JP2001159530A - Portable map display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve use feeling by accurately grasping a display content of a route guide and the direction of a destination on the user's side, even in the state where a displayable area of a display for map display is limited. SOLUTION: A CPU 8 down-loads map data and content data for showing facility information through a portable telephone 15 or the like, from a database 20 provided externally, stores the data in a RAM 11, and displays, on an LCD panel 2, icons of the map shown by the stored map data and the facility shown by the contents data. In this case, such a formation is adopted that the number and the kind of the contents data down-loaded from the database 20 can be changed and set at an information terminal 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable map display device capable of displaying a map and displaying an icon corresponding to the type of facility on the map.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a portable navigation device that can be used for mountain climbing, hiking, walking around town, etc., map data necessary for displaying a map is stored in an external database through a portable telephone (a concept including PHS). (E.g., an information server connected to the Internet), and by displaying a map indicated by the map data on a display device, a storage device (such as a CD-ROM drive unit) which must be large in size can be used. There is provided one that is not required and is thus downsized as a whole.

[0003]

In the portable navigation device as described above, an icon indicating the type of facility such as a convenience store, a fast food store, a supermarket, etc. is displayed on a map displayed on a display device at a corresponding position. Is superimposed and displayed. However, in this type of portable navigation device, the display screen of the display device is inevitably relatively small. Unnecessary items for the user are displayed on the map screen. As a result, when recognizing a displayed map, icons displayed on the map may be a visual obstacle,
There is a problem that the usability deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to realize a reduction in size as a whole,
When displaying a map and an icon indicating the location of a facility on a display unit, even if the displayable area of the display unit is limited, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the presence of the icon becomes a visual obstacle beforehand Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable map display device capable of realizing an improved usability.

[0005]

To achieve the above object, the means described in claim 1 can be adopted. According to this means, since the map data necessary for displaying the map on the display device is downloaded from an external database through a telephone line, the installation space is large in order to store the map database. It is not necessary to incorporate a dedicated storage device, and as a result, the overall size can be reduced. In this case, when downloading the map data from the external database, the content data necessary to display the icon representing the facility on the display map can be downloaded at the same time. Since the number and type of content data can be changed and set, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an icon unnecessary for the user is displayed on a map screen of a limited size. As a result, in recognizing a map displayed on a display device having a limited size, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an icon displayed on the map becomes a visual obstacle beforehand, and the usability is improved. Be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, content data on facilities existing in the area designated by the user can be selectively downloaded, so that the user can be displayed on the map screen displayed on the display. Can selectively display only the icons of the areas required by the user, which is convenient in actual use.

According to the means described in claim 3, since the content data specified by the keyword can be selectively downloaded, the location and type of the facility can be searched on the map screen displayed on the display. It becomes convenient in actual use.

According to the means described in claim 4, since the user can selectively download the content data corresponding to the custom information stored in advance, for example, on the map screen displayed on the display device, the user can download the content data. Can easily search for a desired facility, and its convenience is improved.

According to the means described in claim 5, map data including the current position indicated by the position information obtained by the position information obtaining means can be downloaded, and content data on facilities located within a predetermined range from the current position can be downloaded. Can be selectively downloaded, so that the map around the user can be automatically displayed on the display unit, and only the icons of the areas within a predetermined range from the current location can be selectively displayed. It becomes very convenient in

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 2 showing the entire front appearance, a portable information terminal 1 (corresponding to a portable map display device) is provided with a rectangular main body case 1a.
An LCD panel 2 (corresponding to a display) having a relatively large display area is provided on the front side of the main body case 1a. As the LCD panel 2, for example, a monochrome type of 16 gradation display is used. A matrix-type panel-shaped touch switch (not shown) is formed on the entire surface of the LCD panel 2. In particular, a plurality of switches (in this embodiment, each having a switch function) are formed on the lower edge in the figure. (For example, seven icons) 3a to 3g are formed by printing. Among these icons 3a to 3g, for example, the leftmost icon 3a and the icon 3 adjacent thereto
b functions as a menu switch and a cancel switch, respectively, and the icon 3g at the right end functions as an "off" switch for shutting off the power after shutting down a built-in microcomputer system described later.

A power switch 4 for turning on and off the power supply is provided at an upper edge portion of the main body case 1 and a mobile phone (shown by reference numeral 15 in FIG. 1) is provided at a lower edge portion. Is provided with a terminal box 1b for a data communication cable (indicated by reference numeral 14 in FIG. 1) connected to.
On the side edges of the main body case 1, pointer switches 5, 6 each composed of a push button switch and a decision switch 7 are provided. Note that the pointer switch 5,
Reference numeral 6 denotes a switch for moving an icon or list in a selected state up and down in order to select an arbitrary one from the icons and lists displayed on the LCD panel 2. This switch is operated when the selected icon or list is determined.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic internal configuration of the information terminal 1 and a peripheral configuration related thereto by a combination of functional blocks. In FIG. 1, an information terminal 1
Is configured as a microcomputer system centered on a CPU 8 (corresponding to control means). An internal bus 9 connected to the CPU 8 has a ROM storing a control program and the like.
10, a RAM 11 serving as a working storage area, and the LCD panel 2 are connected, and an input device 12 including the touch switches (not shown), the pointer switches 5, 6 and the determination switch 7 is connected.
It should be noted that the input device 12 may be provided with a voice input means for analyzing the input voice and converting it into predetermined command data.

The data communication device 1 is connected to the internal bus 9.
3 (corresponding to a telephone interface unit) is connected to the terminal box 1b through a data communication cable 14 and a mobile telephone 15 and a dial-up connection to the Internet 16 through a mobile telephone line. I have.

Further, a GPS receiving unit 17 (corresponding to position information acquiring means) is connected to the internal bus 9. The GPS receiving unit 17 has a GPS antenna 17a for receiving radio waves from GPS artificial satellites,
The configuration is such that the position information (longitude and latitude information) of the current location is obtained by calculation based on the coordinate position and time information obtained by analyzing the received data.

The information base station 18 has the Internet 16
And a database 20 storing various data such as content data (so-called town information) indicating so-called town information such as map data and facility location and type information. The information server 19 is configured to answer back various data in the database 20 in response to a request from the information terminal 1 side. Here, the configuration is such that the database 20 is accessed via the Internet 16 in order to access the database 20, but the database 20 is directly connected to the mobile phone base station and installed, that is, the database function is provided in the mobile phone base station. It is also possible.

In the information terminal 1, an information server 19 is connected via the mobile phone 15 and the Internet 16.
Is accessed to download desired map data and content data from the database 20 through the mobile phone 15. The downloaded map data and content data are stored in the RA.
M11, the map indicated by the stored map data is displayed on the LCD panel 2, and the icon corresponding to the type information of the stored content data is made to correspond to the position indicated by the position information of the content data on the map. Is displayed.

The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a part related to the gist of the present invention in the contents of control by the CPU 8 in the information terminal 1. It is explained together with the contents.

FIG. 3 shows the contents of a map display control routine started, for example, in response to a selection operation through a menu screen displayed on the LCD panel 2. Then, a selection screen as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed (step S0). In this selection screen, an icon A1 of "peripheral map" operated when displaying a map centering on the current position of the user (meaning operation of a panel-shaped touch switch not shown), and a map of a designated area are displayed. The icon A2 of the "designated map" operated when performing the operation, the icon A3 of the "setting" operated when setting the range of the map data to be displayed in advance, the presence / absence and type of the town information (content data), etc. "Town information" operated when setting
Icon A4 is displayed. In addition, each icon A1, A
2, A3 and A4 are alternately operated so as to exhibit a reverse display state.

In the display step S0, one of the "peripheral map" icon A1, the "designated map" icon A2, the "setting" icon A3, the "town information" icon A4, and the icon 3b corresponding to the cancel switch are operated. (Steps S1 to S5). Then, when the icon 3b is operated (“YES” in step S5)
, The map display control routine is terminated halfway and the routine returns.

In the display state of the selection screen, the "setting" icon A
When 3 is operated ("YES" in step S3), a setting screen as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the LCD panel 2 (step S6). In this setting screen, for example, three icons B1, B2, and B representing the title of "map range setting" and the size of the map range in terms of area.
3 and "standard", "(intermediate)", "wide" characters corresponding to the icons B1, B2, and B3, and an "OK" icon B4 operated when finalizing the selection. In the default state, a map range corresponding to "standard" is set, and accordingly, the "standard" icon B1 is configured to show an inverted display state as shown in FIG. 4B.

The display step S6 comprises the steps of:
Until the range setting operation through B2 and B3 and the confirmation operation through the “OK” icon B4 are performed (step S7,
"YES" in both steps S9), or until the determination operation is performed through the "OK" icon B4 without performing the range setting operation ("NO" in step S7, "YES" in step S8). Is done. When the range setting operation and the determination operation are performed, the process returns to the selection screen display step S0 after executing step S10 of storing the set map range. When the confirmation operation is performed without performing the range setting operation, the process returns to the selection screen display step S0 as it is (the set map range at this time is a default value (= range corresponding to “standard”)).

In the display state of the selection screen, "Town information"
When the icon A4 is operated ("YE" in step S4)
S ”), the process proceeds to a town information setting processing routine S100. In this processing routine S100, a town information setting screen as shown in FIG. 4C is displayed on the LCD panel 2, and the user inputs the town information (contents) from the database 20 based on the setting screen. The user selects whether to download data, and performs setting operations such as the type of town information to be downloaded.

In the above-mentioned town information setting screen, the title of “town information”, the “Yes” icon C1 and the “No” icon C2 for selecting whether or not to download the town information, for example, the type of facility. When finalizing the list boxes C3, C4, C5 for selecting the corresponding "classification", the "name" corresponding to the facility name, and the "range" corresponding to the range from the current location of the user, and finally the selection contents Is displayed, an "OK" icon C6 is displayed. In this case, the list boxes C3, C4, C5 and the display related thereto are in, for example, a drop-down format or a pop-up format. It is preferable that the list boxes C3, C4, and C5 be displayed only when the "do" icon C1 is operated. Further, in the default state, for example, the setting is made such that the town information is not downloaded, and accordingly, the “no” icon C2 is set to the inverted display state.

The selection operation of the list boxes C3, C4 and C5, the operation of scrolling and specifying the items in the list boxes C3, C4 and C5, and the operation of confirming with the "OK" icon C6 are performed by touch switches (not shown) on the LCD panel 2. In particular, the item scrolling and the item designating operation can be performed by the pointer switches 5 and 6 and the confirmation switch (the operated one exhibits, for example, an inverted display state).

In the example of FIG. 4C, for example, when the list box C3 corresponding to "classification" is selected, the classification name of the facility is displayed as a keyword as shown in FIG. The facility name corresponding to the classification ("fast food restaurant" surrounded by a broken line in the example in the figure) selected in is displayed in the list box C4 as a keyword of a lower concept. In this case, a specific store name (for example, “xx burger / Kinshicho store”) may be set as a lower order keyword, or another selection keyword may be provided. The list box C5 corresponding to "range" is of an independent form, and is used when downloading town information on facilities within a set range (for example, a radius centered on the current location) from the current location. Is done. In addition, here, the screen for performing the selection operation is in the list box format, but a selection screen as an example shown in FIG. 4D may be newly displayed. That is, the example of FIG. 4D shows a screen for selecting a “name” corresponding to a facility name, and the facility name D2 is displayed in a list format together with the icon D1 indicating the facility. And the "OK" icon D
The user can perform the operation of confirming the facility name selected by the user.

The town information setting processing routine S100
When it is determined that the town information is not to be downloaded, and when the target town information is selected and confirmed when the download is selected, the processing routine S100 is terminated and the process proceeds to step S0. Return to

On the other hand, when the "peripheral map" icon A1 is operated in the display state of the selection screen ("YES" in step S1), the position information of the current location is fetched from the GPS receiving unit 17 (step S11). A line connection processing routine S12 is executed. This processing routine S12
Then, a dial-up connection is made to the Internet 16 through the data communication device 13 and the mobile phone 15 to set a state in which data can be exchanged with the information server 19, and a connection operation is performed.
The process is continued until it is determined at 13 that the connection has been established, or until it is determined at step S14 that the icon 3b corresponding to the cancel switch has been operated. In the line connection processing routine S12, a redial operation is performed a preset number of times.
If it cannot connect to the LCD panel 2
Is displayed and then returns. Also,
In the line connection processing routine S12, it is desirable to display the execution of the connection operation and the standby state on the LCD panel 2.

When the icon 3b is operated before the connection is established ("YES" in step S14), the process returns as it is, but when the connection is established (step S1).
3 is "YES"), the data request processing routine S15
Execute In this data request processing routine S15,
In addition to the ID code unique to the information terminal 1, it includes position information indicating the current location, information indicating the set map range stored in the step S10, selection information indicating the download target selected in the town information setting processing routine S100, and the like. A download request signal is created and transmitted to the information server 19.

In this case, the information server 19 that has received the download request signal includes, from the database 20, a point (corresponding to the current location of the information terminal 1) indicated by the position information in the download request signal and a download request signal. The map data in the range indicated by the set map range information is read out, and the content data corresponding to the type of town information indicated by the selection information is read out of the content data of the facilities existing in the range of the map data. An operation of answering back the map data and the content data to the information terminal 1 through the Internet 16 and the mobile phone 15 is performed. Note that the answer back data may not include the content data (in a case where it is selected not to download the town information in the town information setting processing routine S100). Also,
The range of the map data to be answered does not need to match the shape of the display area of the LCD panel 2 on the information terminal 1 side, and may be a predetermined range (for example, a square range) (information terminal The part that cannot be displayed on one side can be dealt with by scrolling the map display screen.)

After the execution of the data request processing step S15, until the reception of data (map data and content data) to be answered back from the information server 19 is completed, or a certain time has elapsed, or the cancel switch is supported. The operation waits until the icon 3b is operated (steps S16, S17, S18). The information terminal 1
, The received map data and content data are sequentially stored in the RAM 11. Then, when the icon 3b is operated (“YES” in step S18), the process returns as it is. However, when a certain period of time has elapsed without completing the reception of the answer back data (“YES” in step S17). Is a line disconnection processing step S for stopping the connection with the Internet 16
19. After executing step S20 of displaying a message urging the user to perform the operation again on the LCD panel 2, the process returns to the selection screen display step S0.

On the other hand, when the reception of the answer back data is completed ("YES" in step S16),
A display processing routine S21 is executed. In this processing routine S21, the LCD panel 2 is controlled based on the map data and the content data stored in the RAM 11 as shown in FIG.
In addition to displaying a map in the form as shown in FIG. 3B, an icon (shown by a symbol F) corresponding to the type information of the content data is displayed on this map in correspondence with the position indicated by the position information of the content data. And display it. After the execution of the display processing routine S21,
After executing the line disconnection processing step S22 for stopping the connection with the Internet 16, the process returns. FIG.
In (b), the user's current location is indicated by a triangular pointer P.

When the "designated map" icon A2 is operated in the display state of the selection screen ("YE" in step S2).
S "), a range designation screen as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the LCD panel 2 (step S23). This range designation screen functions as a screen for searching for a map desired by the user.
As search conditions, for example, "prefecture name" (major item),
List boxes E1, E2, E for selecting "city (county) name" (middle item) and "town name" (small item), respectively
3. "O" operated when finalizing the selection
A “K” icon E4 is displayed. In this case, the list boxes E1, E2, and E3 are, for example, in a drop-down format or a pop-up format. FIG. 5A shows a case where the list box E1 corresponding to the "prefecture name" is selected. An example of the contents of the opened list is shown.

The operation of selecting the list boxes E1, E2, and E3 and the operation of scrolling and specifying the items in the list boxes E1, E2, and E3 can be performed by touch switches (not shown) on the LCD panel 2. The item scroll and the item designation operation can be performed by the pointer switches 5 and 6 and the confirmation switch. In this case, for example, when the list box E1 corresponding to the “prefecture name” is selected, FIG.
As shown in, the prefecture name is displayed as a large item, and the city / county name (including the city name in the case of Tokyo) corresponding to the prefecture specified in the large item is displayed as a middle item in the list box E2. Further, the town / village name corresponding to the city / county (ward) designated by the middle item is displayed as a small item in the list box E3. The specified items are
For example, an inverted display state is provided.

After the above-mentioned range designation screen is displayed, a selection receiving processing routine S24 is executed. This processing routine S24 is for accepting an item selection operation through the range designation screen, and includes an “OK” icon E4
Is continued until the icon 3b corresponding to the cancel switch is operated (steps S25 and S26).

When the icon 3b is operated ("YES" in step S26), the map display control routine is terminated halfway and the routine returns. However, when the finalizing operation is performed ("YES" in step S25). Executes the line connection processing routine S27. In this processing routine S27, a dial-up connection is made to the Internet 16 through the mobile phone interface unit 13 and the mobile phone 15, and a connection operation of setting a state in which data can be exchanged with the information server 19 is executed. The process is continued until it is determined in step S28 that the connection has been established, or until it is determined in step S29 that the icon 3b corresponding to the cancel switch has been operated. Note that, also in the line connection processing routine S27, similarly to the line connection processing routine S12,
The redial operation is performed a predetermined number of times. If the redial operation fails to connect to the Internet 16, a message to that effect is displayed on the LCD panel 2 and the process returns.
Also, in the line connection processing routine S27, it is desirable that the execution and standby state of the connection operation be displayed on the LCD panel 2.

When the icon 3b is operated before the connection is established ("YES" in step S29), the process returns as it is, but when the connection is established (step S2).
8 is "YES"), the data request processing routine S30
Execute In this data request processing routine S30,
In addition to the ID code unique to the information terminal 1, information on the item (prefecture name, city / county name, etc.) selected in the selection reception processing routine S24, information indicating a set map range, and selection in the town information setting processing routine S100 A download request signal including the selection information indicating the downloaded download target is created and transmitted to the information server 19.

In this case, in the information server 19 which has received the download request signal, the database 20 includes the area indicated by the item information in the download request signal and is indicated by the set map range information in the download request signal. While reading the map data of the range,
The content data corresponding to the type of town information indicated by the selection information is read out of the content data on the facilities existing in the range of the map data, and the map data is read to the information terminal 1 through the Internet 16 and the mobile phone 15. An answer-back operation is performed. In this case, it is not necessary that the range of the map data to be answered back conforms to the shape of the display area of the LCD panel 2 of the information terminal 1 and may be a predetermined range (for example, a square range). Good.

After the execution of the data requesting step S30, the process shifts to the step S16, whereby the display processing for displaying the map screen based on the answer backed data (map data and content data) is performed. Routine S21, step S20 of displaying a message urging re-operation, and the like are selectively executed.

According to the above-described embodiment, since the map data required for displaying the map on the LCD panel 2 is downloaded from the external database 20 through the mobile phone line, the map database is stored In order to store the data, it is not necessary to incorporate a dedicated storage device that requires a large installation space, and as a result, the overall size can be reduced.

In this case, when downloading the map data from the external database 20, it is possible to simultaneously download the content data necessary for displaying the icon indicating the type of facility on the display map. Since the number and type of content data to be downloaded can be changed and set in this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an icon unnecessary for the user is displayed on a map screen of a limited size. Become like
As a result, in recognizing a map displayed on the LCD panel 2 having a limit in size, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an icon displayed on the map becomes a visual obstacle beforehand, and a sense of use is improved. Will be improved.

Further, since the content data on the facilities existing in the area designated by the user can be selectively downloaded, only the icon of the area required by the user is displayed on the map screen displayed on the LCD panel 2. Can be selectively displayed, which is convenient in actual use. In addition, since the content data designated by keywords such as the facility classification name and name can be selectively downloaded, the location and type of the facility can be searched on the map screen displayed on the LCD panel 2. It becomes convenient in actual use. Also, GP
Since the map data including the current position indicated by the position information acquired through the S receiving unit 17 can be downloaded, and the content data about the facilities located within a predetermined range from the current position can be selectively downloaded, the LCD panel 2 A map around the user can be automatically displayed, and only icons in an area within a predetermined range from the current location can be selectively displayed, which is extremely convenient in actual use.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified or expanded as follows. When the information terminal 1 is provided with an electronic organizer function or an address book function, the content data corresponding to the custom information (for example, the facility name recorded in the electronic organizer) stored in the electronic organizer or address book is stored in the database 2.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration that can be selectively downloaded from 0. According to this configuration, the user can selectively download the content data corresponding to the custom information stored in advance, so that, for example, the facility desired by the user can be easily displayed on the map screen displayed on the LCD panel 2. , And the convenience is improved. Further, the map data and the like are stored in the RAM 11, but may be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

The mobile phone referred to in the present invention is a concept including a PHS and an automobile phone. GPS receiving unit 1
7 may be provided as needed. That is, for example, as in the GPS system developed by Snap Track (headquarters: USA), the antenna of the mobile phone is used as the GPS receiver, and the mobile phone system connected to the mobile phone has the GPS position information. The current location (the position of the mobile phone)
If a system for performing the measurement is used, the GPS receiving unit 17 can be omitted. The outline of the GPS system is as follows. That is, in this system,
A communication base station connected to the mobile phone is specified, an approximate position of the mobile phone is detected, and a GPS artificial satellite that can be used at that location is transmitted to the mobile phone. In this case, since the satellite to be detected can be specified on the mobile phone side, the operation of receiving the GPS position information from the satellite via the antenna can be promptly performed, and the information is transmitted to the mobile phone manager. The mobile phone system that has received the information performs position calculation and correction calculation processing of the mobile phone based on the received GPS position information, and transfers the calculation result to the mobile phone. Further, other than such a GPS system, for example, a configuration using a self-location search system using a PHS (a configuration using a PHS receiver as a location information acquisition unit) is used to achieve G
The PS receiving unit 17 can be omitted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an information terminal (portable map display device) and related parts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the information terminal.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control contents on the information terminal side;

FIG. 4 shows a display example (part 1).

FIG. 5 shows a display example (part 2).

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is an information terminal (portable map display device), 2 is an LCD panel (display), 8 is a CPU (control means), 13 is a data communication device (telephone interface unit), 17 is a GPS receiving unit (position information obtaining means) ) And 20 indicate a database.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04H 1/00 H04M 11/08 9A001 H04M 11/08 H04B 7/26 M (72) Inventor Osamu Yamamori Tokyo 2-10-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku, NTT Mobile Communication Network Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsumi 50-kun Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo NTT Mobile Communication Network Co., Ltd. F Terms (reference) 2C032 HB15 HB22 HB25 HC11 HC13 HC27 HD03 2F029 AA07 AB07 AC02 AC06 AC14 5H180 AA21 BB05 BB15 FF05 FF22 FF27 FF33 5K067 AA34 BB04 BB21 BB36 EE02 FF03 HH05 5K101 NN12 NN12 NN12 NN12 9

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A display device capable of displaying a map, a telephone interface unit provided so as to be able to download map data and content data indicating the location and type information of facilities from a database provided outside through a telephone line, Through the telephone interface unit, map data and content data are selectively downloaded from the database and stored in a storage device, and a map indicated by the stored map data is displayed, and the type information of the stored content data is displayed on the map. Control means for displaying a corresponding icon corresponding to a position indicated by the position information of the content data, wherein the control means can change and set the number and type of content data to be downloaded through the telephone interface unit. Be configured And a portable map display device. 2. The portable map according to claim 1, wherein said control means is configured to be able to selectively download content data on facilities existing in an area designated by a user. Display device. 3. The portable map display device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to selectively download content data specified by a keyword. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means is configured to allow the user to selectively download content data corresponding to custom information stored in advance. A portable map display device as described in the above. 5. A position information acquisition unit capable of acquiring position information of a current position of the user, wherein the control unit downloads map data including a current position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit, The portable map display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein content data about facilities located within a predetermined range from the current location is configured to be selectively downloadable. 6. The portable map display device according to claim 5, wherein said position information obtaining means is configured to obtain position information of its current location based on radio waves from artificial satellites.