JP5455731B2 - Map image display system, map image providing device, map image providing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a map image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for displaying a map image including a facility to be searched for on a display unit of an information device such as a portable terminal using map data digitized so as to be usable by a computer is known (Patent Literature). 1). The range of the map image displayed on the display unit at the time of this display is determined from a predetermined scale ratio and the screen size of the display unit.

JP 2009-150839 A

  However, in the conventional technology, the user can only obtain information in a predetermined range centering on the facility, and the information on the vicinity of the facility, for example, the nearest interchange or parking lot, rather than the facility itself. When it is desired to obtain the image, it is necessary to scroll the display position or enlarge / reduce it one by one, and the operation is complicated. For this reason, map display using information equipment has been required to further improve user convenience.

  An object of the present invention is to improve user convenience in map display technology.

  The present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples in order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems.

Application Example 1 A map image display system for displaying a map image, the display unit, a map database storing the map image, a facility database storing the location of the facility for each facility, and storing in the facility database For each facility to be searched, a determination information storage unit that associates and stores determination information that can determine a suitable map range to be displayed on the display unit, and searches for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database, A facility search unit that acquires at least the position of the facility; and a determination search unit that acquires, from the determination information storage unit, the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search of the facility search unit Based on the information acquisition unit, the determination information obtained by the determination information acquisition unit, and the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit, A map range determining unit for determining a range; and display control for searching the map database for a map image of the map range determined by the map range determining unit and displaying the map image obtained by the search on the display unit And a map image display system.

  According to the map image display system according to Application Example 1, the map range displayed on the display unit is determined based on the determination information stored in association with each facility stored in the facility database. For this reason, the display of the map range according to each of facilities is attained. Therefore, according to the map image display system, when the user wants to search for a facility, the map image desired as information can be provided, and according to the facility, a map image near the facility can be provided. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

Application Example 2 In the map image display system according to Application Example 1, the determination information storage unit includes a first storage unit that stores classification information for classifying each facility in association with each facility; A map image display system comprising: a second storage unit that stores a map scale ratio in association with each of the classification information.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to associate the map scale ratio as the determination information with the classification information collectively for each facility. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the decision information is associated with each facility.

Application Example 3 In the map image display system according to Application Example 1, the determination information storage unit classifies each facility according to characteristics of a region to which the facility belongs. A map image display system comprising: a first storage unit that stores information in association with each other; and a second storage unit that stores a map scale ratio as the determination information in association with each of the classification information.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to associate the map scale ratio as the determination information with the classification information collectively for each facility. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the decision information is associated with each facility.

Application Example 4 In the map image display system according to Application Example 1, a basic map range calculation unit that calculates a predetermined map range including a facility position obtained by the facility search unit as a basic map range. And the determination information storage unit stores, as the determination information, a parameter indicating at least one of a relative position with respect to the basic map range and a relative size expansion / contraction rate in association with each of the facilities. A parameter storage unit, wherein the map range determination unit calculates the map range based on the basic map range calculated by the basic map range calculation unit and the determination information obtained by the determination information acquisition unit. A map image display system comprising means for determining.

  According to this configuration, the user can easily determine the map range from the relative relationship to the basic map range by the relative position and / or size expansion / contraction ratio with respect to the basic map range.

Application Example 5 The map image display system according to Application Example 4, which is executed by the user after the facility search in another device that displays a map image in the same range as the basic map range when the facility search is performed. A storage unit that accumulates the display range switching operation for each facility, a recommended operation calculation unit that obtains a recommended display range switching operation for each facility based on the display range switching operation stored by the storage unit, and A map image display system comprising: a decision information update unit that updates decision information stored in the parameter storage unit based on the display range switching operation obtained by a recommended operation calculation unit.

  According to this configuration, the display range switching operation by the user after the facility search is performed by a large number of users in the other device is accumulated in the accumulation unit, and based on the accumulated display range switching operation. Thus, the recommended operation calculation unit requests a recommended display range switching operation for each facility. Then, since the determination information is updated by the determination information update unit based on the obtained display range switching operation, the map image displayed on the display unit is based on the search situation of many users. It will be learned. Therefore, it is possible to present a desirable facility periphery to a large number of users, and the convenience of users can be further improved.

[Application Example 6] In the map image display system according to Application Example 4 or 5, the parameters include a movement parameter indicating the number of movement operations in each direction of up, down, left, and right, and each number of enlargement operations and reduction operations. A map image display system including an expansion / contraction ratio parameter indicating

  A mobile phone that is a mobile terminal with many users employs an up / down / left / right movement operation and an enlargement / reduction operation. Therefore, according to the configuration of the application example 5, it is easy to support the mobile phone. .

Application Example 7 In the map image display system according to Application Example 1, the determination information storage unit uses the related facility position information representing the position of the facility related to each facility as the determination information. A map image display system comprising a related facility position storage unit that stores information associated with each facility.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to display related facilities corresponding to each facility. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[Application Example 8] In the map image display system according to Application Example 7, after the map image obtained by the search is displayed by the display control unit, a facility to be searched next is set as a next search facility. As a storage unit for storing as, a recommended next search facility calculation unit for obtaining the next search facility having the largest number of the next search facilities stored by the storage unit, and a next search facility calculated by the next search facility calculation unit A map image display system comprising: a determination information updating unit that updates related facility position information stored in the related facility position storage unit.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously view the facilities that are frequently searched together with the original search object after the search of the facility to be searched, and the convenience of the user can be further improved.

Application Example 9 A map image providing apparatus that provides a map image to an information display terminal, the map database storing the map image, the facility database storing the location of the facility for each facility, and storing in the facility database For each facility to be searched, a determination information storage unit that associates and stores determination information that can determine a suitable map range to be displayed on the display unit, and searches for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database, A facility search unit that acquires at least the position of the facility; and a determination search unit that acquires, from the determination information storage unit, the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search of the facility search unit Based on the information acquisition unit, the determination information obtained by the determination information acquisition unit, and the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit, A map range determining unit that determines a range, a map that searches the map database for a map image of the map range determined by the map range determining unit, and transmits the map image obtained by the search to the information display terminal A map image providing device comprising an image transmission unit.

  According to the map image providing apparatus according to Application Example 9, the map range transmitted to the information display terminal is determined based on the determination information stored in association with each facility stored in the facility database. For this reason, the display of the map range according to each of facilities is attained with an information display terminal. Therefore, according to the map image display system, when a user wants to search for a facility, it is possible to provide a map image of the facility neighborhood desired as information. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

Application Example 10 In a map image providing method for providing a map image by accessing a map database storing map images and a facility database storing facility locations for each facility, the facilities stored in the facility database Each time, information for determination that can determine a map range suitable for display on the display unit is stored in association with the storage unit, a facility that satisfies a search condition is searched from the facility database, and the location of the facility is determined. Obtained at least the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to meet the search condition by the search and obtained from the determination information storage unit, and obtained by the search and the acquired determination information The map range is determined based on the location of the facility, the map image of the determined map range is searched from the map database, and the search Thus obtained map image providing method for transmitting map image on the information display terminal.

Application Example 11 A computer program for accessing a map database storing map images and a facility database storing facility locations for each facility and providing map images, the program being stored in the facility database For each facility, a function for storing determination information that can determine a map range suitable for display on the display unit in association with a storage unit, a facility that satisfies a search condition from the facility database, and A function for acquiring at least the position of the facility, a function for acquiring the information for determination corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search, the information for determination acquired, and the information for determination Based on the location of the facility obtained by the search, the function of determining the map range and the map image of the determined map range are Computer program for searching from a database, thereby realizing a function of transmitting a map image obtained by the search to the information display terminal to the computer.

  The map image providing method according to the application example 10 and the computer program according to the application example 11 can improve the convenience of the user, similarly to the map image providing apparatus according to the application example 9. Further, the map image providing device according to Application Example 9, the map image providing method according to Application Example 10, and the computer program according to Application Example 11 are various in the same manner as the map image display system according to Application Example 1, respectively. Can be realized.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be realized in aspects such as a recording medium that records the computer program according to Application Example 11, a data signal that includes the computer program and is embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the navigation system 10 as 1st Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the content of the database stored in the server system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the facility database. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of facility search processing executed by the information providing server 100. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information table 108 for determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the map range displayed on the display panel 202 of the portable terminal 200 as a result of a facility search service. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the navigation system 20 as 2nd Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of operation which a user performs when searching for "XX country club" with a conventional apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation database 2178. FIG. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an update information table 2179. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the facility search process performed by the information provision server 2100 side. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the navigation system 30 as 3rd Example of this invention. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a determination information table 3108. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of facility search processing executed by the control unit 3104 of the information providing server 3100.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings.

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Navigation system configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 10 as a first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the navigation system 10 includes an information providing server 100, a map server 150, a base station BS, and a mobile terminal 200. The information providing server 100, the map server 150, and the base station BS are communicably connected via the Internet INT. The portable terminal 200 can wirelessly communicate with the base station BS. As a result, the portable terminal 200 can communicate with the information providing server 100 and the map server 150 via the base station BS.

  The mobile terminal 200 according to the present embodiment can function as a map image display terminal. The mobile terminal 200 includes a GPS receiver 201 and a function of performing route guidance using the GPS receiver 201 and a map image display function. The mobile terminal 200 includes a GPS receiver 201, a display panel 202, an audio output unit 204, a key input unit 205, a wireless communication circuit 206, a call control unit 207, an external storage device 208, and a main control unit 210. And.

  The GPS receiver 201 is a device that receives radio waves transmitted from artificial satellites that constitute a GPS (Global Positioning System / Global Positioning System). The display panel 202 includes a liquid crystal display and a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display has a resolution of, for example, 480 pixels × 640 pixels (VGA). The display panel 202 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various display devices such as an organic EL display can be employed. The voice output unit 204 includes a speaker for outputting voice during route guidance, a circuit for driving the speaker, and the like. The key input unit 205 includes a key group such as a direction input key 205a, a number input key 205b, and other operation keys 205c. The user of the portable terminal 200 can perform various operations by using these keys.

  The wireless communication circuit 206 is a circuit for performing data communication or voice communication with the base station BS. The wireless communication circuit 206 can access the information providing server 100 and the map server 150 via the base station BS. The call control unit 207 is a circuit that performs incoming calls and calls for voice calls, conversion of voice signals and electric signals, and the like. By providing the call control unit 207 and the wireless communication circuit 206, the mobile terminal 200 can operate as a mobile phone. The external storage device 208 can be configured with a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, and the like. The external storage device 208 is used for storing various software and data.

  The main control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 is a controller for controlling the above-described units 201 to 208 of the mobile terminal 200. The main control unit 210 includes a central processing circuit (CPU) (not shown) and an internal storage device such as a ROM or a RAM. When the portable terminal 200 functions as a map image display terminal, the internal storage device of the main control unit 210 stores a program for displaying a map image. For example, this program may be distributed via the Internet INT and the base station BS by a business operator who operates the map server 150 and the information providing server 100. This program is stored in the external storage device 208 when not used, read out from the external storage device 208 and stored in the internal storage device of the main control unit 210 when used. The main control unit 210 implements various processes / functions to be described later by executing this program.

  The information providing server 100 includes a communication unit 102, a control unit 104, and a storage unit 105. The control unit 104 is a controller for controlling the communication unit 102 and the storage unit 105 of the information providing server 100 described above. The communication unit 102 can communicate with the map server 150 via the Internet INT and with the mobile terminal 200 via the Internet INT and the base station BS. The storage unit 105 stores a route database (DB) 106, a facility database 107, and a determination information table 108. The databases 106 and 107 and the determination information table 108 will be described later.

  The map server 150 includes a communication unit 152, a control unit 154, and a storage unit 155. The storage unit 155 stores a map database 156. The control unit 154 is a controller for controlling the communication unit 152 and the storage unit 155 described above of the map server 150. The communication unit 152 can communicate with the information providing server 100 via the Internet INT and with the mobile terminal 200 via the Internet INT and the base station BS. The map database 156 will be described later.

  The control unit 104 of the information providing server 100 and the control unit 154 of the map server 150 each include a CPU (not shown) and an internal storage device such as a ROM or a RAM. The internal storage devices of the control unit 104 and the control unit 154 store a program for communicating with the mobile terminal 200 and supporting the function of the mobile terminal 200 as a map image display terminal. The control unit 104 and the control unit 154 implement various processes / functions described later by executing these programs.

  In this embodiment, the map server 150 and the information providing server 100 are connected via the Internet, but may be connected via a LAN (local area network). Further, the information providing server 100 and the map server 150 can be configured by one server computer.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the database stored in the server system 1000. FIG. 2 conceptually shows the map database 156, the route database 106, and the facility database 107 described above.

  The map database 156 stores data (map image data) representing a map image transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 in a vector data format. The map image data may be stored in a raster data format such as a bitmap format or a JPEG data format instead of the vector data format. The map image data includes data representing the shape of topography, buildings, roads, and the like.

  The route database 106 stores network information representing a traffic route existing in an area corresponding to the map image represented by the map image data, and route attribute information Z1. The network information includes node data representing element points (nodes) ND in the traffic route and link data representing line segments (links) LK connecting the nodes. The node ND represents, for example, an intersection, a branch point, a station, or the like. The link LK represents a traffic route such as a road or a railway line. The route attribute information Z1 is associated with the node ND or the link LK.

  The route attribute information Z1 includes link attribute data that identifies the associated link LK and node attribute data that identifies the associated node ND. The link attribute data is, for example, the name of the road represented by the associated link LK. The node attribute data is, for example, the name of an intersection represented by the associated node ND.

  The facility database 107 includes facility points BP as facility position information indicating the position of each facility existing in the area corresponding to the map image represented by the map image data, and facility attribute information Z2 associated with each facility point BP. Including. Here, the facility is provided on the ground surface for a certain purpose, and corresponds to a feature in a store or a sightseeing spot. The facility attribute information Z2 includes, for example, the name and address of the facility existing at the position represented by the associated facility point BP. The facility attribute information Z2 is further associated with sub facility attribute information Z21. The sub facility attribute information Z21 describes, for example, classification information and type of the corresponding facility.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the facility database 107. As illustrated, the facility database 107 stores information representing numbers, names, telephone numbers, addresses, genres (classification information), types, and positions for various facilities.

  The genre includes, for example, “restaurant”, “store”, “hospital”, “accommodation”, “leisure”, “car”, “public facility”, etc. ”,“ Hospital ”,“ Internal Medicine ”, and“ Leisure ”are associated with information such as“ Golf Course ”and“ Zoo ”. In other words, the genre classifies facilities into large categories, and the type classifies facilities into small categories.

  The position information is longitude (x) / latitude (y) of the center position of the facility. The location information is the facility point BP, the name, telephone number, and address information is the facility attribute information Z2, and the genre and type information is the sub-facility attribute information Z21. In addition, illustration is an example to the last and description of the blank item of illustration was abbreviate | omitted.

A-2. Navigation system behavior:
The navigation system 10 provides a facility search service and a route guidance service to the user of the mobile terminal 200. Description of the route guidance service is omitted in this embodiment. The facility search service will be described below.

  A user of the facility search service operates the mobile terminal 200 to input search conditions. The search condition is a name, a genre, a telephone number, or the like for a facility to be searched. The mobile terminal 200 transmits the input search information to the information providing server 100. Based on the received search conditions, the information providing server 100 collates and searches the facility database 107 and, if necessary, the map database 156 of the map server 150, and generates a map image of the facility that satisfies the search conditions. The information providing server 100 transmits the generated map image to the mobile terminal 200. The mobile terminal 200 displays the received map image on the display panel 202.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of facility search processing executed on the information providing server 100 side. The illustrated facility search process is executed by the control unit 104 of the information providing server 100. When the process is started, the control unit 104 first receives a search condition from the mobile terminal 200 (step S110). For example, a facility telephone number is received as a search condition. Next, the control unit 104 executes facility search processing for searching for a facility that satisfies the search condition using the facility database 107 (step S120). As a result of the facility search process, it is possible to identify a facility that matches (hits) the search condition and to obtain at least the position of the facility indicated by the facility point BP.

  Subsequently, the control unit 104 acquires the genre for the facility hit in step S120 from the facility database 107 (step S130). In the facility database 107 illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, when a facility whose name is “XX country club” is hit, “leisure” is acquired as a genre.

  Thereafter, the control unit 104 acquires a map scale ratio corresponding to the genre acquired in step S130 (step S140). The map scale ratio is a scale ratio of a map image when displayed on the mobile terminal 200 and is obtained by searching the determination information table 108 stored in the storage unit 105 of the information providing server 100.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the determination information table 108. As illustrated, the determination information table 108 includes a “genre” field fd1 and a “map scale factor” field fd2, each item of the “genre” field fd1 and a “map scale factor” field fd2. Is the data in the table format. As shown in the figure, for example, when the genre acquired in step S130 is “leisure”, a map scale ratio of “1/15000” is obtained.

  It should be noted that the facility information and the “genre” field provided in the facility database 107 associate each facility with the map scale ratio that is the information for determination. In other words, the “determination information storage unit” in the present invention includes the determination information table 108 and the “genre” field provided in the facility database 107. The determination information table 108 corresponds to the “second storage unit” in the invention described in application example 2, and the “genre” field provided in the facility database 107 is “first” in the invention described in application example 2. Corresponds to the “storage section”.

  Thereafter, the control unit 104 determines a map range based on the map scale ratio obtained in step S140 and the facility point BP for the facility hit in the facility search process in step S120 (step S150). Specifically, centering on the longitude (x) / latitude (y) indicated by the facility point BP obtained in step S120, the map scale ratio obtained in step S140 and the vertical and horizontal sizes of the display panel 202 of the portable terminal 200 are used. The determined display range on the actual size is obtained, and the display range on the actual size is set as the map range. This map range is a rectangle corresponding to the shape of the display panel 202, and is represented by, for example, the longitude / latitude of the northwest corner and the longitude / latitude of the southeast corner.

  Subsequently, the control unit 104 collates and searches the map range determined in step S150 with the map database 156 of the map server 150, and acquires a map image regarding the map range from the map database 156 (step S160). Then, the control part 104 transmits the acquired map image to the portable terminal 200 (step S170), and complete | finishes this facility search process. The mobile terminal 200 receives the map image sent from the information providing server 100 and displays the received map image on the display panel 202.

A-3. Example effect:
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a map range displayed on the display panel 202 of the mobile terminal 200 as a result of the facility search service. A rectangular area inside the one-dot chain line in the figure is the conventional map range PA displayed by the conventional device. The rectangular area outside the one-dot chain line in the figure is the map range MP. The conventional map range PA is determined from a certain map scale ratio (for example, 1/2500) or a map scale ratio set by the user at the previous use. On the other hand, the map range MP displayed in the present embodiment is determined from the map scale ratio determined from the genre of the hit facility.

  A facility whose genre is “leisure”, for example, often has a large occupied area compared to “restaurants”, “stores”, etc., and often travels from a distance. For this reason, users often want to receive guidance from a wide range including the nearest interchange. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the map scale ratio (1/15000) at the time of “leisure” is higher than the map scale ratio (1/2500) at the time of “restaurant” or “store”. Therefore, the map range MP is wider than the conventional map range PA, and can be adapted to the user's request. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

A-4. Variations:
A modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described next.

・ First modification:
In the first embodiment, the map scale ratio (hereinafter referred to as “scale ratio”) is associated with each facility genre to determine the map range to be displayed on the display unit. The map range to be displayed on the display unit may be determined by associating the scale ratio for each type (the type for subclassifying the facilities described above). For example, a scale image corresponding to a small classification such as “golf course” or “hotel” can display a map image.

・ Second modification:
In the first embodiment, the map scale ratio (hereinafter referred to as “scale ratio”) is associated with each facility genre to determine the map range to be displayed on the display unit. A map area to be displayed on the display unit may be determined by associating a distinction between suburbs and cities with a scale ratio for each distinction. In the city, since many facilities are located close to the hit facility, it is preferable to narrow the map range. On the other hand, in the suburbs, since there are few facilities around the hit facilities, it is preferable to widen the map range. In this modification, the suburban facilities can be displayed with a high scale ratio, and the urban facilities can be displayed with a low scale ratio, so that the urban area can be narrowed and the suburbs can be displayed widely. Whether the facility is a suburb or a city can be determined by searching an address from the facility database 107 and determining the population of the area determined from the address.

  In the second modified example, the facility is associated with each facility as a suburb or urban, but instead of this, the facility is associated with whether or not it is close to a popular theme park. Also good. In short, any configuration may be used as long as each facility is associated with the classification information classified according to the characteristics of the region to which the facility belongs.

・ Third modification:
In the first modification, the scale ratio is changed depending on whether the suburb or the city is a local situation. Instead, the situation in the vicinity of the facility, for example, whether there are many facilities around the facility or not. The scale ratio may be changed. In short, it can be changed to any situation as long as it is a local situation of the facility.

B. Second embodiment:
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

B-1. Navigation system configuration:
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the navigation system 20 as the second embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the navigation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that the server system 2000 includes an information providing server 2100 and a map server 150. 2000 is different in that the information providing server 2170 for determination is provided. Further, the navigation system 20 includes the same base station BS and portable terminal 200 as the navigation system 10 of the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol was attached | subjected to the same part as 1st Example.

  Compared with the information providing server 100 of the first embodiment, the information providing server 2100 differs in the content of the determination information table 2108 and the content of the facility search process executed by the control unit 2104, and the other configurations are the same It is. The map server 150 is the same as the map server 150 of the first embodiment.

  The determination information providing server 2170 is a server for providing update information of the determination information table 2108 to the information providing server 2100. Further, the determination information providing server 2170 functions as a map image display terminal for a large number of mobile terminals (not shown) other than the mobile terminal 200. The mobile terminal 200 is a terminal that receives a facility search service to be described later. On the other hand, a large number of mobile terminals other than the mobile terminal 200 are configured according to the prior art by accessing the determination information providing server 2170. Provided facility search service (hereinafter referred to as “conventional facility search service”).

  The determination information providing server 2170 includes a communication unit 2172, a control unit 2174, and a storage unit 2175. The control unit 2174 is a controller for controlling the communication unit 2172 and the storage unit 2175. The communication unit 2172 can communicate with the information providing server 100 via the Internet INT and with the large number of mobile terminals via the Internet INT and the base station BS. The storage unit 2175 stores a route database 2176, a facility database 2177, an operation database 2178, and an update information table 2179. The route database 2176 and the facility database 2177 are the same as the route database 106 and the facility database 107 provided in the information providing server 2100. The operation database 2178 and the update information table 2179 will be described later.

  The control unit 2174 of the determination information providing server 2170 includes a CPU (not shown) and an internal storage device such as a ROM or a RAM. The update information learning process is performed by the CPU executing a program included in the internal storage device. The update information learning process will be described next.

B-2. Navigation system behavior:
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation performed by the user when searching for “XX country club” using a conventional device that provides a conventional facility search service. Now, when a facility search is performed for “XX country club”, a map image of the conventional map range P1 is displayed on the display panel of the conventional device. At this time, the user operates the portable terminal to switch the display range of the display panel to the changed map range P2 in order to see the map image around the “XX interchange” which is the nearest interchange. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the user has switched to the changed map range P2 by sequentially performing the following operations (i) to (v).

(I) An [enlargement] command is input by pressing the [1] key that is a numeric input key of the portable terminal.
(Ii) A [right scroll] command is input by pressing the [→] key which is a direction input key of the portable terminal.
(Iii) A [right scroll] command is input by pressing a [→] key that is a direction input key of the portable terminal.
(Iv) A [right scroll] command is input by pressing the [→] key which is a direction input key of the portable terminal.
(V) By pressing the [↓] key, which is a direction input key of the portable terminal, a [down scroll] command is input.

  [Enlarge] is a process of enlarging the command object at a predetermined magnification (size expansion / contraction ratio) Z, and [Right scroll] is a process of moving the command object to the right by a predetermined distance Mr. ] Command is a process of moving the command target downward by a predetermined distance Ml. The operations (i) to (v) are for one user at any time, and differ depending on the user and the time of use. The determination information providing server 2170 provides the same facility search service as that of the conventional device, and further communicates with the mobile terminal, and each time a search is performed in the facility search process, a series of operations performed by the user is performed. A process of storing operations by distinguishing search targets is performed. The end point of the series of operations (for example, after the operation of (v) is completed) is determined by, for example, determining when the user has performed the operation for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) or longer. Detected. The accumulation is performed on the operation database 2178 stored in the storage unit 2175. This series of operations is hereinafter referred to as “display range switching operation”.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation database 2178. As shown in the figure, in the operation database 2178, a facility number (same as the number in the facility database 107; hereinafter referred to as “facility number” or “number” as necessary) is displayed in association with the facility number. The range switching operation is stored. As a result, the display range switching operations are accumulated for each facility. The line A1 in the figure corresponds to the display range switching operations (i) to (v).

  The determination information providing server 2170 analyzes the accumulated content of the operation database 2178 every predetermined period, for example, 10 days or 1 month, and obtains the combination of operations with the highest use frequency of each facility as update information Is further performed. Note that the contents stored in the operation database 2178 are cleared each time the analysis is completed. In FIG. 9, the display range switching operation shown in the rows A1 to A3 is a combination of three right scrolls, one down scroll, and one enlargement, and is most frequently used in the illustrated example. It is a combination. The determination information providing server 2170 stores the combination having the highest use frequency in the update information table 2179 prepared in the storage unit 2175 as the update information of each facility.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the update information table 2179. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the update information table 2179 includes fields “fd11” to “fd17” for “facility number”, “up scroll”, “down scroll”, “left scroll”, “right scroll”, “enlarge”, and “reduce”. It is the data of the table format which memorize | stores and stores the frequency | count of each operation for every facility number. In the row where the facility number indicating “XX country club” is “5”, it is stored that it is a combination of the above-described three right scrolls, one down scroll and one enlargement. The

  By the processing (learning processing) executed by the determination information providing server 2170 described above, the most frequently used frequency obtained from the display range switching operation when a large number of users perform the facility search processing in the predetermined period. The combination of operations is stored in the update information table 2179 for each facility.

  Each time the update information table 2179 is newly created, the operation database 2178 communicates with the information providing server 2100 and transmits the update information table 2179 to the information providing server 2100. The information providing server 2100 updates the determination information table 2108 with the contents of the received update information table 2179.

  The determination information table 2108 stored in the information providing server 2100 has the same data format as the update information table 2179 shown in FIG. The information providing server 2100 transfers the content of the received update information table 2179 to the determination information table 2108. At this time, if a data record of the same facility number (one data record for one line in the figure) already exists in the determination information table 2108, the data record of the corresponding facility number in the update information table 2179 is overwritten. However, data records with facility numbers that are not the same are added.

  The navigation system 20 configured as described above provides a facility search service unique to the present embodiment to the user of the mobile terminal 200. This facility search service will be described below.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of facility search processing executed on the information providing server 2100 side. The illustrated facility search process is executed by the control unit 2104 of the information providing server 2100. When the process is started, the control unit 2104 receives a search condition from the portable terminal 200 (step S110), and executes a facility search process (step S120). Steps S110 and S120 are the same processes as those in the first embodiment, and are given the same step numbers.

  Next, the control unit 2104 obtains a basic map range for the facility hit in step S120 (step S225). Specifically, a facility point BP corresponding to the hit facility is acquired from the facility database 107 illustrated in FIG. 3, and a predetermined rectangular range centering on the facility point BP is obtained as a basic map range. This basic map range matches the conventional map range P1 described in FIG.

  Subsequently, the number of the facility hit in step S120 is acquired from the facility database 107 (see FIG. 3) (step S230). In the facility database 107 illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, when a facility whose name is “XX country club” is hit, “5” is acquired as the number.

  Thereafter, the control unit 2104 acquires information for determination corresponding to the number acquired in step S230 (step S240). The determination information is information defined by the number of operations of “up scroll”, “down scroll”, “left scroll”, “right scroll”, “enlarge”, and “reduction”. It is obtained by searching the determination information table 108 stored in the storage unit 105. That is, in step S240, the number of operations corresponding to the number acquired in step S130 is obtained by searching the determination information table 108 using the number acquired in step S230 as a search key.

  Thereafter, the control unit 2104, based on the number of each operation as the determination information obtained in step S240 and the basic map range obtained in step S225, determines the facility hit in the facility search process in step S120. A map range is determined (step S250). Specifically, the control unit 2104 obtains the basic map range obtained in step S225 by performing movement or size change determined by each operation as many times as each operation. For example, in the case of three right scrolls, one downward scroll and one enlargement as exemplified above, the basic map range is moved to the right by 3 times the predetermined distance Mr, It moves downward by the predetermined distance Ml and then enlarges by the magnification Z, and the map range obtained as a result is defined as the map range of the facility.

  Subsequently, the control unit 2104 acquires a map image for the map range determined in step S250 from the map database 156 (step S160), and transmits the acquired map image to the mobile terminal 200 (step S170). Steps S160 and S170 are the same processing as in the first embodiment, and are given the same step numbers. After the execution of step S170, the facility search process is terminated.

  The mobile terminal 200 receives the map image sent from the information providing server 2100 and displays the received map image on the display panel 202. As a result, for example, the map image of the changed map range P2 in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display panel 202.

B-3. Example effect:
Therefore, when searching for “XX country club” with the conventional device, as shown in FIG. 8, according to the navigation system 20 of the second embodiment, the map image of the conventional map range P1 is displayed. The changed map range P2 is displayed. Therefore, the user can see the map image around the facility such as the nearest interchange from the beginning, not the facility to be searched. Therefore, user convenience can be improved. In particular, in this embodiment, the map area to be displayed is learned from the search situation of a large number of users, so that a desirable facility periphery can be presented to a large number of users. The convenience can be further improved.

B-4. Variations:
Next, a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

-Fourth modification:
In the second embodiment, the determination information includes each number of times “up scroll”, “down scroll”, “left scroll”, “right scroll”, and each number of “enlargement” and “reduction”. However, instead of this, it may be configured to include at least one of the former number and the latter number. That is, the change from the conventional map range P1 to the changed map range P2 can be performed only by the movement operation of “up scroll”, “down scroll”, “left scroll”, “right scroll”, or “enlarge”, “reduce”. The determination information may be configured to include each number of movement operations or each number of size expansion / contraction operations by performing only the size expansion / contraction operations.

-5th modification:
The number of times of the movement operation indicates a relative position with respect to the basic map range. However, if the movement parameter can indicate the relative position, the direction of the movement operation is changed to the number of the movement operations. And distance, etc. The number of size expansion / contraction operations indicates a magnification with respect to the basic map range, but if the expansion / contraction ratio parameter can indicate the size expansion / contraction ratio, the magnification is changed in place of the number of size expansion / contraction operations. It can also be a numerical value shown. In other words, in the second embodiment, the number of user operations is stored in the update information table to store the relative position and magnification with respect to the basic map range. It is good also as a structure which memorize | stores the relative position and magnification with respect to a basic map range in a table. At this time, the determination information table 2108 stored in the information providing server is also in the same data format as the determination information table.

-6th modification:
In the second embodiment, the decision information providing server 2170 is provided and the decision information table 2108 provided in the information providing server 2100 is updated. Instead, the decision information providing server 2170 is provided. The determination information table 2108 may be determined in advance.

C. Third embodiment:
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

C-1. Navigation system configuration:
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 30 as a third embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the navigation system 10 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment, the navigation system 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the contents of the information table for determination 3108 provided in the information providing server 3100 and the information providing server. The contents of the facility search process executed by the control unit 3104 provided in 3100 are different, and the other configurations are the same. In addition, the same code | symbol was attached | subjected to the same part as 1st Example.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the determination information table 3108. As illustrated, the determination information table 3108 is tabular data including fields “fd21” and “related facility position” fd21 and fd22. The facility number is associated with the related facility location.

  In the “facility number” field fd21, the aforementioned facility number is stored. In the “related facility position” field fd22, a related facility point XP is stored as related facility position information indicating the position of the facility related to the facility specified by the facility number. The position information is indicated by longitude (u) / latitude (v) of the center position of the facility. As related facilities, there may be various things such as the nearest interchange, the nearest parking lot, the nearest station, and the event venue provided by the facility. For example, the longitude (u) / latitude (v) of the nearest interchange “XX interchange” is stored in “XX country club” with the facility number “5”.

C-2. Navigation system behavior:
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of facility search processing executed by the control unit 3104 of the information providing server 3100. When the process is started, the control unit 3104 receives a search condition from the mobile terminal 200 (step S110), and executes a facility search process (step S120). Steps S110 and S120 are the same processes as those in the first embodiment, and are given the same step numbers.

  Next, the control unit 3104 acquires the related facility point XP for the facility hit in step S120 from the determination information table 3108 (step S330). In the determination information table 3108 illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, when “XX country club” having the facility number “5” is hit, the longitude (u) / latitude of the nearest interchange “XX interchange” (V) is acquired as the related facility point XP.

  Thereafter, the control unit 3104 determines a map range based on the related facility point XP obtained in step S130 and the facility point BP for the facility hit in the facility search process in step S120 (step S350). Specifically, a map range including both the facility point BP obtained in step S120 and the related facility point XP obtained in step S130 is obtained. This map range is a rectangle corresponding to the shape of the display panel 202, and is represented by, for example, the longitude / latitude of the northwest corner and the longitude / latitude of the southeast corner.

  Subsequently, the control unit 2104 acquires a map image for the map range determined in step S250 from the map database 156 (step S160), and transmits the acquired map image to the mobile terminal 200 (step S170). Steps S160 and S170 are the same processing as in the first embodiment, and are given the same step numbers. After the execution of step S170, the facility search process is terminated.

C-3. Example effect:
Therefore, when searching for “XX country club” with the conventional device, a map image of the conventional map range P1 (FIG. 8) centered on the facility point BP is displayed. The navigation system 30 of the third embodiment. According to the above, a map image including both the facility point BP and the related facility point XP is displayed. For this reason, the user can see not only the facility to be searched but also a map image around the facility such as the nearest interchange from the beginning. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

C-4. Variations:
A modification of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described next.

-Seventh modification:
In the third embodiment, the determination information table has a configuration in which the facility number and the related facility position are associated with each other. Alternatively, the facility information table may be associated with the related genre. The related genre is a genre related to the genre of the target facility. For example, when the genre of the target facility is “leisure”, “accommodation” is associated with the related genre. In addition, the information providing server searches for facilities of related genres around the hit facility (search facility), and includes a facility point of facilities of the related genre hit and a facility point of the search facility. Display an image. According to the seventh modification, the user can view a map image including both the search facility and the facility of the related genre from the beginning. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

-Eighth modification:
As a further modification of the seventh modification, the facility number may be associated with the related type. The related type is a type related to the type of target facility (the type that subdivides the above-mentioned facilities). For example, when the genre of the target facility is “golf course”, “interchange” is supported as the related genre. Put it on. In addition, the information providing server searches for a related type facility around the hit facility (search facility), and includes a facility point of the hit related type facility and a facility point of the search facility. Display an image. According to the eighth modified example, the user can view a map image including both the search facility and the facility type from the beginning. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

-Ninth modification:
In the third embodiment, the related facility positions included in the determination information table are predetermined, but instead, the related facility positions may be sequentially updated by learning control. Specifically, when a facility search is performed by the facility search service, a facility to be searched next (hereinafter referred to as “next search facility”) is stored after being searched for the facility to be searched. Then, for each predetermined period, the next search facility having the largest number among the accumulated next search facilities is selected as a new related facility, and the determination is made based on the position of the selected related facility. The related facility location included in the information table is updated. According to the ninth modified example, it is possible to simultaneously view the facilities that are frequently searched together with the original search object following the search of the facility to be searched, and the convenience of the user can be further improved.

-10th modification:
In the ninth modified example, the search target facility and the next search facility are displayed together on one screen. Instead, the search target facility is displayed first, and then a predetermined input is performed. When a key, for example, a direction input key [→] is pressed, the next search facility may be displayed.

D. Other variations:
-Eleventh modification:
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, various aspects of the determination information have been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to these aspects, and any information that can determine a suitable map range to be displayed on the display unit, Any information is acceptable. In addition, the determination information may be associated with each facility, and as in the first embodiment, each facility may be divided into groups, and the determination information may be associated with each group.

-12th modification:
Each of the above embodiments and modifications is a portable navigation system in which a server system and a portable terminal are separated, but the present invention has a configuration having a server system such as a route database, a facility database 107, and a map database, and a display panel. The present invention is also applicable to a route guidance system in which a configuration having a portable terminal such as a key input unit is integrated, for example, an in-vehicle navigation device. In the second embodiment, the information providing server 2100 and the determining information providing server 2170 may be configured in various combinations such as a configuration in which the information providing server 2100 and the determining information providing server 2170 are integrated. Note that according to the configuration in which the information providing server 2100 and the determination information providing server 2170 are integrated, the route database and the facility database can be combined into one set. Furthermore, in 1st Example, it is good also as a structure further subdivided, such as putting a path | route database and a facility database in another server.

  The determination information providing server 2170 is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the mobile terminal 200 as a mobile body does not necessarily have a function as a mobile phone. It is good also as a structure by a display terminal.

-13th modification:
In each of the embodiments and the modified examples, the present invention is realized by the facility search service. Instead, the present invention may be configured to display the destination in the route guidance service.

  In the embodiment and each modification, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware. May be.

  It should be noted that elements other than those described in the independent claims among the constituent elements in the above-described embodiments and modifications are additional elements and can be omitted as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to these examples and modifications, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 20, 30 ... Navigation system 100 ... Information provision server 102 ... Communication part 104 ... Control part 105 ... Memory | storage part 106 ... Path | route database 107 ... Facility database 108 ... Information table for determination 150 ... Map server 152 ... Communication part 154 ... Control Unit 155 ... Storage unit 156 ... Map database 200 ... Mobile terminal 201 ... GPS receiver 202 ... Display panel 204 ... Audio output unit 205 ... Key input unit 205a ... Direction input key 205b ... Number input key 205c ... Operation key 206 ... Wireless communication Circuit 207 ... Call control unit 208 ... External storage device 210 ... Main control unit 1000 ... Server system 2000 ... Server system 2100 ... Information providing server 2104 ... Control unit 2108 ... Decision information table 2170 ... Decision information provision server 2172 ... Communication Communication unit 2174 ... Control unit 2175 ... Storage unit 2176 ... Path database 2177 ... Facility database 2178 ... Operation database 2179 ... Update information table 3100 ... Information providing server 3104 ... Control unit 3108 ... Information table for determination BS ... Base station INT ... Internet

Claims (11)

A map image display system for displaying a map image,
A display unit;
A map database storing the map image;
A facility database that stores the location of each facility;
For each facility stored in the facility database, an information storage unit for determination that associates and stores information for determination that can determine a map range suitable for display on the display unit;
Search for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database, and a facility search unit that acquires at least the location of the facility;
A determination information acquisition unit that acquires the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search of the facility search unit, from the determination information storage unit;
A map range determination unit that determines the map range based on the information for determination obtained by the information acquisition unit for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit;
A display control unit that searches the map database for a map image of the map range determined by the map range determination unit, and displays the map image obtained by the search on the display unit;
A basic map range calculation unit that calculates a predetermined map range including the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit as a basic map range;
With
The determination information storage unit includes:
A parameter storage unit for storing, as the determination information, a parameter indicating at least one of a relative position with respect to the basic map range and a relative size expansion / contraction rate, in association with each of the facilities;
The map range determination unit
Means for determining the map range based on the basic map range calculated by the basic map range calculation unit and the determination information obtained by the determination information acquisition unit;
further,
An accumulation unit for accumulating a display range switching operation performed by a user after the facility search in another device that displays a map image of the same range as the basic map range when performing a facility search;
Based on the display range switching operation stored by the storage unit, a recommended operation calculation unit for obtaining a recommended display range switching operation for each facility,
A determination information update unit that updates the determination information stored in the parameter storage unit based on the display range switching operation obtained by the recommended operation calculation unit;
A map image display system comprising: The map image display system according to claim 1,
The parameter is
A map image display system including a movement parameter indicating the number of movement operations in the up / down / left / right directions for each direction and an expansion / contraction ratio parameter indicating the number of times of enlargement operation and reduction operation. A map image display system for displaying a map image,
A display unit;
A map database storing the map image;
A facility database that stores the location of each facility;
For each facility stored in the facility database, an information storage unit for determination that associates and stores information for determination that can determine a map range suitable for display on the display unit;
Search for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database, and a facility search unit that acquires at least the location of the facility;
A determination information acquisition unit that acquires the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search of the facility search unit, from the determination information storage unit;
A map range determination unit that determines the map range based on the information for determination obtained by the information acquisition unit for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit;
A display control unit that searches the map database for a map image of the map range determined by the map range determination unit, and displays the map image obtained by the search on the display unit;
The determination information storage unit includes:
A map image display system comprising a related facility position storage unit that stores related facility position information representing a position of a facility related to each facility as the determination information in association with each of the facilities. The map image display system according to claim 3,
After displaying the map image obtained by the search by the display control unit, a storage unit that stores a facility to be searched next as a next search facility;
A recommended next search facility calculation unit for obtaining the next search facility having the largest number among the next search facilities stored by the storage unit;
A map image display system comprising: a determination information update unit that updates related facility position information stored in the related facility position storage unit based on a next search facility obtained by the recommended next search facility calculation unit. A map image display system for displaying a map image,
A display unit;
A map database storing the map image;
A facility database that stores the location of each facility;
For each facility stored in the facility database, an information storage unit for determination that associates and stores information for determination that can determine a map range suitable for display on the display unit;
Search for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database, and a facility search unit that acquires at least the location of the facility;
A determination information acquisition unit that acquires the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search of the facility search unit, from the determination information storage unit;
A map range determination unit that determines the map range based on the information for determination obtained by the information acquisition unit for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit;
A display control unit that searches the map database for a map image of the map range determined by the map range determination unit, and displays the map image obtained by the search on the display unit;
A basic map range calculation unit that calculates a predetermined map range including the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit as a basic map range;
With
The determination information storage unit includes:
A parameter storage unit that stores, as the determination information, a parameter indicating a relative position and a relative size expansion / contraction ratio with respect to the basic map range;
The map range determination unit
A map image display system comprising means for determining the map range based on the basic map range calculated by the basic map range calculation unit and the determination information obtained by the determination information acquisition unit. A map image providing device that provides a map image to an information display terminal,
A map database storing the map image;
A facility database that stores the location of each facility;
For each facility stored in the facility database, an information storage unit for determination that associates and stores information for determination that can determine a map range suitable for display on the information display terminal ;
Search for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database, and a facility search unit that acquires at least the location of the facility;
A determination information acquisition unit that acquires the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search of the facility search unit, from the determination information storage unit;
A map range determination unit that determines the map range based on the information for determination obtained by the information acquisition unit for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit;
A map image transmission unit that searches the map database for a map image of the map range determined by the map range determination unit, and transmits the map image obtained by the search to the information display terminal;
A basic map range calculation unit that calculates a predetermined map range including the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit as a basic map range;
With
The determination information storage unit includes:
A parameter storage unit for storing, as the determination information, a parameter indicating at least one of a relative position with respect to the basic map range and a relative size expansion / contraction rate, in association with each of the facilities;
The map range determination unit
Means for determining the map range based on the basic map range calculated by the basic map range calculation unit and the determination information obtained by the determination information acquisition unit;
further,
An accumulation unit for accumulating a display range switching operation performed by a user after the facility search in another device that displays a map image of the same range as the basic map range when performing a facility search;
Based on the display range switching operation stored by the storage unit, a recommended operation calculation unit for obtaining a recommended display range switching operation for each facility,
A determination information update unit that updates the determination information stored in the parameter storage unit based on the display range switching operation obtained by the recommended operation calculation unit;
A map image providing device comprising: A map image providing device that provides a map image to an information display terminal,
A map database storing the map image;
A facility database that stores the location of each facility;
For each facility stored in the facility database, an information storage unit for determination that associates and stores information for determination that can determine a map range suitable for display on the information display terminal ;
Search for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database, and a facility search unit that acquires at least the location of the facility;
A determination information acquisition unit that acquires the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search of the facility search unit, from the determination information storage unit;
A map range determination unit that determines the map range based on the information for determination obtained by the information acquisition unit for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the facility search unit;
A map image transmission unit that searches the map database for a map image of the map range determined by the map range determination unit, and transmits the map image obtained by the search to the information display terminal;
With
The determination information storage unit includes:
A map image providing apparatus comprising: a related facility position storage unit that stores related facility position information representing a position of a facility related to each facility as the determination information in association with each of the facilities. In the map image providing method of accessing the map database storing the map image and the facility database storing the location of the facility for each facility and providing the map image to the information display terminal ,
For each facility stored in the facility database, at least one of a relative position with respect to the basic map range and a relative size expansion / contraction rate when a predetermined map range including the position of the facility is used as the basic map range. Are stored in the storage unit in association with each other as determination information that can determine a suitable map range to be displayed on the information display terminal ,
Search for facilities that satisfy the search condition from the facility database , calculate the basic map range based on the location of the facility obtained by the search ,
The determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search is acquired from the storage unit,
Based on the acquired information for determination and the calculated basic map range , determine the map range,
A map image of the determined map range is searched from the map database, and the map image obtained by the search is transmitted to the information display terminal ,
further,
The display range switching operation executed by the user after the facility search is stored for each facility in another device that displays a map image in the same range as the basic map range when the facility search is performed,
Based on the accumulated display range switching operation, a recommended display range switching operation for each facility is obtained,
A map image providing method for updating determination information stored in the storage unit based on the obtained display range switching operation. In the map image providing method of accessing the map database storing the map image and the facility database storing the location of the facility for each facility and providing the map image to the information display terminal ,
For each facility stored in the facility database, information for determination capable of determining a map range suitable for display on the information display terminal is stored in association with the storage unit,
Search for facilities that satisfy the search conditions from the facility database, obtain at least the location of the facility,
The determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search is acquired from the storage unit,
Based on the obtained information for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the search, determine the map range,
A map image of the determined map range is searched from the map database, and the map image obtained by the search is transmitted to the information display terminal,
The determination information is stored in the storage unit.
A map image providing method of storing related facility position information representing a position of a facility related to each facility as the determination information in association with each of the facilities. A computer program for accessing a map database storing map images and a facility database storing facility locations for each facility, and providing a map image to an information display terminal ,
For each facility stored in the facility database, a function for storing determination information that can determine a map range suitable for display on the information display terminal in association with a storage unit;
Search for facilities that satisfy a search condition from the facility database, and obtain at least the location of the facility;
A function for acquiring the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search from the storage unit;
A function for determining the map range based on the acquired information for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the search;
A function of searching a map image of the determined map range from the map database and transmitting the map image obtained by the search to the information display terminal;
A function of calculating a predetermined map range including the location of the facility obtained by the function of searching for the facility as a basic map range;
Is realized on a computer,
The function of storing the determination information is as follows:
A function of storing, as the determination information, a parameter indicating at least one of a relative position with respect to the basic map range and a relative size expansion / contraction rate in association with each of the facilities;
The function of determining the map range is as follows:
A function of determining the map range based on the basic map range calculated by the function of calculating the basic map range and the determination information obtained by the function of acquiring the determination information,
further,
A function for accumulating display range switching operations performed by a user after the facility search in another device that displays a map image in the same range as the basic map range when performing a facility search,
A function for obtaining a recommended display range switching operation for each facility based on the accumulated display range switching operation,
A function for updating determination information stored in the storage unit based on the obtained display range switching operation;
A computer program for realizing a computer. A computer program for accessing a map database storing map images and a facility database storing facility locations for each facility, and providing a map image to an information display terminal ,
For each facility stored in the facility database, a function for storing determination information that can determine a map range suitable for display on the information display terminal in association with a storage unit;
Search for facilities that satisfy a search condition from the facility database, and obtain at least the location of the facility;
A function for acquiring the determination information corresponding to the facility determined to match the search condition by the search from the storage unit;
A function for determining the map range based on the acquired information for determination and the location of the facility obtained by the search;
A function of searching a map image of the determined map range from the map database and transmitting the map image obtained by the search to the information display terminal;
Is realized on a computer,
The function of storing the determination information is as follows:
A computer program comprising a function of storing related facility location information representing a location of a facility related to each facility as the determination information in association with each of the facilities.

Images