EP2553394A1

EP2553394A1 - Map data management device, map data management method, and information terminal

Info

Publication number: EP2553394A1
Application number: EP11713526A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Seiichi Suzuki; Naoyuki Kurauchi
Original assignee: Aisin AW Co Ltd
Current assignee: Aisin AW Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-31
Filing date: 2011-03-09
Publication date: 2013-02-06
Also published as: JP2011214901A; CN102822629A; WO2011122338A1; JP5348052B2

Abstract

When information related to a first country selected through an information terminal is received, a server control portion of a management server classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group. If information related to a second country included in the first group is subsequently received from the information terminal (a Yes determination at step S1-14), the server control portion generates common map data that includes the first country and the second country, and controls such that the common map data is transmitted to the information terminal.

Description

DESCRIPTION

MAP DATA MANAGEMENT DEVICE, MAP DATA MANAGEMENT METHOD,

AND INFORMATION TERMINAL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a map data management device and a map data management method that manage map data classified by country. The present invention also relates to an information terminal that receives map data from the map data management device.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] In recent years, vehicles installed with navigation devices are shipped to a plurality of countries. In light of this, a navigation device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2008-281353, for example, has been proposed with a function that sets a country of destination of the vehicle. In this navigation device, information related to the country of destination of the vehicle is input by the user, the manufacturer before the vehicle is shipped, and the like, so that a map that incorporates the circumstances of the country of destination, including national border disputes with neighboring countries, is displayed on a display screen.

[0003] When thus providing the user with map data that is a package of the combined map data of a plurality of countries, the navigation device manufacturer side takes into account national border disputes, friendly relations, and the like between countries to select countries for which map data can be combined, and thereby creates map data to provide to the user.

[0004] In addition, art has been recently proposed that requests the user to download map data, and provides a map based on the downloaded map data. With such a method, it is possible to package and download the map data of a plurality of countries freely selected by the user, without considering as in the past the intent of the map data package created by the navigation device manufacturer side as described above. In other words, the user may have requested the downloading of map data for a plurality of countries with undesirable combinations in light of national border disputes, friendly relations, and the like. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention was devised in view of the foregoing circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a map data management device, a map data management method, and an information terminal capable of providing a user with map data based on friendly relations between countries.

[0006] To achieve the object described above, a map data management device according to a first aspect of the present invention transmits information to and receives information from an information terminal. The map data management device includes: a map storage unit that stores map data classified by country; an information storage unit that stores information related to friendly (i.e., amicable) relations between countries; a classification unit that, when information related to a first country selected through the information terminal is received, classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group, based on the information related to friendly relations between countries; a determination unit that, when information related to a second country that is different from the first country selected through the information terminal is received, determines whether the second country is included in the first group; a generation unit that, when the determination unit determines that the second country is included in the first group, generates common map data that includes the first country and the second country based on the map data stored in the map storage unit; and a communication control unit that controls such that the common map data generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the information terminal.

[0007] According to the configuration described above, when the information related to the first country is received, other countries besides the first country among a plurality of countries for which map data can be provided are classified into the first group and the second group based on the information related to friendly relations between countries. When information related to the second country is subsequently received, it is determined whether the second country is included in either the first or second group. If it is determined that the second country is included in the first group, the common map information that includes the first country and the second country is generated based on the map data stored in the map storage unit, and the generated common map information is transmitted to the information terminal. Therefore, the latest map data that includes the first country and the second country can be provided based on the friendly relations between countries.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the map data management device of the first aspect, when information related to the first country selected through the information terminal is received, the communication control unit controls such that classification information related to at least one of the first group and the second group classified by the classification unit is transmitted to the information terminal.

[0009] According to the configuration described above, when classification processing of other countries besides the first country is complete, the classification information is transmitted to the information terminal. Therefore, when a subsequent country is selected after the first country, it is possible to determine whether the country whose selection is desired is included in the first group or included in the second group.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the map data management device of the first or second aspect, when the determination unit determines that the second country is included in the second group, the communication control unit controls such that information indicating that selection of the second country is prohibited is transmitted to the information terminal.

[0011] According to the configuration described above, when the information related to the second country included in the second group is received, information indicating that selection of the second country is prohibited is transmitted to the information terminal. Therefore, the user of the information terminal can be prompted to select another second country. In addition, the user of the information terminal can be prompted to make a final decision regarding whether the selection of the second country is correct. Note that, "prohibited" in the present invention includes both the idea of prohibiting the transmission of the map data for the selected second country to the information terminal, and the idea of prompting the user to make a final decision as to whether the map data for the selected second country may actually be transmitted to the information terminal.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the map data management device of the first or second aspect, when the determination unit determines that the second country is included in the second group, the communication control unit controls such that the map data for the first country and the map data for the second country are separately transmitted to the information terminal.

[0013] According to the configuration described above, when the second country is included in the second group, the map data for the first country and the map data for the second country are separately transmitted to the information terminal. Therefore, the user of the information terminal can be provided with the map data for the first country and the map data for the second country in accordance with the user's wishes.

[0014] An information terminal according to a fifth aspect of the present invention transmits information to and receives information from the map data management device according to the second aspect. The information terminal includes: a display unit on which a display area per country is displayed; an operation unit that is operated to select a country for which to acquire map data; and a terminal control unit that controls such that information related to the country selected through operation of the operation unit is transmitted to the map data management device, and performs storage processing to store the map data received from the map data management device in a storage medium. The terminal control unit, when the classification information is received from the map data management device, controls the display unit so as to display, in different display modes, a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group and a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group.

[0015] According to the configuration described above, when the information related to the first country is transmitted from the information terminal to the map data management device, the information terminal receives the classification information from the map data management device. The display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group, and the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group are subsequently displayed in mutually different display modes on the display unit of the information terminal. Therefore, the possibility of the user operating the information terminal selecting a country included in the second group can be lowered.

[0016] An information terminal according to a sixth aspect of the present invention receives map data from a map data management device and stores the received map data in a storage medium. The information terminal includes: a display unit on which a display area per country is displayed; an operation unit that is operated to select a country for which to acquire map data; and a terminal control unit that controls such that information related to the country selected through operation of the operation unit is transmitted to the map data management device, and performs storage processing to store the map data received from the map data management device in a storage medium. When a first country is selected through operation of the operation unit, the terminal control unit controls such that information related to the first country is transmitted to the map data management device. When classification information that classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group is subsequently received from the map data management device, the terminal control unit controls the display unit so as to display, in different display modes, a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group and a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group.

[0017] According to the configuration described above, when the information related to the first country is transmitted from the information terminal to the map data management device, the information terminal receives the classification information from the map data management device. The display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group, and the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group are subsequently displayed in mutually different display modes. Therefore, the possibility of the user operating the information terminal selecting a country included in the second group can be lowered.

[0018] A map data management method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: a map data management device classifying, when information related to a first country transmitted from an information terminal is received by the map data management device, other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group, based on friendly relations between a plurality of countries for which map data can be provided by the map data management device; the map data management device determining, when information related to a second country that is different from the first country is subsequently received from the information terminal, whether the second country is included in the first group; the map data management device generating, when it is determined that the second country is included in the first group, common map data that includes the first country and the second country; and transmitting the generated common map data from the map data management device to the information terminal.

[0019] According to the configuration described above, an effect corresponding to that of the map data management device can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows an overall configuration of a map data management system according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a map that entirely shows Country A, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a map of Country A as claimed by

Country A; FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of a map of Country B as claimed by

Country B;

FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a map of Country C as claimed by

Country C;

FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram of a map of Country D as claimed by

Country D;

FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram of a map of Country E as claimed by

Country E;

FIG. 3 is a chart that shows an example of an information table;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that shows an overall configuration of a navigation device;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts that explain a map information transmission processing routine executed by a management server and a map information acquisition processing routine executed by an information terminal;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when an initial country is not yet selected;

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when the initial country is selected;

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when a subsequent country is selected;

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when a selection-prohibited country is selected;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when country selection is complete;

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen while map information is downloaded;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart that explains a switch determination processing routine executed by the navigation device;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are flowcharts that explain a map information transmission processing routine executed by the management server and a map information acquisition processing routine executed by the information terminal according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when the initial country is not yet selected according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 1 IB is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when the initial country is selected according to the second embodiment; FIGS. 12A and 12B are flowcharts that explain a map information transmission processing routine executed by the management server and a map information acquisition processing routine executed by the information terminal according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when the initial country is not yet selected according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram that shows a display screen when the initial country is selected according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram that schematically shows the map data management system according to a fourth embodiment; and

FIGS. 15A and 15B are flowcharts that explain a map information transmission processing routine executed by the management server and a map information acquisition processing routine executed by the information terminal according to the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

[0021] A specific first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

As shown in FIG. 1, a map data management system 11 of the present embodiment is a system that can provide country map data desired by the user. This map data management system 11 includes a management server 12 serving as a map data management device, and an information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, ...) that can transmit and receive various types of information through the management server 12, a network 13, and the like.

[0022] The management server 12 includes a server control portion 15 serving as a communication control unit, a communication portion 16, a map storage portion 17 serving as a map storage unit, and a respective country information storage portion 18 serving as an information storage unit. The server control portion 15 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like that are not shown in the drawings. In the server control portion 15, the CPU executes various types of programs stored in the ROM as appropriate to read out information stored in the storage portions 17, 18, and output control commands and various types of information to the communication portion 16.

[0023] If the communication portion 16 is input with a control command from the server control portion 15, the communication portion 16 transmits information based on the control command to the information terminal 14 (e.g. the information terminal 14a). If the communication portion 16 receives information from the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, ...), the communication portion 16 outputs the information to the server control portion 15.

[0024] The map storage portion 17 is constituted by a hard disk as an example.

The map storage portion 17 stores map information on all countries (five countries in the present embodiment) that can be provided to the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, ...), specifically, Country A map information 19A, Country B map information 19B, Country C map information 19C, Country D map information 19D, and Country E map information 19E. The Country A map information 19A has Country A map data 20, route data (also referred to as "route network data") 21 , and POI (Point of Interest) data 22. Likewise, the map information 19B to 19E for the countries other than Country A each have the map data 20, the route data 21, and the POI data 22 for that particular country.

[0025] The route data 21 has node data related to nodes, and link data related to links. The nodes are set at intersections and road end points, and the node data includes node position coordinates and node identifiers. The links are set between nodes, and the link data includes link identifiers, connection node identifiers, and link costs used in route searches. The POI data 22 includes data such as the names of specific points and facilities (e.g. restaurants and hotels), and the genres (types) of specific points and facilities.

[0026] The map data 20 for each country is map data that includes nationally recognized borders. However, there are cases where the border between two neighboring countries is not established. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, Country A and Country C claim mutually different border locations, and a region (also referred to as a "first region" below) 23 over which both countries claim sovereignty exists near the border between Country A and Country C. In addition, Country B and Country E claim mutually different border locations, and a first region 24 over which both countries claim sovereignty exists near the border between Country B and Country E. Country C and Country D also claim mutually different border locations, and a first region 25 over which both countries claim sovereignty exists near the border between Country C and Country D.

[0027] It should be noted that a map shown in FIG. 2B is a map based on the Country A map data 20 officially recognized by Country A, and the first region 23 is rendered as a territory of Country A in the map. On the other hand, a map shown in FIG. 2C is a map based on the Country B map data 20 officially recognized by Country B, and the first region 24 is rendered as a territory of Country B in the map. A map shown in FIG. 2D is a map based on the Country C map data 20 officially recognized by Country C, and the first regions 23, 25 are both rendered as territories of Country C in the map. A map shown in FIG. 2E is a map based on the Country D map data 20 officially recognized by Country D, and the first region 25 is rendered as a territory of Country D in the map. A map shown in FIG. 2F is a map based on the Country E map data 20 officially recognized by Country E, and the first region 24 is rendered as a territory of Country E in the map. In other words, the map storage portion 17 stores the map data 20 classified by country.

[0028] The respective country information storage portion 18 is constituted by a hard disk as an example. This respective country information storage portion 18 stores an information table that indicates the friendly relations between countries for which map information can be provided, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the present embodiment, as information related to the friendly relations between countries, the information table has information related to whether a border between two countries is established, and information related to whether the diplomatic relations between countries are good. In other words, the border between Country A and Country B is established, and the diplomatic relations between Country A and Country B are very good. The border between Country A and Country C is not established, and the diplomatic relations between Country A and Country C are poor. The border between Country A and Country D is established, and the diplomatic relations between Country A and Country D are very good. The border between Country A and Country E is established, but the diplomatic relations between Country A and Country E are not very good.

[0029] Country B and Country C are not next to one another, and the diplomatic relations between Country B and Country C are not very good. Country B and Country D are not next to one another, and the diplomatic relations between Country B and Country D are very good. The border between Country B and Country E is not established, and the diplomatic relations between Country B and Country E are poor. The border between Country C and Country D is not established, and the diplomatic relations between Country C and Country D are poor. Country C and Country E are not next to one another, and the diplomatic relations between Country C and Country E are very good. The border between Country D and Country E is established, and the diplomatic relations between Country D and Country E are very good.

[0030] Note that the map information 19A to 19E and the information table stored in the storage portions 17, 18 are modified to the latest information as appropriate in accordance with changes in the claims of the countries (e.g. the location of the claimed border changes), changes in the political affairs of the countries (e.g. alliances), and the like.

[0031] Next, the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, ...) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, ...) is a terminal used at home as an example, and a device that downloads map information from the management server 12 and stores the map information in a non- volatile storage medium 30. Note that the non-volatile storage medium 30 of the present embodiment indicates a storage medium whose storage content remains even if the supply of power to the storage medium 30 is cut off, and also includes a hard disk.

[0032] The information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, ...) includes an information terminal body 31, a display device 33 serving as a display unit that has a display screen 32, and an operation portion 34 (e.g. a keyboard or a mouse) serving as an operation unit that is operated by the user. The information terminal body 31 has a holder portion 35 to which the storage medium 30 is detachably mounted, and a controller 36 that controls the information terminal 14 overall.

[0033] The controller 36 includes a terminal control portion 37, an image processing portion 38, a communication portion 39, and a terminal memory 40. The terminal control portion 37 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like that are not shown in the drawings. The terminal control portion 37 outputs control commands in accordance with the operating status of the operation portion 34 to the communication portion 39, the image processing portion 38, and the like, outputs a control command to the image processing portion 38 based on information received through the communication portion 39, and stores information in the storage medium 30.

[0034] The image processing portion 38 controls the display device 33 so as to display a screen that corresponds to the control command from the terminal control portion 37 on the display screen 32. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a terminal control unit is constituted from the terminal control portion 37 and the image processing portion 38.

[0035] If the communication portion 39 is input with a control command from the terminal control portion 37, the communication portion 39 transmits information based on the control command to the management server 12. If the communication portion 39 receives information from the management server 12, the communication portion 39 temporarily stores the information in the terminal memory 40. [0036] Next, a vehicle navigation device mounted with the storage medium 30 in which the information terminal 14 stored map information will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, a navigation device 50 serving as a map display control device includes an input/output device 51 serving as a display unit, a position detection device 52 for detecting a position of a host vehicle, a navigation control device 53 that performs various types of controls based on a detection result from the position detection device 52, and a holder portion 54 to which the storage medium 30 is detachably mounted. The input/output device 51 includes a display 55 serving as a display screen, a touch panel 56 serving as an operation unit that is arranged on the front surface side of the display 55, and an operation button 57 serving as an operation unit. The input/output device 51 also includes a speaker, which is not shown in the drawings, for performing various types of voice guidance for an occupant of the host vehicle.

[0037] The display 55 uses a color liquid crystal display. This display 55, as will be described in detail later, displays an image that corresponds to information output from the navigation control device 53 (e.g. a map or a screen for inputting a destination).

[0038] The touch panel 56 is a transparent contact sensing panel that is generally superposed over the entire surface of the display 55. When the occupant of the host vehicle touches the touch panel 56 with a fingertip or the like in accordance with the display of the display 55, a signal that corresponds to the touched position (also referred to as a "display area") among the touch panel 56 is output to the navigation control device 53. The operation button 57 is operated to change an image displayed on the display 55 and the like. For example, when there is an operation button for setting a destination in the case of a map displayed on the display 55, a signal that corresponds to that mode of operation is output to the navigation control device 53.

[0039] The position detection device 52 includes, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving portion 58 that receives information related to an absolute position of the host vehicle such as latitude/longitude information or the like from an artificial satellite not shown in the drawings, a gyroscopic sensor 59 that detects bearing angle information that indicates a direction in which the host vehicle is heading, and a vehicle speed sensor 60 that detects vehicle speed information related to a running speed of the host vehicle.

[0040] The navigation control device 53 includes a sensor input interface 61, a communication interface 62, an image memory 63, a navigation control portion 64, and an image processor 65. The navigation control device 53 can input and output information to and from the storage medium 30 mounted to the holder portion 54. The communication interface 62 is input with signals from the touch panel 56 and the operation button 57 of the input/output device 51 , and the GPS receiving portion 58 of the position detection device 52. The sensor input interface 61 is input with sensor signals from the gyroscopic sensor 59 and the vehicle speed sensor 60 of the position detection device 52.

[0041] The image memory 63 stores image data for displaying an image other than a map on the display 55. For example, the image memory 63 stores an initial screen that is displayed on the display 55 when an ignition switch, which is not shown in the drawings, of the host vehicle is turned on, an input screen for inputting a destination, and the like.

[0042] The navigation control portion 64 controls the navigation device 50 overall, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like that are not shown in the drawings. For example, after the absolute position of the host vehicle is acquired based on a GPS signal from the GPS receiving portion 58, the navigation control portion 64 outputs to the image processor 65 a control command to display a map of the surroundings of the absolute position of the host vehicle on the display 55. In addition, if a destination is set through the touch panel 56 or the operation button 57, the navigation control portion 64 searches for a route from the current position of the host vehicle (i.e., the absolute position of the host vehicle) to the destination, and outputs to the image processor 65 a control command to display a map that renders the route found on the display 55.

[0043] When the image processor 65 is input with a control command from the navigation control portion 64 to display a map on the display 55, the image processor 65 reads out map data from the storage medium 30 and performs image processing to display a map and the like on the display 55. Similarly, when the image processor 65 is input with a control command from the navigation control portion 64 to input a destination, the image processor 65 reads out image data that corresponds to the control command from the image memory 63 and performs image processing to display an input screen and the like on the display 55. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a display control unit is constituted from the navigation control portion 64 and the image processor 65.

[0044] Next, a map information transmission processing routine executed on the management server 12 side and a map information acquisition processing routine executed on the information terminal 14 side when the user downloads map information using the map data management system 11 of the present embodiment will be described based on flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and schematic diagrams of screens shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7 A, 7B, 8A, and 8B.

[0045] First, the map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control portion 15 of the management server 12 will be described.

In the map information transmission processing routine, the server control portion 15 determines whether information to start map information acquisition is received from the information terminal 14 through the communication portion 16 (step SI -10). This information to start map information acquisition includes identification information of the information terminal 14 (e.g. the information terminal 14a) that transmitted the information. The server control portion 15 then specifies the information terminal 14 (e.g. the information terminal 14a) that transmitted the information to start map information acquisition (step SI -11). Next, the server control portion 15 determines whether country name information related to the country (e.g. Country A) selected by the specified information terminal 14 is received (step Sl-12). As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, countries for which the acquisition of map information is desired are selected one at a time by the user through the information terminal 14. Therefore, each time a country is selected on the information terminal 14 side, the management server 12 receives the country name information related to the selected country.

[0046] If the determination result at step Sl-12 is a No determination, the server control portion 15 repeatedly performs the determination processing at step Sl-12 until the country name information is received from the specified information terminal 14. However, if the determination result at step Sl-12 is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 performs alert discrimination processing (step SI -13), because the country name information is received. Specifically, if classification processing (at step SI -18, which will be described later) is not yet executed, the server control portion 15 ends the alert discrimination processing. However, if the classification processing has been executed, the server control portion 15 determines whether a country (e.g. Country C) included in the country name information received at step Sl-12 is included in a first group or included in a second group.

[0047] Once the alert discrimination processing ends, the server control portion 15 determines as a result of the alert discrimination processing whether the country selected through the information terminal 14 is a selection-prohibited country (that is, whether a country included in the second group is selected) (step SI -14). Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the server control portion 15 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether the selected country is included in the first group or included in the second group. A determination step is formed from steps Sl-13 and Sl-14.

[0048] If the determination result at step SI -14 is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 controls such that alert information stating that the selected country is a selection-prohibited country, which serves as information that prohibits selection of the selected country (a second country) is transmitted from the communication portion 16 to the information terminal 14 specified at step Sl-11 (step SI -15), and proceeds to the processing at step SI -12 described earlier. However, if the determination result at step SI -14 is a No determination, the server control portion 15 controls such that permission information that permits the acquisition of map information for the selected country is transmitted from the communication portion 16 to the information terminal 14 specified at step Sl-11 (step SI -16), because the selected country is included in the first group. Note that if the classification processing is not yet executed, that is, for the initial country selection, the server control portion 15 makes a Yes determination in the determination processing at step Sl-14, and performs the processing at step S 1 - 16.

[0049] The server control portion 15 then determines whether selection-completed information is received from the information terminal 14 specified at step Sl-11 (step SI -17). The selection-completed information is information transmitted from the information terminal 14 when the selection of countries for which the acquisition of map information is desired is completed on the information terminal 14 side. If the determination result at step SI -17 is a No determination, the server control portion 15 executes the classification processing (step SI -18), because the selection-completed information is not received (that is, the information terminal 14 has not transmitted the selection-completed information). Specifically, the server control portion 15 reads out the information table stored in the respective country information storage portion 18. Next, the server control portion 15 classifies a country (in this case, Country B, Country D, and Country E) on relatively more friendly terms with the already selected country (e.g. Country A) into the first group, and classifies a country (in this case, Country C) on relatively less friendly terms with the already selected country (e.g. Country A) into the second group that is different from the first group. If there is a plurality of already selected countries (e.g. if Country A and Country B are selected), the server control portion 15 classifies Country D into the first group, and classifies Country C and Country E into the second group.

[0050] Note that, in the present embodiment, a "country on relatively more friendly terms" and a "country on relatively less friendly terms" are examples of information related to the friendly relations between countries, and classified according to whether the location of the border with the selected country (a first country) is established (see FIG. 3). In other words, a "country on relatively more friendly terms" indicates a country with which the selected country has an established border location, while a "country on relatively less friendly terms" indicates a country with which the selected country does not have an established border location.

[0051] The server control portion 15 then generates classification information related to the first group and the second group. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the server control portion 15 also functions as a classification unit that classifies countries other than the selected country (the first country) into the first group and the second group based on information related to the friendly relations between countries stored in the respective country information storage portion 18. Also note that step SI -18 corresponds to a classification step.

[0052] Once the classification processing ends, the server control portion 15 controls such that the classification information generated at step SI -18 is transmitted from the communication portion 16 to the information terminal 14 specified at step Sl-11 (step SI -19). Thereafter, the server control portion 15 proceeds to the processing at step SI -12 described earlier.

[0053] However, if the determination result at step SI -17 is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 performs map data generation processing (step SI -20), because the selection-completed information is received. In other words, if the number of selected countries is one country (e.g. if only Country D is selected), the server control portion 15 reads out the Country D map information 19D from the map storage portion 17 and ends the map data generation processing.

[0054] If the number of selected countries is a plurality of countries (e.g. three countries), the server control portion 15 reads out for the selected countries (e.g. Country A, Country B, and Country D) the map information 19A, 19B, 19D from the map storage portion 17. Next, the server control portion 15 synthesizes the map data 20 for each country included in the map information 19A, 19B, 19D to generate one piece of common map data. Similarly, the server control portion 15 synthesizes the route data 21 and the POI data 22 for each country included in the map information 19A, 19B, 19D to generate common route data and common POI data that is common to each country. The server control portion 15 then generates common map information that includes the generated common map data, common route data, and common POI data. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the server control portion 15 also functions as a generation unit. Also note that step SI -20 corresponds to a generation step.

[0055] Once the map information generation processing ends, the server control portion 15 controls such that the map information (or common map information) generated at step SI -20 is transmitted from the communication portion 16 to the information terminal 14 specified at step SI -11 (step SI -21). Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the server control portion 15 also functions as a communication control unit. Also note that step SI -21 corresponds to a transmission step.

[0056] Next, the map information acquisition processing routine executed by the terminal control portion 37 of the information terminal 14 will be described. The map information acquisition processing routine is executed when the storage medium 30 is mounted to the holder portion 35 and when an operation for acquiring map information is performed through the operation portion 34.

[0057] In the map information acquisition processing routine, the terminal control portion 37 controls such that information to start map information acquisition that includes the identification information of the information terminal 14 is transmitted from the communication portion 39 (step S2-10). Next, the terminal control portion 37 outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to display a screen (also referred to as a "country quantity setting screen" below) for the user to select a desired number of countries on the display screen 32 (step S2-11). The image processing portion 38 subsequently controls the display device 33 so as to display the country quantity setting screen on the display screen 32.

[0058] Then, the terminal control portion 37 determines whether a country quantity is set by the user through operation of the operation portion 34 (step S2-12). If this determination result is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 repeatedly performs the determination processing at step S2-12 until a country quantity is set. However, if the determination result at step S2-12 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 sets a setting number N to "1" (step S2-13), because the country quantity (e.g. three) is set. It should be noted that a country quantity threshold KN described later is set by the terminal control portion 37 based on the country quantity set by the user here. Next, the terminal control portion 37 outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to display a screen (also referred to as a "map information acquisition screen" below) for the user to acquire map information on the display screen 32 (step S2-14). If the classification information is already received from the management server 12 side at such time, the terminal control portion 37 outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to display the map information acquisition screen in a display mode that corresponds to the classification information. The image processing portion 38 subsequently controls the display device 33 so as to display the map information acquisition screen that corresponds to the control command input from the terminal control portion 37 on the display screen 32.

[0059] Here, an example in which the classification information is not yet received will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6 A, the image processing portion 38 controls the display device 33 so as to display on the display screen 32 of the display device 33 a plurality of display areas (five in the present embodiment) that correspond to selectable countries. As an example, a display area 70A that corresponds to Country A is displayed in a shape that follows the outer profile of Country A, and a display area 70B that corresponds to Country B is displayed in a shape that follows the outer profile of Country B. A display area 70C that corresponds to Country C is displayed in a shape that follows the outer profile of Country C, and a display area 70D that corresponds to Country D is displayed in a shape that follows the outer profile of Country D. A display area 70E that corresponds to Country E is displayed in a shape that follows the outer profile of Country E. However, areas that correspond to the first regions 23, 24, 25 over which two neighboring countries claim sovereignty are displayed with dashed lines that indicate locations corresponding to the borders claimed by both countries.

[0060] The image processing portion 38 displays on the upper right side of the display screen 32 a display area (also referred to as a "selectable country quantity display area" below) 71 that shows information related to the number of countries that can be selected by the user, based on the country quantity (three in FIG. 6A) set at step S2-12. The image processing portion 38 also displays below the selectable country quantity display area 71 in the display screen 32 a display area (also referred to as an "end selection display area" below) 72 that is selected to end selection. The image processing portion 38 further displays on the display screen 32 an arrow 73 (e.g. a mouse pointer) that moves in accordance with the operating status of the operation portion 34 by the user. The arrow 73 can move to a position on the display screen 32 that corresponds to an operation of the operation portion 34 performed by the user.

[0061] Next, an example in which the classification information is received with Country A selected as the first country will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the image processing portion 38 controls the display device 33 so as to display a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group, and a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group in different display modes on the display screen 32 of the display device 33. As an example, the image processing portion 38 keeps the brightness of the display areas 70B, 70D, 70E that correspond to countries included in the first group (Country B, Country D, and Country E) the same as that in the example of FIG. 6A. On the other hand, the image processing portion 38 lowers the brightness of the display area 70C that corresponds to a country included in the second group (Country C) to less than that in the example of FIG. 6A. At such time, the image processing portion 38 displays a part that corresponds to the first region 23 over which Country A and Country C both claim sovereignty as the territory of Country A. It should be noted that the image processing portion 38 may differentiate the coloring of the display area 70A that corresponds to the selected Country A from the display areas 70B to 70E that correspond to other countries not selected.

[0062] In addition, because one country (in this case, Country A) is already selected, the image processing portion 38 changes the display content of the selectable country quantity display area 71 from the display content before selection of Country A (that is, changes the country quantity from three to two).

[0063] Next, an example in which the information terminal 14 receives the classification information from the management server 12 after Country A and Country B are selected will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7 A, the image processing portion 38 keeps the brightness of the display area 70D that corresponds to a country included in the first group (Country D) the same as that in the example of FIG. 6A. On the other hand, the image processing portion 38 lowers the brightness of the display areas 70C, 70E that correspond to countries included in the second group (Country C and Country E) to less than that in the example of FIG. 6A. This is because although Country A has an established border location with Country E, the location of the border between Country B and Country E is not established (see FIG. 3). At such time, the image processing portion 38 displays a part that corresponds to the first region 23 over which Country A and Country C both claim sovereignty as the territory of Country A, and displays the first region 24 over which Country B and Country E both claim sovereignty as the territory of Country B.

[0064] In addition, because two countries (in this case, Country A and Country B) are already selected, the image processing portion 38 changes the display content of the selectable country quantity display area 71 from the display content before selection of Country B (that is, changes the country quantity from two to one).

[0065] Returning to FIG. 5 A, the terminal control portion 37 determines whether an Nth country (an initial country when N=l) is selected by the user through operation of the operation portion 34 (step S2-15). If this determination result is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 repeatedly performs the determination processing at step S2-15 until an Nth country is selected, because the Nth country is not yet selected. However, if the end selection display area 72 of the display screen 32 is selected by the user through operation of the operation portion 34 even though the Nth country is not yet selected, the terminal control portion 37 forcibly proceeds to the processing at step S2-22 that will be described later.

[0066] However, if the determination result at step S2-15 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 controls such that the country name information related to the selected country name (e.g. Country A) is transmitted from the communication portion 39 to the management server 12 (step S2-16), because the Nth country is selected. The terminal control portion 37 then determines whether the alert information is received from the management server 12 (step S2-17). If this determination result is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 performs invalid display processing (step S2-18), because the alert information is received. Specifically, the terminal control portion 37 outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to announce that the selection is invalid, that is, selection of the second country is prohibited. The image processor 38 subsequently controls the display device 33 so as to display an alert screen shown in FIG. 7B on the display screen 32.

[0067] For example, if Country E is selected and Country E is a selection-prohibited country, the image processing portion 38 forms a display area 73 on the display screen 32 in which "COUNTRY E CANNOT BE SELECTED." is written, as shown in FIG. 7B. The image processing portion 38 also forms a display area (also referred to as an "approval display area" below) 73a in which "OK" (i.e., approved) is written inside the display area 73. If the approval display area 73a is selected through operation of the operation portion 34, the terminal control portion 37 then outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to remove the display area 73 from the display screen 32. The image processing portion 38 subsequently removes the display area 73 from the display screen 32. Thereafter, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing at step S2- 14 next.

[0068] However, if the determination result at step S2-17 is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 determines whether the current setting number N is less than the country quantity threshold KN set based on the country quantity set at step S2-12 (step S2-19). In the present embodiment, the country quantity threshold KN is set by the terminal control portion 37 to the same value as the country quantity set at step S2-12. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the terminal control portion 37 also functions as a threshold setting unit. [0069] If the determination result at step S2-19 is a No determination (N=KN), the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing at step S2-22 that will be described later. However, if the determination result at step S2-19 is a Yes determination (N<KN), the terminal control portion 37 determines whether the classification information is received from the management server 12 (step S2-20). If this determination result is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 repeatedly performs the determination processing at step S2-20 until the classification information is received. However, if the determination result at step S2-20 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 increases the setting N by an increment of "1" (step S2-21) and proceeds to the processing at step S2-14 described earlier, because the classification information is received.

[0070] At step S2-22, the terminal control portion 37 outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to notify the user that the country selection is complete. As shown in FIG. 8 A, the image processing portion 38 subsequently forms a display area 74 at the center of the display screen 32 in which "SELECTION OF COUNTRIES FOR WHICH TO ACQUIRE MAP INFORMATION IS COMPLETE." is written. The display area 74 also includes therein a display area (also referred to as an "approval display area" below) 74a in which "OK" (i.e., approved) is written, and a display area (also referred to as an "invalidating display area" below) 74b in which "RE-SELECT" is written.

[0071] Returning to FIG. 5B, the terminal control portion 37 determines whether the approval display area 74a is selected by the user through operation of the operation portion 34 (step S2-23). If the invalidating display area 74b is selected (a No determination at step S2-23), the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing at step S2-11 described earlier. In other words, the terminal control portion 37 allows the user to select countries all over again.

[0072] However, if the approval display area 74a is selected (a Yes determination at step S2-23), the terminal control portion 37 controls such that the selection-completed information indicating that the country selection is complete is transmitted from the communication portion 39 to the management server 12 (step S2-24). The terminal control portion 37 then determines whether the map information is completely received from the management server 12 (step S2-25). If this determination result is a No determination, the map information is still being received. Therefore, the terminal control portion 37 outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to announce as such, and repeatedly performs the determination processing at step S2-25 until the reception of the map information is complete. At such time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the image processing portion 38 controls the display device 33 so as to form a display area 75 at the center of the display screen 32 in which "NOW DOWNLOADING. PLEASE WAIT." is written.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 5B, if the determination result at step S2-25 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 has copied the received map information to the storage medium 30 after temporarily storing the map information in the terminal memory 40, and therefore outputs to the image processing portion 38 a control command to announce as such. The image processing portion 38 subsequently controls the display device 33 so as to form a display area at the center of the display screen 32 in which "DOWNLOADING COMPLETE." is written. After the display control described above is performed for a predetermined time (e.g. 5 seconds), the terminal control portion 37 ends the map information acquisition processing routine.

[0074] Next, a switch determination processing routine executed by the navigation control portion 64 of the navigation device 50, which is mounted with the storage medium 30 that stores map information using the map data management system 11 , will be described based on a flowchart in FIG. 9. The switch determination processing routine is processing that announces the current position of the host vehicle cannot be displayed with the currently used map information if this is the case.

[0075] The navigation control portion 64 executes the switch determination processing routine at predetermined cycles set in advance (e.g. cycles of 0.1 seconds). In the switch determination processing routine, the navigation control portion 64 acquires the current position of the host vehicle based on a GPS signal input from the GPS receiving portion 58 (step S3-10). Next, the navigation control portion 64 determines whether the current position of the host vehicle acquired at step S3-10 is located on a currently displayable map (step S3-11). In other words, the navigation control portion 64 determines whether the current position of the host vehicle can be displayed with the map information (i.e., map data) that is used to display a map on the display 55 of the input/output device 51. If the determination result at step S3-11 is a No determination, the navigation control portion 64 ends the switch determination processing routine, because a map of the vicinity of the current position of the host vehicle can be displayed on the display 55 with the map information currently used.

[0076] However, if the determination result at step S3- 11 is a Yes determination, the navigation control portion 64 executes switch notification processing (step S3- 12), because a map of the vicinity of the current position of the host vehicle cannot be displayed on the display 55 with the map information currently used. In other words, the navigation control portion 64 outputs to the image processor 65 control commands that a map of the vicinity of the current position of the host vehicle cannot be displayed and to prompt a change of the map information used. The image processor 65 subsequently controls the input/output device 51 so as to display that a map of the vicinity of the current position of the host vehicle cannot be displayed, and prompt a change of the map information used. The navigation control portion 64 then ends the switch determination processing routine.

[0077] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the management server 12, when the country name information related to the first country (e.g. Country A) is received from the information terminal 14, other countries besides the first country among all countries for which map information can be provided (in this case, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E) are classified into the first group and the second group. Thereafter, if the country name information related to the second country (e.g. Country B) included in the first group and the selection-completed information is received from the information terminal 14, the management server 12 generates the common map information that includes the first country and the second country based on the map information for the first country and the second country (in this case, the Country A map information 19A and the Country B map information 19B) stored in the map storage portion 17, and transmits the common map information to the information terminal 14. Therefore, by storing the latest respective country map information 19A to 19E and the latest information table related to the friendly relations between countries in the respective storage portions 17, 18, the latest map information including the first country and the second country and based on the friendly relations between countries can be provided to the information terminal 14 side.

[0078] (2) The management server 12 may receive information related to a country included in the second group from the information terminal 14. In the present embodiment, if information related to the country (the second country) selected through the information terminal 14 is received by the management server 12, the management server 12 determines whether the country selected through the information terminal 14 is included in the first group. If the selected country is included in the first group, when the selection-completed information is subsequently received, the management server 12 generates the common map information that includes the map information for each country selected, and transmits the generated common map information to the information terminal 14. Therefore, the user can be provided with the common map information for a plurality of countries determined as combinable in terms of the friendly relations between countries.

[0079] (3) On the other hand, if the country selected through the information terminal 14 is included in the second group, the selection of the country is prohibited. In other words, transmission of the map data for the selected country to the information terminal 14 is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the common map information for a plurality of countries (e.g. Country A and Country C) whose combination is not preferable in terms of the friendly relations between countries from being provided to the user.

[0080] (4) In the present embodiment, the information terminal 14 can be used to store the latest map information in the storage medium 30, which is detachably mounted to the navigation device 50. Therefore, the occupant of the vehicle can be provided with a map and suitably guided on a route to a destination, using suitable map information that matches the intent of the user and also reflects changes in the circumstances of each country.

[0081] (5) The classification processing is executed on the management server 12 side each time the country name information is received from the information terminal 14 side. Therefore, the management server 12 can determine whether a selection-prohibited country is selected in accordance with the latest classification information.

[0082] (6) When the classification information is received by the information terminal 14 of the present embodiment, a display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group, and a display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group are displayed in mutually different display modes on the display screen 32. Therefore, the user can visually recognize a country (i.e., a selection-prohibited country) that cannot be combined with the already selected first country. It is thus possible to suppress the selection of a selection-prohibited country by the user.

[0083] In addition, the information terminal 14 receives the latest classification information each time the classification processing is performed by the management server 12. Based on the latest classification information, the display control of the display device 33 that has the display screen 32 can be performed. It is thus possible to suppress the selection of a selection-prohibited country by the user.

[0084] (7) More specifically, the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group is set lower than the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group. Therefore, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group can be highlighted on the display screen 32. This contributes to suppressing an erroneous selection of a selection-prohibited country by the user, and promptly providing the common map information that is constituted of friendly pairs of countries.

[0085] (8) The selectable country quantity display area 71 is displayed on the display screen 32 of the information terminal 14. Therefore, the user can select a country with the selectable number of countries visible. The user can thus efficiently select a country.

[0086] (9) In the navigation device 50 of the present embodiment, mounting the storage medium 30 that stores the map information generated by the map data management system 11 enables a map of the vicinity of the current position of the host vehicle to be displayed on the display 55 while the host vehicle is traveling. Therefore, the occupant of the vehicle can be provided with a map that reflects the most recent international situation. In addition, the user can be relieved of the task of bringing the host vehicle to a dealer in order to obtain the latest map.

[0087] (10) For example, when a map based on the common map information that includes the map data for Country A and Country B is displayed on the display 55, if the host vehicle enters a country other than Country A or Country B (e.g. Country E), the occupant of the vehicle is notified that a map cannot be displayed with the common map information currently used. Therefore, the occupant desiring to travel in Country E with the host vehicle can be prompted to acquire the map information for Country E.

[0088] (11) Further, if the host vehicle that has the Country A map information travels in the first region 23, the occupant of the vehicle can recognize that the vehicle is traveling in Country A. On the other hand, if the host vehicle that has the Country C map information travels in the first region 23, the occupant of the vehicle can recognize that the vehicle is traveling in Country C.

Second Embodiment

[0089] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11 A, and 1 IB. Note that the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of portions of the content of the map information acquisition processing routine and the map information transmission processing routine, and the display mode of the display screen of the information terminal. Thus, the following description mainly explains portions different from the first embodiment; like reference numerals are used for members and configurations that are identical or correspond to those in the first embodiment, and such members and configurations will not be described again here. [0090] The map information transmission processing routine executed on the management server 12 side and the map information acquisition processing routine executed on the information terminal 14 side will be described based on flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, and schematic diagrams of screens shown in FIGS. 11A and 1 IB.

[0091] First, the map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control portion 15 will be described.

When the map information transmission processing routine is started, the server control portion 15 sequentially performs the processing at steps Sl-10 to S 1 -12. If the determination result at step SI -12 is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 sequentially performs the processing at steps Sl-17 to SI -21 , because the country name information is received. The server control portion 15 then ends the map information acquisition processing routine.

[0092] Next, the map information acquisition processing routine executed by the terminal control portion 37 will be described.

When the map information acquisition processing routine is started, the terminal control portion 37 sequentially performs the processing at steps S2-10 to S2-14. The image processing portion 38 subsequently controls the display device 33 so as to display the map information acquisition screen that corresponds to the control command input from the terminal control portion 37 on the display screen 32.

[0093] Here, an example in which the classification information is not yet received will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11 A, the image processing portion 38 arranges substantially rectangular-shaped display areas 80A, 80B, 80C, 80D, 80E that correspond to Country A, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E at the general center of the display screen 32. At such time, because all the countries are selectable, the display areas 80A to 80E all have the same width and are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0094] Next, an example in which the classification information is received with Country A selected as the first country will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1 IB, the image processing portion 38 has removed the display area 80A for Country A from the display screen 32 because it is already selected. Since Country C is included in the second group when Country A is selected (see FIG. 3), the image processing portion 38 also moves the display area 80C for Country C from the center of the display screen 32 to the right end side and makes the width of the display area 80C narrower than in the example of FIG. 11 A. Moreover, the image processing portion 38 makes the display areas 80B, 80D, 80E for Country B, Country D, and Country E arranged at the center of the display screen 32 wider than in the example of FIG. 11 A.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 10A, the terminal control portion 37 determines whether a country whose selection is prohibited (also referred to as a "selection-prohibited country" below) is selected (step S2-141). The selection-prohibited country is a country included in the second group, and may be changed as appropriate in accordance with an already selected country and the number of selected countries (that is, in accordance with the latest classification information). As an example, if only Country A is already selected, Country C is a selection-prohibited country. Meanwhile, if Country A and Country B are already selected, Country C and Country E are selection-prohibited countries. If the determination result at step S2-141 is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing at step S2-15 that will be described later, because a selection-prohibited country is not selected. However, if the determination result at step S2-141 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing that corresponds to step S2-18, because a selection-prohibited country is selected. Once the invalid display processing ends, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing at step S2-15 next.

[0096] At step S2-15, the terminal control portion 37 determines whether the Nth country is set by the user based on operation of the operation portion 34. If this determination result is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing at step S2-141 described earlier, because the Nth country is not yet selected. However, if the determination result at step S2-15 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 sequentially performs the processing at step S2-19 onward. The terminal control portion 37 then ends the map information acquisition processing routine.

[0097] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1), (4), (6), and (8) to (11) of the first embodiment described above.

(12) In the present embodiment, after the information terminal 14 transmits the country name information to the management server 12, the information terminal 14 receives the classification information related to the first group and the second group. Based on the received classification information, selection of a country included in the second group is prohibited in the information terminal 14. Therefore, the country name information related to the second country that corresponds to a country that is selection-prohibited in terms of a combination with the already selected first country can be suppressed from being transmitted from the information terminal 14 to the management server 12 side. It is thus possible to suppress the generation of the common map data of the first country and the second country that is included in the second group.

[0098] (13) In the present embodiment, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group is displayed narrower than the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group. Therefore, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group can be highlighted on the display screen 32. This suppresses an erroneous selection of a selection-prohibited country by the user, and contributes to promptly providing the common map information that is constituted of friendly pairs of countries.

[0099] (14) Moreover, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group is displayed at the center of the display screen 32, while the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group is displayed at an outer part of the display screen 32 (the right side in FIG. 1 IB). This reduces the possibility of a country classified into the second group being selected, compared to when the display area of a country classified into the second group is displayed at the center of the display screen 32. Third Embodiment

[0100] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B. Note that the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the information table is stored in the terminal memory of the information terminal, and in terms of portions of the content of the map information acquisition processing routine and the map information transmission processing routine, and the display mode of the display screen of the information terminal. Thus, the following description mainly explains portions different from the first and second embodiments; like reference numerals are used for members and configurations that are identical or correspond to those in the first and second embodiments, and such members and configurations will not be described again here.

[0101] The terminal memory 40 of the information terminal 14 according to the present embodiment is formed with a storage area that stores the information table shown in FIG. 3. Thus, in the present embodiment, the terminal memory 40 also functions as an information storage unit that stores information related to the friendly relations between countries. [0102] Next, the map information transmission processing routine executed on the management server 12 side and the map information acquisition processing routine executed on the information terminal 14 side will be described based on flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, and schematic diagrams of screens shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0103] First, the map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control portion 15 will be described.

When the map information transmission processing routine is started, the server control portion 15 sequentially performs the processing at steps SI -10 and Sl-11. The server control portion 15 then determines whether the respective country name information is received (step S 1-121). The respective country name information is information related to a plurality of countries or one country selected through the information terminal 14. In other words, unlike the embodiments described above, in the present embodiment, the information related to selected countries is collectively transmitted to the management server 12 once country selection is complete on the information terminal 14 side.

[0104] If the determination result at step Sl-121 is a No determination, the server control portion 15 repeatedly performs the determination processing at step Sl-121 until the respective country name information is received. However, if the determination result at step Sl-121 is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 sequentially performs the processing at steps SI -20 and SI -21 , because the respective country name information is received. The server control portion 15 then ends the map information transmission processing routine.

[0105] Next, the map information acquisition processing routine executed by the terminal control portion 37 will be described.

When the map information acquisition processing routine is started, the terminal control portion 37 sequentially performs the processing at steps S2-10 to S2-14 described above. The image processing portion 38 subsequently controls the display device 33 so as to display the map information acquisition screen that corresponds to the control command input from the terminal control portion 37 on the display screen 32. If the classification processing (step S2-201) that will be described later is not yet executed, that is, if the setting number N is "1", the image processing portion 38 controls the display device 33 so as to display a screen substantially similar to that of the first embodiment on the display screen 32, as shown in FIG. 13 A. However, if the classification processing (step S2-201) is executed, that is, if the setting number N is greater than "1", the map information acquisition screen based on the result of the classification processing is displayed on the display screen 32.

[0106] Here, an example in which Country A is already selected as the first country will be described. In this case, according to the classification processing, Country B, Country D, and Country E are included in the first group, while Country C is included in the second group (see FIG. 3). That is, as shown in FIG. 13B, the image processing portion 38 has removed the display area 70C for Country C that is included in the second group from the display screen 32.

[0107] Returning to FIG. 12A, the terminal control portion 37 performs the processing at steps S2-15, S2-141, and S2-18. If the determination result at step S2-141 is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the determination processing at step S2-19, because a selection-prohibited country is not selected. If this determination result is a Yes determination (N<KN), the terminal control portion 37 performs the classification processing (step S2-201). Specifically, the terminal control portion 37 reads out the information table stored in the terminal memory 40. Next, the terminal control portion 37 classifies a country (in this case, Country B, Country D, and Country E) on relatively more friendly terms with the already selected country (e.g. Country A) into the first group, and classifies a country (in this case, Country C) on relatively less friendly terms with the already selected country (e.g. Country A) into the second group. If there is a plurality of already selected countries (e.g. if Country A and Country B are selected), the terminal control portion 37 classifies Country D into the first group, and classifies Country C and Country E into the second group.

[0108] Once the classification processing ends, the terminal control portion 37 performs the processing at step S2-21 , and then proceeds to the processing at step S2- 14 described earlier.

However, if the determination result at step S2-19 is a No determination (N=KN), the terminal control portion 37 sequentially performs the processing at steps S2-22 and S2-23. If the determination result at step S2-23 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 controls such that the respective country name information is transmitted from the communication portion 39 (step S2-241). For example, if Country A, Country B, and Country D are selected by the user through the information terminal 14, the terminal control portion 37 controls such that the respective country name information related to the plurality of countries (in this case, Country A, Country B, and Country D) is transmitted from the communication portion 39. It should be noted that if only one country is selected (e.g. only Country C), the terminal control portion 37 controls such that the information related to the one country (in this case, Country E) is transmitted from the communication portion 39 as the respective country name information.

[0109] Next, the terminal control portion 37 performs the determination processing at step S2-25. If this determination result is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 ends the map information acquisition processing routine, because reception of the map information is complete.

[0110] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (4), and (8) to (11) of the first and second embodiments described above.

(15) In the present embodiment, the information table is stored in the terminal memory 40 of the information terminal 14. Therefore, if the first country (e.g. Country A) is selected by the user, the classification processing is performed in relation to other countries besides the selected country (in this case, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E) in the information terminal 14. Thereafter, if the selected country (the second country) is included in the first group, the selection is permitted; however, if the selected country (the second country) is included in the second group, the selection is considered invalid. After country selection is complete in the information terminal 14, the respective country name information related to the selected countries is transmitted to the management server 12.

[0111] The management server 12 subsequently generates the common map information for the plurality of countries that corresponds to the received respective country name information, and transmits the generated common map information to the information terminal 14. Therefore, by storing the latest respective country map information 19A to 19E in the map storage portion 17, the latest map information including the first country and the second country can be provided to the information terminal 14 side based on the friendly relations between countries.

[0112] (16) In the present embodiment, the classification processing is executed by the information terminal 14. Therefore, the control load on the management server 12 side can be reduced compared to the embodiments described above.

(17) In addition, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group is removed from the display screen 17 in the present embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from selecting a selection-prohibited country.

Fourth Embodiment [0113] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that map information is used by the information terminal executing the map information acquisition processing routine to provide the user with a map. Thus, the following description mainly explains portions different from the first to third embodiments; like reference numerals are used for members and configurations that are identical or correspond to those in the first to third embodiments, and such members and configurations will not be described again here.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 14, a map data management system 11A of the present embodiment includes the management server 12, and an information terminal 14A (e.g. mobile communication equipment such as a mobile telephone). The information terminal 14A is a terminal that can receive map information from the management server 12, and provide the user of the information terminal 14A with a map based on the map information. This information terminal 14A further includes the display device 33 serving as a display unit that has the display screen 32, in addition to the operation portion 34 serving as an operation unit, and the controller 36. The controller 36 also includes a GPS receiving portion 90, in addition to the terminal control portion 37, the image processing portion 38, the communication portion 39, and the terminal memory 40.

[0115] Next, the map information transmission processing routine executed by the management server 12 and the map information acquisition processing routine executed by the information terminal 14A when the user downloads map information using the map data management system 11 A of the present embodiment will be described based on flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B.

[0116] First, the map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control portion 15 will be described.

In the map information transmission processing routine, the server control portion 15 sequentially performs the processing at steps SI -10 and SI -11. The server control portion 15 then sets the setting number N to "1" (step Sl-111), and determines whether selectable country quantity information is received from the information terminal 14A specified at step SI -11 (step SI -112). The selectable country quantity information is information related to the number of countries (e.g. three) for which the user wishes to acquire map information on the information terminal 14A side. If the determination result at step SI -112 is a No determination, the server control portion 15 repeatedly performs the determination processing at step SI -112 until the selectable country quantity information is received. However, if the determination result at step Sl-112 is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 performs the determination processing at step SI -12, because the selectable country quantity information is received.

[0117] If the determination result at step SI -12 is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 performs the processing at step SI -13, because the country name information is received. Once the alert discrimination processing ends, the server control portion 15 performs the determination processing at step SI -14 based on the result of the alert discrimination processing. If this determination result is a Yes determination, the server control portion 15 performs the processing at step SI -15, and then proceeds to the processing at step SI -12 described earlier.

[0118] However, if the determination result at step SI -14 is a No determination, the server control portion 15 performs the processing at SI -16, because the selected country is included in the first group. The server control portion 15 then determines whether the current setting number N is less than the country quantity threshold KN set based on the received selectable country quantity information (step SI -161). The country quantity threshold KN is set to the same value as the number of countries selected on the information terminal 14A side. If the determination result at step Sl-161 is a Yes determination (N<KN), the server control portion 15 performs the processing at step SI -18. The server control portion 15 then increases the setting number N by an increment of "1" (step SI -181), and proceeds to the processing at step SI -12 described earlier.

[0119] However, if the determination result at step Sl-161 is a No determination (N=KN), the server control portion 15 controls such that the selection-completed information indicating that the country selection is complete is transmitted from the communication portion 16 to the information terminal 14A specified at step Sl-11 (step Sl-182). The server control portion 15 then sequentially performs the processing at steps SI -20 and SI -21 , and subsequently ends the map information transmission processing routine.

[0120] Next, the map information acquisition processing routine executed by the terminal control portion 37 of the information terminal 14A will be described. The map information acquisition processing routine is executed when an operation for acquiring map information is performed through the operation portion 34.

[0121] In the map information acquisition processing routine, the terminal control portion 37 sequentially performs the processing at steps S2-10 to S2-12 described above. If the determination result at step S2-12 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 controls such that the selectable country quantity information related to the set country quantity (e.g. three) is transmitted from the communication portion 39 (step S2-121). Next, the terminal control portion 37 performs the processing at step S2-14. The image processing portion 38 subsequently controls the display device 33 so as to display the map information acquisition screen that corresponds to the control command input from the terminal control portion 37 on the display screen 32 (see FIG. 6A). Note that, in the present embodiment, the determination regarding whether the selected second country is included in the first group is performed on the management server 12 side. Therefore, the same screen is displayed on the display screen 32 regardless of whether selecting an initial country (i.e., the first country), or a subsequent country (i.e., the second country).

[0122] Next, the terminal control portion 37 sequentially performs the processing at steps S2-15 to S2-18. The terminal control portion 37 then determines whether the selection-completed information is received (step S2-181). If this determination result is a No determination, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the processing at step S2-14 described earlier, because it is highly likely that the user has not yet selected a country. However, if the determination result at step S2-181 is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 proceeds to the determination processing at step S2-25, because the selection-completed information is received (that is, the user has completed the country selection). If this determination result is a Yes determination, the terminal control portion 37 ends the map information acquisition processing routine.

[0123] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1) and (4) of the first to third embodiments described above.

(18) After the classification processing is performed on the management server

12 side, once the country name information is transmitted from the information terminal 14A to the management server 12, the management server 12 performs the alert discrimination processing. If the country selected through the information terminal 14A is included in the second group, the alert information is transmitted to the information terminal 14 A; however, if the country selected through the information terminal 14A is included in the first group, the permission information is transmitted to the information terminal 14A. When the alert information is received, the information terminal 14A subsequently performs the notification processing so as to prompt the user to select an Nth country again. It is thus possible to suppress the generation of the common map data of the first country and the second country that is included in the second group. [0124] (19) In the present embodiment, the information terminal 14A does not determine whether the selected second country is included in the first group. Therefore, the control load of the information terminal 14 A can be reduced.

[0125] (20) Unlike the first and second embodiments described above, even after execution of the classification processing by the management server 12, the classification information is not transmitted to the information terminal 14A. Therefore, the volume of information exchanged between the management server 12 and the information terminal 14A can be decreased, and the control loads of the management server 12 and the information terminal 14A can be reduced accordingly.

[0126] (21) Further, the information terminal 14A does not change the display mode on the display screen 32 each time a country is selected. Therefore, the control load of the information terminal 14A accompanying the display control can be reduced compared to the embodiments described above.

[0127] (22) For example, when a map based on the common map information that includes the map data for Country A and Country B is displayed on the display screen 32, if the user using the information terminal 14A enters a country other than Country A or Country B (e.g. Country E), the user is notified that a map cannot be displayed with the common map information currently used. Therefore, the user that entered Country E can be prompted to acquire the map information for Country E.

[0128] (23) In addition, if the user using the information terminal 14A that has the Country A map information is located in the first region 23, the user can recognize that he or she is in Country A. On the other hand, if the user using the information terminal 14A that has the Country C map information is located in the first region 23, the user can recognize that he or she is in Country C.

[0129] Note that the embodiments described above may be modified to realize other embodiments such as those below.

- According to the first embodiment, if a selection-prohibited country is selected through the information terminal 14, the alert information (i.e., information that indicates the selection is prohibited) is transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14. The information terminal 14 that received the alert information may then announce to the user that "the location of the border between the first country (e.g. Country A) already selected and the second country (e.g. Country C) now selected cannot be specified". If the user wishes to download both the Country A map information 19A and the Country C map information 19C as a result of the notification processing, such information may be transmitted from the information terminal 14 to the management server 12. [0130] At such time, the Country A map information 19A and the Country C map information 19C may be transmitted separately from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14. With this configuration, unlike the embodiments described above, the user can be provided with a map of Country A and a map of Country C whose combination is not desirable in terms of the friendly relations between the two countries.

[0131] The host vehicle may enter Country C when the Country A map information 19A (the Country A map data 20) is used to display a map on the display 55 of the navigation device 50, which is mounted with the storage medium 30 that separately stores the Country A map information 19A and the Country C map information 19C. In such case, the occupant of the host vehicle may be notified that the host vehicle has entered Country C, and prompted to determine whether the map information currently used may be switched from the Country A map information 19A to the Country C map information 19C. If the occupant inputs that a switch may be made, the map information currently used may be switched from the Country A map information 19A to the Country C map information 19C. With this configuration, the occupant of the host vehicle can be provided with a map that corresponds to the country in which the occupant is located at such time.

[0132] - At step S2-18 described above in the embodiments, the announcement that the selected country is a selection-prohibited country may be conveyed by speech through a speaker or the like. Obviously, an announcement by speech and an announcement by display may both be performed.

[0133] - In the third embodiment, the processing at steps S2-141 and S2-18 described above may be omitted. The display area that, corresponds to the selection-prohibited country is still removed from the display screen 32 with this configuration, so selection of a selection-prohibited country can be prevented.

[0134] - In the first embodiment, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group may be narrower than the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group. In addition, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group may be removed from the display screen 32 of the information terminal 14.

[0135] Likewise, in the second embodiment, the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group may be lower than the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group. In addition, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group may be removed from the display screen 32 of the information terminal 14. [0136] Likewise, in the third embodiment, the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group may be lower than the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group. In addition, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group may be narrower than the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group.

[0137] - In the information terminal 14 of the first to third embodiments, a screen having the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the first group may be a pop-up window. With this configuration as well, an effect generally equivalent to that of the first to third embodiments described above can be obtained.

[0138] - In the information terminal 14 of the first and second embodiments, the display area that corresponds to a country classified into the second group may be displayed in a flashing manner. With this configuration as well, an effect generally equivalent to that of the first to third embodiments described above can be obtained.

[0139] - In the first to third embodiments, the classification information transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14 may be information that includes only information related to a country classified into the first group. In such case, when the second country is selected through the information terminal 14 that received the classification information, it may be determined whether the second country is a country that is included in the classification information (that is, a country that is included in the first group). If the second country selected is not included in the classification information, the selected country is a country that is included in the second group. Therefore, the user of the information terminal 14 is notified that the selection is invalid. With this configuration, the data volume of the classification information transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14 can be decreased.

[0140] - Likewise, in the first to third embodiments, the classification information transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14 may be information that includes only information related to a country classified into the second group. In such case, when the second country is selected through the information terminal 14 that received the classification information, it may be determined whether the second country is a country that is included in the classification information (that is, a country that is included in the second group). If the second country selected is included in the classification information, the selected country is a country that is included in the second group. Therefore, the user of the information terminal 14 is notified that the selection is invalid. With this configuration, the data volume of the classification information transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14 can be decreased.

[0141] - In the first to third embodiments, the information terminal 14 may receive the classification information indicating that there is no country included in the first group. In such case, a display area in which "THERE ARE NO SELECTABLE COUNTRIES" is written, a display area in which "OK" is written, and a display area in which "RE-SELECT" is written may be displayed on the display screen 32 of the information terminal 14. If the display area in which "OK" is written is selected by the user through operation of the operation portion 34, the selection-completed information may be transmitted to the management server 12. However, if the display area in which "RE-SELECT" is written is selected by the user through operation of the operation portion 34, the processing from step S2-11 onward of the map information acquisition processing routine may be sequentially performed.

[0142] - In the first to third embodiments, if the information terminal 14 receives the map information from the management server 12, a map based on the map information may be displayed on the display screen 32. In addition, the map based on the map information received by the information terminal 14 from the management server 12 may be printed on paper using a printing device such as a printer.

[0143] - In the fourth embodiment, a mobile telephone was given as an example of the information terminal 14 A. However, the information terminal 14A is not limited to this example, and may be a vehicle navigation device.

- In the first to fourth embodiments, the information table may be a table that stores, as information related to the friendly relations between countries, only one of either information related to whether a border between two countries is established, and information related to whether the diplomatic relations between two countries are good.

[0144] - In the first to third embodiments, the navigation control device 53 of the navigation device 50 may be separately provided with a storage device that stores the route data 21 and the POI data 22 for all countries (in this case, Country A, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E). - Further, in the fourth embodiment, the information terminal 14A may be separately provided with a storage device that stores the route data 21 and the POI data 22 for all countries (in this case, Country A, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E). In such case, the respective map information 19A to 19E stored in the map storage portion 17 of the management server 12 may not include either of the route data 21 and the POI data 22.

[0145] With this configuration, it is possible to search for a facility in a country for which there is not map data, and a route to the facility in the navigation device 50 (or the information terminal 14A). When the host vehicle (or the user) moves along the route found and from a country (e.g. Country A) for which there is map data enters a country (e.g. Country C) for which there is no map data, a switch in the map data used to provide a map can be prompted.

[0146] - In the embodiments, together with the map data 20, the route data 21 and the POI data 22 that correspond to the map data 20 are downloaded to the information terminal 14 (or the information terminal 14A). However, the selection of the route data 21 and the POI data 22 for the country desired by the user may be performed separately from the selection of the map data 20.

[0147] Next, technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiments and other embodiments are noted below.

(A) A map data management device transmits information to and receives information from an information terminal. The map data management device is characterized by including: a map storage unit that stores map data classified by country; an information storage unit that stores information related to friendly relations between countries; a classification unit that, when information related to a first country selected through the information terminal is received, classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group, based on the information related to friendly relations between countries; a communication control unit that controls such that classification information related to at least one of the first group and the second group classified by the classification unit is transmitted; and a generation unit that, when information related to a second country classified into the first group by the classification unit is received, generates common map data that includes the first country and the second country based on the map data stored in the map storage unit. The communication control unit controls such that the common map data generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the information terminal.

[0148] (B) An information terminal that transmits information to and receives information from the map data management device according to technical idea (A) is characterized by including: an operation unit that is operated to select a country for which to acquire map data; and a terminal control unit that controls such that information related to the country selected through operation of the operation unit is transmitted to the map data management device, and performs storage processing to store the map data received from the map data management device in a storage medium. When the classification information is received from the map data management device, the terminal control unit controls a display unit so as to differentiate a display mode on a display screen for a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group and a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group.

[0149] (C) An information terminal that receives map data from a map data management device and stores the received map data in a storage medium is characterized by including: an information storage unit that stores information related to friendly relations between countries; a display unit on which a display area per country is displayed; an operation unit that is operated to select a country for which to acquire the map data; and a terminal control unit that controls such that information related to the country selected through operation of the operation unit is transmitted to the map data management device, and performs storage processing to store the map data received from the map data management device is stored in a storage medium. When a first country is selected through operation of the operation unit, the terminal control unit classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group, based on the information related to friendly relations between countries stored in the information storage unit. Thereafter, the terminal control unit controls the display unit so as to display, in different display modes, a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group and a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group. Thereafter, when a second country that is different from the first country is selected and the second country is included in the first group, the terminal control unit controls such that information related to the first country and the second country is transmitted the map data management device. Thereafter, if common map data that includes the first country and the second country is received from the map data management device, the terminal control unit performs storage processing that stores the common map data in the storage medium.

[0150] (D) In the information terminal according to any one of a sixth aspect of the present invention, a seventh aspect of the present invention, technical idea (B), and technical idea (C), the terminal control unit controls the display unit so as to make the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group lower than the brightness of the display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group.

[0151] (E) In the information terminal according to any one of a fifth aspect of the present invention, the sixth aspect of the present invention, technical idea (B), and technical idea (C), the terminal control unit controls the display unit such that the display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group is wider than the display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group. [0152] (F) An information terminal that transmits information to and receives information from the map data management device according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized by including: a display unit on which a display area per country is displayed; an operation unit that is operated to select a country for which to acquire map data; and a terminal control unit that controls such that information related to the country selected through operation of the operation unit is transmitted to the map data management device, and performs storage processing to store the map data received from the map data management device in a storage medium. When the classification information is received from the map data management device, the terminal control unit controls the display unit so as to display on the display unit a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group and remove from the display unit a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group.

[0153] (G) In the information terminal according to any one of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the sixth aspect of the present invention, and technical idea (B), when the classification information is received from the map data management device, the terminal control unit prohibits selection of a country included in the second group.

[0154] (H) In the information terminal according to any one of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the sixth aspect of the present invention, and technical ideas (B) to (G), when the map data is stored in the storage medium, the terminal control unit controls such that the display unit displays a map based on the map data.

[0155] (I) A map display control device is characterized by including: a display unit that has a display screen; and a display control unit that, when a storage medium subjected to storage processing by the information terminal according to any one of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the sixth aspect of the present invention, and technical ideas (B) to (G) is mounted, controls such that the display unit displays a map based on map data stored in the storage medium.

[0156] (J) The map display control device according to technical idea (I) further includes an operation unit that is operated to set a destination. The display control unit performs notification processing that prompts switching of the map data when the position of the destination set through operation of the operation unit cannot be displayed with the map data used to display the map on the display unit.

Claims

1. A map data management device that transmits information to and receives information from an information terminal, characterized by comprising:

a map storage unit that stores map data classified by country;

an information storage unit that stores information related to friendly relations between countries;

a classification unit that, when information related to a first country selected through the information terminal is received, classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group, based on the information related to friendly relations between countries;

a determination unit that, when information related to a second country that is different from the first country selected through the information terminal is received, determines whether the second country is included in the first group;

a generation unit that, when the determination unit determines that the second country is included in the first group, generates common map data that includes the first country and the second country based on the map data stored in the map storage unit; and

a communication control unit that controls such that the common map data generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the information terminal.

2. The map data management device according to claim 1 , wherein

the communication control unit, when information related to the first country selected through the information terminal is received, controls such that classification information related to at least one of the first group and the second group classified by the classification unit is transmitted to the information terminal.

3. The map data management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication control unit, when the determination unit determines that the second country is included in the second group, controls such that information indicating that selection of the second country is prohibited is transmitted to the information terminal.

4. The map data management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication control unit, when the determination unit determines that the second country is included in the second group, controls such that the map data for the first country and the map data for the second country are separately transmitted to the information terminal.

5. An information terminal that transmits information to and receives information from the map data management device according to claim 2, characterized by comprising:

a display unit on which a display area per country is displayed;

an operation unit that is operated to select a country for which to acquire map data; and

a terminal control unit that controls such that information related to the country selected through operation of the operation unit is transmitted to the map data management device, and performs storage processing to store the map data received from the map data management device in a storage medium, wherein

the terminal control unit, when the classification information is received from the map data management device, controls the display unit so as to display, in different display modes, a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group and a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group.

6. An information terminal that receives map data from a map data management device and stores the received map data in a storage medium, characterized by comprising:

a display unit on which a display area per country is displayed;

the terminal control unit,

when a first country is selected through operation of the operation unit, controls such that information related to the first country is transmitted to the map data management device, and

when classification information that classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group is subsequently received from the map data management device, controls the display unit so as to display, in different display modes, a display area that corresponds to a country included in the first group and a display area that corresponds to a country included in the second group.

7. A map data management method, characterized by comprising the steps of: a map data management device classifying, when information related to a first country transmitted from an information terminal is received by the map data management device, other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group that is different from the first group, based on friendly relations between a plurality of countries for which map data can be provided by the map data management device;

the map data management device determining, when information related to a second country that is different from the first country is subsequently received from the information terminal, whether the second country is included in the first group;

the map data management device generating, when it is determined that the second country is included in the first group, common map data that includes the first country and the second country; and

transmitting the generated common map data from the map data management device to the information terminal.