JP2003098956A - Map data distribution device, map data receiving device, map data distribution method and map data receiving method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the user's waiting time without depending on map using scene (whether a route is set up or not) or map data amount by a map distribution device that dynamically judges map data required by the user and successively distributes data to a client. SOLUTION: In the map distribution server section 11 of the map distribution device 1, a request control section 113, based on client information of a client (display size, memory size, purpose of using a map, communication speed, etc.), determines a distribution unit when distributing map data, a data access section 114, based on a request for distribution from the client, extracts map data to be distributed for every distribution unit from a map information database 12, a data transform section 115 sets up priority of distribution order on the map to be distributed for every distribution unit, and a communication section 111 distributes, in the order in accordance with the priority of distribution order, the map data to be distributed for each distribution unit to the client.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication type vector map distribution system and map distribution system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the conventional information providing system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-258172, in order to carry out a map providing service from a server more efficiently and at a lower price, a route calculating unit on the server is used as a destination. The map display position determining unit determines the point where the guide route information including the map data should be downloaded, and the thinning determination unit thins out the information to be transmitted based on the terminal information. At this time, in order to determine the information to be thinned out, a priority definition table that defines the priority of each map element information is used.

[0003]

In the above information providing system, it is premised that a route exists in advance in order to determine the information to be thinned out, and no consideration is given to the case where the route does not exist. When the above-mentioned system is applied to a navigation system, as a use scene of a map, other than route guidance, for example, confirmation of a destination can be considered. In such a case, instead of displaying the map centered on the position where you are, you can display it around any point and perform scrolling, enlarging, reducing, etc. operations. Can not do it. Further, in the above-mentioned system, since the display is not performed unless the reception is completed, the waiting time of the user is determined in proportion to the map data amount. Therefore,
In the system described above, when a map with a large amount of data is provided on a slow communication medium, the waiting time of the user becomes very large. Further, in the above-mentioned system, when prioritizing map elements in order to determine information to be thinned out, it is determined only by a predetermined priority order definition table. However, when a map is actually displayed, for example, information near the center of the screen or information near the route is more likely to be needed by the user (higher priority than information away from them). However, the above-mentioned system cannot set the priority order based on such dynamic information. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, even if the map data required by the client does not exist, by dynamically determining the map data required by the user, by delivering in sequence,
An object of the present invention is to shorten the waiting time of the user without depending on the usage scene (whether or not the route is set) of the map and the map data amount. Another object of the present invention is to preferentially provide map data required by a user to a client that cannot hold a large amount of data.

[0004]

A map data distribution apparatus according to the present invention has a plurality of types of data processing units set therein and holds map data capable of performing data processing for each data processing unit as retained map data. A map data distribution device for distributing at least a part of the possessed map data to a terminal device, the attribute information receiving unit receiving attribute information of the terminal device from the terminal device, and based on the attribute information. , A data processing unit selection unit that selects a specific data processing unit from the plurality of types of data processing units as a selected data processing unit; From the distribution request receiving unit that receives the distribution request to be specified, and the distribution target map data specified by the distribution request from the possessed map data. Data for each selected data processing unit, and the distribution target map data extracted for each selected data processing unit by the map data extraction unit, the terminal for each selected data processing unit. And a map data distribution unit that distributes to the device.

The attribute information receiving unit receives from the terminal device attribute information indicating a purpose of using the map data of the terminal device, and the data processing unit selecting unit receives the attribute information of the terminal device indicated by the attribute information. The selection data processing unit is selected based on the purpose of using the map data.

The attribute information receiving section receives attribute information indicating the performance of the terminal apparatus from the terminal apparatus, and the data processing unit selecting section based on the performance of the terminal apparatus indicated in the attribute information. The selection data processing unit is selected.

The map data distribution device distributes the distribution target map data to a terminal device having a display screen, and the attribute information receiving unit causes the terminal device to display a display size of the display screen of the terminal device. Is received, the data processing unit selection unit selects the selected data processing unit based on the display size indicated in the attribute information.

The map data distribution device further sets a priority of a distribution order for each of the selected data processing units with respect to the distribution target map data extracted for each of the selected data processing units. And the map data distribution unit, in the distribution order according to the priority of the distribution order set by the priority setting unit, the distribution target map data to the terminal device for each selected data processing unit. It is characterized in that it is delivered to.

The map data distribution device distributes the distribution target map data to a terminal device having a display screen, and the priority setting unit extracts the distribution target map data for each selected data processing unit. Among them, the distribution target map data displayed closer to the center position of the display screen of the terminal device is set to have a higher priority of the distribution order.

The map data distribution device holds map data composed of a plurality of map data components as the held map data, and the data processing unit selection unit
Data processing for each map data component is selected as the selected data processing unit, and the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each map data component.

The map data distribution device holds the map data divided into a plurality of meshes as the retained map data, and the data processing unit selection unit selects the data processing for each mesh as the selected data processing unit. Then
The map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each mesh.

The map data distribution device holds map data, which is divided into a plurality of meshes and each mesh is composed of a plurality of sub-mesh, as the retained map data, and the data processing unit selection unit selects the selection data. Data processing for each sub-mesh is selected as a data processing unit, and the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each sub-mesh.

The map data distribution device comprises the map data composed of a plurality of map data constituent elements, each of which is grouped as at least one layer for each common map data constituent element. Holding as map data, the data processing unit selection unit selects the data processing for each layer as the selected data processing unit, and the map data extraction unit,
It is characterized in that the distribution target map data is extracted for each layer.

The distribution request receiving unit receives from the terminal device a distribution request requesting distribution of at least one specific layer, and the map data extracting unit extracts each of the specific layers. It is characterized by

The map data distribution device is constituted by a plurality of map data constituent elements, and holds map data in which the display priority for a scale is set as a drawing level in each map data constituent element as the possessed map data, The data processing unit selection unit selects data processing for each drawing level as the selected data processing unit, and the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each drawing level.

The distribution request receiving unit receives a distribution request for distribution of the map data component corresponding to each of the specific drawing levels when at least one specific drawing level is designated by the terminal device. Upon reception, the map data extraction unit extracts a corresponding map data constituent element for each of the specific drawing levels.

The map data distribution device holds map data composed of a plurality of map data components as the retained map data, and the map data distribution device further includes the map data extracted by the map data extraction unit. For each of the map data components included in the distribution target map data, at least one display priority is set,
The map data distribution unit has a map data selection unit for selecting a map data component whose total value of set display priorities exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is characterized in that the constituted map data is distributed to the terminal device for each unit of the selected data processing.

The map data distribution device is constituted by a plurality of map data constituent elements, and holds map data in which each map data constituent element includes shape information and attribute information of the shape information as the retained map data. The map data distribution device further includes, for each of the map data constituent elements included in the distribution target map data extracted by the map data extraction unit, attribute information of the shape information from the respective map data constituent elements. A map data processing unit for removing the distribution target map data from which the attribute information of the shape information is removed by the map data processing unit to the terminal device for each selection data processing unit. It is characterized in that it is delivered to.

The map data distribution unit performs data compression processing on the distribution target map data for each selected data processing unit, and distributes the distribution target map data after the data compression processing for each selected data processing unit to the terminal. It is characterized by delivering to the device.

The map data distribution unit receives the new distribution request transmitted from the terminal device, when the distribution request receiving unit receives the new distribution request before the distribution of the distribution target map data is completed. Discontinue data distribution,
New distribution target map data based on the new distribution request is distributed to the terminal device for each selected data processing unit.

In the map data receiving device according to the present invention, a plurality of types of data processing units are set, and the map data distributing device that distributes the map data capable of performing data processing for each data processing unit is used to store the map data. A map data receiving device for receiving at least a part, wherein a specific data processing unit of the plurality of types of data processing units is designated as a map data distribution unit, and a map data distribution device is set as a distribution target. A distribution target map data designating unit for designating the distribution target map data for each distribution unit, and a distribution request for generating a distribution request indicating the distribution target map data for each distribution unit designated by the distribution target map data designating unit. And a distribution unit that transmits the distribution request generated by the distribution request generation unit to the map data distribution device. Together, and having a communication unit that receives the distribution target map data distributed to each of the delivery units above the map data distribution device for each of the delivery unit.

The map data receiving device further has a display screen for displaying the map data, and the communication unit sets the distribution target map data for each of the distribution units in the order in which the display position is closer to the center position of the display screen. It is characterized by receiving in.

The map data receiving device receives at least a part of the map data composed of a plurality of map data constituent elements from the map data distribution device, and the distribution target map data designating unit sets the distribution unit as the distribution unit. A map data component is specified for distribution, and the communication unit receives the distribution target map data distributed by the map data distribution device for each map data component, for each map data component. To do.

The map data receiving device receives at least a part of the map data divided into a plurality of meshes from the map data distribution device, and the distribution target map data designating unit, as the distribution unit, for each mesh. Is specified, and the communication unit receives the distribution target map data distributed by the mesh from the map data distribution device for each mesh.

The map data receiving device receives at least a part of the map data which is divided into a plurality of meshes by the map data distributing device, and each mesh is composed of a plurality of sub-mesh, and the map to be distributed is received. The data designating unit designates distribution for each sub-mesh as the distribution unit, and the communication unit receives, for each sub-mesh, the distribution target map data distributed by the sub-mesh from the map data distribution device. Is characterized by.

The map data receiving device is composed of a plurality of map data components by the map data distributing device, and each map data component is grouped as at least one layer for each common map data component. Receiving at least a part of the mapped map data, the distribution target map data specifying unit specifies distribution for each layer as the distribution unit, and the communication unit distributes each layer from the map data distribution device. The map data to be distributed is received for each layer.

The distribution target map data specifying unit specifies at least one specific layer as the distribution target map data, and the distribution request generating unit specifies the distribution target map data specifying unit. A delivery request for delivery of a specific layer is generated, and the communication unit
The distribution request generated by the distribution request generation unit is transmitted to the map data distribution device, and the specific layer distributed as the distribution target map data from the map data distribution device is received for each layer. It is characterized by

The map data receiving device is composed of a plurality of map data constituent elements from the map data distributing device, and at least map data in which a display priority for a scale is set as a drawing level in each map data constituent element. Upon receiving a part, the distribution target map data designating unit designates distribution for each drawing level as the distribution unit, and the communication unit distributes the distribution target for each drawing level from the map data distribution device. It is characterized in that map data is received for each drawing level.

The distribution target map data specifying unit specifies at least one specific drawing level as the distribution target map data, and the distribution request generating unit specifies the distribution target map data specifying unit. A distribution request that requests distribution of map data components corresponding to each of the specific drawing levels is generated, and the communication unit transmits the distribution request generated by the distribution request generation unit to the map data distribution device. The map data distribution device receives the map data component corresponding to the specific drawing level distributed as the distribution target map data from the map data distribution device for each drawing level.

The map data receiving device further has a map data storage unit for storing the map data distributed by the map data distribution device as stored map data, and the distribution target map data designating unit is the map data storage unit. The map data other than the stored map data stored in the storage unit is designated as the distribution target map data.

The map data receiving device further includes a display screen for displaying map data, and the stored map data stored in the map data storage unit before the communication unit receives the distribution target map data. It has a display output part which outputs at least one copy to the said display screen, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In the map data distribution method according to the present invention, a plurality of types of data processing units are set, and map data capable of data processing for each data processing unit is retained as retained map data. A map data distribution method for distributing at least a part to a terminal device, the attribute information receiving step of receiving attribute information of the terminal device from the terminal device, and the plurality of types of data based on the attribute information. A data processing unit selection step of selecting a specific data processing unit among the processing units as a selected data processing unit, and a distribution request for specifying distribution target map data to be distributed among the possessed map data from the terminal device. And a distribution request receiving step for specifying the distribution target map specified by the distribution request from the possessed map data. A map data extracting step for extracting the data for each selected data processing unit, and the distribution target map data extracted for each selected data processing unit by the map data extracting step, for each selected data processing unit. And a map data distribution step of distributing the map data to the terminal device.

In the map data receiving method according to the present invention, a plurality of types of data processing units are set, and a map data distribution device that distributes map data capable of data processing for each data processing unit is used to store the map data. A map data receiving method for receiving at least a part, wherein map data to be distributed from the map data distribution device is designated, and a specific data processing unit among the plurality of types of data processing units is specified. A distribution target map data designating step of designating as a distribution unit of the distribution target map data, and a distribution request generating step of generating a distribution request indicating the distribution target map data and the distribution unit designated by the distribution target map data designating step. And the distribution request generated by the distribution request generation step, the map data distribution It sends to the apparatus, and having a communication step of receiving the distribution target map data distributed to each of the delivery units above the map data distribution device for each of the delivery unit.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1. The map distribution system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a map distribution system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a map distribution device that distributes map data. The map distribution device 1 corresponds to a map data distribution device. The map distribution device 1 is installed on the Internet, an information center, a home, or the like, for example. Two
Is a client that receives the map data distributed from the map distribution device 1 and displays the map data to the user. The client 2 corresponds to a terminal device or a map data receiving device. The client 2 is, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like, and is carried by a pedestrian, or mounted in an automobile or a two-wheeled vehicle. Further, although omitted in FIG. 1, between the map distribution device 1 and the client 2,
There are wired communication networks such as wireless communication networks and the Internet. Examples of the map distribution system shown in FIG. 1 include a communication-type navigation system (car navigation, person navigation), a GIS system, and the like.

Next, the map distribution device 1 and the client 2
The internal configuration of will be described. Regarding the map distribution device 1,
Reference numeral 11 denotes a map distribution server unit that performs map data distribution processing. Reference numeral 12 is a map information database (hereinafter, referred to as map information DB) that holds map data. The map data retained in the map information DB 12 is called retained map data. 13 is a menu or POI (Point Of Of
This is a Web server unit that performs a distribution process of information other than maps such as Interest). The web server unit 13 is C
It has GI and Servlet functions. 14 is POI
A POI database that stores information such as
It is written as DB). Reference numeral 15 is a menu database (hereinafter referred to as menu DB) that stores menu information. For client 2, 2
Reference numeral 1 is a compact map viewer unit that receives the map data distributed from the map distribution device 1, and 22 is a browser unit that receives information such as the POI and menu distributed from the map distribution device 1. Map information is exchanged between the map distribution server unit 11 and the compact map viewer unit 21, and information other than maps such as menus and POIs is exchanged between the Web server unit 13 and the browser unit 22. Further, as necessary, between the web server unit 13 (CGI or Servlet) on the map distribution device 1 and the map distribution server unit 11, and between the compact map viewer unit 21 and the browser unit 22 on the client 2. Information is exchanged at. Note that the communication between the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 is performed by HTTP (HTTPS).

The overall flow of map distribution processing using the map distribution system according to the present embodiment is as follows, as shown in FIG. (0) Compact map viewer unit 2 on client 2
If 1 does not exist as an application program, it is downloaded through the Web server unit 13 on the map distribution device 1. (1) All the various menus used by the user on the client 2 exist on the map distribution device 1, and the client 2
In response to the request from the map distribution device 1, the map distribution device 1 transmits the menu through the Web server unit 13. For example, the menu is described in HTML, and the communication between the client 2 and the map distribution device 1 is performed by HTTP. (2) The user determines the map data to be displayed by the guidance by the menu. The determined map data is
It is transmitted to the map distribution device 1 as a distribution request, and the map distribution device 1 distributes the requested map data through the map distribution server unit 11. (3) Furthermore, the user can
Determine the conditions for selecting the POI information to be displayed. For example, "Italian restaurant near the current location". The determined conditions are transmitted to the map distribution device 1 as a POI search request, and the map distribution device 1 sends a We
b. The POI search function of the server unit 13 is searched for POI information according to the conditions, and the result is transmitted through the Web server unit 13. For example, the POI search function is realized by CGI or the like.

Next, the structure of the map distribution server unit 11 of the map distribution device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the map distribution server unit 11. In FIG. 2, 111 is a communication unit for exchanging data with the client. The communication unit 111 corresponds to an attribute information reception unit, a distribution request reception unit, and a map data distribution unit, as described later. Reference numeral 112 denotes a client management unit that holds, for each client, client information (attribute information) indicating an attribute of the client. 113 is the client 2
Is a request control unit that analyzes a request from the server and activates a process according to the request. The request control unit 113 selects a specific type of distribution unit (data processing unit) from a plurality of types of distribution units (data processing units). The request control unit 113 corresponds to a data processing unit selection unit. Here, the distribution unit is a data processing unit at the time of map data extraction and map data distribution, and the details will be described later. Reference numeral 114 denotes the map information D in response to the request from the client 2.
It is a data access unit extracted from B12. The data access unit 114 corresponds to the map data extraction unit. 11
Reference numeral 5 is a data conversion unit for converting map data as needed. The data conversion unit 115 corresponds to the priority setting unit. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a history collection unit for collecting access history may be added if necessary. Although not shown, the map distribution device 1 can be realized by a computer having a CPU such as a microprocessor, a recording unit such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, and a communication unit. The recording means
Programs for realizing the functions of the respective components included in the map distribution device 1 are recorded, and the CPU reads the programs to control the operation of the map distribution device 1 and realize the functions of the respective components. You can In addition,
It is also possible to record these programs in a computer-readable recording medium. Further, these programs can be transferred via a communication network.

Next, the configuration of the compact map viewer section 21 of the client 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, 211 is a communication unit that exchanges data with the map distribution device 1. Reference numeral 212 is a data management unit that holds map data and the like acquired from the map distribution device 1.
The data management unit 212 corresponds to the map data storage unit.
A control unit 213 controls each function in the compact map viewer unit 21. The control unit 213 specifies the map data (distribution target map data) distributed from the map distribution device 1 and also specifies the distribution unit when distributing the distribution target map data, and specifies the distribution target map data and the distribution unit. Generate a delivery request to indicate. Therefore, the control unit 213 corresponds to the distribution target map data designation unit and the distribution request generation unit. The control unit 213 also outputs map data and the like to be displayed on the display screen 215. Therefore, it also functions as a display output unit. An input unit 214 receives an input from the user. A display screen 215 displays map data and the like to the user. A position detector 216 detects the current position of the client 2.

Next, the structure of map data will be described with reference to FIG. The same type of map data for a certain continuous area is called a map set. Map sets are managed in units called meshes, which are divided into fixed sections. That is, map data is managed in mesh units in the map information DB 12.
Furthermore, when the amount of data per mesh is large, the mesh may be further divided into sub-meshes. Also, map data has a concept called a layer. Types of map components (map data components) as shown in Figure 5 (data indicating major roads, narrow streets, buildings, etc.)
Each is grouped to form one layer. Then, various layers are combined to form one map data. As described above, a plurality of types of data processing units are set in the map data held by the map distribution device 1, and data processing can be performed for each data processing unit. Then, the data access unit 114 extracts map data from the map information DB 12 for each specific data processing unit of the plurality of types of data processing units, and the communication unit 111 extracts for each specific data processing unit. The generated map data is delivered for each specific data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing unit is the distribution unit when the map data is distributed. As the map data distribution unit,
There are the following.・ Each map component ・ Each layer of each sub-mesh ・ Each sub-mesh ・ Each layer of each mesh ・ Each mesh In addition, the mesh size and distribution unit etc. are retained as configuration information for each map set . Examples of information held as configuration information are as follows. -Version-Scale-Coordinate system type: Latitude-longitude coordinate system, plane rectangular coordinate system, etc.-Lower left coordinate-Upper right coordinate-North-South direction mesh width-East-west direction mesh width-Distribution unit Of the non-map information such as POI, Information having a position can be displayed by superimposing the position on the map.

Next, the map distribution device 1 and the client 2
The operation of will be described. First, the flow of processing when the client 2 is activated will be described with reference to FIG. (1) The control unit 213 of the client 2 transmits a start notification together with the client information to the map distribution device 1 through the communication unit 211. Here, the client information is information indicating the attributes of the client 2 (attribute information), such as the display size of the display screen 215 of the client 2, the memory size (performance), the purpose of use of the map, the communication speed (performance), and the like. Including. (2) The request control unit 113 of the map distribution device 1 has the communication unit 1
The delivery unit is set based on the client information received through 11 and the map configuration information retrieved by the data access unit 114. An example of setting the delivery unit is as follows. As the client information, use purpose of map, display size, memory size, and communication speed are used. (2-1) First, it is determined whether the distribution unit is “for each layer” or not depending on the purpose of use of the map. Basically, it is "for each layer", but for example, for the purpose of use where it is necessary to always display all layers,
If the overhead of setting the delivery unit to "each layer" is larger, the delivery unit is not set to "each layer". (2-2) Next, the size of the sub-mesh is determined. Specifically, the following a1. And a2. If the formula is satisfied, "each mesh (each layer of each mesh)" is set as the delivery unit. Here, the maximum data size of the distribution unit is the data size of the mesh that maximizes the data size when divided for each mesh, or the data of the layer that maximizes the data size when divided for each mesh layer. Means size. Also, a2. Where n is the number of delivery units that the client 2 wants to hold,
It is a constant of 4 or more. a1. Or a2. When the expression of is not satisfied, b. The sub-mesh is divided within the range that satisfies the expression. a1. : Maximum data size of distribution unit <communication speed × target response time a2. : Maximum data size of distribution unit × n <
Memory size (of client) b. : Size of sub-mesh when displayed at standard scale> Display size Note that the above b. When the sub-mesh cannot be divided so as to satisfy the condition of, the distribution unit is "for each map component". If the target client is assumed, the delivery unit may be set in advance for each type of client. The distribution unit set in this way is transmitted to the client as a part of the map configuration information, and is held for each client by the client management unit 112 of the map distribution device 1. (3) The control unit 213 of the client 2 uses the communication unit 211
The map configuration information received through is managed by the data management unit 212.

Next, the flow of processing when a map is requested will be described with reference to FIG. (0) The position detection unit 216 of the client 2 periodically transfers the current position to the control unit 213. (1) The control unit 213 of the client 2 has the input unit 214
A map display request or the like is received from the user through the, and a map data request is issued to the data management unit 212. The data management unit 212 returns the information to the control unit 213 when the necessary map data is already held, and when it is not held. Thereby, the control unit 213 can specify map data other than the map data stored in the data management unit 212 among the map data necessary for display as the distribution target map data. The control unit 213 specifies the distribution target map data for each distribution unit. This distribution unit is included in the map configuration information when the client is activated and transmitted from the map distribution device 1, and the data management unit 21
It was held at 2. When there is map data that the data management unit 212 does not hold, the control unit 213 generates a distribution request that indicates the distribution target map data for each distribution unit and the latitude / longitude information of the center position of the display screen 215. Then, the generated distribution request is transmitted to the map distribution device 1 through the communication unit 211. Here, the process of specifying the distribution target map data in the control unit 213 will be described by taking the case of displaying a new map (when no map data is displayed on the display screen 215) as an example. The relationship between the display area and the map data (mesh or sub-mesh) at the time of displaying a new map is as shown in FIG. 8, for example. Figure 8
The area surrounded by the frame becomes the display area. Also here
The map data (mesh / submesh A to F) included in the display area is stored in the data management unit 212 when a new map is displayed.
Mesh / submesh A to
Map distribution device 1 with all of F as distribution target map data
Will be required.

(2) Request control unit 113 of the map distribution device 1
Acquires the client information of the client from the client management unit 112 according to the distribution request received through the communication unit 111, and the data access unit 1
The distribution target map data is acquired from 14. At this time, the data access unit 114 extracts the distribution target map data from the map information DB 12 for each distribution unit, and the request control unit 113.
Acquires the distribution target map data for each distribution unit from the data access unit 114. Then, the data conversion unit 115
Convert the data into a form suitable for the client by. Here, based on the latitude / longitude information of the center position of the display screen acquired when the distribution request is received from the client 2, the data conversion unit 115 sets the priority of the higher distribution order in the order of distribution units closer to the center position. For example, there is a method of setting a higher priority of distribution order for distribution units included in concentric circles having the same interval centered on the latitude and longitude. The interval between the concentric circles is determined by the client information (display size, etc.). After the priority of the distribution order is set in this way, the communication unit 111 transmits the distribution target map data to the client 2 for each distribution unit in the order according to the priority of the distribution order.

(3) In the client 2, the communication unit 211
Receives the distribution target map data for each distribution unit, the control unit 213 stores the received distribution target map data in the data management unit, and outputs it to the display screen 215.
Display. The control unit 213 outputs the distribution target map data for immediate display for each received distribution unit.

In the display of map data, depending on the size of the distribution unit and the performance of the client, there may be a problem in processing speed or flicker on the screen. However, in the present embodiment, since the delivery unit is set according to the performance of the client as described above, such a problem does not occur.

As described above, the client can receive in order from the map data near the center of the screen.
Since it is displayed for each delivery unit, the response to the user can be made faster, and the display of the data on the screen can be completed more quickly. As a result, the user can wait for the new map display. It is possible to shorten the time.

Embodiment 2. In the present embodiment, a case will be described where the client performs map reduction processing. The configurations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 according to the present embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and are as shown in FIGS. Also, the process at client startup is
This is the same as the first embodiment, and in the present embodiment, the process when the client 2 transmits a distribution request to the map distribution device 1 after the process at client startup is performed and the distribution unit is determined. Will be described.

In (1) of the process at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment, the control unit 213 of the client 2 determines the necessary map data. For example,
The relationship between the display area after map reduction and map data (mesh or submesh) is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the broken line frame indicates the previous display area, and the solid line frame indicates the new (after map reduction) display area. here,
Of the map data (mesh / submesh A to T) included in the new display area, the acquired data (mesh / submesh G, H, I, L, M, N) retained in the data management unit 212. ) Is displayed on the display screen 215 immediately after the control unit 213 performs output processing. Then, the control unit 213 causes the data (mesh / submesh G, H, I,
Only (except L, M, N) is requested to the map distribution device 1 as map data to be distributed. Note that the distribution target map data is designated for each distribution unit as in the first embodiment. The subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment.

As described above, the already received map data is displayed immediately, and the map data acquired from the map distribution device can be received in order from the map data closer to the center of the screen. This can be done faster, and the display of data on the screen can be completed sooner. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the map is reduced.

Embodiment 3. In the present embodiment, a case where a client performs map scroll processing will be described. The configurations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.
~ 3. Further, the process at the time of starting the client is the same as that in the first embodiment, and in the present embodiment,
A process when the client 2 transmits a distribution request to the map distribution device 1 after the process at the time of starting the client is performed and the distribution unit is determined will be described.

In (1) of the processing at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment, the control unit 213 of the client 2 determines the necessary map data. For example,
The relationship between the display area after the map scroll and the map data (mesh or submesh) is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the broken line frame indicates the previous display area, and the solid line frame indicates the new (after map scrolling) display area. Here, of the map data (mesh / submesh A to I) included in the new display area, the acquired data (mesh / submesh A to F) held in the data management unit 212 is controlled. The unit 213 performs output processing and is immediately displayed on the display screen 215. Then, the control unit 213 requests only the data (mesh / submesh G to I) not held by the data management unit 212 to the map distribution device 1 as distribution target map data. The distribution target map data is the same as in the first embodiment.
Similarly, is specified for each delivery unit. Subsequent processing,
It is similar to the first embodiment.

As described above, the already received map data is displayed immediately and the map data obtained from the map distribution device can be received in order from the map data closer to the center of the screen. This can be done faster, and the display of the data on the screen can be completed sooner. As a result, the waiting time of the user when scrolling the map can be shortened.

Fourth Embodiment In the present embodiment, a case will be described where a client performs map rotation processing. The configurations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 according to the present embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and are as shown in FIGS. Also, the process at client startup is
This is the same as the first embodiment, and in the present embodiment, the process when the client 2 transmits a distribution request to the map distribution device 1 after the process at client startup is performed and the distribution unit is determined. Will be described.

In (1) of the processing at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment, the control unit 213 of the client 2 determines the necessary map data. For example,
The relationship between the display area after the map is rotated around the center of the screen and the map data (mesh or submesh) is shown in FIG.
It is as follows. In FIG. 11, the broken line frame indicates the display area so far, and the solid line frame indicates the new (after map rotation).
Shows the display area. Here, of the map data (mesh / submesh A to L) included in the new display area, the acquired data (mesh / submesh C to E, H to J) held in the data management unit 212. As for the display screen, the control unit 213 performs output processing and immediately displays the display screen 21.
It is displayed in 5. Then, the control unit 213 requests only the data (other than the mesh / submesh C to E and H to J) that the data management unit 212 does not hold to the map distribution device 1 as distribution target map data. Note that the distribution target map data is designated for each distribution unit as in the first embodiment. The subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment.

As described above, the already received map data is displayed immediately, and the map data obtained from the map distribution device can be received in order from the map data closer to the center of the screen. This can be done faster, and the display of data on the screen can be completed sooner. As a result, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user when the map is rotated.

Embodiment 5. In the present embodiment, a case will be described where a client performs a map pseudo 3D display process. The pseudo map 3D display is a pseudo 3D display in which the display is viewed from an obliquely upper viewpoint instead of the normal viewpoint directly above the map as shown in FIG. Furthermore, when a building or the like has height information, it can be displayed in a shape closer to 3D by expressing the height in a columnar shape.

The configurations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 according to this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and are as shown in FIGS. Further, the process at the time of starting the client is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, after the process at the time of starting the client is performed and the distribution unit is determined, the client 2 notifies the map distribution device 1 of the same. A process for transmitting a distribution request will be described.

In (1) of the processing at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment, the control unit 213 of the client 2 determines the necessary map data. For example,
The relationship between the display area after the map pseudo 3D display and the map data (mesh or submesh) is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the broken-line frame indicates the display area so far, and the solid-line frame indicates the new (after the pseudo 3D display) display area. Here, of the map data (mesh / submesh A to C, E to N) included in the new display area, the acquired data (mesh / submesh F to H, which is held in the data management unit 212). J to L), the control unit 213 performs output processing and immediately displays the display screen 21.
It is displayed in 5. Then, the control unit 213 requests only the data (other than the mesh / submesh F to H and J to L) that the data management unit 212 does not hold to the map distribution device 1 as distribution target map data. Note that the distribution target map data is designated for each distribution unit as in the first embodiment. The subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment.

As described above, the already received map data is displayed immediately, and the map data acquired from the map distribution device can be received in order from the map data closer to the center of the screen. This can be done faster, and the display of the data on the screen can be completed sooner. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when displaying the map pseudo 3D.

Sixth Embodiment Next, a case where the distribution unit is made more detailed will be described. In this embodiment, the map data structure is as follows. In the map data according to the present embodiment, the drawing level is set for each map constituent element. The drawing level is a display priority with respect to the scale, and a map component having a high drawing level is displayed even when the scale is reduced, and is not displayed when the scale is low if the drawing level is low. For example, since the main road is displayed at any scale, the drawing level is set to 1, and the narrow street is not displayed below the medium scale, so the drawing level is set to 3. If the same map data is used, the information density will decrease when it is enlarged, and the information density will increase when it is reduced. However, by setting the drawing level, it is possible to determine whether or not to display that component. It can be determined according to the information density. The correspondence between the drawing level and the scale is held as map configuration information.

In the present embodiment, the following units are added as map data distribution units. Each drawing level of each layer of each submesh Each drawing level of each submesh Each drawing level of each layer of each mesh Each drawing level of each mesh And the client described in the first embodiment. In (2) of the process at the time of startup, the request control unit 11 of the map distribution device 1
3 selects one of the above delivery units based on the client information.

When the map data distribution unit is set in consideration of the drawing level, a specific example of the process of the control unit of the client in the process (1) of the map request shown in the first embodiment will be described below. It is as follows. The control unit 213 of the client 2 determines necessary map data. At this time, the required drawing level can be determined from the displayed scale and the map configuration information, and only the map component of the required drawing level is requested to the map delivery device 1 as the delivery target map data. Then, in (2) of the process at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment, the data access unit 114 of the map distribution device 1
A map component corresponding to the drawing level indicated in the distribution request is extracted for each distribution unit (each drawing level of each layer of each mesh / submesh, each drawing level of each mesh / submesh). In addition, the data conversion unit 11
5 is based on the latitude / longitude information of the center position of the display screen acquired at the time of receiving the distribution request from the client 2, and sets the priority of the distribution order higher for the distribution unit closer to the center position,
The communication unit 111 transmits the distribution target map data to the client 2 for each distribution unit in the order according to the priority of the distribution order. The configurations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 are the same as those shown in the first embodiment, and the operations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 are the same as those of the first embodiment except the above-described processing. is there.

As described above, the amount of data to be distributed can be reduced even when displaying at a small scale (wide range), so that the response to the user can be made faster and the display of the data on the screen can be achieved. Can be completed earlier, and as a result, the same map data can be used in a wide range of scales, and the waiting time of the user when displaying a map in a small scale can be shortened.

Embodiment 7. Next, a process at the time of map enlargement for map data (map data for which a drawing level is set) having the data structure shown in the sixth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a specific example of the process of the control unit of the client in (1) of the process at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment is as follows.
The control unit 213 of the client 2 determines necessary map data. Since the display area when the map is enlarged becomes small, newly requested map data does not occur in units such as mesh or sub-mesh. However, in consideration of the drawing level, map data of another drawing level is newly required depending on the scale to be displayed. Here, of the map data determined to be necessary, the acquired data (map constituent elements with a high drawing level) retained in the data management unit 212 are immediately displayed on the display screen 215. Then, the control unit 213 of the client 2 requests only the map components of the drawing level which are not held by the data management unit 212 to the map distribution device 1 as distribution target map data. Subsequent processing in the map distribution device 1 is the same as that shown in the sixth embodiment.

As described above, the already received map data is immediately displayed, and the map data acquired from the map distribution device can be received in order from the map data closer to the center of the screen. It can be performed earlier, and the display of the data on the screen can be completed earlier, and as a result, the waiting time of the user when enlarging the map can be shortened.

Embodiment 8. Next, a process at the time of map reduction for map data (map data having a drawing level set) having the data structure shown in the sixth embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, a concrete example of the processing of the control unit of the client in (1) of the processing at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment is as follows.
The control unit 213 of the client 2 determines necessary map data. Figure 9 shows the display area when the map is reduced.
It is as follows. For newly requested map data in units such as mesh or sub-mesh, the control unit 213 requests the map distribution device by designating a necessary drawing level. As for the already acquired data, the necessary drawing level data exists, so that it is immediately displayed on the display screen 215. Subsequent processing in the map distribution device 1 is the same as that shown in the sixth embodiment.

As described above, the already received map data is displayed immediately, and as for the map data acquired from the map distribution device, only the necessary drawing level data can be received in order from the map data closer to the center of the screen. Therefore, it is possible to respond to the user faster, and
It is possible to complete the display of the data in the screen earlier, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the map is reduced.

Ninth Embodiment Next, a process for displaying the map pseudo 3D for the map data (the map data for which the drawing level is set) having the data structure shown in the sixth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a specific example of the process of the control unit of the client in (1) of the process at the time of requesting a map shown in the first embodiment is as follows. The control unit 213 of the client 2 determines necessary map data. The display area when the map pseudo 3D is displayed is as shown in FIG. At this time, the displayed scale is apparently larger toward the front (lower side in the figure) and smaller toward the rear (upper side in the figure). Therefore, for example, the drawing level for the upper ⅓ area is displayed as a one-step small scale, and the drawing level for the lower ⅓ area is displayed as a one-step large scale. It looks good. When such a display is performed, the control unit 213 requests the map distribution device by designating a necessary drawing level for newly requested map data in units such as mesh or sub-mesh. For already acquired data, only the required drawing level is requested. The subsequent processing in the map distribution device 1 is the sixth embodiment.
Is the same as that shown in.

As described above, the already received map data is displayed immediately, and as for the map data acquired from the map distribution device, only the necessary drawing level data can be received in order from the map data closer to the center of the screen. Therefore, the response to the user can be made faster, and
It is possible to complete the display of the data on the screen earlier, and as a result, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user when displaying the map pseudo 3D.

Tenth Embodiment At the time of map data distribution,
Some users may want to define a layer to be displayed, for example, character data is unnecessary. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a case will be described in which, in the map distribution system described in the first embodiment, a layer to be displayed is designated and a distribution request is transmitted from the client 2 to the map distribution device 1. In the case where the map data delivery unit takes layer into consideration, the following is a specific example of the process of the control unit 213 of the client 2 in (1) of the process flow at the time of the map request shown in the first embodiment. To do. The control unit 213 of the client 2 issues a distribution request by designating display settings (layers to be displayed) previously defined by the user. Then, in (2) of the processing at the time of the map request shown in the first embodiment, the data access unit 114 of the map distribution device 1 acquires the map data corresponding to the display setting (layer to be displayed) indicated in the distribution request. Extract for each delivery unit. Further, the data conversion unit 115 sets the priority of the distribution order to be higher for the distribution unit closer to the central position, based on the latitude / longitude information of the central position of the display screen acquired when the distribution request is received from the client 2, and the communication unit 111. However, the distribution target map data is transmitted to the client 2 for each distribution unit in the order according to the priority of the distribution order. The configurations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 are the same as those shown in the first embodiment, and the operations of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 are the same as those of the first embodiment except the above-described processing. is there.

As described above, since the amount of data to be distributed can be reduced, the response to the user can be made faster, and the display of the data on the screen can be completed faster. As a result, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user when displaying the map.

Eleventh Embodiment In the map distribution system shown in the tenth embodiment, it may be possible to change the display setting on the way. For example, when character data of different languages (such as a layer of Japanese characters and a layer of English characters) are treated as different layers, the language may be switched in the middle.

When the map data distribution unit takes the layers into consideration, a specific example of the processing of the control unit 213 of the client 2 in (1) of the processing flow at the time of the map request shown in the first embodiment. It is as follows:. The control unit 213 of the client 2 sets display settings (layers to display)
Request the map data by specifying only the layers required by the change. The subsequent process of the map distribution device 1 is the same as that shown in the tenth embodiment.

As described above, since it is possible to reduce the amount of data to be distributed when the display settings are changed, it is possible to respond to the user more quickly, and it is possible to complete the display of the data on the screen earlier. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when changing the display settings.

Twelfth Embodiment In the present embodiment, a case will be described where map distribution is performed using display priority.
The display priority is a value indicating how much information the user wants to see (how important the information is to the user) for each of the components of the map. The information that the user wants to see varies depending on the purpose of using the map. Therefore, the display priority setting table is prepared for each purpose of use. As for the purpose of use, for example, when moving by car and the destination has been decided and you want to see the route,
When moving on foot, it may be desirable to look around the area to determine the destination. The purpose of use is transmitted from the client together with the distribution request.

The display priority is set for each layer.
However, it may be possible to set different display priorities even for information belonging to the same layer. For example, when looking at a route, buildings around the route are important, but other buildings are not so important. Therefore, the display priority includes a static display priority statically set by the display priority setting table and a dynamic display priority dynamically set by the display priority setting function of the data conversion unit 115. The display priority setting table is composed of a combination of layers, priority values, and link information to the display priority setting function. Also, the lowest display priority (display information above that display priority)
It also holds. For example, the display priority setting table when the destination is determined and the user wants to see the route when traveling by car is as follows. Minimum display priority: 4 ・ Main road: 5 ・ Narrow street: 3 [* around the route +1] ・ Building: 3 [* around the route +1 and further around the intersection +1] ・ Character: 4 where each component The numerical value set to (for example, 5 for main roads, 3 for narrow streets) is the static display priority,
The numerical value added to the components around the route (+1 on the narrow street around the route) is the dynamic display priority. Specifically, in a narrow street around the route, the static display priority of 3 and the dynamic display priority of 1 are added to give a final display priority of 4.
In a narrow street not around the route, only the static display priority is given, and the final display priority is 3.

As described above, when map distribution is performed using the display priority, the process of the data conversion unit 115 in (2) of the process flow at the time of map request shown in the first embodiment is as follows. Become. In addition, in the present embodiment, the data conversion unit 115 functions as a map data selection unit. A) Set the display priority. The data conversion unit 115 sets a static display priority for each layer according to the display priority setting table shown above with respect to the map data extracted by the data access unit 114, and sets a display priority setting function. For the layer having link information to, the display priority setting function sets the dynamic display priority for each component. B) Extract distribution data based on display priority. The data conversion unit 115 extracts only components whose final display priority (static + dynamic) is equal to or higher than the value indicated by the lowest display priority. C) Set distribution priority. Next, as shown in the first embodiment, the data conversion unit 11
5 sets a high priority of distribution order for data arranged near the center of the display screen of the client 2.

The communication unit 111 includes the data conversion unit 11
For map data for which distribution priority and display priority are set by 5, the distribution unit with the highest distribution priority,
In addition, for units having the same distribution priority, the distribution units having the highest display priority are transmitted in order. The subsequent operation of the client 2 is as shown in the first embodiment.

As described above, since only the information required by the user is extracted and distributed, the amount of distribution data can be reduced, and as a result, a map can be provided according to the purpose of use of the user. It is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user when displaying the map.

Thirteenth Embodiment In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which map data including various attribute information is converted into a distribution format. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the processing in this embodiment. Map formats vary depending on the map manufacturer. Therefore,
A converter is provided in the map distribution device 1, data conversion is performed by the converter (S11), and conversion into an internal processing format (S12). This absorbs the difference in map format. The map data converted into this internal processing format is stored in the map information DB 12. In addition, the components of the map usually have information (shape information) necessary for drawing and various attribute information about the shape information, such as the distance and the number of lanes of a road. Therefore, the data conversion unit 115 performs data conversion on the map data extracted from the map information DB 12 by the data access unit 114 (S13), and converts it into a distribution format in which data (attribute information) other than the shape information is removed. Yes (S14). As described above, in the present embodiment, the data conversion unit 115 functions as a map data processing unit. Then, the communication unit 111 transmits the converted map data in the distribution format to the client for each distribution unit (S15). On the other hand, the client receives the map data distributed for each distribution unit (S21) and displays the map data in the distribution format as it is (S22, S23).

As described above, the amount of data to be distributed can be reduced without depending on the original map format and without deteriorating the characteristics shown in the first embodiment, whereby the map can be displayed. It is possible to further reduce the waiting time of the user.

Fourteenth Embodiment In the map distribution system described in the first embodiment, the communication units of the map distribution device 1 and the client 2 may compress and decompress the map data for each distribution unit. The map data compression and decompression method may be a generally used method.

As described above, it is possible to reduce the amount of data to be distributed without impairing the characteristics shown in the first embodiment, and it is possible to further reduce the waiting time of the user when the map is displayed.

Fifteenth Embodiment In the map distribution system shown in the first embodiment, a case where maps are continuously requested will be described. When scrolling is performed immediately after displaying a new map as shown in FIG. 15, a new distribution request may occur even though map data is still being acquired. In this case, some data becomes unnecessary even though the meshes (or sub-mesh) A to C on the left end are not acquired. Therefore, FIG. 16 shows a flow of processing at the time of requesting a map in such a case. First, the request control unit 113 of the map distribution device 1 follows the distribution request received through the communication unit 111, and then the client management unit 1
The information of the client is acquired from 12, the map data is acquired from the data access unit 114, the data is converted by the data conversion unit 115 into a form suitable for the client, and the map information is transmitted to the client through the communication unit. To do. Here, the client management unit 112 manages the transmitted map data. The data transmitted at the start of transmission is the client management unit 112.
The client management unit 112 discards it when the transmission is completed.

FIG. 17 shows the flow of processing when a map continuation request is made. The control unit 213 of the client 2 receives a map display request from the user through the input unit 214 and issues a map data request to the data management unit 212. The data management unit 212, regarding the map data being acquired,
The fact that it is not held is returned to the control unit 213. Control unit 213
Regarding the map information that is not held, the distribution request is transmitted to the map distribution device 1 through the communication unit 211 together with the latitude and longitude of the screen center. That is, the map data (mesh / submesh D, E,
F) is requested again, and the map data (mesh / submesh A, B, C) “in acquisition (unnecessary)” is not requested at this time.

Next, the request control unit 113 of the map distribution device 1
Acquires information of the client from the client management unit 112 according to the distribution request received through the communication unit 111. Regarding the map data that is not the target of the distribution request, the communication unit 111 suspends the transmission of the data, and further, the map data being transmitted is acquired from the client management unit 112. After that, the map data is acquired from the data access unit 114, and the data conversion unit 1
After converting the data into a form suitable for the client by 15, the map information is transmitted to the client through the communication unit 111. The map data being sent is managed by the client management unit 112. The data transmitted at the start of transmission is saved in the client management unit 112, and discarded at the completion of transmission by the client management unit 112.

The control unit 213 of the client 2 receives the map data received through the communication unit 211 from the data management unit 21.
The display screen 215 is displayed while the display screen 215 is displayed.

As described above, even when the maps are continuously requested, the response to the user can be made faster, and the display of the data on the screen can be completed faster. As a result, the map can be obtained. It is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when making consecutive requests.

In the above first to fifteenth embodiments, the map data distribution device and the map data receiving device according to the present invention have been described. A data distribution method and a map data receiving method can also be realized.

The features of the first to fifteenth embodiments will be summarized below.

The map distribution system according to the first embodiment includes: a server; map data divided into distribution units composed of one or a plurality of map components; data conversion means for converting map data; The client, the communication means for receiving the data distributed from the server, the map display means for displaying the data received by the communication means, and the data conversion means of the server for: For each distribution unit, the distribution priority is given in order from the one closer to the center of the display screen of the client, and the communication means of the server: And the map display means of the client: -By displaying the received data immediately-By waiting for the user when a new map is displayed Characterized in that to reduce the time.

The map distribution system according to the second embodiment has the following features: the client is provided with a control means for generating a request to the server, and the control means of the client is: -not requesting already distributed data;
And the data conversion means of the server: -For each distribution unit of the map data, the distribution priority is given in order from the one closer to the center of the display screen of the client, and the map display means of the client By displaying the delivered data before reception, it is characterized by: -Reducing the user waiting time when the map is reduced.

In the map distribution system of the third embodiment, the client is provided with a control means for generating a request to the server, and the control means of the client does not request the already distributed data.
And the data conversion means of the server: for each distribution unit of map data, assigning the distribution priority to the distribution unit in the scroll direction and closer to the center of the display screen of the client, and displaying the map of the client. The means is characterized by: -displaying the already-distributed data before reception; -shortening the waiting time of the user when the map is scrolled.

In the map distribution system of the fourth embodiment, the client is provided with: control means for generating a request to the server, and the control means of the client: does not request already distributed data.
And the data conversion means of the server: -Give each distribution unit of map data a higher distribution priority in order from the one closer to the center of the display screen of the client; By displaying the delivered data before reception, it is characterized by: -Reducing the user waiting time when the map is rotated.

The map delivery system according to the fifth embodiment has the following features: the client is provided with a control means for generating a request to the server, and the control means of the client is: -not requesting already delivered data;
And a data conversion means of the server, for each distribution unit of map data, assigning a higher distribution priority in order from the top of the screen and closer to the center of the display screen of the client, and the map of the client The display means is characterized by: -displaying the already-distributed data before reception; -shortening the waiting time of the user when displaying the map pseudo 3D.

In the map distribution system of the sixth embodiment, the client is provided with: -control means for generating a request to the server, and the map data of the server: By considering the level, and the control means of the client: -By specifying the required drawing level-The same map data can be used in a wide range of scales-When displaying the map at a small scale It is characterized by reducing the waiting time of the user.

In the map distribution system of the seventh embodiment, the control means of the client: requests only the newly required drawing level for the already distributed data, and the data conversion means of the server: For each distribution unit of map data, the distribution priority is given in order from the one closer to the center of the client display screen, and the map display means of the client: -Displays already distributed data before reception. By doing so: -It is characterized by reducing the waiting time of the user when the map is enlarged.

In the map distribution method of the eighth embodiment, the control means of the client specifies the drawing level required for the data newly requested to be distributed, and the data conversion means of the server: For distribution units, the distribution priority is given in order from the one closer to the center of the client's display screen, and the map display means of the client: ・ Display the already distributed data before reception. The feature is that the waiting time of the user when the map is reduced is shortened.

In the map distribution system of the ninth embodiment, the control means of the client: -requests only the drawing level newly required for already distributed data-required drawing for newly requested data The level is designated, and the data conversion means of the server: -For each map data distribution unit, the distribution priority is given in order from the top of the screen and closer to the center of the display screen of the client. , And the map display means of the client: By displaying the already-distributed data before receiving the data, it is characterized by shortening the waiting time of the user when displaying the map pseudo 3D.

In the map distribution system of the tenth embodiment, the client is provided with: a control means for generating a request to the server, and the map data of the server: The control means of the client is characterized by: -designating a necessary layer for newly requested data; -shortening the waiting time of the user when the map is displayed.

In the map distribution system of the eleventh embodiment, the client is provided with: -control means for generating a request to the server, and the map data of the server: -The distribution unit takes into account layers. The control means of the client: -Request only the newly required layer for the already distributed data, and the map display means of the client: -Display the already distributed data before receiving. By doing so, it is characterized by reducing the waiting time of the user when changing the display settings.

In the map distribution system according to the twelfth embodiment, the server is provided with: -display priority setting table-display priority setting means, and data conversion means of the server-display priority for each component of map data The display priority is given according to the display setting table and the display priority setting means.-Only the components having the minimum display priority or higher are extracted.
And the communication means of the server: -By distributing in the order of distribution priority and display priority given by the data converting means-Reduce the amount of distribution data-Provide a map according to the purpose of use of the user- It is characterized by shortening the waiting time of the user when the map is displayed.

In the map distribution system of the thirteenth embodiment, the data conversion means of the server removes the attributes unnecessary for drawing by the client from the map data, reduces the distribution data amount, and It is characterized by further reducing the waiting time of the user.

In the map distribution system of the fourteenth embodiment, the communication means of the server compresses the map data, and the communication means of the client expands the map data. The feature is that the waiting time of the user when the map is displayed is further shortened.

In the map distribution system of the fifteenth embodiment, the client management means of the server manages the map data being transmitted, and the request control means of the server receives the map request during transmission. By interrupting the transmission, the feature is that the user's waiting time at the time of consecutive map requests is shortened.

[0106]

The map data distribution apparatus according to the present invention selects a specific data processing unit as a selected data processing unit among a plurality of types of data processing units based on the attribute information of the terminal device, and selects the map data for each selected data processing unit. Extract
Since map data is distributed for each selected data processing unit,
It is possible to shorten the time until the display of the map data without causing a processing speed problem or flicker on the display screen in the terminal device.

Further, the map data distribution device according to the present invention sets the distribution order priority for each distribution target map data for each distribution target map data, and distributes the distribution target map data in the order according to the distribution order priority. Is distributed for each selected data processing unit, the terminal device can start displaying sequentially from the map data having high importance, and the waiting time for the user can be shortened.

Further, since the map data distribution device according to the present invention sets the map data displayed closer to the center position of the display screen of the terminal device to a higher priority in the distribution order,
The terminal device can start displaying sequentially from the map data displayed near the center of the highly important display screen, and the waiting time for the user can be shortened.

Further, since the map data receiving device according to the present invention makes a distribution request by designating the distribution target map data for each distribution unit, the map data receiving device sequentially receives the distribution map data for each distribution unit from the map data distribution device. Without processing speed problems and flicker on the display screen,
The time until the display of map data can be shortened.

Further, the map data distribution method according to the present invention selects a specific data processing unit as a selected data processing unit among a plurality of types of data processing units based on the attribute information of the terminal device, and selects the map data for each selected data processing unit. Since the map data is extracted and the map data is distributed for each selected data processing unit, it is possible to shorten the time until the map data is displayed without causing a processing speed problem or flicker on the display screen in the terminal device. it can.

Further, since the map data receiving method according to the present invention makes a distribution request by designating the distribution target map data for each distribution unit, the map data distribution device sequentially receives the distribution map data for each distribution unit. Without processing speed problems and flicker on the display screen,
The time until the display of map data can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a map distribution system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a map distribution device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a client.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a map set, a mesh, and a sub-mesh.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating layers.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing processing when a client is started.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing processing when a map is requested.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing distribution target map data when a new map is displayed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing distribution target map data when the map is reduced.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing map data to be distributed when the map is scrolled.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing distribution target map data when the map is rotated.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a map pseudo 3D display.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing distribution target map data when the map pseudo 3D is displayed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating data conversion into a distribution format.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing distribution target map data when a map continuation request is made.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing processing when a map continuous request is made.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a process when a map continuous request is made.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 map distribution device, 2 client, 11 map distribution server unit, 12 map information database, 13 Web
Server part, 14 POI database, 15 menu database, 21 Compact map viewer part, 22
Browser section, 111 communication section, 112 client management section, 113 request control section, 114 data access section,
115 data conversion unit, 211 communication unit, 212 data management unit, 213 control unit, 214 input unit, 215
Display screen, 216 Position detector.

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of types of data processing units are set,
A map data distribution device that holds map data capable of data processing for each data processing unit as owned map data, and distributes at least a part of the owned map data to a terminal device, An attribute information receiving unit that receives attribute information of the terminal device; and a data processing unit selecting unit that selects a specific data processing unit from the plurality of types of data processing units as a selected data processing unit based on the attribute information. A distribution request receiving unit that receives, from the terminal device, a distribution request that specifies distribution target map data to be distributed among the possessed map data; and the distribution target specified by the distribution request from the possessed map data. A map data extraction unit that extracts map data for each selected data processing unit; It said distribution target map data extracted per-option data processing unit, the map data distribution apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a map data distribution unit that distributes to the terminal device for each of the selected data processing unit. 2. The attribute information receiving unit receives from the terminal device attribute information indicating a purpose of using the map data of the terminal device, and the data processing unit selection unit includes the terminal indicated by the attribute information. The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the selected data processing unit is selected based on a purpose of using the map data of the device. 3. The attribute information receiving unit receives attribute information indicating the performance of the terminal device from the terminal device, and the data processing unit selecting unit receives the performance of the terminal device indicated by the attribute information. The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the selected data processing unit is selected based on the following. 4. The map data distribution device distributes the distribution target map data to a terminal device having a display screen, and the attribute information receiving unit causes the terminal device to display the display screen of the terminal device. The attribute information indicating a display size is received, and the data processing unit selection unit selects the selected data processing unit based on the display size indicated in the attribute information. Map data distribution device. 5. The priority of the map data distribution device, which further sets a distribution order priority for each of the selected data processing units with respect to the distribution target map data extracted for each of the selected data processing units. A map data distribution unit, wherein the map data distribution unit sets the distribution target map data for each of the selected data processing units in the distribution order according to the priority of the distribution order set by the priority setting unit. The delivery is performed to the device.
The map data distribution device described in. 6. The map data distribution device distributes the distribution target map data to a terminal device having a display screen, and the priority setting unit selects the distribution target extracted for each selected data processing unit. The map data distribution device according to claim 5, wherein the distribution target map data displayed closer to the center position of the display screen of the terminal device among the map data is set to have a higher priority in the distribution order. . 7. The map data distribution device retains map data composed of a plurality of map data components as the retained map data, and the data processing unit selection unit selects map data as the selected data processing unit. The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein a data process for each component is selected, and the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each map data component. 8. The map data distribution device retains map data divided into a plurality of meshes as the retained map data, and the data processing unit selection unit performs data processing for each mesh as the selected data processing unit. 2. The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each mesh. 9. The map data distribution device holds map data divided into a plurality of meshes, each mesh being composed of a plurality of sub-mesh, as the held map data, and the data processing unit selection unit The map data distribution according to claim 1, wherein data processing for each sub-mesh is selected as the selected data processing unit, and the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each sub-mesh. apparatus. 10. The map data distribution device comprises map data composed of a plurality of map data components, each map data component being grouped into at least one layer for each common map data component. Stored as the possessed map data, the data processing unit selection unit selects data processing for each layer as the selected data processing unit, and the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each layer 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein
The map data distribution device described in. 11. The distribution request receiving unit receives from the terminal device a distribution request requesting distribution of at least one or more specific layers, and the map data extracting unit specifies each of the specific layers. The map data distribution device according to claim 10, which is extracted. 12. The map data distribution device is constituted by a plurality of map data constituent elements, and has map data in which display priority for a scale is set as a drawing level in each map data constituent element as the retained map data. The data processing unit selection unit selects data processing for each drawing level as the selected data processing unit, and the map data extraction unit extracts the distribution target map data for each drawing level. Claims 8 to 1
The map data distribution device described in any one of 0. 13. The distribution request receiving unit specifies at least one specific drawing level from the terminal device, and requests distribution of map data components corresponding to each of the specific drawing levels. The map data distribution device according to claim 12, wherein the map data extraction unit receives a request and extracts the corresponding map data constituent element for each of the specific drawing levels. 14. The map data distribution device holds map data composed of a plurality of map data components as the retained map data, and the map data distribution device is further extracted by the map data extraction unit. For each of the map data components included in the distribution target map data, at least one or more display priorities are set, and map data components whose total value of the set display priorities exceeds a predetermined threshold are set. A map data selection unit for selecting, wherein the map data distribution unit provides the map data configured by the map data components selected by the map data selection unit to the terminal device for each selection data processing unit. The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the map data distribution device distributes the map data. 15. The map data distribution device is composed of a plurality of map data constituent elements, and map data in which each map data constituent element includes shape information and attribute information of the shape information is used as the retained map data. The map data distribution device further holds, for each of the map data constituent elements included in the distribution target map data extracted by the map data extraction unit, of the shape information from the respective map data constituent elements. A map data processing unit that removes attribute information, wherein the map data distribution unit includes the distribution target map data from which the attribute information of the shape information is removed by the map data processing unit, for each of the selection data processing units; The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the map data distribution device distributes to the device. 16. The map data distribution unit performs data compression processing on the distribution target map data for each selected data processing unit, and distributes the distribution target map data after the data compression processing for each selected data processing unit. The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the map data distribution device distributes the map data to the terminal device. 17. The map data distribution unit, when the new distribution request transmitted from the terminal device is received by the distribution request reception unit before the distribution of the distribution target map data is completed, the distribution is performed. The map according to claim 1, wherein the distribution of the target map data is stopped, and new distribution target map data based on the new distribution request is distributed to the terminal device for each of the selected data processing units. Data distribution device. 18. Map data for receiving at least a part of the map data from a map data distribution device that sets a plurality of types of data processing units and distributes map data capable of data processing for each data processing unit. A receiving device, wherein a specific data processing unit among the plurality of types of data processing units is designated as a map data distribution unit,
A distribution target map data designating unit that designates distribution target map data to be distributed from the map data distribution device for each distribution unit, and a distribution target for each distribution unit designated by the distribution target map data designating unit A distribution request generation unit that generates a distribution request indicating map data, and transmits the distribution request generated by the distribution request generation unit to the map data distribution device, and the map data distribution device distributes each distribution unit. A map data receiving device, comprising: a communication unit that receives the distribution target map data distributed to each of the distribution units. 19. The map data receiving device further has a display screen for displaying map data, and the communication unit distributes the distribution target map data in an order of a display position closer to a center position of the display screen. The map data receiving device according to claim 18, wherein the map data receiving device receives the data for each unit. 20. The map data receiving device receives at least a part of map data composed of a plurality of map data constituent elements from the map data distribution device, and the distribution target map data designating unit is arranged to distribute the map data. As a unit, specify distribution for each map data component, and the communication unit receives the distribution target map data distributed for each map data component from the map data distribution device for each map data component. The map data receiving device according to claim 18, wherein the map data receiving device is a map data receiving device. 21. The map data receiving device receives at least a part of the map data divided into a plurality of meshes from the map data distribution device, and the distribution target map data designating unit, as the distribution unit, 19. The map data reception according to claim 18, wherein distribution for each mesh is designated, and the communication unit receives the distribution target map data distributed by the mesh from the map data distribution device for each mesh. apparatus. 22. The map data receiving device receives from the map data distribution device at least a part of map data divided into a plurality of meshes, each mesh being composed of a plurality of sub-meshes, and the distribution. The target map data designating unit designates distribution for each sub-mesh as the distribution unit, and the communication unit receives the distribution target map data distributed for each sub-mesh from the map data distribution device for each sub-mesh. The map data receiving device according to claim 18, wherein the map data receiving device comprises: 23. The map data receiving device comprises a plurality of map data components from the map data distribution device, and each map data component has at least one layer for each common map data component. Receiving at least a part of the map data grouped as, the distribution target map data designating unit designates distribution for each layer as the distribution unit, and the communication unit for each layer from the map data distributing device. The map data receiving device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the distributed map data to be distributed is received for each layer. 24. The distribution target map data specifying unit specifies at least one specific layer as the distribution target map data, and the distribution request generating unit is specified by the distribution target map data specifying unit. And a distribution request for requesting distribution of the specific layer, wherein the communication unit transmits the distribution request generated by the distribution request generation unit to the map data distribution device, and the map data distribution The map data receiving device according to claim 23, wherein the specific layer distributed as the distribution target map data from the device is received for each layer. 25. Map data in which the map data receiving device is composed of a plurality of map data components by the map data distribution device, and a display priority for a scale is set as a drawing level in each map data component. Receiving at least a part of, the distribution target map data designating unit designates distribution for each drawing level as the distribution unit, and the communication unit distributes for each drawing level from the map data distributing device. The map data receiving device according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the distribution target map data is received for each drawing level. 26. The distribution target map data specifying unit specifies at least one specific drawing level as the distribution target map data, and the distribution request generating unit specifies the distribution target map data specifying unit. A distribution request for requesting distribution of map data components corresponding to each of the specified rendering levels, and the communication unit transmits the distribution request generated by the distribution request generation unit to the map data distribution device. 26. The map data component corresponding to the specific drawing level distributed as the distribution target map data from the map data distribution device is received for each drawing level. The described map data receiving device. 27. The map data receiving device further includes a map data storage unit for storing map data distributed by the map data distribution device as stored map data, and the distribution target map data designating unit is the 19. The map data receiving apparatus according to claim 18, wherein map data other than the stored map data stored in the map data storage unit is designated as the distribution target map data. 28. The map data receiving device further includes a display screen for displaying map data, and before the communication unit receives the distribution target map data,
The map data receiving apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising: a display output unit that outputs at least a part of the stored map data stored in the map data storage unit to the display screen. 29. A plurality of types of data processing units are set, and map data capable of performing data processing for each data processing unit is retained as retained map data, and at least a part of the retained map data is stored in a terminal device. A map data delivery method for delivering the attribute information of the terminal device from the terminal device; and a specific data processing of the plurality of types of data processing units based on the attribute information. A data processing unit selecting step of selecting a unit as a selected data processing unit; a distribution request receiving step of receiving, from the terminal device, a distribution request specifying distribution target map data to be distributed among the owned map data; From the retained map data, the distribution target map data specified by the distribution request is processed by the selection data processing. A map data extraction step for extracting each rank, and a map for distributing the distribution target map data extracted for each selection data processing unit by the map data extraction step to the terminal device for each selection data processing unit. A map data distribution method comprising a data distribution step. 30. Map data for receiving at least a part of the map data from a map data distribution device that sets a plurality of types of data processing units and distributes map data capable of data processing for each data processing unit. In the receiving method, the distribution target map data to be distributed from the map data distribution device is designated, and a specific data processing unit among the plurality of types of data processing units is a distribution unit of the distribution target map data. And a distribution request generating step of generating a distribution request indicating the distribution target map data and the distribution unit specified by the distribution target map data specifying step, and the distribution request generating step. While transmitting the generated distribution request to the map data distribution device, And a communication step of receiving the distribution target map data distributed by the distribution unit from the map data distribution device for each distribution unit.