JP2003075182A - Communication navigation system, server device, and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communications navigation system capable of making lower the cost of using the line required for transmission than if necessary map information is entirely transmitted from a server device, each time the system is connected with a terminal device and the server device, the system also reducing communications time. SOLUTION: The communications navigation system comprises the terminal device T installed in a vehicle for receiving and storing the map information transmitted from the server device SV via a network IN, while moving; and the server device SV transmitting the map information to the terminal device T via the network IN. The system uses the map information to carry out a navigation process for assisting the vehicle in traveling. A determination is made as to whether or not the map information stored in the terminal device T is the newest map information (step S42 and S43), and only when it is confirmed that the map information stored is not the newest map information (step S43; NO), the newest map information is transmitted from the server device SV to the terminal device T, whereby the stored map information is renewed (step S34).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technical field of a communication navigation system, a server device and a terminal device, and more specifically, a server device and a terminal device on a mobile body via a network such as the Internet. The present invention belongs to the technical field of a communication navigation system that performs navigation processing that assists the movement of the moving body such as a vehicle while transmitting and receiving navigation information, and a server device and a terminal device included in the communication navigation system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a navigation system which performs a navigation process for assisting the movement of a vehicle to a desired destination, as a navigation process for accumulating map information, retrieving the accumulated map and route search, etc. Research and development on a so-called communication navigation system in which main processing is collectively performed in a fixedly installed server device and only the result is transmitted to a terminal device connected via a network such as the Internet for navigation processing. Is being actively conducted.

At this time, as a mode of exchanging map information and the like between the server device and the terminal device, generally,
Whenever the terminal device connects to the server device via the network, a mode is used in which all the map information and the like necessary for the operation of the vehicle in which the terminal device is mounted are transmitted from the server device to the terminal device. Conceivable.

On the other hand, the terminal device is configured to store and store, in the terminal device, map information or the like corresponding to a certain amount of map information or the like transmitted from the server device in the past. It is normal to

[0005]

However, according to the communication navigation system having the above-mentioned configuration,
Every time the terminal device is connected to the server device via the network, all the necessary map information and the like will be transmitted from the server device to the terminal device, so the map information etc. already stored and stored in the terminal device It is possible that the same map information etc. will be sent from the server device again. In this case, the usage cost such as the line usage fee required for the sending will increase and the required communication time will also increase. It is conceivable that there will be a problem that

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its problem is to transmit all necessary map information and the like from the server device every time the terminal device and the server device are connected. The present invention provides a communication navigation system capable of reducing the usage cost such as a line usage fee required for the transmission as well as shortening the communication time, and a server device and a terminal device included in the communication navigation system. Especially.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides navigation information transmitted from a server device via a network while moving together with a moving body such as a vehicle. A terminal device for receiving and accumulating, and the server device for transmitting the navigation information to the terminal device via the network,
In the communication navigation system configured to include the navigation processing for assisting the movement of the mobile body using the navigation information, is the navigation information stored in the terminal device the latest navigation information? Confirming means such as a CPU for confirming whether or not the latest navigation information is transmitted from the server device to the terminal device only when it is confirmed that the stored navigation information is not the latest navigation information. The update means such as a CPU for updating the stored navigation information.

Therefore, regarding the navigation information in the terminal device, since the latest navigation information is transmitted from the server device to the terminal device only when the update is required, the information of the navigation information to be transmitted is transmitted. This reduces the amount of use, and reduces the cost of using the line usage fee and other costs required for the transmission, compared with the case where all navigation information required for navigation processing is transmitted from the server every time the terminal device and server device are connected. It is possible to reduce the communication time and the communication time.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 2 is the communication navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the server device stores an external storage unit for storing the latest navigation information. Navigation information storage means, and for each terminal device, update information storage means such as an external storage unit that stores and stores update information indicating the update status of the navigation information stored in the terminal device, and The confirmation means is an identification means provided in the server device, and an identification means such as a CPU for identifying the terminal device connected to the server device via the network, and an identification means in the server device. A determination means provided, which is identified based on the accumulated and stored update information corresponding to the identified terminal device. And a determination unit such as a CPU that determines whether or not the navigation information stored in the terminal device is the latest navigation information, and the update unit is provided in the server device. The extracted extraction means, when it is confirmed that the navigation information stored in the identified terminal device is not the latest navigation information, the latest version to be transmitted to the identified terminal device. Extraction means such as CPU for extracting navigation information from the navigation information storage means, and transmission means provided in the server device, wherein the extracted latest navigation information is the identified terminal device. And a transmission means such as an interface for transmitting via the network to the terminal device. The obtained receiving and updating means receives the latest navigation information transmitted from the server device, and uses the received latest navigation information to store the navigation information in the terminal device. And a receiving and updating unit such as a processing unit for updating the.

Therefore, since the update information for each terminal device is stored in the server device and it is confirmed whether or not the navigation information should be updated for each connected terminal device, the update status of the navigation information is centrally managed. Then, the navigation information can be updated promptly.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 3 is the communication navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the server device stores an external storage unit for storing the latest navigation information. In addition to the navigation information accumulating means, the confirming means is an update information transmitting means included in the terminal device, and displays the update information indicating the update status of the navigation information accumulated in the terminal device. Update information transmission means such as a transmitter / receiver for transmitting to the server device via the network, and determination means provided in the server device, wherein the navigation information storage means uses the transmitted update information. By searching the inside of the navigation information, the navigation information corresponding to the update information should be updated. Determination information such as a CPU for determining whether or not the update information is input information, and the update means is an extraction means provided in the server device, and corresponds to the update information. When it is determined that the navigation information is the navigation information to be updated, the latest navigation information corresponding to the navigation information to be updated is extracted from the navigation information storage means, such as a CPU, and A transmitting means provided in the server device, such as an interface for transmitting the extracted latest navigation information to the terminal device that has transmitted the update information via the network, , A reception update means provided in the terminal device, which is transmitted from the server device. Receiving the navigation information of a new, and receiving updating means of the processing unit or the like for updating the navigation information stored in the terminal device with the latest of the navigation information which the received, and is composed of.

Therefore, the necessity of updating the navigation information in the terminal device is determined based on the update information sent from the terminal device, and the updating is performed. Therefore, only when there is a request from the terminal device Since the necessity is determined and the update is performed, it is possible to further reduce the use cost such as the line usage fee required for the update and the communication time.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 4 is the communication navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the navigation information is used for the navigation processing. In addition to the map information, the transmitting means provided in the server device is configured to transmit the map information to be transmitted to the terminal device for each administrative division.

Therefore, when the navigation information as the map information is updated, the map information to be updated for each administrative division is transmitted, so that only the minimum necessary map information is transferred from the server device to the terminal device in a short time and at low cost. It can be sent to perform the required update process.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 5 is a server device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the navigation information storage means and the update are provided. Information storage means,
It comprises the identifying means, the determining means, the extracting means, and the transmitting means.

Therefore, compared to a case where all navigation information required for navigation processing is transmitted from the server device every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, the use cost such as a line fee required for the transmission can be reduced. The communication time can be shortened while the navigation information can be shortened, and the navigation information update status can be centrally managed to quickly perform the navigation information update processing.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 6 is a server device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the navigation information storage means and the determination are made. Means, means for extracting, and means for transmitting.

Therefore, compared with the case where all navigation information necessary for navigation processing is transmitted from the server device every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, the use cost such as a line fee for the transmission can be reduced. Besides, it is possible to shorten the communication time.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 7 is a terminal device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 2 or 4, which comprises the reception update means.

Therefore, compared with the case where the navigation information necessary for the navigation processing is transmitted from the server device every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, the use cost such as the line fee for the transmission can be reduced. The communication time can be shortened while the navigation information can be shortened, and the navigation information update status can be centrally managed to quickly perform the navigation information update processing.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 8 is a terminal device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the update information transmitting means and the reception information are received. And updating means.

Therefore, compared with the case where all navigation information required for the navigation processing is transmitted from the server device every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, the use cost such as the line usage fee required for the transmission is reduced. Besides, it is possible to shorten the communication time.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the embodiments described below, a terminal device mounted on a vehicle as a mobile unit, a server unit connected to the terminal unit via a mobile network such as the Internet, and the mobile unit. 1 is an embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to a communication type navigation system including a network and assisting movement of a vehicle equipped with a terminal device.

(I) Embodiment of Overall Configuration First, the overall configuration and part of the operation of the navigation system commonly associated with each of the embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the navigation system according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing part of the navigation processing executed in the navigation system.

As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the navigation system S according to the embodiment uses the terminal signal St as request information requesting information regarding the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle and information to be presented to the driver. IN
To the server device SV via the Internet, and at the same time, various information for navigation processing transmitted from the server device SV via the Internet IN corresponding to the request information is received as a terminal signal St and presented to the driver. Map information to be received by the terminal device T and the terminal signal St transmitted from the terminal device T via the Internet IN as the server signal Ssv and presented to the driver on the terminal device T based on the server signal Ssv. And a server device SV for transmitting the result of the process as a server signal Ssv to the terminal device T via the Internet IN by performing a process as described later including a search process for a vehicle equipped with the terminal device T and a guide route search process for a vehicle equipped with the terminal device T. ,.

It should be noted that one server device SV is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), it is possible to transmit necessary map information and the like to a plurality of terminal devices T in a time division manner.

Next, the detailed configuration of each component will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 1B, the server device SV includes a CPU 1 as an extracting means, a determining means, an identifying means, a confirming means, and an updating means, a display section 2, an input section 3, and
An external storage device 4 as a navigation information storage means and an update information storage means, including a hard disk device,
And an interface 5 as a transmission means.

In this configuration, the interface 5 is
Server signal Ssv input from Internet IN
When a processing server signal Sc to be transmitted to the terminal device T is transmitted from the CPU 1 while executing a preset input interface processing to the CPU 1 as a processing server signal Sc and outputting the processing server signal Sc to the CPU 1. A preset output interface process is executed for the server signal Sc, and the server signal Ssv is output to the terminal device T via the Internet IN.

Next, the external storage device 4 stores map information to be displayed on the terminal device T, various information used for route processing described later, and spot information (more concretely) necessary for executing the navigation processing of each embodiment. Specifically, including position information of a point shown on the map displayed on the terminal device T and content information of the point), and user information that is information about the user who is using each terminal device T. All the information necessary for the navigation processing executed as the navigation system of the embodiment is stored and stored, and these information are stored in the CPU 1 as a memory signal Sm as necessary.
Output to.

On the other hand, the CPU 1 is composed of a map output unit 1a, a route processing unit 1b, and a search unit 1c in terms of its processing.

Then, the map output unit 1a, based on the request information input as the processing server signal Sc, selects the request information from the map information stored in the external storage device 4 as in each embodiment described later. The map information corresponding to is retrieved and read out as a memory signal Sm, which is used as a processing server signal Sc to interface 5 and Internet IN.
To the terminal device T via.

Further, the route processing section 1b calculates / searches a route along which the vehicle should travel, using the map information stored in the external storage device 4, based on the request information input as the processing server signal Sc. Then, the map information including the searched route is searched and read as the memory signal Sm, and this is output to the terminal device T as the processing server signal Sc via the interface 5 and the Internet IN.

In parallel with this, the route processing section 1b generates route guidance information necessary for guiding the vehicle equipped with the terminal device T so as to move along the searched route. , And outputs the result as a processing server signal Sc to the terminal device T via the interface 5 and the Internet IN.

Further, the retrieval unit 1c retrieves the spot information or the like stored in the external storage device 4 based on the request information input as the processing server signal Sc, reads it as the memory signal Sm, and processes it. The server signal Sc is output to the terminal device T via the interface 5 and the Internet IN.

On the other hand, when the necessary information input processing is executed in the input section 3 in response to these processing, the input section 3 generates an input signal Sin corresponding to the information input processing and outputs it to the CPU 1. To do. Then, the CPU 1 performs a process matching the content of the input signal Sin.

Information to be presented to the operator of the server device SV when executing these processes is output to the display unit 2 as a display signal Sdp, and the display unit 2 outputs information corresponding to the display signal Sdp. Is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1C, the one terminal device T has a processing unit 10 as a receiving and updating means including a CPU and a necessary memory, a memory 11, and a sensor unit 12.
The display unit 13, the voice output unit 14, the transmitter / receiver 15 as an update information transmitting unit such as a mobile phone, and the input unit 16.

In this configuration, the transmitter / receiver 15 executes a preset input interface process on the terminal signal St input from the Internet IN, and outputs it as a processed terminal signal Stt to the processing unit 10, and When the processing terminal signal Stt to be transmitted to the server device SV is transmitted from the processing unit 10, the preset output interface processing is executed for the processing terminal signal Stt, and the Internet I is used as the terminal signal St.
Output to the server device SV via N.

Next, the sensor unit 12 is specifically, GPS (Global Positioning) launched into the satellite orbit.
System) A GPS receiver that outputs absolute position information (absolute position information indicated by latitude and longitude) of a vehicle on which the terminal device T is mounted based on position information included in GPS radio waves transmitted from a satellite. , A vehicle speed sensor that calculates a mileage and a speed of the vehicle based on a so-called vehicle speed pulse transmitted with the rotation of wheels of the vehicle, and outputs distance information and speed information; An acceleration sensor that detects the inclination of the direction and outputs information about the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the sensor signal Ssc is information that is output from these sensors and the receiver and that indicates the current position and orientation of the vehicle. Output to the processing unit 10.

On the other hand, the input unit 16 is executed when the input unit 16 executes the designation of the map to be displayed on the display unit 13 or the designation of the navigation process according to the embodiment such as the setting of the destination. The input signal Sin corresponding to the specified designation is generated and output to the processing unit 10.

As a result, the processing unit 10 obtains the current position information indicating the current position of the vehicle on which the terminal device T is mounted based on the sensor signal Ssc and the request information corresponding to the designation executed by the input unit 16. It is generated and these are treated as the processing terminal signal Stt via the transmitter / receiver 15 and the server device S
Output to V.

Then, when the result corresponding to the processing executed in the server SV based on the output request information and current position information is transmitted as a processing terminal signal Stt via the Internet IN and the transceiver 15. The processing unit 10 outputs the map information to be displayed included in the transmitted result to the display unit 15 as the display signal Sdp, and causes the display unit 15 to display the necessary map information. The information displayed on the display unit 15 includes, in addition to the map information, the server device SV described above.
It also includes the route information according to the map information or the route guidance information along the route generated by the route processing unit 1b.

Regarding the contents of the route guidance information to be notified to the driver of the vehicle by voice, this is output to the voice output unit 14 as a voice signal Sad, and the route guidance is performed by the required voice output. To perform.

Further, regarding the information that should be temporarily stored, such as the map information transmitted from the server device SV,
After being output as a memory signal Sm from the processing unit 10 to the memory 11 and temporarily stored, it is read out again as a memory signal Sm as necessary and provided for necessary processing such as display.

Next, the navigation processing executed in the navigation system S having the above-mentioned configuration will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 focusing on the processing executed in the server SV.

First, a map search process for searching a map to be displayed on the display unit 15 on the terminal device T will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the map search process, first, it is constantly monitored whether or not the request information indicating the map to be displayed is transmitted from the terminal device T (step S1), and when there is no such request information (step S1). ; NO) Wait as it is,
On the other hand, when there is the request information (step S1; Y
ES), and then the terminal device T that has transmitted the request information
Is a terminal device T authenticated on the navigation system S of the embodiment (step S).
2).

When the authentication process is completed, next,
The map output unit 1a based on the transmitted request information
In the step S3, the map information stored in the external storage device 4 is searched for the necessary map information.
S4), when the search is completed (step S4; Y
ES), and transmits the searched map information to the terminal device T (step S5). Note that the map information transmitted to the terminal device T is temporarily stored in the memory 11 in the terminal device T as needed and is also used for display on the display unit 13 to perform navigation processing in the terminal device T. Be used for.

Then, during the transmission, it is constantly monitored whether or not all the information has been transmitted (step S6), and when the transmission is not completed (step S6; NO), the transmission is continued as it is, and on the other hand, it is necessary. When the transmission of various map information is completed (step S6; YES), a series of map search processing is ended.

Next, the route calculation process for calculating the route for guiding the vehicle equipped with the terminal device T will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the route calculation process, first, the starting point, the destination and the route condition used for the route calculation (more specifically, whether or not to give priority to an expressway or to always pass a specific road) Whether or not the request information including the calculation is transmitted from the terminal device T is constantly monitored (step S20), and when there is no such request information (step S20; NO), the process waits as it is, When there is the request information (step S20; YES), it is then determined whether the terminal device T that has transmitted the request information is the terminal device T authenticated on the navigation system S of the embodiment. Authentication is performed (step S21).

When the authentication process is completed, next,
The user information regarding the user who owns the terminal device T that has transmitted the request information is extracted and acquired from the external storage device 4 (step S22), and the destination and the like included in the request information are acquired. Necessary route calculation processing is performed in the route processing unit 1b based on the user information (steps S23 and S24), and when the route calculation processing is completed (step S24; YES), the result is temporarily C
The result is stored in the memory in PU1, and then the stored calculation processing result is transmitted to the terminal device T (step S25).

Then, during the transmission, it is constantly monitored whether or not all the information has been transmitted (step S26), and when the transmission is not completed (step S26; NO), the transmission is continued as it is, while necessary. When the transmission of various map information is completed (step S26; YES), a series of route calculation processing is ended.

The route calculation result transmitted to the terminal device T is displayed on the display unit 15 or the like.

Next, the route guidance processing for guiding the vehicle equipped with the terminal device T along the calculated route will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 (b).

In the route guidance processing, first, it is constantly monitored whether or not the request information for requesting the start of the route guidance is transmitted from the terminal device T (step S30), and when there is no such request information (step S30). S30; NO) It stands by as it is, and when there is the request information (step S).
30; YES), and then authenticates whether or not the terminal device T that has transmitted the request information is the terminal device T that has been authenticated on the navigation system S of the embodiment (step S31).

When the authentication process is completed, next,
User information regarding the user who owns the terminal device T that has transmitted the request information is positively extracted and acquired from the external storage device 4 (step S32), and the route processing unit is further associated with the request information. In 1b, necessary route guidance processing is performed (steps S33 and S34), and when the route guidance processing is completed (step S34; YES), a series of route guidance processing ends.

In the route guidance processing, the terminal device T
Process of acquiring the current position information indicating the current position of the vehicle from the process of determining whether the acquired current position is on the previously calculated route, and a well-known feature on the future route It includes a process of calculating the relationship between the current position of the vehicle and a desired intersection or a target intersection) and transmitting the calculated result to the terminal device T so that the driver can recognize the relationship.

Next, the information retrieval process for retrieving the information to be notified to the driver on the terminal device T and related to the navigation process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the information retrieval processing, first, it is constantly monitored whether or not the request information indicating the information to be notified is transmitted from the terminal device T (step S10), and when the request information is not present (step S10). ; NO) Standby as it is, and if there is the request information (step S1)
0; YES), and then authenticates whether or not the terminal device T that has transmitted the request information is the authenticated terminal device T on the navigation system S of the embodiment (step S11).

When the authentication process is completed, next,
Based on the transmitted request information, the search unit 1c searches for necessary information for the information stored in the external storage device 4 (steps S12 and S13),
When the search is completed (step S13; YE
S), and transmits the searched information to the terminal device T (step S14).

During the transmission, it is constantly monitored whether or not all the information to be transmitted has been transmitted (step S1).
5) If the transmission is not completed (step S15;
(NO) The transmission is continued as it is. On the other hand, when the transmission of the necessary information is completed (step S15; YES), a series of information retrieval processing is ended.

(II) First Embodiment of Data Update Process Next, a first embodiment of the data update process according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The data update process described below is a data update process for updating the map information accumulated and stored in the terminal device T to the latest one by the map search process shown in FIG.

First, various tables stored in the external storage device 4 of the server device SV and used for the data update processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the various tables.

As various tables used in the data processing according to the first embodiment, firstly, for all the terminal devices T that have been connected to the server device SV in the past, the map search shown in FIG. Each terminal device T by processing
There is an update status management table YVC in which the last update date of the map information accumulated and stored is described. In the update status management table YVC, for each piece of map information stored and stored in each terminal device T, partial map information (hereinafter, simply referred to as map data) that is partial map information that constitutes each piece of map information. (Referred to each time), the date when it was last updated is described. More specifically, in the update status management table YVC, as shown in FIG. 5A, identification information for identifying the terminal device T in which the target map data is accumulated and identification information based on the identification information are identified. Data identification information for identifying the map data itself stored and stored in each terminal device T that is stored, and the last update date information indicating the date when the map data identified by the data identification information was last updated. And are described in association with each other.

Next, as various tables used in the data processing according to the first embodiment, secondly, the latest update date information indicating the date of the last update of each of the above map data is described. There is the latest update date management table DVC. This latest update date management table D
Specifically, in the VC, as shown in FIG. 5B, for each map data, the data identification information (see FIG. 5A) corresponding to the map data is associated with the data identification information. The latest update date information that has been obtained is described.

Finally, thirdly, as various tables used in the data processing according to the first embodiment, the above-mentioned data identification information for identifying each of the above-mentioned map data and the data identification information concerned. Data name information indicating map data corresponding to
There is a data index table IDX described as shown in (c). In the data index table IDX, the above-mentioned data name information is described together with corresponding data identification information such as "golf course in Meguro-ku, Tokyo".

Next, the data updating process of the map data according to the first embodiment executed by the server device SV and the terminal device T using the above various tables will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 is a flowchart showing the data updating process, and FIG. 7 is a diagram exemplifying a data structure of update data to be described later that is exchanged in the data updating process.

First, in the server device SV, the first
As a part of the data update processing of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the latest update date management table DVC shown in FIG.
Is updated at a preset timing or every time each map data is updated, and the latest update date information is rewritten (step S40).

In the data updating process of the first embodiment, first, when the power switch of the terminal device T is turned on (step S30), the server device SV is turned on.
The connection operation via the network IN is executed (step S31). At this time, in the connection operation, the identification information (see FIG. 5A) for identifying the terminal device T connected to the server device SV from the other terminal device T by the connection operation is the terminal device T. To the server device SV.

On the other hand, in the server device SV which has received the information on the connection operation including the identification information via the network IN, the connected terminal device T is identified based on the received identification information (step S4).
1).

Next, the last update date information of the map data currently accumulated and stored in the identified terminal device T is extracted from the update status management table YVC shown in FIG. 5 (a) (step S42), and The extracted last update date information,
The latest update date of the map data corresponding to the last update date information is confirmed by referring to the latest update date management table DVC (step S43). When the last update date of the map data currently stored and stored in the terminal device T is the same as the latest update date described in the latest update date management table DVC, that is, the map currently stored and stored in the terminal device T. When there is no need to update the data (step S43; NO), the one-time data update process of the server device SV is ended as it is, while the last update date of the map data currently accumulated and stored in the terminal device T. Is older than the latest update date described in the latest update date management table DVC, that is, when it is necessary to update the map data currently accumulated and stored in the terminal device T (step S43; YES), the update concerned. The latest map data that needs to be extracted is extracted from the external storage unit 4 by referring to the latest update date management table DVC, and the extracted latest map data is extracted. Via the network IN to the terminal device T of the data as update data (Step S44).

Thus, in the terminal measure T, it is confirmed whether or not the transmitted update data is received (step S33), and when no update data is received from the server device SV (step S33). NO; if there is no map data to be updated in the process of step S43 of the server device SV (step S43; N).
O) The terminal T also ends the data update process as it is.

On the other hand, in the process of step S33 of the terminal device T, when the update data is received (step S33).
33; YES), and then, the map data is updated by rewriting the corresponding map data stored in the memory 11 of the terminal device T using the received update data (step S34).

Here, regarding the data structure of the update data exchanged in steps S44 and S33,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As the data structure, as shown in FIG. 7, one update data UD is a basic code BC including a latitude / longitude and an area name to which the map data as the update data UD should correspond, The map data is composed of address information AD including the address of map information to which the map data should correspond, and map data MP which is the update data body.

The map data MP includes a data code DC indicating that the map data MP is update map data (latest map data), and size information SZ indicating the information amount of the map data MP itself. The data body BD is a body of the map data MP.

Further, when transmitting the map data MP across a plurality of administrative divisions (administrative divisions by municipality) as the data main body BD, one data main body BD is provided for each administrative division.
Is divided and transmitted.

The data structure shown in FIG. 7, that is,
Data code DC, size information SZ and data body BD
The data structure that constitutes one data to be sent and received by
It is used not only as the map data MP described above, but also as a data structure of other data to be exchanged between the terminal device T and the server device SV for navigation processing.

Next, in step S34, it is confirmed from the update data whether the map data in the terminal device T has been normally updated by the UD (step S35).
If it is updated normally (step S35; YE
S) The fact is transmitted to the server SV as completion information (step S36), and one data update process as the terminal device T is ended. On the other hand, when the map data in the terminal device T is not normally updated by the UD by the update data (step S35; NO), the fact is transmitted to the server device SV as incomplete information (step S37). The one-time data update process as T is completed.

On the other hand, after transmitting the update data UD to the terminal device T (step S44), the server device SV then selects either the completion information (see step S36) or the incomplete information (see step S37). Or terminal device T
(Step S45), the terminal device T determines whether or not the update of the map data by the update data UD has succeeded (step S46).

Then, when the update of the map data by the update data UD is successful in the terminal device T (step S46; YES), the update is performed with the update date in the update data UD used for the update. The last update date information of the corresponding map data in the situation management table YVC is rewritten (step S47), and one data update process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that the update of the map data by the update data UD has not succeeded (step S46; NO), step S4 is executed again.
By returning to 1 and performing the process again from the identification of the terminal device T, the map data in the terminal device T is correctly updated by the update data UD.

The flow chart shown in FIG. 6 shows the flow of one data update process of the first embodiment, but between the server device SV and the terminal device T of the first embodiment, the server As long as the device SV and the terminal device T are connected, the data update process shown in FIG. 6 for the corresponding map data every time a preset time elapses or each time the latest update date management table DVC is updated. Will be repeated.

As described above, according to the data updating process of the first embodiment, regarding the map information in the terminal device T,
Only when the update is required, the update data UD, which is the latest map data, is transferred from the server device SV to the terminal device T.
Since the map data is transmitted to the server device SV and updated, the information amount of the map data to be transmitted can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the usage cost such as the line usage fee required for the transmission and to shorten the communication time as compared with the case where the transmission is performed from the.

Further, since the update information for each terminal device T is stored in the server device SV and it is confirmed whether or not the map information should be updated for each connected terminal device T, the update status of the map information is unified. It is possible to perform the update processing of the map information quickly by managing the map information.

Further, since the map data to be updated for each administrative division is transmitted when the map information is updated, only the minimum required map data can be obtained in a short time and at low cost.
Can be transmitted to the terminal device T to execute the necessary update processing.

(III) Second Embodiment of Data Update Process Next, a second embodiment of the data update process according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9. The data update process described below is performed by the terminal device T by the map search process shown in FIG. 2 as in the case of the first embodiment.
This is a data update process for updating the map information stored and stored therein to the latest one.

In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the data update process is repeated as long as the terminal device T and the server device SV are connected has been described, but in the second embodiment described below, The data updating process for the map information in the terminal device T is executed only when requested by the terminal device T.

First, regarding the various tables stored and stored in the external storage device 4 in the server device SV, in the data updating process of the second embodiment, among the three tables shown in FIG. Latest update date management table D
Only the VC and the data index table IDX are used, and the update status management table YVC for managing the update status for each terminal device T is not used. Therefore, the update status management table YVC is not stored in the external storage unit 4 of the server device SV according to the second embodiment.

Next, the data update process of the map data according to the second embodiment executed by the server device SV and the terminal device T using the above-mentioned tables will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Note that FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the data updating process, and FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying a data structure of update data to be described later that is exchanged in the data updating process. Further, in the flow chart shown in FIG. 8, the same step numbers are assigned to the same processing as the data update processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and the detailed description is omitted.

First, in the server device SV, the second
As a part of the data update process of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, as in the case of the first embodiment, the update of the latest update date management table DVC shown in FIG. Every time the map data is updated, it is performed for each map data, and the latest update date information is rewritten (step S55).

In the data updating process of the second embodiment, first, during operation of the terminal device T, for example, when requesting a route search or when newly displaying map information, When the update date information indicating the last update date of the map information included in the map information used for the route search or the like is transmitted to the server apparatus SV via the network IN (step S50), the transmission is performed. The updated date information is received by the server device SV (step S56).

Here, the data structure of the update date information exchanged in steps S50 and S56 will be described with reference to FIG.

As the data structure, as shown in FIG. 9, one update date information DD corresponds to the map information as the update date information DD, like the update data UD in the first embodiment. It is composed of a basic code BC including a latitude / longitude and an area name to be stored, address information AD including an address to which the map information should correspond, and update date data VD which is the update information body.

Further, the update date data VD is the first data mentioned above.
Similar to the map data MP in the embodiment, a data code DC indicating that the update date data VD is the data indicating the last update date of the map information in the terminal device T, and the information amount of the update date data VD itself. Size information SZ
And a data body BD which is the body of the update date data VD,
It is composed by.

Next, referring to the latest update date management table DVC shown in FIG. 5B, it is determined whether or not there is corresponding map data updated after the update date indicated by the received update date information DD. If there is updated corresponding map data after searching (step S57) (step S5)
7; YES), the latest map data is searched in the external storage device 4 as update data for updating the corresponding map information in the terminal device T (step S5).
8) Then, the retrieved update data is transmitted as update data UD in the first embodiment to the terminal device T that has transmitted the update date information DD (step S44).

In the process of step S44, as in the case of the first embodiment, when the map data MP across a plurality of administrative divisions is transmitted as the data body BD,
The data is divided and transmitted so as to form one data body BD for each administrative division.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S57 that there is no updated corresponding map data, that is, if the map information corresponding to the update date information DD does not need to be updated (step S57; NO), that effect is indicated. Is generated as the map data MP and is transmitted to the terminal device T that has transmitted the update date information DD (step S44). The received update data is received (step S51), and the content is the update data UD including the map data MP to be updated, or the information indicating that the map information need not be updated is included as the map data MP. It is determined whether it is the update data UD (step S52), and the information indicating that the update data UD does not need to be updated is the map data MP. If it is the update data UD included in the list (step S52; N
O), the data update process in the terminal device T is finished as it is.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S52 that the update data UD is the update data UD including the map data MP to be updated (step S52; YE).
S) Next, using the received update data, the same steps S34 to S37 as those in the first embodiment are performed to rewrite the corresponding map data stored in the memory 11 of the terminal device T. Accordingly, the map data is updated and at the same time, either the completion information or the incomplete information indicating the result is returned to the server device SV (step S
34 to S37) The data update process as the terminal device T is ended.

On the other hand, after transmitting the update data UD to the terminal device T (step S44), the server device SV then selects either the completion information (see step S36) or the incomplete information (see step S37). Or terminal device T
(Step S45), the terminal device T determines whether or not the update of the map data by the update data UD has succeeded (step S46).

Then, when the update of the map data by the update data UD is successful in the terminal device T (step S46; YES), a series of data update processing is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that the update of the map data by the update data UD has not succeeded (step S46; NO), step S4 is executed again.
By returning to 4 and transmitting the update data UD again,
The map data in the terminal device T is correctly updated with the update data UD.

As described above, according to the data updating process of the second embodiment, regarding the map information in the terminal device T,
Only when the update is required, the update data UD, which is the latest map data, is transferred from the server device SV to the terminal device T.
Since the map data is transmitted to the server device SV and updated, the information amount of the map data to be transmitted can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the usage cost such as the line usage fee required for the transmission and to shorten the communication time as compared with the case where the transmission is performed from the.

Further, since the necessity of updating the map information in the terminal device T is judged based on the update date information DD sent from the terminal device T and the updating is performed, there is a request from the terminal device T. Therefore, the necessity of the update is determined and the update is performed, and thus it is possible to further reduce the use cost such as the line usage fee required for the update and the communication time.

Further, since the map data to be updated for each administrative division is transmitted when the map information is updated, only the minimum required map data can be obtained in a short time and at low cost.
Can be transmitted to the terminal device T to execute the necessary update processing.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the terminal device T mounted on the vehicle is used has been described. However, in addition to this, the terminal device T is a portable telephone capable of displaying a map or the like. Alternatively, a portable personal computer can be used.

Further, the program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 or 8 is recorded in an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or is stored after being distributed via a network such as the Internet, By reading and executing it by a general-purpose microcomputer or the like, the microcomputer 1 or the processing unit 10 according to each embodiment is executed.
It is also possible to function as.

[0112]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, the latest navigation information is updated from the server device to the terminal device only when the navigation information in the terminal device needs to be updated. Since the information is transmitted to the server and updated, the amount of navigation information to be transmitted can be reduced, and every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, all the navigation information necessary for the navigation process is transmitted from the server device. Compared with the case, it is possible to reduce the usage cost such as the line usage fee required for the transmission, and it is also possible to shorten the communication time.

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effect of the invention described in (1), the update information for each terminal device is stored in the server device, and it is confirmed whether or not the navigation information should be updated for each connected terminal device.
The update status of the navigation information can be quickly managed by centrally managing the update status of the navigation information.

According to the invention of claim 3, claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), the necessity of updating the navigation information in the terminal device is determined based on the update information sent from the terminal device and the update is performed. Therefore, there is a request from the terminal device. Therefore, the necessity of the update is determined and the update is performed, and thus it is possible to further reduce the use cost such as the line usage fee required for the update and the communication time.

According to the invention of claim 4, claim 1
In addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of 1 to 3, since the map information to be updated for each administrative division is transmitted when updating the navigation information as the map information, only the minimum necessary map information is sent. The required update process can be executed by transmitting from the server device to the terminal device in a short time and at low cost.

According to the invention described in claim 5, the line required for the transmission is transmitted every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, as compared with the case where all the navigation information required for the navigation processing is transmitted from the server device. It is possible to reduce the usage cost such as the usage fee and to shorten the communication time. Furthermore, it is possible to centrally manage the update status of the navigation information and quickly perform the update processing of the navigation information.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the line required for the transmission is transmitted as compared with the case where all the navigation information required for the navigation processing is transmitted from the server device every time the terminal device and the server device are connected. It is possible to reduce the usage cost such as the usage fee and to shorten the communication time.

According to the invention described in claim 7, a line required for the transmission is transmitted every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, as compared with the case where all the navigation information required for the navigation processing is transmitted from the server device. It is possible to reduce the usage cost such as the usage fee and to shorten the communication time. Furthermore, it is possible to centrally manage the update status of the navigation information and quickly perform the update processing of the navigation information.

According to the invention described in claim 8, the line required for the transmission is transmitted every time the terminal device and the server device are connected, as compared with the case where all the navigation information required for the navigation processing is transmitted from the server device. It is possible to reduce the usage cost such as the usage fee and to shorten the communication time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system of each embodiment, (a) is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the navigation system, and (b) is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a server device. Yes, (c) is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the terminal device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a map search process according to each embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing route processing according to each embodiment, (a) is a flowchart showing route calculation processing according to the embodiment, and (b) is a flowchart showing route guidance processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an information search process according to each embodiment.

5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating contents of various tables according to the first embodiment, FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating contents of an update status management table, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating contents of a latest update date management table. It is a figure which illustrates and (c) is a figure which illustrates the content of the data index table.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a data update process of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of update data according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a data update process of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data structure of update date information according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... CPU 1a ... Map output section 1b ... Path processing unit 1c ... Search section 2, 13 ... Display 3, 16 ... Input section 4 ... External storage device 5 ... Interface 10 ... Processing unit 11 ... Memory 12 ... Sensor section 14 ... Voice output section 15 ... Transceiver S ... Navigation system SV ... Server device T ... Terminal device IN ... Internet YVC ... Update status management table DVC ... Latest update date management table IDX ... Data index table UD ... Update data BC ... Basic code AD ... Address information MP ... Map data DC ... Data code SZ ... size information BD: Data body DD ... Update date information VD ... Update date data St ... Terminal signal Ssv ... server signal Sc ... Processing server signal Sm ... Memory signal Sin ... input signal Sdp ... Display signal Stt ... Processing terminal signal Ssc ... Sensor signal Sad ... voice signal

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C032 HB22 HD21                 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB13 AC14                       AC16                 5H180 AA01 BB05 BB13 FF04 FF05                       FF13 FF22 FF25 FF27                 5K067 AA15 AA41 BB21 BB36 BB41                       FF03 GG01 HH21 HH22 HH23

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A terminal device for receiving and accumulating navigation information transmitted from a server device via a network while moving with a mobile body, and transmitting the navigation information to the terminal device via the network. In the communication navigation system configured by the server device for performing navigation processing for assisting the movement of the moving body using the navigation information, the navigation information stored in the terminal device is the latest Confirming means for confirming whether or not the navigation information is the relevant navigation information, and only when it is confirmed that the stored navigation information is not the latest relevant navigation information, the latest relevant navigation information is transferred from the server device to the terminal device. Accumulated by sending Communication navigation system comprising: an updating means for updating the navigation information are, the. 2. The communication navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the server device has navigation information storage means for storing and storing the latest navigation information, and for each terminal device, the navigation information is stored in the terminal device. Update information storage means for storing and storing update information indicating the update status of the navigation information, and the confirmation means is an identification means provided in the server device,
Identification means for identifying the terminal device connected to the server device via the network, and determination means provided in the server device for storing and storing the terminal device corresponding to the identified terminal device. Determination means for determining whether or not the navigation information stored in the identified terminal device is the latest navigation information based on the updated information. Is an extracting means provided in the server device, and when it is confirmed that the navigation information stored in the identified terminal device is not the latest navigation information, the identified terminal Extracting means for extracting the latest navigation information to be transmitted to the device from the navigation information storing means; A transmitting unit provided in the terminal device, the transmitting unit transmitting the latest extracted navigation information to the identified terminal device via the network; The latest navigation information transmitted from the server device is received, and the navigation information stored in the terminal device is received using the received latest navigation information. A communication navigation system comprising: a reception update means for updating. 3. The communication navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the server device includes navigation information storage means for storing and storing the latest navigation information, and the confirmation means is provided in the terminal device. Update information transmitting means for transmitting update information indicating update status of the navigation information accumulated in the terminal device to the server device via the network, and The navigation information corresponding to the update information is the navigation information to be updated by searching the navigation information storage means using the transmitted update information. Determination means for determining whether or not there is an update hand. The step is an extracting unit provided in the server device, and corresponds to the navigation information to be updated when it is determined that the navigation information corresponding to the update information is the navigation information to be updated. Extraction means for extracting the latest navigation information from the navigation information storage means, and transmission means provided in the server device for transmitting the extracted latest navigation information to the update information. A sending unit for sending to the terminal device via the network, and a receiving and updating unit provided in the terminal device for receiving the latest navigation information sent from the server device. , Before being stored in the terminal device using the latest received navigation information. Communication navigation system characterized in that it is configured and receiving updating means for updating the navigation information by. 4. The communication navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the navigation information is map information used for the navigation processing and the transmission provided in the server device. The means transmits the map information to be transmitted to the terminal device for each administrative division. 5. A server device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 2, wherein the navigation information storage means, the update information storage means, the identification means, the determination means, and A server device comprising: an extracting unit and the transmitting unit. 6. A server device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 3, further comprising: the navigation information storage means, the determination means, the extraction means, and the transmission means. A server device characterized by: 7. A terminal device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 2, wherein the terminal device includes the reception update means. 8. A terminal device included in the communication navigation system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the terminal device includes the update information transmitting unit and the reception updating unit.