JP2003075166A - Method of displaying map image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method capable of displaying a map image that is easy for a user to use by adding an appropriate amount of information to the map image when it is displayed on an information terminal by means of map image data. SOLUTION: A map information providing system, when there is an input to the information terminal requesting the map image data, displays a map image on the information terminal by reading the map image data that match the request. For the map image data read according to the request from the information terminal, the number of pieces of map information contained in the map image data is counted, and after a determination is made as to whether or not the counted number of pieces of map information included in the map image data is within the range of a set value, the map image is displayed according to the map image data which contain the pieces of map information in a number within the range of the set value.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of displaying a map image on a terminal based on map image data.

[0002]

In an information terminal such as a navigation device that displays a map image, when a request for map image data is made, the map image data corresponding to this request is read out. The map image is displayed on the basis of the map image data for use by the user.

The map image data is stored in a recording medium such as a DVD disc provided in the information terminal.

Further, in recent years, with the development of information technology, map image data is provided via a computer network such as the Internet, and map information is displayed on a user's terminal based on this map image data. The services provided by are becoming widespread.

[0005] Such a map information providing service provides a map database site for providing map image data with an address by a user to an information terminal device such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA connected through a computer network. When a setting input such as a facility name or a facility name is input, map image data corresponding to the setting input is read out from the database by search and transmitted to the information terminal device.

[0006] Then, in the information terminal, the map image is displayed on the display based on the transmitted map image data, and is used for the user.

[0007] In the map information providing service using such a recording medium or a computer network, search of map image data is conventionally performed by inputting a setting to the information terminal device with respect to the scale and display area of the map image. Corresponding to, it is supposed to be performed almost uniformly.

Therefore, the map image according to the purpose of use of the user is not always displayed on the information terminal by one setting input.

For example, in the case where a facility having a large site area such as an airfield, a golf course, a ski resort, or a facility in a depopulated area such as a mountain is designated in the setting input and the map image data is provided, Map image M1 shown in FIG.
, The amount of information displayed on the display is small,
It may not be useful when you want to check the route to the facility (Haneda Airport in this example).

On the contrary, in the case where the facility or address in a densely populated area such as an urban area is designated in the setting input and the map image data is provided, as in the map image M2 shown in FIG. There are cases where it is difficult to understand the buildings around the destination (Meguro station in this example) because there is too much road and facility information.

In such a case, conventionally, the user performs an operation of changing the scale of the displayed map image,
Alternatively, it is necessary to display the map image again by changing the search condition in the setting input and receiving the map image data again.

For this reason, conventionally, the operation until the user obtains the map image data that can display the map image that is easy for the user to use is very troublesome, and even if such an operation is repeated, the user does not always use it. There is a problem that easy map image data is not always available.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the conventional map display method as described above. That is, the present invention provides a method for displaying a map image which is easy for the user to use by a simple operation by including an appropriate amount of information when the map image data is displayed on the information terminal device. The purpose is to do.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, a map image display method according to the first aspect of the present invention, when an information terminal device requests a map image data, a map image corresponding to the request. In a map information providing system that reads data and displays a map image on the information terminal device, the number of pieces of map information included in this map image data is compared with the map image data read based on a request from the information terminal device. After counting and determining whether or not the count number of the map information included in this map image data is within the set value range, the map image data including the map information of the number within the set value range is transferred to the information terminal device. The feature is that the map image is displayed by sending to.

According to the map image display method of the first aspect of the present invention, the setting input for requesting the map image that the user wants to display on the information terminal, for example, the input of the address or the facility name or the display on the screen is performed. If you input to select the desired address or facility name on the list, the connection will be established based on the input information via the recording medium or computer network provided in this information terminal. The map image data is read from the database of the map database site.

In this information terminal or map database site, when the map image data corresponding to the setting input in the information terminal is read from the database, this map image data is included in the read map image data. The number of various kinds of information displayed on the map image of the map information such as traffic information such as stations and intersections and entertainment facilities is counted, and the number of the counted map information is set in advance. If it is determined that the map information count is not within the set value range, the map image data including a different scale or different information is read again from the database. The map image data including the number of map information within the value is selected, and the map image is displayed on the information terminal. Cormorant decision of the map image data is carried out.

Then, based on this map image data,
A map image is displayed on the display of the information terminal.

As described above, according to the first invention,
The user can display a map image that is easy for the user to use by including an appropriate amount of information by only once performing a required setting input requesting map image data to the information terminal.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a map image display method according to a second aspect of the present invention has the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention.
When determining whether the count number of the map information included in the map image data is within the set value range, if the count number of the map information is smaller than the set value, the read map image data is read. The map image data that displays a map image with a scale ratio larger than that of the map image displayed by is read again, and if the count number of map information is larger than the set value, the read map image data It is characterized in that the map image data for displaying the map image having a smaller scale than that of the map image displayed by is read out again.

According to the map image display method of the second invention, the count number of the map information included in the map image data when selecting the map image data to be transmitted to the information terminal is within the set value range. When determining whether or not the count number of map information is smaller than the set value, that is,
When the display area of the map image based on the read map image data is narrow and the information related to the point on the map specified by the input to the information terminal device is not included so much, this map image data Map image data displaying a map image having a larger scale ratio and a wider display area than the scale ratio is read again from the database.

When the count number of the map information is larger than the set value, that is, the display area of the map image based on the read map image data is wide and the map specified by the setting input to the information terminal is displayed. When the information related to the point is excessively included, the map image data that displays the map image having a smaller scale ratio and a smaller display area than the scale ratio of the map image data is read again from the database.

Then, the map image data read again in this manner is counted and compared with the set value, and the map image data including an appropriate amount of information within the set value range is selected. Then, the map image is displayed on the information terminal.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a map image display method according to a third aspect of the present invention has the configuration of the second aspect of the invention.
When the map image data whose count number of the map information is within the set value cannot be read, the map image data including the map information of the number closest to the set value is read.

According to the map image display method of the third invention, when the count number of the map information included in the read map image data is not within the set value range, another map image data is re-displayed. If the count number of map information does not fall within the range of the set value even if read, the map image data including the map information of the number closest to the set value is read.

As a result, the D installed in the information terminal
Of the map image data registered in the recording medium such as VD or the database of the map database site, the map image data that the user can use the most is transmitted to the information terminal.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a map image display method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect,
When counting the map information included in the map image data, the attribute of the point information on the map input to the information terminal to request the map image data is determined, and the map corresponding to the attribute of the point information is determined. The feature is that information is counted.

According to the map image display method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the map information included in the map image data is counted, the map image data is designated by the setting input in the information terminal device. Attributes such as points and facilities on the map are determined, and the map information corresponding to these attributes is counted.

As the map information corresponding to the attribute of the designated point or facility on the map, for example, if the attribute of the designated facility is a museum, the nearest station or the transportation means such as an interchange is indicated. Map information is given, and also
If the designated facility is a convenience store or a gas station, road information such as general facilities and intersections that serve as landmarks around the facility can be listed. If the designated facility is a leisure facility such as a ski resort or golf course, Other than the road information, there is facility information such as related entertainment facilities such as hot springs.

As a result, the user can receive the map image data including the appropriate map information according to the purpose of using the map image.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a map image display method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect,
When the data for associating the input data requesting the map image data with the map image data read out based on the input data is registered and the input requesting the same map image data is present in the information terminal device, It is characterized in that the map image data is transmitted from the map database site based on the registered data.

According to the map image display method of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the map image data for displaying the map image on the information terminal is displayed based on the setting input for requesting the map image data to the information terminal. When determined, the data that associates the setting input data to the information terminal device with the determined map image data at this time is registered in the information terminal device or the map database site that transmitted the map image data.

When the information terminal receives a setting input for requesting the same map image data as previously performed, the registered data is called, and the map image data is based on this data. Is read.

As a result, the map image data can be quickly transmitted in response to the same setting input to the information terminal.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a map image display method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect,
The map image data is stored in a recording medium provided in the information terminal.

According to the map image display method of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the reading of the map image data is stored in a recording medium such as a DVD equipped in a navigation device such as a vehicle, and is requested from this recording medium. It is read based on.

In order to achieve the above object, the map image display method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when there is an input requesting the transmission of the map image data to the information terminal, the map image data corresponding to this request is displayed. In a map information providing system for displaying a map image on an information terminal by reading out from the map database site and transmitting it via a computer network, the map information is read out at the map database site based on a request from the information terminal. The number of map information included in this map image data is counted with respect to the map image data, and after determining whether the count number of map information included in this map image data is within the set value range, the setting is performed. A feature is that map image data including map information of a number within the range of values is transmitted to the information terminal device to display the map image. To have.

According to the map image display method of the seventh aspect of the invention, the setting input for requesting the map image that the user wants to display on the information terminal, for example, the input of the address or the facility name or the display on the screen is performed. When a desired address, facility name, or the like is selected and input on the list, the input information is sent to the connected map database site via the computer network.

At the map database site, when the map image data corresponding to the setting input on the information terminal is read from the database, the map information included in this map image data is read for the read map image data, For example, the number of various types of information displayed on a map image of a traffic information such as a station or an intersection or a recreational facility is counted, and the number of the counted map information is within a preset set value range. If it is determined that the map information count number is not within the set value range, the map image data including a different scale or different information is read from the database again, and the count value within the set value is determined. Map image data including map information is selected, and map image data to be transmitted to the information terminal is determined.

Then, the map image data is transmitted to the information terminal device, and the map image is displayed on the display of the information terminal device based on the map image data.

As described above, according to the seventh invention,
The user can display the map image that is easy for the user to use by including the appropriate amount of information by inputting the required setting once to request the information terminal device to transmit the map image data. Become.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a map image display method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the seventh aspect of the invention.
When determining whether the count number of the map information included in the map image data is within the set value range, if the count number of the map information is smaller than the set value, the read map image data is read. The map image data that displays a map image with a scale ratio larger than that of the map image displayed by is read again, and if the count number of map information is larger than the set value, the read map image data It is characterized in that the map image data for displaying the map image having a smaller scale than that of the map image displayed by is read out again.

According to the map image display method of the eighth invention, the count number of the map information included in the map image data when selecting the map image data to be transmitted to the information terminal is within the set value range. When determining whether or not the count number of map information is smaller than the set value, that is,
When the display area of the map image based on the read map image data is narrow and the information related to the point on the map specified by the input to the information terminal device is not included so much, this map image data Map image data displaying a map image having a larger scale ratio and a wider display area than the scale ratio is read again from the database.

When the count number of the map information is larger than the set value, that is, the display area of the map image based on the read map image data is wide and the map specified by the setting input to the information terminal is displayed. When the information related to the point is excessively included, the map image data that displays the map image having a smaller scale ratio and a smaller display area than the scale ratio of the map image data is read again from the database.

Then, the map image data thus read again is counted and compared with the set value, and the map image data containing an appropriate amount of information within the set value is selected. And transmitted to the information terminal.

In order to achieve the above object, a map image display method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention has the configuration of the eighth aspect of the invention.
When the map image data whose count number of the map information is within the set value cannot be read, the map image data including the map information of the number closest to the set value is read and transmitted to the information terminal. Is characterized by.

According to the map image display method of the ninth aspect, when the count number of the map information included in the read map image data is not within the range of the set value, another map image data is mapped. If the count of map information does not fall within the range of the set value even if it is read again from the database of the database site, the map image data including the map information of the number closest to the set value is read and displayed on the information terminal. Sent.

As a result, the map database site S
Of the map image data registered in the second database, the map image data that the user is most likely to use is transmitted to the information terminal.

A map image display method according to the tenth invention is
In order to achieve the above object, in addition to the configuration of the seventh invention, when counting the map information included in the map image data, the map information is input to the information terminal to request transmission of the map image data. The feature is that the attribute of the point information on the map is determined and the map information corresponding to the attribute of the point information is counted.

According to the map image display method of the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the map information included in the map image data is counted, the map image data is designated by the setting input on the information terminal. Attributes such as points and facilities on the map are determined, and the map information corresponding to these attributes is counted.

As the map information corresponding to the attributes such as points and facilities on the designated map, for example, when the attribute of the designated facility is a museum, the transportation means such as the nearest station or interchange is indicated. Map information is given, and also
If the designated facility is a convenience store or a gas station, road information such as general facilities and intersections that serve as landmarks around the facility can be listed. If the designated facility is a leisure facility such as a ski resort or golf course, Other than the road information, there is facility information such as related entertainment facilities such as hot springs.

As a result, the user can receive the map image data including appropriate map information according to the purpose of use of the map image.

A map image display method according to the eleventh invention is
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in addition to the configuration of the seventh invention, input data requesting transmission of the map image data and a map image transmitted from the map database site to the information terminal device based on the input data. The data to be associated with the data is registered in the map database site or the information terminal, and the transmission of the map image data from the map database site when the input requesting the transmission of the same map image data is in the information terminal is The feature is that it is performed based on the registered data.

According to the map image display method of the eleventh invention, the map image data is transmitted to the information terminal device based on the setting input for requesting the transmission of the map image data to the information terminal device. And the data associating the setting input data to the information terminal device with the map image data transmitted at this time transmitted the information terminal device that received the map image data or the map image data. Registered on the map database site.

When the information terminal receives a setting input for requesting the transmission of the same map image data as previously performed, the registered data is called and the map is based on this data. Image data is read and transmitted.

As a result, the map image data can be quickly transmitted in response to the same setting input to the information terminal.

[0056]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The most preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a map information providing system in which a map image display method according to the present invention is implemented.

In the following description, the case where the Internet is used as a computer network will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the Internet, but other forms of computer networks such as LAN, MAN, and WAN are used. -When the system is used, it can be applied similarly.

In FIG. 1, a map information providing site S1 for providing a map information providing service to a user and a map database site S2 for providing map image data are connected to the Internet I.

The user terminal T such as a personal computer which can receive the WWW service by using the application program called the WWW browser is the public telephone line network N1 and the network service provider, respectively. (NSP) access server AS, connected to the Internet I, and equipped with an Internet connection function, such as a mobile phone or PDA (Personal Digital Assista).
A mobile information terminal MT such as nt) is connected to the Internet I via the mobile communication network N2 and the access server AS, and is connected to the map information providing site S1 and the map database site S2 via the Internet I, respectively. It has become so.

The map information providing site S1 includes a WWW server S1a for displaying a web page for providing map information to the user terminal T and the portable information terminal MT.

The map database site S2 stores map image data, and a map server S2a that searches the map image data and transmits the searched map image data to the user terminal T and the portable information terminal MT. Correspondence between the map information database S2b, which corresponds to the map information data, and the map image data stored in the map information database S2b, and the setting information which is set in the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT and which requests an arbitrary map image as described later. And a search database S2c in which search data indicating is stored.

Then, this map database site S2
In the search database S2c of, the position data indicating the coordinates (latitude and longitude) on the map corresponding to the address, the facility name, the telephone number, etc., and this position data and the map image data accumulated in the map information database S2b are stored. The data indicating the correspondence of is accumulated.

The map image providing service in the above map information providing system is performed as follows.

That is, when the user accesses the map information providing site S1 via the Internet I by designating the URL from the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT using the WWW browser, the map information is provided. The WWW server S1a of the site S1 is the information terminal T
W that provides map information by sending an HTML file to
The image of the eb page is displayed on the display of the user terminal T or the mobile information terminal MT.

Then, the user displays the W displayed on the display of the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT.
On the eb page, if you input information for selecting the map image you want to display, for example, area name, facility address, name, telephone number, zip code, etc., data that indicates the setting information of the input map image. Is a map information site S1
Is transmitted to the WWW server S1a.

This setting information is the WWW server S
After being converted into the HTML text data for calling the map image by 1a, it is sent back to the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT.

The HTML text data includes data indicating a URL for allowing the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT to access the map database site S2.

User terminal T or portable information terminal MT
HT sent from this map information providing site S1
The map database site S2 is accessed through the Internet I based on the data indicating the URL included in the ML text data, and this HTML text data is transmitted to the map database site S2.

The map server S2a of the map database site S2 uses the user terminal T or the portable information terminal M.
The character string indicating the setting information for selecting the map image input by the user, such as the address included in the HTML text data sent from T, is collated with the search database S2c to correspond to this character string. The position information indicating the coordinates on the map is searched, and further, the map information database S2b is searched for the map image data corresponding to the searched position data, and the map data is read out.

Then, this map information database S2b
The file of the map image data read from the map database site S2 is transmitted to the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT from the map database site S2, and the map image based on the map image data is transmitted to the user terminal T.
Alternatively, by being displayed on the display of the mobile information terminal MT, it is used for the user.

At this time, the map server S2a of the map database site S2 selects the map image data to be transmitted to the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT based on the program set up in FIG. According to the procedure shown in the flowchart, the number of pieces of map information included in the map image data is determined, the scale of the map image data corresponding to the determined display area is determined, and the map image data is transmitted.

That is, in FIG. 2, the WWW server S1a of the map information providing site S1 is provided with an address or address for searching the map image data from the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT connected via the Internet I. It is determined whether or not the setting data such as the name has been received (step s1), and the user terminal device T or the mobile information terminal device MT.
When receiving the setting data from, first, the map image data including the points and facilities on the map indicated by the received setting data is searched for the map image data of the scale preset in the WWW server S1a, The map image data is read from the map information database S2b (step s2).

Next, the WWW server S1a identifies an attribute such as a point or facility on the map designated by the setting data received from the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT, and on the map image from the attribute. The type of map information to be displayed on the screen is determined (step s3).

As the map information corresponding to the attributes such as points and facilities on the map designated by the setting data,
For example, if the attribute of the designated facility is a museum, map information that indicates the transportation means such as the nearest station or interchange is given. If the designated facility is a convenience store or a gas station, the map of the surrounding area is displayed. Road information such as general facilities and intersections that serve as landmarks are listed. If the designated facility is a leisure facility such as a ski resort or golf course, in addition to the road information around it, related leisure facilities such as hot springs Map information such as.

The map information corresponding to the attributes such as points and facilities on the map is registered in the search database S2c in advance. The map information may be specified by the user according to the purpose of using the map image when inputting the setting data in the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT.

Next, the number of pieces of the map information determined in step s3 included in the map image data read in step s2 is counted (step s4).

The number of pieces of map information in step s4 is counted as 1, for example, facilities such as buildings displayed on the map image and traffic facilities on roads such as intersections and interchanges.

Then, it is determined whether or not the count number n of the map information in step s4 is within the range of the preset value No preset in the map server S2a (step s5).

In step s5, when it is determined that the map information count number n is smaller than the set value No, the map image data for which the map information is counted is zoomed out by a preset rate. The map image data displaying the displayed map image is read from the map information database S2b (step s6), step s
Returning to step 4, the map information is counted again.

If it is determined in step s5 that the count number n of map information is greater than the set value No, the map image data for which this map information is counted is zoomed in by a preset rate. The map image data displaying the displayed map image is read from the map information database S2b (step s7), step s4.
Return to and count map information again.

If it is determined in step s5 that the map information count number n is within the set value No range, the map server S2a determines that the map information count number n is within the set value No range. The map image data that is determined to be inside is transmitted to the connected user terminal T or portable information terminal MT via the Internet I (step s8).

The set value No of the above map information is preset in the map server S2a,
When the user inputs the setting for requesting the map image data in the user terminal T or the mobile information terminal MT, the setting may be made each time according to the purpose of use of the map image data.

The zoom-out or zoom-in rate in steps s6 and s7 is preset in the map server S2a corresponding to the scale of the map image data registered in the map information database S2b. Terminal T or personal digital assistant M
When performing the setting input for requesting the map image data in T, the setting may be made in each step, such as one step or two steps, depending on the purpose of use of the map image data.

As described above, the map image data of the scale including the appropriate number of map information is transmitted to the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT of the user, and the display is performed based on the map image data. Since the map image is displayed on the screen, the user can obtain an easy-to-use map image corresponding to the purpose of use.

For example, according to the above method, when the same setting input for displaying the conventional map image M1 shown in FIG. 5 is performed in the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT, the same setting input as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the display of the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT is zoomed out from the map image M1 in FIG. 5, and the facility (in this case, Haneda Airport) set in the setting input is displayed. The map image M3 including the traffic information necessary for access to the map is displayed, and the conventional map image M shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.
When the same setting input for displaying 2 is made, as shown in FIG. 4, the display of the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT is zoomed in more than the map image M2 of FIG. The map image M4 including appropriate information on the facility around the facility set in the setting input (in this case, Meguro station) is displayed.

In step s5, if the count number of the map information does not fall within the range of the set value No by re-reading the map image data, the map server S2a determines the number closest to the set value No. The map image data of the scale including the map information is read from the map information database S2b and transmitted to the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT.

As described above, the scale of the map image data selected for the setting input when the user terminal T or the portable information terminal MT requests transmission of the map image data and the map included in the map image By registering data relating to information in the map database site S2, the user terminal T, or the portable information terminal MT,
Then, when a map image data transmission request is made by the same setting input, the map image data can be transmitted promptly.

In the above description, the present invention has been described by exemplifying the case where a map image is displayed on a mobile information terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA. However, the present invention is a recording medium such as a communication navigation or a DVD. The present invention can also be applied to the case where a map image is displayed on a vehicle-mounted navigation device that performs navigation by.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a navigation device provided with a recording medium mounted on a moving body to which the present invention is applied.

This on-vehicle navigation system includes an angular velocity sensor 1, a traveling distance sensor 2, a GPS receiver 3,
System controller 4, input device 10, DVD-
The ROM drive 11, the display unit 12, and the sound reproduction unit 17 are included.

The angular velocity sensor 1 detects the angular velocity when the vehicle turns, and outputs the angular velocity data and the relative azimuth data to the interface 5 described later.

In parallel with this, the running distance sensor 2 counts the number of pulses in the pulse signal output with the rotation of the wheel to calculate the number of pulses per one rotation of the wheel, and the number of pulses per one rotation is calculated. The mileage data based on the number of pulses is output to the interface 5.

The GPS receiver 3 receives radio waves from GPS satellites, outputs GPS positioning data to the interface 5, and outputs absolute direction data of the traveling direction of the vehicle to the interface 5.

With these, the system controller 4
Controls the vehicle-mounted navigation device S based on relative azimuth data, angular velocity data, mileage data, GPS positioning data, and absolute azimuth data.

Input device 10 such as a remote controller
Is used for inputting various setting data.

Under control of the system controller 4, the DVD-ROM drive 11 reads map image data including road information such as the number of lanes and road width and a control program for executing navigation processing from the DVD-ROM disk DK. Output to the bus line 9.

On this DVD-ROM disc DK, the same data as the various data stored in the map information database S2b and the search database S2c of the map database site S2 of FIG. 1 are recorded.

The display unit 12 displays various display data input via the bus line 9 under the control of the system controller 4.

Under the control of the system controller 4, the sound reproduction unit 17 reproduces and outputs various audio data input via the bus line 9.

The map image data read from the DVD-ROM disc DK is output to the bus line 9.

The system controller 4 includes an interface 5 for interfacing with external sensors such as the GPS receiver 3, a CPU 6 for controlling the control of the system controller 4, a ROM 7 storing a control program for the system controller 4, and the like. A RAM 8 that has a non-volatile memory (not shown) and that temporarily stores various data such as route data preset by the user via the input device 10 in a readable manner,
A clock generator 21 for measuring the current time and the like based on time data from GPS satellites received by a GPS receiver.
The ROM drive 11, the display unit 12, and the sound reproducing unit 17 are connected via the bus line 9.

The display unit 12 is provided with a graphic controller 13 for controlling the operation of the display unit 12 based on control data transmitted from the CPU 6 via the bus line 9 and a memory such as VRAM, and an image which can be immediately displayed. Buffer memory 14 for temporarily storing information
And a display controller 15 that controls the operation of a display 16 such as a liquid crystal panel or a CRT based on image data output from the graphic controller 13.

The sound reproducing unit 17 is a DVD-ROM.
A D / A converter 18 for performing D / A conversion of digital data (audio digital data for navigation from the DVD-ROM drive 11) transmitted from the drive 11 and the RAM 8 via the bus line 9, and this D / A An amplifier 19 that amplifies the analog signal output from the converter 18 and a speaker 20 that converts the amplified analog signal into a sound signal and outputs the sound signal are provided.

Also in this example, by using the data corresponding to various data stored in the map information database S2b and the search database S2c of the map database site S2 of FIG. The map image can be displayed by the same procedure as in the example.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a map information providing system in which a map image display method according to the present invention is implemented.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example in an embodiment of a procedure of a map image display method according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a map image displayed according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a map image displayed by the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a map image displayed by a conventional map image display method.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a map image displayed by a conventional map image display method.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 ... System controller 6 ... CPU 10 ... Input device 11 ... DVD-ROM drive 12 ... Display unit 17 ... Sound reproduction unit DK ... DVD-ROM disk (recording medium) S1 ... Map information providing site S1a ... WWW server S2 ... Map database Site S2a ... Map server S2b ... Map information database S2c ... Search database AS ... Access server I ... Internet (computer network) N1 ... Public telephone line network N2 ... Mobile communication network T ... User terminal (information terminal) MT ... Mobile phone Information terminal (information terminal) M1, M2, M3, M4 ... Map image

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G08G 1/137 G08G 1/137 5H180 G09B 29/00 G09B 29/00 AZ F term (reference) 2C032 HB25 HC21 HC24 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AC02 AC14 AC16 5B050 AA08 BA06 BA17 CA05 CA06 CA08 EA12 FA02 GA08 5B075 KK07 KK13 ND08 PQ02 PQ05 PR10 UU14 5E501 AA23 AC33 BA03 BA05 CA04 CB02 EA01 FA14 FB04A01 FF04 AFBFF 5FB050 5A050

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A map information providing system that, when a map image data request is made to an information terminal, reads the map image data corresponding to the request and displays the map image on the information terminal. The number of map information included in this map image data is counted with respect to the map image data read based on the request of, and the count number of the map information included in this map image data is within the set value range. After determining whether or not the map image is displayed, the map image data including the number of pieces of map information within the set value range is transmitted to the information terminal to display the map image. 2. When determining whether the count number of map information included in the map image data is within a set value range, if the count number of map information is smaller than the set value, it is read. The map image data that displays a map image with a scale ratio larger than the scale ratio of the map image displayed by the map image data is read again, and if the count number of map information is larger than the set value, it is read. The map image display method according to claim 1, wherein the map image data for displaying a map image having a scale smaller than that of the map image displayed by the displayed map image data is read again. 3. The map image data including the number of map information closest to the set value is read when the map image data whose count number of the map information is within the set value cannot be read. The map image display method described in. 4. When counting the map information included in the map image data, the attribute of the point information on the map input to the information terminal to request the map image data is determined, and the point information of this point information is determined. The map image display method according to claim 1, wherein the map information corresponding to the attribute is counted. 5. The information terminal device registers data that associates the input data requesting the map image data with the map image data read based on the input data, and the input requesting the same map image data is an information terminal device. The map image display method according to claim 1, wherein the map image data is read out when there is a match based on the registered data. 6. The map image display method according to claim 1, wherein the map image data is stored in a recording medium provided in the information terminal. 7. When the information terminal device receives an input requesting transmission of map image data, the map image data corresponding to the request is read from the map database site and transmitted via a computer network,
In a map information providing system for displaying a map image on an information terminal, the number of pieces of map information included in this map image data with respect to the map image data read at the map database site based on a request from the information terminal. After determining whether the count number of the map information included in this map image data is within the set value range, the map image data including the number of map information within the set value range is displayed on the information terminal. A map image display method characterized by transmitting the map image to a device and displaying the map image. 8. When determining whether the count number of map information included in the map image data is within a set value range, if the count number of map information is smaller than the set value, it is read out. The map image data that displays a map image with a scale ratio larger than the scale ratio of the map image displayed by the map image data is read again, and if the count number of map information is larger than the set value, it is read. The map image display method according to claim 7, wherein the map image data for displaying a map image having a scale ratio smaller than that of the map image displayed by the displayed map image data is read again. 9. When the map image data whose count number of the map information is within the set value cannot be read, the map image data including the map information of the number closest to the set value is read and the information terminal is read. 9. The map image display method according to claim 8, wherein the map image is transmitted to the device. 10. When counting the map information included in the map image data, the attribute of the point information on the map input to the information terminal to request the transmission of the map image data is determined, and this point is determined. The map image display method according to claim 7, wherein the map information corresponding to the information attribute is counted. 11. Data for associating the input data requesting the transmission of the map image data with the map image data transmitted from the map database site to the information terminal device based on the input data is stored in the map database site or the information terminal device. The map image data is transmitted from the map database site when an input requesting transmission of the same map image data is made to the information terminal device based on the registered data. Map image display method.