehicles by offering special discounts or incentives such as goods to customers who visit outside of busy times such as lunchtime or dinnertime.

[0032] (Embodiment 3) Figure 8 shows Embodiment 3, in which the present invention is applied to a service facility where the location and direction of incoming vehicles cannot be determined. In stores with relatively narrow entrances, such as the restaurant in Embodiment 1 or the drive-through store in Embodiment 2, the location and direction of vehicles entering the store can be determined, making communication connection between the store-side optical communication device and the vehicle-side optical communication device easy. In a service facility SS3 with a wide entrance and exit, such as the gas station shown in Figure 8, the location and direction of incoming vehicles are difficult to determine. With only one store-side optical communication device 2, the communication area is limited, making it difficult to establish communication connections with vehicle-side optical communication devices of vehicles entering from different locations and directions, resulting in the inability to reliably transmit service information to all vehicles equipped with vehicle-side optical communication devices 1. To address this, multiple store-side optical communication devices can be installed to expand the communication area, but this would complicate the software required to link multiple store-side optical communication devices and increase equipment costs.

[0033] In Embodiment 3, vehicle-side optical communication devices 1A and 2A, each equipped with an auxiliary communication unit, are installed in the vehicle and the service center, respectively. Figure 9(a) is a block diagram of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A, and Figure 9(b) is a front view of its optical communication unit 11. The configuration differs from the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 of Embodiments 1 and 2 in that an auxiliary communication unit 16 is integrally installed in the casing 10 of the optical communication unit 11. This auxiliary communication unit 16 is configured here as an acoustic wave communication unit that communicates using sound waves, and is equipped with a microphone 161 and a speaker 162 for acoustic wave communication. The microphone 161 is a piezoelectric element microphone that converts sound waves into electrical signals, and the speaker 162 is a piezoelectric element speaker that converts electrical signals into sound waves.

[0034] These microphones 161 and speaker 162 are connected to the circuit board 110 along with the LD 111 and PD 112, and further connected to the control device 12. The control device 12 has the same configuration as the vehicle-side optical communication device 1 of Embodiment 1, and also includes a sound modulation unit 123 that modulates the information to be transmitted into the required electrical signal. The sound modulation unit 123 modulates the voltage supplied to the speaker 162, for example, using a pulse code (PCM), based on the information to be transmitted, and outputs sound waves based on this modulated signal. Since the speaker 162 is composed of a piezoelectric element speaker, it outputs sound waves of the required frequency. For example, if the frequency is within the human audible frequency range, the sound waves will be like "beep, beep, beep, beep...". Preferably, to avoid sounding too loud to humans, it outputs sound waves of 20 kHz or higher, which are above the human audible frequency range. Furthermore, the control device 12 includes a sound demodulation unit 124 that receives the sound wave with a piezoelectric element microphone 161, demodulates the pulse code signal converted into an electrical signal, and displays the demodulated information on the terminal device 13.

[0035] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10, the gas station SS3, which serves as a service provider, is equipped with a store-side optical communication device 2A, which has an optical communication unit 21 similar to that of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A. The configuration of this optical communication unit 21 is basically the same as that of the optical communication unit 11 of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A. That is, the optical communication unit 21 is integrally provided with an auxiliary communication unit, an acoustic wave communication unit 26, which has a microphone 261 and a speaker 262, and this acoustic wave communication unit 26 is capable of communicating with the acoustic wave communication unit 16 of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A using sound waves. In addition, a control device 22 and an input / output terminal 23 are connected to the optical communication unit 21. The configuration of the control device 22 is the same as that of the store-side optical communication device 2 shown in Figure 4, but like the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A, it is equipped with an acoustic modulation unit 223 and an acoustic demodulation unit 224.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, the store-side optical communication device 2A is connected to an imaging device 24 capable of imaging almost the entire area A3 at the entrance of the gas station SS3. This imaging device 24 is the same as the external imaging device 24 of the store-side optical communication device 2 shown in Figure 4. The control device 22 of the store-side optical communication device 2A is capable of analyzing the image captured by this imaging device 24 and detecting the captured vehicle. Furthermore, when a vehicle is detected, it is possible to modulate predetermined message information, as described later, with the sound modulation unit 223 and output it as a sound wave from the speaker 262.

[0037] The store-side optical communication device 2A is configured such that the communication area A1, which allows optical communication with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A, is a specific area at the entrance of the gas station SS3. Furthermore, a stop mark, in this case a diagonal line mark X, is marked on the ground at the gas station SS3 within a portion of this communication area A1, making it visible to occupants of vehicles attempting to enter. On the other hand, the sound wave communication area A2, which allows sound wave communication with the sound wave communication unit 16 of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A, is configured to be a wide area extending to the road side, including the entrance of the gas station SS3. This sound wave communication area A2 is configured to be a wide area that includes at least the imaging area A3 captured by the imaging device 24.

[0038] In a vehicle and gas station equipped with the above optical communication device, an example of the service configuration of the gas station SS3 to the vehicle V will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 11. When the vehicle approaches the vicinity of the entrance to the gas station SS3, the imaging device 26 of the gas station SS3 takes an image of the vehicle and detects its driving state, particularly its direction of travel (S21). When the detected vehicle V1 has driven to the entrance diagonal mark X, i.e., the optical communication area A1 (S22), the store-side optical communication device 2A sends a communication connection request via optical communication to the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A, similar to Embodiment 1 (S23). If the vehicle is equipped with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A, a communication connection response is made and a communication connection is established (S24).

[0039] Subsequently, similar to Embodiment 1, the store-side optical communication device 2A detects the vehicle speed by communicating with the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A (S25), detects from the detected vehicle speed that the vehicle has slowed down or stopped (S26), and transmits service information from the store-side optical communication device 2A to the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A (S27). However, if a communication connection cannot be established with the vehicle detected in step S21, or if the vehicle does not slow down or stop in step S26, in either case it is determined that the vehicle is not for refueling purposes, and no service information is transmitted to the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A.

[0040] On the other hand, if the store-side optical communication device 2A determines that the detected vehicle V2 is not approaching the diagonal mark X, optical communication by optical communication devices 1A and 2A becomes impossible, and the sound wave communication unit is used instead. That is, the sound wave communication unit 26 of the store-side optical communication device 2A transmits a sound wave of the required message to the sound wave communication unit 16 of the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A (S28). For example, the message "Please proceed to the diagonal mark" is modulated in the sound modulation unit 223, and the modulated sound wave is transmitted from the speaker 262.

[0041] In the case of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-side optical communication device 1A having an acoustic wave communication unit 16, the acoustic wave is received by the microphone 161 and demodulated by the acoustic demodulation unit 124, and the message is displayed on the terminal device 13. Upon receiving this message, the vehicle V2 proceeds to the diagonal mark X, thereby entering the communication area A1 and enabling optical communication with the store-side optical communication device 2A. Thereafter, the store-side optical communication device 2A detects that the vehicle V2 has stopped or slowed down at the diagonal mark X and transmits service information. Note that in step S28, even if the store-side optical communication device 2A outputs an acoustic wave of the message, if the vehicle does not proceed to the diagonal mark X in accordance with this message, it is determined that the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A of Embodiment 3 is not equipped, and therefore service information is not transmitted.

[0042] When transmitting service information at gas station SS3, the vehicle transmits its user ID, vehicle type, fuel type, and fuel quantity to the store's optical communication device 2A at gas station SS3. Meanwhile, the store's optical communication device 2A transmits information related to the vehicle as service information based on the received user ID. As a result, as shown in Figure 12(a), the information related to the vehicle and the service information are displayed on the terminal device 13. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12(b), the store's optical communication device 2A may search for the vehicle's past refueling records based on the user ID and transmit the retrieved refueling records to the vehicle's optical communication device. The recommended fuel type and fuel quantity may also be added at this time of transmission.

[0043] In automobiles, the vehicle-side optical communication device 1A receives this information and responds with either approval or rejection, or it may change the response. Based on this response, the store-side optical communication device 2A automatically sets up refueling. Then, as shown in Figure 12(c), it transmits service information to the vehicle to guide it to the set refueling booth. This eliminates the inconvenience for the vehicle's occupants of having to operate the screen at the refueling booth after stopping, specifying the type of fuel, amount of fuel, and payment method. Moreover, refueling can be completed in a short time, increasing the utilization rate of the gas station.

[0044] Thus, in service facilities with wide entrances where the exact location of a vehicle entering the premises cannot be determined, sound waves can be used to guide the vehicle to a position where optical communication is possible, thereby ensuring reliable optical communication between the gas station and the vehicle. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs in the optical communication unit of the optical communication equipment on the store side or the vehicle side, it becomes possible to transmit service information using sound wave communication.

[0045] Furthermore, as an auxiliary communication unit, a wireless LAN may be used instead of an acoustic communication unit that uses sound waves. In this case, a wireless LAN communication unit should be installed in place of the acoustic communication unit in each optical communication device on the vehicle side and the store side.

[0046] The above embodiments 1 to 3 describe restaurants, drive-through stores, and gas stations as examples of service providers according to the present invention, but it can be applied to other service providers as well. For example, it is preferable to apply it when providing various information to a vehicle in real time when a vehicle arrives at a service provider such as a highway service area, public facility, or hospital, which would be advantageous for both the vehicle and the service provider. In particular, by standardizing the optical communication device of the optical communication system of the present invention and equipping it in both vehicles and service providers, the convenience of using a vehicle as a service provider can be enhanced.

[0047] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 3, the store-side optical communication device makes a communication connection request to the vehicle-side optical communication device, but the vehicle-side optical communication device may also make a communication connection request to the store-side optical communication device. In this case, by transmitting information such as the vehicle's speed and steering direction at the same time as the communication connection request, the store-side optical communication device can confirm the vehicle's speed and steering direction at the same time as the communication connection and determine whether or not the vehicle is coming to the store.

[0048] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 3, vehicle information is detected by optical communication from the vehicle-side optical communication device to the store-side optical communication device. However, if the store-side optical communication device can independently acquire vehicle information, it may determine whether or not a vehicle is approaching based on that acquired information. For example, if the store-side optical communication device is equipped with a radar function, it may detect whether the vehicle is temporarily stopped, slowing down, or steering direction based on the information detected by the radar. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1, 1A Vehicle-side optical communication device 2, 2A Store-side optical communication device 11 Optical Communications Department 12 Control device 13 Terminal devices 14. Vehicle speed sensor 15 Steering sensor 16. Sound wave communication unit (auxiliary communication unit) 21 Optical Communications Department 22 Control device 23 Terminal devices 24 Imaging device 25 Imaging device 26. Sound wave communication unit (auxiliary communication unit) SS1, SS2, SS3 Service Providers V, V1, V2 automobile (vehicle)

Claims

1. The system is configured to perform optical communication between a vehicle-side optical communication device installed in a vehicle and a store-side optical communication device installed in a service provider's location such as a store, and to provide service information from the store-side optical communication device to the vehicle-side optical communication device via optical communication. The store-side optical communication device acquires information about the vehicle on which the connected vehicle-side optical communication device is installed, and provides service information to the vehicle via optical communication when the acquired information meets predetermined conditions. The store-side optical communication device has a communication area set up in the vicinity of the entrance where the vehicle enters the service provider's facility, where optical communication connection with the vehicle-side optical communication device is possible. The service information provision communication system is characterized in that the vehicle-side optical communication device and the store-side optical communication device each have an auxiliary communication unit with a wider communication range than optical communication, and the auxiliary communication unit on the store side transmits information to the auxiliary communication unit on the vehicle side that guides the vehicle to the communication range of optical communication.

2. The service information provision communication system according to claim 1, wherein the store-side optical communication device transmits service information to the vehicle when the vehicle slows down or stops, or when it is steered toward a service provider, based on the acquired vehicle information.

3. The service information provision communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the store-side optical communication device and the vehicle-side optical communication device establish a communication connection, the store-side optical communication device acquires vehicle information from the vehicle-side optical communication device.

4. The service information provision communication system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary communication unit is a sound wave communication unit that performs communication using sound waves.

5. The service information provision communication system according to claim 4, wherein the sound wave communication unit is integrally provided with the optical communication device.

6. The service information provision communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle-side optical communication device is connected to a terminal device installed in the vehicle, and service information provided by a service provider is capable of being displayed on the terminal device.

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