JP2002123519A - System and method for map information distribution by internet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide significant information which harmonizes with feelings of a person who tries to obtain map information and makes the person feels geographical differences by varying map coloration according to natural factors of an area shown in a map when the map information is distributed through the Internet. SOLUTION: This map information distribution system which is equipped with a map information providing server 34 including a map database 23 and a map generating device 22 and generates and distributes a map image to a user 13 who makes a request to distribute map information on a specific area through the Internet 12 by using a terminal device 14 is equipped with a storage part 28 which stores multiple reference coloration patterns, a parameter arithmetic unit 24 which computes a coloration pattern corresponding to the time of the specific area according to position information and time information by using a reference coloration pattern, and a transmission part which sends the map image data and coloration pattern data together through the Internet.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a map information distribution system and a map information distribution method using the Internet, and more particularly, to a map that is in harmony with the human sense in accordance with the natural factors (geographical conditions, etc.) of a district desired by a user. The present invention relates to a map information distribution system and a map information distribution method via the Internet for providing information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Several services (map information distribution websites) are known as conventional services for distributing map information via the Internet. For example, Ma
pFanWeb (URL: http://www.mapfan.com/mfwtop.html), Ma
pion (URL: http://www.mapion.co.jp/), e-map (URL: htt
p: //www.e-map.co.jp/). When a user accesses a homepage of these map information distribution services and displays a map of a desired district on a personal computer screen, the map is usually presented in a state where various colors are applied.

A typical example of a device for displaying a map on a display screen of a computer is a car navigation device mounted on an automobile. Since a car navigation device is originally a device for confirming a current position of a car and knowing a positional relationship between a car and a destination, most devices have a configuration in which a map is displayed on a display screen thereof. . The map displayed in this case is also generally displayed in a variety of colors in recent car navigation devices. In a method of displaying a map on a display screen of a current car navigation device, there is a method of changing a color of a map according to day, night, sunrise, sunset, and the like (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-31623 and the like). ).

[0004]

In a service provided by a conventional website for distributing map information via the Internet, although the supplied maps are colored, the color scheme of each part (roads, buildings, etc.) is always constant. Same, not changing. Further, the color scheme on the map does not include elements such as the geographical position condition and time zone of the district displayed on the map. Therefore, the expression represented by the color is poor, and the expressed color does not include any special meaning and content.

[0005] Further, the map displayed by the car navigation device is configured to change color. However, in a colored map displayed on a display device of a conventional car navigation device, a prepared color arrangement pattern is switched at a certain time (based on a specific reference clock). With such a change in the color scheme of the map,
The color change is very simple, and if you consider only the territory of Japan (the four islands of the Japanese archipelago), there will be a time difference of about one hour depending on the area, Often, they saw a map displayed in an unnatural and different color from the actual sensation, different from the brightness environment. Further, since the change of the color scheme by the map display software in the car navigation device is switched at a preset fixed time, there is a problem that the image suddenly gives an image that the color suddenly changes at the time of the switching.

[0006] In particular, when a user accesses a map providing website and receives a map information distribution service via the Internet, the user (user) usually uses a remote area (a remote location) away from his / her current location. We often see map information on (regions). In such a remote area, the natural factors (natural environment) of the outside world such as the height of the sun and the weather are different from those in the area where the user is located. It is desirable that the contents such as geographical conditions such as time be reflected in the color scheme of the map displayed on the display device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for distributing map information via the Internet so that the map color changes in accordance with the natural factors of the area represented by the map to obtain the map information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a map information distribution system and a map information distribution method using the Internet, which provide meaningful map information that is in harmony with the sensation of a person who wants to feel the difference in geography.

[0008]

The map information distribution system and map information distribution method using the Internet according to the present invention are configured as follows to achieve the above object.

The first map information distribution system (corresponding to claim 1) is premised on a map information including a map database for storing map element data and a map generating apparatus for creating a map image using the map element data. The map generating device is provided with a providing web server, and is configured to create and distribute a map image of the specific district to a user who uses the terminal device and requests map information distribution of the specific district via the Internet. You. The map information distribution system further includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of reference coloration patterns, information on a position of the specific area included in the map information distribution request, and a time of the map information distribution request. A coloration calculation unit (parameter calculation device) for calculating and calculating a coloration pattern corresponding to the time in the map image for each element using the reference coloration pattern, and a map image of a specific area created by the map generation device And a transmission unit (a transmission unit in the response device) that transmits the data of the color combination pattern data calculated by the coloration calculation unit to the user terminal device via the Internet. You.

In the above-described map information distribution system, when a user wants to obtain map information of a specific area via the Internet, and when a color is added to the map image, the sunrise or weather in the specific area is And so on, by changing the lightness and darkness of the color scheme of the map image in consideration of natural factors, such as the natural environment of the district indicated in the map image,
Geographical conditions, weather, season, and other conditions can be determined.

In the second map information distribution system (corresponding to claim 2), in the above configuration, preferably, the color arrangement calculation section includes a plurality of reference color arrangement patterns “morning”, “day”, “evening” and “evening”. It is configured to prepare four stages of reference coloration patterns of “night”. As the reference coloration pattern, it is preferable that about four representative colorization patterns indicating the characteristics of each period of the day use the coloration pattern.

In a third map information distribution system (corresponding to claim 3), in each of the above-described configurations, preferably, when the time is given, the coloration calculation unit converts the reference coloration pattern immediately before and after the time. The color arrangement pattern is calculated using the weights set between the extracted two reference color arrangement patterns. A coloration pattern in which the degree of lightness and darkness continuously changes in accordance with a change in time is created using two reference coloration patterns, and optimal lightness and darkness are displayed in the coloration pattern.

[0013] In the fourth map information distribution system (corresponding to claim 4), in each of the above-described configurations, preferably, the color arrangement calculation unit is configured to include a calendar and a timer. Seasonal information and time information can be obtained by the calendar and the timer.

In a fifth map information distribution system (corresponding to claim 5), in each of the above structures, preferably, the map image of the specific area displayed on the display screen of the terminal device is a natural image at the time of the specific area. It is characterized by being colored by factors (season, height of day, weather, etc.). With this configuration, the user can obtain, via the Internet, a map image of an optimum coloration pattern corresponding to the situation of a specific district.

In a sixth map information distribution system (corresponding to claim 6), in each of the above structures, preferably, the natural factors include a height position of the sun, weather, and weather.

According to a first map information distribution method (corresponding to claim 7), a user operating a terminal device issues a map information distribution request for a specific area to a map information provision web server via the Internet, and provides map information. The web server is a map information distribution method for distributing a map image of a specific district to the terminal device via the Internet and displaying the map image on the display screen of the terminal device, and further, a map of the specific district displayed on the display screen of the terminal device. The image is characterized in that a coloration pattern is given based on a natural factor in a specific area at the distribution request time.

In a second map information distribution method (corresponding to claim 8), in the above method, preferably, the color arrangement pattern includes four steps of “morning”, “day”, “evening”, and “night”. It is characterized by being made using the reference coloration pattern of (1).

A third map information distribution method (corresponding to claim 9) is characterized in that, in the above method, preferably, the color arrangement pattern changes continuously according to the transition of time.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a representative embodiment of a map information distribution system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a system configuration of the map information distribution system from a network viewpoint.

First, FIG. 1 will be described. The map information distribution system 11 sends a plurality of users (users) 13 who desire a map distribution service to terminal devices (PCs, Internet terminals such as Internet-connected mobile phones) 14 via the Internet 12. Is a system that distributes map information in response to a request. The map information distribution system 11, as shown in FIG.
2 is a web site on the map information distribution web server system 31.

The map information distribution system 11 includes a response device 2
1 and a map generation device 22 and a map database 23,
Further, a parameter calculation device 24 is provided in association with the map generation device 22. When the map generation device 22 creates a map image of a district requested to be distributed by the user 13, the parameter calculation device 24 determines a color content (a degree of lightness or the like) in applying a color to the map image (eg, a numerical value (eg, the degree of lightness and darkness)). R, G, B). As information required for this numerical calculation, a parameter operation device 24
Stores the coloration parameter data 25 in the storage unit 28 attached thereto.
And a calendar and a timer 26.

The response device 21 is a device that responds to an access of the user 13 who is going to receive a map information distribution service via the Internet 12. The response device 21 includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, and a homepage document providing unit. On the display screen of the terminal device 14 of the user 13, when the user 13 accesses the website of the map information distribution system 11 according to the present embodiment, a home page describing the service contents related to the map information distribution is presented. You. The user 13 receives necessary map information (map image) of a specific district (area) by performing necessary operations and providing information in accordance with the contents of the homepage. Response device 21
Is a device for performing the above-mentioned exchange with the terminal device 14 of the user 13.

The map generation device 22 is a device for creating a map image to be delivered to the user 13. The map database 23 is a map element data (digital) necessary for creating a map image of each district with respect to a map of Japan, for example. Map data). The map generation device 22 includes the response device 2
When a distribution request for a map image of a specific district is received from the user 1, element data of the map image relating to the specific district is extracted from the map database 23 and a map image is created. At this time, the map generation device 22 requests the parameter calculation device 24 for color information on the color arrangement pattern to be added to the created map image. In response to this request, the parameter calculation device 24 calculates the color information to be added to the map image of the specific area according to a processing rule described later, and provides the color information to the map generation device 22. The map generation device 22 gives the map image and the color information (color arrangement pattern) to the response device 21.

FIG. 2 shows the map information distribution system 11 from a network viewpoint. In FIG.
Terminal devices 14 of many users are connected to the Internet 12. The terminal device 14 includes a normal personal computer (PC) 14a, a notebook personal computer 14b, a mobile phone 14c, and the like. The personal computer 14a is usually connected to the Internet 12 via a provider with a contract relationship. In the case of the mobile phone 14c, the mobile phone 14c is connected to the Internet 12 through a carrier network 27 which is a communication facility of each mobile phone company. As the carrier network 27,
For example, in the case of Docomo, i-mode network, DDI
And EZWeb in the case of two cars. Many users operate their own terminal devices 14a, 14b, 14c to enter the Internet 12 and access desired websites.

As described above, the map information distribution system 11
Is constructed as a map information distribution web server system 31. Map information distribution web server system 31
Is a gateway device 32 and a web server system 33
Consisting of The gateway device 32 is an entrance / exit portion connected to the Internet 12, and includes a router 32a for forming a data transmission path and a firewall 32b for preventing unauthorized access. The components described in FIG. 1 are included in the web server system 33. That is, the web server system 33 includes the above-described response device 21.
Map Information Providing Web Server 3 Including Map Generation Device 22
4, the map database 23, and the parameter calculation device 2
4 are provided. Map information providing web server 34
And the parameter calculation device 24 are connected by a hub 35. Further, a server load balancer (load distribution device) 36 is provided between the hub 35 and the gateway device 32.

As apparent from FIG. 2, the map information providing web server 34 includes, for example, three servers, ie, an Internet server 34A, an i-mode server 34B,
An EzWeb server 34C is provided. By preparing a plurality of servers in this manner, when the user 13 accesses the map information distribution web server system 31, the corresponding server performs the map information distribution according to the type of the terminal device used by the user. Is configured.

Next, a processing flow of a map information distribution service based on the above-described map information distribution system 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a map information distribution system 1
1 shows a flow of a map generation processing operation, and FIG. 4 shows a flow of calculation of a color arrangement pattern for giving a color to a map.
Shows an example of the relationship between each time and the reference coloration pattern.

When the user 13 wishes to obtain a map of a specific area, the user 13 operates his / her own terminal device 14 to connect to the Internet 12 (step S101), and via the Internet 12 And accesses the map information web server system 31. The map information web server system 31 accesses the map information providing web server 34 in the web server system 33 via the gateway device 32. In the map information providing web server 34,
That is, in the map information distribution system 11 described above, the response device 21 responds to the request of the user 13 for the map information providing service. On the user 13 side, the homepage is displayed on the screen of the display unit of the terminal device 14 in response to the response device 21. Therefore, the user 13 requests a map (map display range) of a desired specific district (region) by performing necessary operations and giving information on this homepage (step S102). The information provided from the user 13 to the map information distribution system 11 is, for example, display information on a district to which distribution is desired, such as the center coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the map to be displayed and the size of the image (vertical). (Number of horizontal pixels) S103.

In the map information distribution system 11 (map information providing web server 34), upon receiving a request for map information distribution service from the user 13, the request is given to the map generation device 22 via the response device 21. . The map generation device 22 determines the user 13 based on the given information.
Create map image data of the desired district to be delivered to

Next, creation of map image data by the map generation device 22 in the map information distribution system 11 will be described. First, the display range of the requested area to be displayed is calculated using the latitude / longitude and image size data given by the user 13 (step S201). Thereafter, “drawing and image creation processing” for the area is performed (step S300). More detailed processing steps S301 to S30 are included in step S300.
7 is shown. The map vector data S204 is provided for step S300 of the drawing and image creation processing. The map vector data S204 is stored in the map database 23. The map generation device 22 reads the map vector data S204 from the map database 23 at an appropriate timing. In addition, step S400 of the color arrangement pattern creation processing is provided in parallel with step S300 of the "drawing and image creation processing" in the middle of the step. Step S400 of this color arrangement pattern creation processing is executed by the above-described parameter calculation device 24. In response to a request for creating a color arrangement pattern from the map generation device 22, the parameter calculation device 24 creates a color arrangement pattern to be added to the map, and gives it to the map generation device 22.

Step S30 of "drawing and image creation processing"
In the case of 0, first, related map vector data S202 is taken in from the map database 23 based on the above-mentioned display area calculated in step S301. According to the map vector data S202, the data file is divided for each fixed area, that is, for each drawing, and each element constituting a drawing part has a type representing the element.

Next, drawing processing is started for each drawing (step S301), and drawing processing is started for each element in this processing (step S302). Step S301 corresponds to step S307 of "drawing process for each drawing", and step S302 corresponds to step S306 of "drawing process for each element". Step S3
In the processing flow (drawing processing for each element) performed between the step S02 and step S306, a loop is formed for the element to be drawn. The next element to be drawn is the
It is determined whether or not the image belongs to the display area calculated in 201 (determination step S303). Judgment step S3
If NO in step S03, steps S302 and S302
303 is repeated, and if YES, the next step S
Move to 304. In step S304, a color corresponding to the type of the element is obtained from the color arrangement pattern given from step S400 of the above-described color arrangement pattern creation processing. In the next step S305, drawing is performed with each element colored. Thereafter, the drawing process ends for each element (step S306). Further, the drawing process ends for each drawing (step S307).

According to step S300 of "drawing and image creation processing", "step of drawing processing for each drawing" is performed between step S301 and "drawing processing for each drawing" is completed. Steps from step S302 of “Start drawing processing” to step S306 of “End drawing processing for each element” are incorporated in a nested structure.

When step S300 of "drawing and image creation processing" is completed in the map generation device 22, image data for delivery to a user who has requested the provision of a map information delivery service is created (step S300). S20
3). The created image data is distributed by the transmission unit of the response device 21 to the terminal device 14 of the user 13 via the Internet 12 (step S204, transmission path 29). The user 13 obtains a map image by distributing the map image data relating to the requested specific area (step S205).

In step S400 of the above-described "color arrangement pattern creation processing", a reference color arrangement pattern array S401 is prepared. The reference color arrangement pattern array includes a plurality of different color arrangement patterns. An arithmetic process is performed on the extracted reference coloration pattern (step S40)
2). In this calculation process, an optimum coloration pattern S403 to be added to the map image created in step S300 of the “drawing and image creation process” is created. The created color arrangement pattern S403 is provided to step S300 of “drawing and image creation processing”. As described above, the parameter calculation device 24 creates a coloration pattern S403 to be added to the map based on a processing rule described later, in accordance with the coloration pattern creation request 30 from the map generation device 22,
This is given to the map generation device 22.

Next, a detailed description will be given of an operation for giving a color scheme to map elements constituting a map image, which is performed when the map generation device 22 creates image data relating to the map image. That is, details of step S400 of the “coloring pattern creation process” performed by the parameter calculation device 24 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The reference color arrangement pattern array S401 is prepared in advance as parameter data in the storage unit 28 of the parameter operation device 24. In the reference color arrangement pattern array S401 according to this embodiment, four types of reference color arrangement patterns are prepared as an example. Here, the “reference coloration pattern” stores color values for each type of map (map elements such as buildings and roads). Considering characteristic natural or external conditions (seasonal, geographical, day-to-day changes in the height of the sun, etc.), four levels of criteria are set based on these factors. The first reference coloration pattern is for morning use and has a slightly darker coloration. The second reference coloration pattern is for daytime and has a brighter coloration. The third reference coloration pattern is for the evening, and is composed of a reddish coloration. The fourth reference coloration pattern is for night use and consists of a darker coloration.

When the receiving unit of the responding device 21 receives the request for the map information providing service from the user 13 and passes the request to the map generating device 22, the map generating device 22 further sends information relating to the request to the parameter calculating device 24. Hand over. The parameter calculation device 24 receives information on a display range such as latitude and longitude of a district (area) desired by the user 13. A display range is specified (step S41)
1), the display range is specified, and time setting corresponding to the display range is performed (step S412). “Sunrise”, “South-Middle”, “Sunset” from the latitude / longitude and date of the specific area requested by the user 13 by the celestial body position approximate formula
Is calculated. Further, an intermediate time from sunset to sunrise is set as “midnight” and time is set. Date data is obtained from the calendar and timer 26. Next, the time at which the request for the map information distribution is received is recorded as Pt (step S413). Time data is obtained from the calendar and the timer 26 in the same manner. The time of the requested area and the time of receiving the request are used as coloration determination parameters.

The association between each time and the reference coloration pattern is as shown in FIG. That is, when the requested area is the time of “sunrise” (6:00 am), the first reference coloration pattern (morning) is used, and when the requested area is “minor south” (12:00 pm), the second reference color pattern is used. The reference coloration pattern (day) is used, and when the time is “sunset” (18:00), the third reference coloration pattern (evening) is used,
When the time is “midnight” (midnight), the fourth reference color pattern (night) is used. Under the above association, the map coloration pattern corresponding to the requested time Pt is calculated in steps S414 and S402.

In step S414, in obtaining a map coloration pattern (Cm) corresponding to the time Pt, first, a reference coloration pattern as a source of calculation is obtained. Now, suppose that the time Pt exists between the midnight 51 and the sunrise 52 as shown in FIG. In this case, the time P
The reference coloration pattern before t (here, the fourth reference coloration pattern) is C1 and the set time is Pt1. Further, the reference coloration pattern (here, the first reference coloration pattern) after the time Pt is C2, and the set time is Pt2.

Using the reference color pattern C1 at the set time Pt1 and the reference color pattern C2 at the set time Pt2, a color pattern Cm at the requested time Pt is calculated.

The calculation processing of the color arrangement pattern Cm at the time Pt in the area where the map information distribution is requested is performed in the above-described step S402.

In the color arrangement pattern calculation processing step S402, first, a color arrangement correction value is calculated (step S4).
21). In the calculation of the color scheme correction value, the color scheme correction operation coefficient value is calculated by the following equation (1).

Color arrangement correction calculation coefficient value = (Pt−Pt1) / (Pt2−Pt1) (1)

The weight is calculated between Pt1 and Pt2 by the above calculation. The weight determines the color of the map image of the requested area between the reference coloration patterns C1 and C2.

Next, the color correction calculation for each type of the reference coloration pattern C1 is started (step S422). This step S422 corresponds to step S426 of “End of color correction calculation for each type of substrate color pattern (C1)”, and a loop is formed between step S422 and step S426 with the type of reference color pattern C1.
Further, information (color values) of red, green, and blue for each type from the reference coloration pattern C1 are respectively assigned to C1R, C1G, and C1.
1B (step S423). Next, similarly, from the reference coloration pattern C2,
The information of green and blue (color values) are C2R, C2G,
It is acquired as C2B (step S424). Next, information (color values) of red, green, and blue for each type of the color arrangement pattern Cm is represented as CmR, CmG, and CmB, respectively.
It is calculated by the following equation (step S425).

CmR = (C2R−C1R) × coloring correction value + C1R CmG = (C2G−C1G) × coloring correction value + C1G CmB = (C2B−C1B) × coloring correction value + C1B

The colors CmR, CmG, and CmB after the correction operation obtained by the above operation procedure are substituted into the color arrangement pattern Cm. As described above, a color suitable for the current situation for each element constituting the map to be applied to the map image of the district requested by the user 13 is calculated, and the color arrangement pattern Cm is created.

The various numerical data used in the above-described various operations are extracted from the coloration parameter data 25. Thus, color correction is performed for each type of the reference coloration pattern.

When the color correction calculation for each type of the reference coloration pattern is completed, the coloration pattern (Cm) after the calculation is completed (step S427). The color pattern thus created is provided to step S300 of the image creating process of the map generating device 22 as described above. Thereafter, in step S300 of the map generating device 22, a map image 42 is created using the map data 41, and the map image data of the requested specific area is delivered to the user 13 via the Internet 12 (step S300). S428).

According to the map information distribution service described above,
When providing a map image of a district requested by the user 13, the map image of the district is created, and the map image of the district is taken into consideration based on the location (latitude / longitude) of the district in consideration of factors and conditions such as nature and the outside world. Colors are added to the elements of the map image of the district, and the colors are also shaded. The lightness and darkness of the color (color arrangement) added to the map image are made to change continuously according to the situation and conditions. Therefore,
The brightness of the color scheme of the map image supplied to the user is continuously changed based on the geographical position of the district requested by the user and the time requested by the user, and corresponding to the natural environment of the district. In the present embodiment, the coloration of the map image uses four reference coloration patterns, and two reference coloration patterns immediately before and after the time (Pt) are used. It is determined while weighting. In the above-described embodiment, the brightness of the coloration of the map image is determined for the time between the first and fourth reference coloration patterns. However, the time between any two of the first to fourth reference coloration patterns is determined. Similarly, regarding the time, the brightness of the color scheme is determined.

According to the above configuration and operation, in the map information distribution service via the Internet 12, a map image of a specific area desired by the user 13 is colored in consideration of its position, natural environment, required time, and the like. , And the color is continuously changed and displayed in accordance with the transition of the natural environment and the time, thereby making it possible to enrich the contents of the map information to be provided.

The present invention can be modified as follows. In the above embodiment, an example in Japan has been described.
It can also be used when requesting map information for foreign countries other than Japan. In this case, the effect of the time difference is particularly noticeable,
The situation of the district related to the map information can be more accurately reflected on the brightness of the map image. Further, since the seasons are opposite in the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere, a seasonal feeling can be provided in the color scheme of the map image. Also, in Japan, for example, between Okinawa and Hokkaido, seasons and weather conditions are different even at the same time, so that this can be reflected in the color scheme of the map image. Furthermore, since the natural environment that affects the color scheme includes the weather and the weather, it may be configured to include information on the weather and the weather. The above-described method of calculating the color arrangement pattern is an example, and any operation method that produces a similar effect can be used. In the above-described embodiment, an example of providing map information via the Internet has been described. However, a method of displaying a map image according to the present invention can be similarly performed by displaying a map image in a car navigation device. is there.

[0055]

As apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.

According to the system and method for distributing map information via the Internet according to the present invention, when distributing a map image via the Internet, if the map image is colored, the color scheme of the map is represented by the map. Because it changes continuously according to natural factors such as the season of the district, the position of the sun, the weather, etc., in harmony with the sense of the person trying to obtain map information, imagine the situation of a specific area, It is possible to provide meaningful map information that makes the user feel clearly the geographical difference.

Further, since the map image displayed on the terminal device on the Internet is continuously changed with the transition of time, the situation of day and night in the district related to the map image can be accurately known.

In the color-coded map image, the expression of the brightness of the color is changed according to the time or the like, so that a good image can be given to a person who views the map.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a map information distribution system via the Internet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a map information distribution system according to the present invention from the viewpoint of a network.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a map information distribution service in each of the user and the map information distribution system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing flow of a color arrangement pattern creation processing.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between four reference coloration patterns and time, and a relationship between a requested time Pt and immediately before and after reference coloration patterns.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Map information distribution system 12 Internet 13 User (user) 14 Terminal device 21 Response device 22 Map generation device 23 Map database 24 Parameter calculation device 25 Coloration parameter data 26 Calendar and timer 27 Carrier network 28 Storage unit 31 Map information web server system 33 web server system 34 map information providing web server

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09G 5/36 510 G09G 5/36 510B 5H180 // G01C 21/00 G01C 21/00 A G08G 1/0969 G08G 1/0969 F-term (reference) 2C032 HB05 HB25 HB31 HC08 HC22 2F029 AA02 AC06 AC14 5B050 BA06 BA11 BA17 CA05 CA08 EA09 EA24 FA02 FA05 FA19 5B075 KK07 KK13 KK33 KK37 ND03 ND06 ND20 ND10 U12 P13B13Q12 P13Q13 DA87 MM10 5H180 AA01 BB05 BB15 FF13 FF22

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A map information providing web server including a map database for storing map element data and a map generating apparatus for creating a map image using the map element data. A map information distribution system for creating and distributing a map image of the specific area by the map generation device to a user who makes a map information distribution request of the specific area, wherein a storage unit storing a plurality of reference coloration patterns; Based on the information on the position of the specific area included in the map information distribution request and the time of the map information distribution request, a coloration pattern corresponding to the time in the specific area, using the reference coloration pattern A color calculation unit for calculating and calculating for each element of the map image; And a transmission unit that transmits the data of the color arrangement pattern calculated by the color arrangement operation unit to the terminal device of the user via the Internet. Map information distribution system. 2. The color arrangement calculation unit prepares four stages of reference color arrangement patterns of “morning”, “day”, “evening”, and “night” as the plurality of reference color arrangement patterns. A map information distribution system via the Internet described. 3. When the time is given, the coloration calculation unit extracts the reference coloration patterns immediately before and immediately after the time, and uses a weight set between the two reference coloration patterns. The map information distribution system via the Internet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the color arrangement pattern is calculated. 4. The map information distribution system via the Internet according to claim 1, wherein said color arrangement calculation unit includes a calendar and a timer. 5. The map image of the specific area displayed on the display screen of the terminal device is colored by natural factors at the time of the specific area at the time. A map information distribution system via the Internet according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The map information distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the natural factors include a position of the sun, weather, and weather. 7. A user operating a terminal device sends a map information distribution request of a specific area to a map information providing web server via the Internet, and the map information providing web server sends the map information providing web server to the terminal device via the Internet. In the map information distribution method of distributing the map image of the specific area and displaying the map image on the display screen of the terminal device, the map image of the specific area displayed on the display screen of the terminal device is the specific image at the distribution request time. A map information distribution method via the Internet, characterized in that a color scheme is attached based on a natural factor of a district. 8. The map according to claim 7, wherein the color arrangement pattern is created using four standard color arrangement patterns of “morning”, “day”, “evening” and “night”. Information distribution method. 9. The map information distribution method according to claim 7, wherein the color arrangement pattern changes continuously in accordance with a transition of time.