Vehicle data processing system which can communicate with information center

Abstract

A vehicle data processing system is provided which, even if an on-vehicle data processor such as a navigation system or the like is not active, can input the necessary data into the system at an operator's home or the like. A vehicle includes a data processor and an input unit is independently located in the operator's home or other place. Data of destination and the like inputted into the input unit are transmitted to an information center wherein they are stored in a storage unit. When a sensor in the information center senses that the data processor on the vehicle has become active, the input data are transmitted from the input unit to the data processor.

1. A vehicle data processing system comprising:
 an on-vehicle data processor having a data receiving portion for receiving navigation data to be processed;  
 an off-vehicle input unit separated independently from the data processor, the off- vehicle input unit being configured for inputting information relating to navigation, and comprising a communication portion;    
 a data storage unit for storing data inputted into the data input unit and transmitted to the data storage unit by the communication portion of the off- vehicle input unit;    
 a sensor unit for sensing the starting of the data processor; and  
 a data transmitter for transmitting the data stored in the data storage unit to the data processor when the starting of the data processor is sensed by the sensor unit, wherein said data storage unit, sensor unit and data transmitter are disposed within an information center, said data processor includes a transmitter for transmitting a start signal to the information center when said data processor is started, and said data processor transmits the start signal to the information center when the engine of the vehicle is started or when the driver side door of the vehicle is opened;  
   and further wherein when the information center receives the start signal, it sends the information relating to navigation received from the off - vehicle input unit to the on - vehicle data processor.   
 
     
     
       2. A vehicle data processing system as defined in  claim 1  wherein the data communication between said information center and said data processor is made through a mobile telephone system. 
     
     
       3. A vehicle data processing system as defined in  claim 1  wherein the sensor unit in said information center polls a plurality of vehicles moving within its control area to sense a vehicle transmitting the start signal. 
     
     
       4. A vehicle data processing system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said data processor is a navigation system and wherein said data input unit is used to input navigation information. 
     
     
       5. A vehicle data processing system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said data processor is an audio system and wherein said input unit is used to input music information. 
     
     
       6. A vehicle data processing system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said data processor is an audio system and wherein said data processor transmits a request signal, said request signal being music information. 
     
     
       7. An off- vehicle data processing system comprising:      a data storage unit for storing navigation data associated with a predetermined vehicle and transmitted by an off - vehicle data input unit, the off - vehicle data input unit being configured for inputting information relating to navigation and comprising a communication portion for transmitting said navigation data, wherein said navigation data is arranged by at least one user of said predetermined vehicle;        a starting signal receiver for receiving a starting signal which is generated when said predetermined vehicle is activated; and        a transmitter for transmitting said navigation data to an on - vehicle navigation device of said predetermined vehicle after said starting signal receiver receives said starting signal.     
     
     
       8. The system as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said data includes audio data. 
     
     
       9. The system as defined in  claim 7 , further comprising a data receiver for receiving the data from an inputting unit separated independently from the data storage unit. 
     
     
       10. The system as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said data includes vehicle navigation position data relative to a transit point or a destination. 
     
     
       11. The system as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said data includes vehicle navigation map or sightseeing data. 
     
     
       12. A vehicle data processing apparatus for processing navigation data transmitted from an off- vehicle information center comprising:      a two - way communication system for communicating with the off - vehicle information center; and        a data processor for transmitting a signal indicative of an active state to said information center via the two - way communication system, and for receiving navigation data having been processed as information unique to the vehicle and transmitted from said information center in response to the signal, wherein an off - vehicle input unit configured for inputting information relating to navigation transmits said information unique to the vehicle to said information center.     
     
     
       13. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein said data includes message data created by using a computer separated independently from said data processor. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , further comprising a sensor for sensing said active state of the data processor. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the data processor transmits a signal indicative of data request to said information center via the two- way communication system.   
     
     
       16. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the active state corresponds to the opening of the vehicle door. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the active state corresponds to the starting of the vehicle engine. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein said data includes vehicle navigation position data relative to a transit point or a destination and said data processor includes a vehicle navigation device for navigating the vehicle by using said vehicle navigation position data. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein said data includes vehicle navigation map or sightseeing data and said data processor includes a vehicle navigation device for navigating the vehicle by using said vehicle navigation map or sightseeing data. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein said data includes audio data and said data processor includes an audio system for playing said audio data. 
     
     
       21. An off- vehicle data processing system comprising:      an off - vehicle data input unit configured for inputting message data associated with a predetermined vehicle and relating to navigation, and comprising a communication portion for transmitting said message data;        a message data storage unit for storing said message data associated with a predetermined vehicle, the predetermined vehicle including a navigation device;        a receiver for receiving a starting signal which is generated when said predetermined vehicle is activated; and        a transmitter for transmitting the message data to the navigation device of the predetermined vehicle after said receiver receives the starting signal.     
     
     
       22. The system as defined in  claim 21 , further comprising a message processor for receiving the message data created by using an external computer.