JP2003315050A - Method and system for map information downloading and information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply confirm, on a map, a place corresponding to an image. <P>SOLUTION: When a user U<SB>1</SB>presses an imaging button at a personal digital assistant (PDA) 1<SB>1</SB>, a processing part 16 stores static image data imaged by an imaging part 10 so as to be accompanied by positional data detected by a present-position detection part 11. When static image data imaged recently by the PDA 1<SB>1</SB>is transmitted to a user U<SB>2</SB>together with mail, it is received by a communication part 13 at a PDA 1<SB>2</SB>so as to be stored in a storage part 14 by the processing part 16. When desired reception mail is selected and operated at the PDA 1<SB>2</SB>, the processing part 16 displays a content of reception main data on a display 12 together with a static image. When a map request is operated, the processing part 16 controls the communication part 13, it issues to a map information downloading device 4 the map request in which the positional data corresponding to the static image being displayed is used as position coordinates to be taken notice, and it displays, on the display 12, the map with a position mark to be taken notice on the basis of answered map information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a map information distribution method,
The present invention relates to a map information distribution system and an information terminal, and more particularly to a map information distribution method, a map information distribution system, and an information terminal that enable a position to be easily confirmed on a map when an image is related to a specific place.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A portable PDA (Personal Digital Ass
Some portable information terminals such as istants), notebook PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, PHSs (Personal Handyphone Systems) are equipped with digital cameras, and still images of landscapes, buildings, people, etc. at desired locations or Capture a moving image, store it in the terminal and call it up when desired, and display it, or send it to the desired party via the network, such as by attaching an e-mail, etc., and send it to the other party's mobile information terminal or stationary, vehicle-mounted information It can be displayed on the terminal.

[0003]

By the way, when a photograph is taken at a strange place such as a trip, even if the photographer himself / herself does not know the address, the photographed place cannot be confirmed on the map later unless he / she knows the address. was difficult. Since it is difficult for the person who obtained the captured image data from another person to tell the photographer the address of the photographed location, the photographed location could not be confirmed on the map. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a map information distribution method, a map information distribution system, and an information terminal that can easily confirm a place corresponding to an image on a map.

[0004]

According to a map information distribution method of claim 1, a map information distribution device for accumulating map information and distributing the map information to the outside, and communication with the map information distribution device via a network. When a map request including the position coordinates of interest is received from the information terminal including one or more possible information terminals, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position of interest and sends it back to the requesting information terminal. In the map information distribution system according to the above, the information terminal includes a display unit, a current position detecting unit that detects the current position, and an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image capturing instruction, and capture image data captured by the image capturing unit, The position data detected by the current position detection unit at the time of capturing an image or when the position registration is instructed is stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and the captured image data is transmitted. According to the operation, the desired captured image data stored in the storage means is transmitted to the information terminal of the desired partner with the corresponding position data, and the captured image data with the position data received from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means. , When the map request operation is performed, the captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data stored in the storage unit or the desired captured image data automatically or according to the image calling operation upon reception. A map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device, in which the position data associated with the captured image is the target position coordinates, and when the map information is received, the map with the target position mark on the display means or the map and the image are captured. The feature is that an image is displayed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or a plurality of image transmission function-equipped information terminals and one or a plurality of image reception function-equipped information terminals capable of communicating with the image transmission function-equipped information terminals via a network. The function-equipped information terminal includes a current position detection unit that detects a current position, and an image pickup unit that picks up a still image or a moving image according to an image pickup instruction. At this point, the position data detected by the current position detection means is stored in the storage means in association with each other, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage means is attached with the corresponding position data in accordance with the transmission operation of the captured image data. The information is transmitted to the information terminal with the image reception function of a desired partner, and the information terminal with the image reception function is provided with a display means, and the position is received from the external information terminal with the image transmission function. The imaged image data with data is stored in the storage unit, and the imaged image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received imaged image data or desired imaged image data stored in the storage unit automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation. When a map request operation is performed, a map request with position data associated with the displayed captured image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, It is characterized in that the means displays the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the captured image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the information terminal includes display means, current position detection means for detecting a current position, and image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction. Positional data detected by the current position detecting means at the time of imaging or at the time of instructing position registration is stored in the storage means in association with each other, and desired imaged image data stored in the storage means in accordance with an image calling operation. Display the captured image on the display means based on
When a map request operation is performed, a map request having the position data associated with the displayed captured image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the display unit displays the position of interest. It is characterized in that a map with a mark or the map and the captured image are displayed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the information terminal includes a display means, stores position data corresponding to the image data received from the external information terminal in the storage means, and the storage means is automatically received or according to an image calling operation. When the image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received image data or desired image data stored in the display device and the map request operation is further performed, the position data associated with the displayed image is set as the position coordinate of interest. Send a map request to the map information distribution device,
When the map information is received, the display means displays the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the image. According to another aspect of the present invention, the information terminal includes a display unit and a storage unit capable of storing the image data with the corresponding position data. When an image is displayed and a map request operation is further performed, a map request having position data associated with the displayed image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, It is characterized in that the display means displays the map with the position-of-interest mark or the map and the image.

In the information terminal and the information terminal with the image receiving function according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, the latest received (imaging) image data stored in the storage means or the desired image data is received automatically or according to the image calling operation. When the (imaging) image is displayed on the display means based on the (imaging) image data, and a map request operation is further performed, a map request having position data associated with the displayed (imaging) image as the position coordinate of interest is issued. When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received, the map with the position-of-interest mark or the map and the (captured) image are displayed on the display means. The (captured) image is displayed on the display means based on the latest (captured) image data or the desired (captured) image data stored in the storage means, and is further displayed (captured). A map request having the position data associated with the image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the (imaging) image and the map with the position of interest mark are displayed on the display means. (In this case, the (captured) image and the map with the position-of-interest mark are displayed side by side, or the display is switched according to the switching operation, or the captured image is displayed in an area excluding the position of interest on the map. It may be displayed in layers). Alternatively, the latest (imaging) image data or the desired (imaging) image data stored in the storage unit is automatically received or according to the image calling operation.
When a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the position information associated with the image data is the position coordinates of interest, and the map information is received, the map information and the latest information are received (imaging).
Based on image data or desired (imaging) image data,
The (imaging) image and the map with the position-of-interest mark may be displayed on the display means (at this time, the (imaging) image and the map with the position-of-interest mark may be displayed side by side, or may be switched in accordance with the switching operation. It may be displayed, or a (captured) image may be displayed in an overlapping manner on the area where the target position on the map is removed.

According to the information terminal of claims 3 and 5, in accordance with the image calling operation, the (imaging) image is displayed on the display means based on the desired (imaging) image data stored in the storage means,
When a map request operation is performed, a map request with the position data associated with the displayed (captured) image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the display means is displayed. Although the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the (captured) image is displayed, the (captured) image is displayed on the display unit based on the desired (captured) image data stored in the storage unit according to the image calling operation. When a map request is displayed to the map information distribution device and position information associated with the displayed (captured) image is used as the position coordinates of interest, and the map information is received, the (captured) image is displayed on the display means. And a map with the position-of-interest mark may be displayed (at this time, the (imaged) image and the map with the position-of-interest mark may be displayed side by side, or may be switched and displayed in accordance with the switching operation, or may be displayed on the map. In a region removed an eye position may be or displayed over the (captured) image). Alternatively, according to the image calling operation, the desired (imaging) stored in the storage means
A map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device with position data associated with the image data as the position coordinates of interest, and when the map information is received, display means is displayed based on the map information and desired (imaging) image data. The (imaged) image and the map with the position-of-interest mark may be displayed on the screen (at this time, the (imaged) image and the map with the position-of-interest mark may be displayed side by side or may be switched and displayed in accordance with the switching operation. Alternatively, a (captured) image may be displayed in an overlapping manner on a region of the map where the focus position is removed).

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a map information distribution system, which stores map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of map information distribution devices which can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When receiving a map request including the position coordinates of interest from the information terminal including the information terminal, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the information terminal of the request source, and the periphery of the position coordinates of interest. In the map information distribution system capable of displaying the map, the information terminal includes a display unit, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image capturing instruction, and an image capturing unit that captures the image. A storage unit that stores the captured image data associated with the position data detected by the current position detection unit at the time of capturing the image or at the time when the position registration is instructed. , A communication means capable of communicating with other information terminals and a map information distribution device via a network, an operation means for performing an image capturing instruction operation, an operation of transmitting captured image data to a desired partner, a map request operation, and a captured image data With the position data received from the external information terminal by the communication means by controlling the communication means according to the transmission operation to transmit the desired captured image data stored in the storage means with the corresponding position data to the desired partner information terminal. The captured image data of the above is stored in the storage unit, and the captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data stored in the storage unit or desired captured image data automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation. When the map request operation is performed, the map request is made by using the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the communication means as the position coordinates of interest. Is originating the multicasting device, the map information is received by the communication unit, further comprising a processing means for displaying a map or the map and the captured image with the interested position mark on the display means, it is characterized in.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or a plurality of image transmission function-equipped information terminals and one or a plurality of image reception function-equipped information terminals capable of communicating with the image transmission function-equipped information terminals via a network. The function-equipped information terminal is instructed to register a current position detecting unit that detects a current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image capturing instruction, and a time point or position registration of captured image data captured by the image capturing unit. Storage means for storing the position data detected by the current position detection means in association with each other at the time point, communication means capable of communicating with other information terminals via a network, image capturing instruction operation, captured image data to a desired partner And the position data corresponding to the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit by controlling the communication unit according to the transmission operation of the captured image data. In the information terminal with image reception function, the information terminal with image reception function is provided with a processing means for transmitting the information to a desired partner information terminal, and a communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network. The imaged image data with position data received by the means from an external information terminal with an image transmission function is stored in the storage means, and the latest received imaged image data stored in the storage means is automatically received or according to the image calling operation. Alternatively, when a captured image is displayed on the display unit based on desired captured image data and a map request operation is performed, the map in which the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the communication unit is set as the position coordinate of interest When the request is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means, the display means displays the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the captured image. Further comprising a management unit, and is characterized in.

In the eighteenth aspect, the information terminal displays the display means, the current position detection means for detecting the current position, the image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image according to the image pickup instruction, and the picked up image data picked up by the image pickup means. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time of capturing an image or when a position registration is instructed; a communication unit capable of communicating with a map information distribution device via a network; An operation means for performing an instruction operation, an image call operation, and a map request operation, and in accordance with the image call operation, a captured image is displayed on the display means based on the desired captured image data stored in the storage means, and the map request operation is further performed. When,
When the map information distribution device is caused to send a map request in which the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the communication means is the target position coordinates, and the communication means receives the map information, the display means is focused. A map with a position mark or a processing means for displaying the map and a captured image is provided.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the information terminal includes a display means, a communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, and image data received by the communication means from an external information terminal. Corresponding position data is stored in the storage means, and an image is displayed on the display means based on the latest received image data or desired image data stored in the storage means automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation, and a map request is made. When the operation is performed, the map information distribution device is caused to transmit a map request in which the position data associated with the image displayed by controlling the communication means is the position coordinates of interest,
When the map information is received by the communication means, the display means is provided with a map with a focus position mark or a processing means for displaying the map and an image.

According to a twentieth aspect, the present invention includes a map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the information terminal, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest, and returns it to the information terminal of the request source to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the map information distribution system, the information terminal includes a display unit,
Communication means capable of communicating with the map information distribution device via the network, storage means capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and display based on desired image data stored in the storage means according to an image calling operation When an image is displayed on the means and a map request operation is performed, a map request having the position data associated with the image data displayed by controlling the communication means as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, When the map information is received by the communication means, the display means is provided with a map with a focus position mark or a processing means for displaying the map and an image.

In the information terminal and the information terminal with an image receiving function according to claims 16, 17, and 19, the processing means receives the latest (captured) image stored in the storage means automatically or according to an image calling operation. When the (imaging) image is displayed on the display unit based on the data or the desired (imaging) image data, and the map request operation is further performed, the position data associated with the displayed (imaging) image is set as the position coordinate of interest. When a map request is sent to the map information distribution device, and the map information is received, the display means displays the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the (captured) image. In accordance with the image calling operation, the latest (captured) image data or desired (captured) image data stored in the storage means is displayed on the display means (captured).
An image is displayed, and a map request having position data associated with the displayed (captured) image as the position coordinate of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the display means displays (captured image). ) An image and a map with a position-of-interest mark may be displayed (in this case, the (imaging) image and the map with a position-of-interest mark are displayed side by side, or the display is switched according to the switching operation, or the map is displayed. (Captured) images may be overlapped and displayed in an area excluding the position of interest above).
Alternatively, a map request that uses the position data associated with the most recently received (imaging) image data stored in the storage means or the desired captured image data as the position coordinate of interest is automatically mapped upon reception or according to the image calling operation. When the map information is transmitted to the information distribution device and the map information is received, the (imaging) image and the target position mark are displayed on the display means based on the map information and the latest (imaging) image data or desired (imaging) image data. It is also possible to display an attached map (in this case, the (captured) image and the map with the position-of-interest mark are displayed side by side, or the display is switched according to the switching operation, and the position of interest on the map is excluded. The (captured) image may be overlapped and displayed on the selected area).

In the information terminal according to claims 18 and 20, according to the image calling operation, the processing means displays (imaging) on the display means based on desired (imaging) image data stored in the storage means.
When an image is displayed and a map request operation is further performed, a map request with the position data associated with the displayed (captured) image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map information is received. Then, the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the (captured) image are displayed on the display means, but the display means is displayed based on the desired (captured) image data stored in the storage means in accordance with the image calling operation. To (imaging)
An image is displayed, and a map request having position data associated with the displayed (captured) image as the position coordinate of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the display means displays (captured image). ) An image and a map with a position-of-interest mark may be displayed (in this case, the (imaging) image and the map with a position-of-interest mark are displayed side by side, or the display is switched according to the switching operation, or the map is displayed. (Captured) images may be overlapped and displayed in an area excluding the above noted position). Alternatively, according to an image calling operation, a map request having position data associated with desired (captured) image data stored in the storage unit as the position coordinate of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map information is received. Then, based on the map information and desired (captured) image data, the display means may display the (captured) image and the map with the focus position mark (in this case, the (captured) image and the focus position mark. It is also possible to display the attached maps side by side, to switch and display in accordance with the switching operation, or to display (captured) images in an area where the position of interest on the map is removed.

In the information terminal according to the thirty-first aspect, the display means, the current position detection means for detecting the current position, the image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image according to the image pickup instruction, and the picked up image data picked up by the image pickup means. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time of image capturing or at the time of instructing position registration, and communication capable of communicating with other information terminals and map information distribution devices via a network. Means, an image pickup instruction operation, an operation means for transmitting image data to a desired partner, and a map request operation, and the communication means according to the image data transmission operation to control the desired captured image data stored in the storage means. It is sent to the information terminal of the desired partner with the corresponding position data, or the captured image data with the position data received by the communication means from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means. When receiving, automatically or in accordance with an image calling operation, the captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data stored in the storage unit or desired captured image data, and further map request operation is performed. When the map information is received by the communication unit, the map information distribution device is caused to issue a map request in which the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the communication unit is used as the focus position coordinates. It is characterized by comprising a map with a position of interest mark or a processing means for displaying the map and a captured image.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, the display means, the current position detection means for detecting the current position, the image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with the image pickup instruction, and the picked up image data picked up by the image pickup means are picked up at the time of picking up or. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other when the position registration is instructed, a communication unit that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network, an image capturing instruction operation,
According to the operation means for making a map request operation and the image calling operation, the captured image is displayed on the display means based on the desired captured image data stored in the storage means, and when the map request operation is further performed, the communication means is controlled. When a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the communication means receives the map information, the map with the position-of-interest mark is displayed on the display means. Alternatively, it is characterized by including the processing means for displaying the map and the captured image.

According to a thirty-third aspect, a current position detection means for detecting a current position, an image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image according to an image pickup instruction, and image pickup image data picked up by the image pickup means are instructed at an image pickup time point or position registration. Storage means for storing the position data detected by the current position detection means in association with each other, a communication means capable of communicating with other information terminals via a network, an image capturing instruction operation, image data to a desired partner And a processing unit that controls the communication unit according to the image data transmission operation to transmit the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit to the information terminal of the desired partner with the corresponding position data. It is characterized by having and.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect, the display means, the communication means capable of communicating with other information terminals and the map information distribution device via the network, the operation means for performing the map request operation, and the communication means from an external information terminal. The received image data is stored in the storage means together with the corresponding position data, and an image is displayed on the display means based on the latest received image data or the desired image data stored in the storage means automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation. When the map is displayed and a map request operation is further performed, a map request having the position data associated with the displayed image by controlling the communication means as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map is transmitted by the communication means. When the information is received, the display means is provided with a map with the position of interest mark or a processing means for displaying the map and the image.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect, a display means and a communication means capable of communicating with the map information distribution device via a network,
A storage unit capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and an image is displayed on the display unit based on desired image data stored in the storage unit according to an image calling operation,
When a map request operation is further performed, the communication means is controlled to cause the map information distribution device to issue a map request having the position data associated with the image being displayed as the position coordinates of interest, and the communication means receives the map information. Then, a map with the position of interest mark on the display means or a processing means for displaying the map and an image,
It is characterized by having.

According to Claims 31 and 34, the processing means automatically or upon image reception operation upon display, displays based on the latest (captured) image data or desired (captured) image data stored in the storage means. When the (imaging) image is displayed on the means and the map request operation is further performed, the map request is generated by controlling the communication means and using the position data associated with the displayed (imaging) image as the position coordinates of interest. When you send it to the distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means,
The map with the position of interest mark or the map and the (captured) image is displayed on the display means, but the latest received (captured) image data stored in the storage means is automatically received or according to the image calling operation. Or desired (imaging)
A map request is displayed on the display means on the basis of the image data, and the map information is transmitted to a map request in which position data associated with the displayed (imaged) image is displayed by controlling the communication means. When the map information is transmitted and the map information is received by the communication means, the display means may display the (captured) image and the map image with the target position mark (in this case, the (captured) image and the target position mark are attached. Displayed side by side, or switching display with switching operation,
(Captured) images may be displayed in an overlapping manner on the area where the position of interest on the map is removed. Alternatively, a map request in which the latest received (imaging) image data stored in the storage unit or position data associated with desired (imaging) image data is set as the position coordinate of interest, either automatically at the time of reception or according to an image calling operation. When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means, the (imaging) image is displayed on the display means based on the map information and the latest (imaging) image data or desired (imaging) image data. And a map image with the position of interest mark may be displayed (in this case, the (imaging) image and the map with the position of interest mark are displayed side by side, or are switched and displayed on the map according to the switching operation. The (captured) image may be displayed so as to be overlapped with the area excluding the position of interest.

According to the thirty-second and thirty-fifth aspects, the processing means displays the (captured) image on the display means based on the desired (captured) image data stored in the storage means in accordance with the image calling operation, and further performs the map request operation. Then, the map information distribution device is caused to send a map request in which the position data associated with the (captured) image displayed by controlling the communication device is transmitted, and the communication device receives the map information. Then, the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the (captured) image are displayed on the display means.
The (imaging) image is displayed on the display means based on the desired (imaging) image data stored in the storage means, and the communication means is further controlled to determine the position data associated with the displayed (imaging) image. A map request for coordinates may be transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received by the communication means, the (imaging) image and the map with the position of interest mark may be displayed on the display means (at this time). , (Captured) image and the map with the position of interest mark are displayed side by side, they are switched and displayed according to the switching operation, and the (Captured) image is displayed overlaid on the area where the target position on the map is removed. May be). Alternatively, according to the image calling operation, a map request having the position data associated with the desired (imaging) image data stored in the storage unit as the position coordinate of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map information is transmitted by the communication unit. When received,
Based on the map information and desired (captured) image data, the display unit may display the (captured) image and the map image with the focus position mark (in this case, the (captured) image and the focus position mark with The maps may be displayed side by side, may be switched and displayed in accordance with the switching operation, or the (captured) image may be displayed in an overlapping manner on a region excluding the position of interest on the map).

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a map information distribution system according to the present invention. 1 ₁ ,
1 _2, ... are each user U _1, U _2, a portable information terminal ... possessed individually (notebook computer, PDA, mobile phone, PHS, etc.), with the image transmission and reception functions. Portable information terminal 1 _1, 1 _2, ... various information terminals outside via a network (portable information terminal, stationary information terminal such as a desktop computer, such as vehicle information terminal), various information distribution device on the network Can communicate with.
The portable information terminals 1 ₁ , 1 ₂ , ... Capture still images or moving images, store the captured image data with position data at the time of instructing image capturing or at the time of instructing position registration, and various external information. The captured image data received from a terminal (a mobile information terminal, a stationary information terminal, an in-vehicle information terminal, etc.) or an information distribution device is stored. The stored captured image data is sent to the information terminal (mobile information terminal,
(Stationary information terminals, in-vehicle information terminals, etc.) or image information distribution devices provided on the network
In addition, the stored captured image is displayed, or the position information attached to the displayed captured image is used as a target position coordinate to make a map request to the map information distribution device, and the target position mark is displayed based on the returned map information around the target position. Display the attached map.

Reference numeral 2 is a public network, 3 is an image information distribution device (image information distribution service computer system) operated by an application service provider, and 4 is a map information distribution device (map information distribution service computer system) operated by the application service provider. Yes, various external information terminals (mobile information terminals, stationary information terminals,
(Vehicle-mounted information terminal, etc.) and various information distribution devices on the network. The image information distribution device 3 stores the captured image data with position data transferred by designating an image storage address from an external information terminal at the designated image storage address of the storage means 30, while storing the image from the external information terminal. When an image request is made by designating an address, the image data stored at the designated image storage address is returned to the request source. At this time, the image information distribution apparatus 3 can use the requested image data type (format such as PNG, JPEG, or BMP) at the requesting terminal when the model information of the information terminal requesting the image is known. If it is usable, it is returned as it is. If it is not usable, the data is converted into a usable type and then returned.

The image storage address of the image information distribution device 3 is uniquely assigned on the public network by the URL. Here, ABCa, AB
Cb, ABCc, ... (See FIG. 6). Further, the image storage address ABCi (i = a,
Direct reception of image data from b, c ,.
It can be done by accessing the URL Ci, and the home page format of the image data of the image storage address ABCi (i = a, b, c, ...) Can be received in the ABD (ABC
It can be done by accessing the URL i) ((ABCi) is ABC as a parameter in the URL.
i means included).

In the storage means 40 of the map information distribution device 4,
A unit that is divided by a given longitude width and latitude width at a given scale
Map (code MP in FIG. 7_ijMap data for each (see map table)
Vector data for display) is stored. This map information
The information distribution device 4 is connected to the external information terminal via the network.
There is a map request with the target position coordinates P (longitude X, latitude Y)
And a certain range centered on the coordinates of the position of interest (portable information terminal
1₁1₂, ... Display a map of a predetermined scale on one screen.
The map display area when (when the target position is P in FIG.
All unit maps (see the target DA in Fig. 7)
MP for P _{twenty two}, MP_{twenty three}, MP₃₂, MP₃₃) Map
Data to the requester (focus on the header of the reply map information)
It is possible to display a map with a position mark of interest)
To do. The map request to the map information distribution device 4 should be focused on
With position coordinate P = (X, Y), EFG ((X, Y))
It can be done by accessing the URL.

The portable information terminal 1 ₁ is specifically constructed as shown in FIG.
The image pickup unit 11 which is composed of a digital camera unit which picks up an image in a preset image pickup mode (still image or moving image) and outputs picked-up image data, 11 detects the current position by GPS satellite navigation, and displays the current (longitude, latitude) The current position detection unit that outputs the position data, 12 is a display unit that displays the contents (text, image, link) of the received mail data, the captured image, the map with the position of interest mark, and 13 is controlled by the processing unit described later. It is connected to the public network 2 wirelessly, and various other information terminals (mobile information terminals 1 ₂ , ...
Various information distribution devices (image information distribution device 3,
A communication unit that communicates with the map information distribution device 4 and the like and sends and receives various kinds of information. Reference numeral 14 is a storage unit, and a captured image data storage area 14a that can store a plurality of captured image data captured by the image capturing unit 10 is received. It has a mail data storage area 14b for storing mail data and outgoing mail data, a temporary storage area 14c for temporarily storing data, and the like. 15 is
An operation unit, which is an image pickup mode selection operation, an image pickup instruction operation (using an image pickup button not shown), a position registration instruction operation (use a position registration button not shown), an instruction to transfer picked-up image data to an image information distribution device (image storage). Address designation), creation / transmission operation of sent mail, desired received mail selection operation (also serves as received image selection operation), link selection operation, display end operation, etc.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a processing unit, which controls each unit in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 15 to specify image pickup, display of desired picked-up image data, and an image storage address of the picked-up image data to the image information distribution device 3. Transfer, create / send mail to desired external information terminal (captured image data can be attached), receive mail from external information terminal, display desired received mail content, image information of public network 2 accompanying link selection The distribution device 3 and the map information distribution device 4 are accessed (image request, map request) and the like. Regarding image pickup, the image pickup unit 10 is controlled according to the image pickup instruction to perform image pickup according to the image pickup mode, and the image pickup image data is stored in the image pickup image data storage area 14a of the storage unit 14 while automatically giving a file name. The position data (longitude, latitude) (= (X, Y)) detected by the current position detection unit 11 at the time of image capturing and the image data type D are stored in the header. When an instruction operation for position registration accompanied by selection of desired captured image data is performed after image capturing, the processing unit 16 initially records the desired captured image data with the position data detected by the current position detection unit 11 at that time. Position data is rewritten (in the case of a building imaged from a distance, the imaging position and the building position are different, but after imaging,
You can register the location near the building).

Further, in the mail creation / transmission, the desired captured image data stored in the captured image data storage area can be attached to the mail and transmitted to the information terminal of the desired partner. In the content display of the desired received mail, When the captured image data is attached, the captured image is displayed using the captured image data in addition to the sender information, the title, the reception date and time, and the mail text, and the position data is included in the header of the captured image data. Therefore, if the URL for the map request link is not included in the email body, the URL for the map request with the position data (X, Y) as the parameter of the position coordinate of interest =
A map request link using EFG ((X, Y)) as link information (see map request button "MAP" in FIG. 8B) is automatically created and displayed. When the map request link is selected, the processing unit 16 controls the communication unit 13 to access the URL indicated by the link information and cause the external map information distribution device 4 to issue a map request (at this time, the mobile information terminal Send the terminal ID that knows the model together), the map information distribution device 4
The map information returned from the temporary storage area 1 of the storage unit 14
4c is temporarily stored, and a map with a target position mark is drawn and displayed using the map information (see FIG. 9).

Further, after the desired picked-up image data is transferred to the image information distribution device 3, if the image request URL including the image storage address as a parameter is transmitted to the information terminal of the desired partner by mail, the partner will be concerned You can access to view images. URL in the email received from the other party
, Is displayed, the processing unit 16 converts the URL into a link having link information and displays the content, so that the user can easily access the URL. The portable information terminals 1 ₂ , ... Are also constructed in exactly the same manner as 1 ₁ .

2 and 3 show the portable information terminal 1 _i (i = 1,
2, ...) Control processing of the processing unit 16; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing image information distribution processing of the image information distribution apparatus 3; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing map information distribution processing of the map information distribution apparatus 4; 6 is an explanatory diagram of the captured image data stored in the storage means 30 of the image information distribution device 3 for each address, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the area of the unit map data, and FIGS. 8 to 13 are the portable information terminals 1 _i . It is an explanatory view of a screen display example, and the operation of the above-described embodiment will be described below with reference to these drawings. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that only one image can be attached to the outgoing mail from the mobile information terminal 1 _i .

(1) Imaging User U₁Is user U₂A store you want to meet with
When you are in front of the₂To the image
If you want to send an image and tell where you are, first of all, personal digital assistant
1₁Use the operation unit 15 to select the shooting mode for still images or moving images.
When the selection operation is performed, the processing unit 16 registers in the storage unit 14.
(Steps S10 and S11 in FIG. 2). Next, click the imaging button
When the push imaging is instructed, the processing unit 16 controls the imaging unit 10.
In still image mode, capture a still image and
Mode, you can capture a moving image only while pressing the image capture button.
Image and capture image data (PD_aNew)
Automatically attaches the file name (here, "Image01")
It is recorded in the captured image data storage area 14a of the storage unit 14.
Remember, the captured image data PD_aImage data type in the header of
Formula D_aAnd the current position detection unit 11 detected at the time of image capturing.
Position data (X_a, Y _a) (= (Longitude, latitude))
(Steps S12, S13, S14).

In the case of capturing another landscape or the like, in the same manner as described above, new captured image data (including the position data and the image data format in the header) and a new file name are given to the image capturing of the storage unit 14. It is additionally stored in the image data storage area 14a. When you image a building from a distance,
When it is desired to record the position of the building from the imaged position, the operation unit 15 selects a desired imaged image in the imaged image data storage area 14a at the imaged building, and further presses the position registration button to instruct the position registration. When the operation is performed, the processing unit 16 rewrites the position data in the header of the desired captured image data with the position data detected by the current position detection unit 11 at that time (steps S15 and S16).

(2) A mail creation operation is performed by the captured image transmission operation unit 15, and the destination user U ₂
, The email address of the sender user U ₁ , the title (subject), and the text, and the file name of the desired captured image data (here, "Image01") was input to specify the attached file. Later (Fig. 8
(See (1)) When the mail transmission operation is performed, the processing unit 16 controls the communication unit 13 to transmit the mail with the attached image file to the user U ₂ via the public network 2 (steps S19 and S20). .

[0036] (3) received the transmitted mail data of a captured image is received in the portable information terminal 1 ₂ user U ₂ through the public network 2, the storage section 14
Is additionally stored in the mail data storage area 14b (steps S30 and S31 in FIG. 3). When the user operates the operation unit 15 to select the currently received mail to view the content of the currently received mail, the processing unit 16 determines, based on the desired received mail data stored in the mail data storage area 14 b of the storage unit 14, When there is attached image data together with the sender information, the title, the date and time of reception, and the text, the attached image (see reference numeral TI in FIG. 8B) is displayed on the display unit 1.
2 is displayed on the screen 12 ₂ (steps S32, S3
3). If the text contains a URL, U
A link having RL as link information is created and displayed. If there is a large amount of information and one screen cannot fit in one screen, scroll display is performed according to the scroll operation.

Next, it is checked whether the position data is included in the header of the image data attached to the desired received mail (step S34). Since it is attached, it is then checked whether the map request link has been displayed. Since it is not displayed here, the link information includes the position data as a parameter as the position coordinate of interest (link information = EFG). ((X _a , Y _a )) is automatically created and displayed (steps S35 and S36. See the map request button MB in FIG. 8 (2)).

(4) Map request When the user U ₂ wants to confirm the place displayed in the attached image TI on the map, when the map request button MB is selected on the operation unit 15 to perform the map request operation, the processing unit 16 Communication unit 13
URL indicated by the link information to control the URL = EFG ((X _a ,
Y _a )) to access the map information distribution device 4 on the public network 2 to make a map request with the coordinates of the position of interest (steps S37 and S38). Upon receipt of the request, the map information distribution device 4 receives the request based on the coordinates of the position of interest and stores the portable information terminal 1 _i at a predetermined scale centered on the position of interest from the storage unit 40.
The map data of all unit maps in which even one part of the map display area in FIG. 1 is read is collectively returned to the request source as map information (steps S60 and S6 in FIG. 5).
1. When the position of interest is P in FIG. 7, unit maps MP ₂₂ , MP
₂₃ , MP ₃₂ , and MP ₃₃ map data are returned. In addition,
The header of the reply map information includes the coordinates of the position of interest).

[0039] (5) the map display the returned map information is received at the portable information terminal 1 _second communication unit 13, the processing section 16 a temporary storage unit 14 storage area 14
It is stored in c (step S39 in FIG. 3). Then, using the received map information to draw a map centered on the interested position coordinates at a given scale, instead of the contents of a desired received mail that has been displayed previously on the screen 12 _2, focus position mark (in Fig. 9 A map is displayed together with reference numeral MM) (step S4)
0. (See MI in FIG. 9). As a result, the user U ₂ can confirm on the map where the captured image received from the user U ₁ is, and can easily arrive at the meeting. The map is displayed at the beginning of the content of the desired received mail (including sender information, title, reception date, text, image, map request link) or at the end of the content of the desired received mail. The content of the desired received mail and the map may be scroll-displayed by continuously performing the scroll operation. Alternatively, a reduced image of the captured image may be displayed in an overlapping manner on the corner of the map (see FIG. 1).
0 (1)), and the central portion of the captured image may be displayed so as to overlap the corner on the map (see FIG. 10 (2)). When the confirmation of the map is finished and the display is desired to be erased, the processing unit 16 erases the screen display by performing an end operation on the operation unit 15 (step S4).
1, S42).

(6) Creation of a map request link on the transmission side The user U ₁ uses the portable information terminal 1 ₁ to obtain an Image01
The URL of the map request link (= EFG) including the position data (X _a , Y _a ) as a parameter in the text when composing a mail addressed to the user U ₂ attached with the captured image data of
((X _a, Y _a))) see when you enter (FIG. 11 (1)), when to display the contents on the receiving side of the portable information terminal 1 ₂ select the received mail, the processing unit 16 Step S
Since a map request link (here, a character link) having the URL as the link information is created in 33 (see FIG. 11 (2)), the creation process in step S36 is not performed (YES in step S35), but the character link is created. By selecting, a map can be displayed in the same manner as described above. Incidentally, when using the portable information terminal 1 ₁ instructs the accompanying captured image data came with the position data when creating the mail, position data processing unit 16 automatically during mail text (X, Y) in the parameters URL of map request link including
= EFG ((X, Y)) may be created (see FIG. 11 (1)).

(7) Transfer of the captured image to the image information distribution device The user U ₁ stores, for example, the captured image data PD _a at the address ABCa (the unique address on the public network) of the image information distribution device 3, When another user wants to access the image information distribution device 3 and browse the desired image, the operation unit 15 selects the desired captured image in the captured image data storage area 14a and specifies the image storage address. The transfer operation to the image information distribution device.
Then, the processing unit 16 causes sending of the transfer request and controls the communication unit 13 to the addressed image data distribution device (portable information terminal 1 ₁ of the terminal ID is included), the request is accepted the captured image data PD _a picture The storage address ABCa is designated and transferred to the image information distribution device (step S1 in FIG. 2).
7, S18). The image information distribution device 3 stores the transferred captured image data PD _a in the designated image storage address ABCa of the storage unit 30 (step S5 in FIG. 4).
0, S51. (See FIG. 6). Similarly, the other captured image data PD _b and PD _c are also stored in the image storage address ABCb,
When ABCc is designated and transferred, the image information distribution device 3
Means to transfer the transferred picked-up image data PD _b and PD _c to the designated image storage addresses ABCb and A of the storage means 30, respectively.
It is stored in the BCc (steps S50 and S51 in FIG. 4).
(See FIG. 6).

(8) Notification of image storage address When the user U ₁ transfers to the image information distribution device 3 and wants the user U ₂ to view the captured image data PD _a , a mail addressed to the user U ₂ is created. , URL of the image storage address for directly requesting only the captured image data in the mail body = ABCa, or URL for requesting the captured image data in the home page format = ABD (AB
Ca) is input and transmitted (steps S19 and S in FIG. 2).
20. See FIG. 12 (1).

The mail data sent is received by the portable information terminal 1 ₂ user U ₂ through the public network 2, it is stored in addition to the mail data storage area 14b of the storage unit 14 (step S30 in FIG. 3 , S31). When the user operates the operation unit 15 to select the currently received mail to view the content of the currently received mail, the processing unit 16 determines, based on the desired received mail data stored in the mail data storage area 14 b of the storage unit 14, When the URL is included in the text together with the sender information, the title, the reception date and time, and the text, a link having the URL as the link information is created and displayed (steps S32 and S33. FIG. 12 (2)).
reference). The image request links PL1 and PL2 are displayed.
If there is a large amount of information and one screen cannot fit in one screen, scroll display is performed according to the scroll operation.

(9) Image viewing When the user U ₂ selects the image requesting link PL1 and performs an image requesting operation, the processing section 16 controls the communication section 13 to access the URL = ABCa indicated by the link information and make it public. the image information distribution apparatus 3 over the network 2 to transmit the image request (the portable information terminal 1 ₂ terminal ID is included) (step S37, S38). Upon receiving the request, the image information distribution device 3 reads the picked-up image data PD _a stored in the designated image storage address ABCa, and outputs the terminal ID.
From the information, the model is specified to determine whether the image data format D _a can be used in the requesting information terminal (steps S52 and S5 in FIG. 4).
3), if usable, designated captured image data PD _a
Is returned to the request source in the same data format (step S
54), if not usable, the designated captured image data P
Converts D _a into a usable data format portable information terminal 1 ₂ returns to the requestor (step S55). Due to this, when sent directly by e-mail, depending on the model, the image may not be displayed correctly on the receiving side information terminal,
By converting the data type on the image information distribution device 3 side, the image can be displayed correctly. Note that step S
If it cannot be determined in 53, the process proceeds to step S54 and the designated captured image data PD _a is returned to the request source in the same data format.

The returned captured image data PD _a is received by the communication unit 13, and the processing unit 16 stores it in the temporary storage area 14c of the storage unit 14 (step S39). Then, the processing unit 16 displays the reply image on the screen 12 ₂ of the display unit 12 based on the returned captured image data PD _a (step S40; see the reference symbol RI in FIG. 13 (1)). Next, it is checked whether or not the position data is included in the header of the captured image data PD _a returned this time (step S34). Since it is attached, it is then checked whether the map request link has been displayed.Since it is not displayed here, the link information includes the position data as a parameter as the position coordinates of interest. Link information =
EFG ((X _a , Y _a )) is automatically created and displayed (steps S35 and S36. See reference symbol MB in FIG. 13 (1)). In addition, when it is desired to browse the captured image data PD _b and PDc, URL = ABCb and ABCc may be accessed respectively.

(10) When a user U ₂ selects an image requesting link PL2 and performs an image requesting operation while browsing an image in the home page format, the processing section 16 controls the communication section 13 and the URL indicated by the link information. = ABD (ABCA) to is accessed for the image information distribution apparatus 3 over the public network 2 to transmit the image request (the portable information terminal 1 ₂ terminal ID is included) (step S37, S38). Upon receiving the request, the image information distribution device 3 reads the picked-up image data PD _a stored at the specified image storage address ABCa, identifies the model from the terminal ID, and the image data format D _a at the requesting information terminal. It is determined whether or not it can be used (steps S56 and S57 in FIG. 4), and if it is usable, the designated captured image data PD _a is included in the same model as it is, and a map request link (map request button, link information = EFG).
Predetermined home page data including ((X _a , Y _a ))) is returned to the request source (step S58), and if it is unusable, the designated captured image data PD _{a is transferred} to the portable information terminal 1 ₂
Image data PD converted into a data format that can be used in
Predetermined home page data including _a and a map request link is returned to the request source (step S59).

The returned home page data is the communication unit 1
3, and the processing unit 16 stores it in the temporary storage area 14c of the storage unit 14 (step S39). Then, based on the returned data, the processing unit 16 displays the reply image RI and the map request button on the screen 12 ₂ of the display unit 12 (FIG. 13 (2)).
The reply home page including the reference numeral MB ') is displayed (step S40; refer to HP in FIG. 13B). Next, it is checked whether the position data is included in the header of the captured image data PD _a returned this time (step S3).
4). Since it is attached, it is checked whether the map request link has been displayed. Since it is displayed here, no link is created (YES in step S35). By using the home page type, other request links, images, and sentences can be arbitrarily added on the image information distribution device side. If the user wishes to browse the captured image data PD _b and PDc in a homepage format, URL = ABD (ABCb) and ABD, respectively.
You can access (ABCc).

(11) Map request and display When the user U ₂ wants to confirm the place displayed by the reply image RI on the map, the map request button (see FIG. 13) on the operation unit 15 is displayed.
When MB of (1) or MB 'of FIG. 13 (2) is selected and a map request operation is performed, the processing unit 16 controls the communication unit 13 to show URL = EFG ((X _a ,
Y _a )) to access the map information distribution device 4 on the public network 2 to make a map request with the coordinates of the position of interest (steps S37 and S38). Upon receipt of the request, the map information distribution device 4 receives the request based on the coordinates of the position of interest and stores the portable information terminal 1 ₁ at a predetermined scale including the position of interest from the storage unit 40.
The map data of all unit maps in which even one part of the map display area in FIG. 1 is read is collectively returned to the request source as map information (steps S60 and S6 in FIG. 5).
1. Note that the header of the reply map information includes the coordinates of the position of interest).

The map information returned portable information received by the communication unit 13 of the terminal 1 _2, the processing unit 16 is stored in the temporary storage area 14c of the storage unit 14 (step S39 in FIG. 3),
A map centered on the position coordinates of interest is drawn at a predetermined scale using the received map information, and the reply image (in the case of FIG. 13 (1)) previously displayed on the screen 12 ₂ or the reply homepage (FIG. 13 ( Instead of (in the case of 2)), the map is displayed together with the target position mark (step S40; see FIG. 9). Thus, the user U ₂ can confirm on the map where the reply image RI is. The map display is shown in FIG.
In the case of (1), the reply image RI is interrupted at the beginning or after the reply image RI (here, the map request button MB
It is also possible to scroll the reply image RI and the map by a scrolling operation after (after).
In the case of FIG. 13 (2), the reply homepage HP may be interrupted at the beginning or may be continuously performed after the reply homepage HP, and the reply homepage HP and the map may be scroll-displayed by a scroll operation. When the confirmation of the map is finished and the display is desired to be erased, the processing unit 16 erases the screen display by performing an ending operation on the operation unit 15 (steps S41 and S42).

(12) Confirmation of image and image picked up by himself When the user U ₁ wants to check the image picked up by himself or to check the position of the image picked up on the map, the operation unit 15 stores the imaged image data storage. When the desired image in the area 14a is called, the processing unit 16 displays the captured image on the screen based on the desired captured image data (step S43 in FIG. 3,
S44). As a result, the image captured by itself can be confirmed on the screen. After that, the processing unit 16 proceeds to step S34 and creates a map request link using the position data attached to the captured image data and displays it under the captured image (steps S34 to S36). Therefore, the position of the captured image can be confirmed on the map by selecting the map request link.

In the above description, the portable information terminal 1
The captured image captured by ₁ is displayed in the portable information terminal 1 _2, and has been described for the case of map check in portable information terminal 1 _2, generally captured image captured by the portable information terminal 1 _i of the other portable information terminal Displayed at 1 _j and personal digital assistant 1
_{The same} can be done when checking the map with _j .

According to this embodiment, the portable information terminal 1
_The captured image data of the still image or the moving image captured in _i can be stored with the position data of the image capturing position or the desired position, and the captured image data with the position data can be transmitted to the portable information terminal 1 _j of the desired partner. On the receiving side, the captured image can be displayed based on the received captured image data and the image can be confirmed, and a map request with the position data attached to the display image as the position coordinate of interest is issued to the map information distribution device 4 and returned. It is also possible to display a map with a position-of-interest mark based on the map information and confirm the location associated with the captured image on the map.

Further, when the picked-up image data with the position data is transferred from the portable information terminal 1 _i to the image information distribution device 3 provided on the network by specifying the image storage address and stored therein, the image information distribution device 3 is stored. Is another mobile information terminal 1 _j
When there is an image request that specifies the image storage address from, the captured image data with position data of the specified image storage address is returned to the request source, so the receiving side displays the captured image based on the returned captured image data. While confirming the image, a map request is made to the map information distribution device 4 with the position data attached to the display image as the position coordinates of interest, and the map with the position of interest is displayed based on the returned map information, and the image is captured. The location associated with the image can also be confirmed on the map. At this time, the image information distribution device 3 returns the captured image data in a data type that matches the model of the portable information terminal 1 _{j that} is the image request source, so that the captured image can be reliably displayed on the receiving side.

In the above embodiment, the user selects the desired received mail so that the user can see the contents of the desired received mail including the desired captured image. However, as shown in FIG. When the mail is changed and the mail is received by the communication unit 13, the processing unit 16 determines YES in step S30 ′ and stores the received mail data in the mail data storage area 14b.
After that, the content (text, image (if attached), link) of the latest received mail data is automatically displayed (step S33 ′), the process proceeds to step S34, and the position data is added to the received mail. When the attached captured image is attached, the captured image and the map request link may be automatically displayed.

Further, the map information around the position associated with the desired picked-up image can be obtained by the user performing the map request operation. However, FIG. 3 is changed as shown in FIG. By selecting, when the content of the desired received mail including the desired captured image is displayed (steps S32 and S33), and when the displayed captured image is accompanied by position data, the position is automatically detected. A map request with data as the coordinates of the position of interest is issued to the map information distribution device (steps S70 and S71), and the map with the position of interest mark is interrupted at the beginning of the contents of the received mail based on the returned map information. Alternatively, it may be displayed continuously at the end so as to save the trouble of the map request operation (steps S72 and S73). The contents of the received mail and the map may be switched and displayed according to the switching operation. In the case of FIG. 15, when the operation unit calls the desired image in the imaged image data storage unit of the storage unit, the desired imaged image is first displayed (steps S43 and S44), and then the desired imaged image data is position data. In the case of attaching, the map information is automatically obtained by using the position data to obtain the map information, and the desired captured image and the map with the position-of-interest mark are displayed (step S).
70-S73. In this case as well, the map may be displayed after the desired captured image, the desired captured image may be displayed after the map, or the desired captured image and the map may be switched and displayed according to the switching operation. Is also good).

In FIG. 15, when the desired received mail is selected, the contents of the desired received mail are first displayed and then the map request is made. However, when the desired received mail is selected, the desired received mail is selected. If the desired received mail contains a captured image with position data, make a map request using the position data to obtain map information, and then display the contents of the desired received mail and the map with the position mark of interest. (The map may be displayed after the contents of the received mail, the contents of the received mail may be displayed after the map, or the contents of the received mail and the map can be switched according to the switching operation. You may switch the display according to the operation). Further, when the operation unit calls the desired image in the imaged image data storage means of the storage unit, the desired imaged image is first displayed and then the map is requested (step S4).
3, S44, S70, S71), when the desired image is called, if the desired captured image data has position data, a map request is made using the position data to obtain map information, and then the desired image is acquired. An image and a map with a position-of-interest mark may be displayed (the map may be displayed after the desired captured image, the desired captured image may be displayed after the map, or a switching operation may be performed. The desired captured image and the map may be switched and displayed according to the switching operation.

In the case of FIG. 14 as well, the user can obtain the map information around the position associated with the desired captured image by performing the map request operation. When the content is displayed, and when the captured image being displayed is accompanied by position data, a map request with the position data as the coordinates of the position of interest is automatically issued to the map information distribution device, and the returned map information is sent. Based on the above, the map with the position-of-interest mark may be interrupted at the beginning of the displayed contents of the received mail, displayed continuously at the end, or the contents of the received mail and the map may be switched according to the switching operation. . Alternatively, when a mail is received, before displaying the content of the latest received mail, first, if the latest received mail includes a captured image with position data, make a map request using the position data and map. After obtaining the information, the contents of the desired received mail and the map with the position of interest mark may be displayed afterwards (the map may be displayed after the contents of the received mail, or after the map). You may display the content of the received mail, or
The contents of the received mail and the map may be switched and displayed according to the switching operation).

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, all of the portable information terminals 1 ₁ , 1 ₂ , ... Are capable of capturing images, detecting the current position, and displaying images and maps. The mobile information terminal enables image pickup, current position detection, mail transmission, or image transfer to an image information distribution device, and the remaining one or more mobile information terminals are mobile, stationary, or vehicle-mounted information terminals, and mail. Reception, access to the image information distribution device and the map information distribution device, and display of images and maps may be possible. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image information distribution device is provided separately from the map information distribution device, but the map information distribution device may also have the function of the image information distribution device. Further, even if the information terminal on the receiving side is other than the captured image data, the present invention can be similarly applied when receiving image data with position data.

[0059]

According to the present invention, image data of a still image or a moving image captured by an information terminal capable of capturing and detecting the current position is stored with the position data of the image capturing position or the desired position, and the position data is added. The image data can be transmitted to the information terminal of the desired partner. The information terminal that receives the image data with position data can display the image based on the image data and confirm the image, as well as distribute the map information with the map request using the position data attached to the image as the position coordinates of interest. It is also possible to display the map with the position-of-interest mark based on the map information sent back to the device and confirm the location associated with the image on the map.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a map information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing control processing by a processing unit of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control processing by a processing unit of the mobile information terminal.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an image information distribution process of the image information distribution device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a map information distribution process of the map information distribution device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of contents stored in a storage unit of the image information distribution device.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing areas of a unit map.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a modified example of FIG.

15 is a flowchart showing another modified example of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ₁ 1 ₂ ... Information terminal 2 Public network 3 Image information distribution device 4 Map information distribution device 10 Imaging unit 11 Current position detection unit 12 Display unit 13 Communication unit 14 Storage unit 15 Operation unit 16 Processing unit 30, 40 Storage means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/60 302 G06F 17/60 302E G08G 1/137 G08G 1/137 G09B 29/00 G09B 29/00 A 29/10 29/10 A H04B 7/26 H04B 7/26 MH04Q 7/34 109T 7/38 106B F term (reference) 2C032 HB22 HB25 HC11 HC23 HC24 HC25 HC26 HD13 2F029 AA02 AA07 AB07 AB13 AC09 AC14 AC17 5B075 KK07 ND06 ND20 ND23 NK02 NK24 PP10 PP22 PQ02 PQ22 UU13 5H180 AA21 BB04 BB05 CC04 FF05 FF22 FF27 FF32 5K067 AA34 BB04 BB21 BB41 DD20 DD52 FF03 FF23 FF31 GG01 HH22 HH23 JJ56

Claims (43)

[Claims] 1. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives the map request with the coordinates of the position of interest from the map information distribution system, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. The present position detection means for detecting the present position, the image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image according to the image pickup instruction, and the present position detection at the time of picking up the imaged image data picked up by the image pickup means or the time point of the position registration The position data detected by the means are stored in association with each other in the storage means, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage means is stored in accordance with the transmission operation of the captured image data. Data is sent to the information terminal of the desired partner with the corresponding position data, and the captured image data with position data received from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and is stored automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation. When a captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the means, and a map request operation is further performed, position data associated with the displayed captured image is displayed. A map request with the position of interest as coordinates is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the display means displays the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the captured image. How to distribute map information. 2. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, which receives the map request with the coordinates of the position of interest, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the coordinates of the position of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. An additional information terminal and one or more information terminals with an image reception function capable of communicating with the information terminal with an image transmission function via a network, wherein the information terminal with an image transmission function detects a current position. , Equipped with an image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, at the time of picking up the imaged image data picked up by the image pickup means, or at the time of instructing position registration The position data detected by the current position detection unit is stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit according to the transmission operation of the captured image data is added to the desired position with the corresponding position data. To the information terminal with image receiving function, the information terminal with image receiving function is provided with a display unit, and the captured image data with position data received from the external information terminal with image transmitting function is stored in the storage unit and received. At any time, automatically or in accordance with the image calling operation, the captured image is displayed on the display means based on the latest received captured image data stored in the storage means or desired captured image data, and when the map request operation is further performed, it is displayed. When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution apparatus and the map information is received, the display means displays the map request having the position data associated with the captured image as the position coordinates of interest. The map information distribution method for it which is adapted to display a map or the map and the captured image with the interested position mark, the features. 3. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives the map request with the coordinates of the position of interest from the map information distribution system, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. The present position detection means for detecting the present position and the image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with the image pickup instruction are provided. The position data detected by the means is stored in the storage means in association with each other, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage means is stored in accordance with the image calling operation. Then, when the captured image is displayed on the display means and a map request operation is further performed, a map request having position data associated with the displayed captured image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map information is transmitted. Is received, the map with the position-of-interest mark or the map and the captured image is displayed on the display means. 4. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. The position data corresponding to the image data received from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and the most recently received image data or desired image stored in the storage means is automatically received or according to the image calling operation. When an image is displayed on the display means based on the data and a map request operation is further performed, the position data associated with the displayed image is set as the position coordinate of interest. Transmits a map request to the map information delivery apparatus, when the map information is received, the map information distribution method comprising, that so as to display the map or the map and images with focus position mark on the display means. 5. An information terminal comprising: a map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside; and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. And a storage means capable of storing the image data with corresponding position data. According to the image calling operation, the image is displayed on the display means based on the desired image data stored in the storage means, and the map request operation is further performed. Then, a map request having the position data associated with the displayed image as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the display means is displayed. It has to display the map or the map and images with the interested position mark, the map information distribution method comprising. 6. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. , Current position detection means for detecting the current position, and image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image according to the image pickup instruction, The position data detected by the detection unit is associated and stored in the storage unit, and the desired captured image stored in the storage unit in accordance with the transmission operation of the captured image data. The data is sent to the information terminal of the desired partner with the corresponding position data, the captured image data with the position data received from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and stored automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation. A map request that causes the display unit to display a captured image based on the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the device, and uses position data associated with the displayed captured image as the position coordinate of interest. Is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received, the display means displays the captured image and the map with the position-of-interest mark, and the map information distribution method. 7. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives the map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution system, the map information distribution device reads out the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the requesting information terminal. An information terminal with a function and one or more information terminals with an image reception function capable of communicating with the information terminal with an image transmission function via a network are provided, and the information terminal with an image transmission function detects a current position. Means, an image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, and when the image pickup image data picked up by the image pickup means is imaged or position registration is instructed. Then, the position data detected by the current position detection unit is stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit according to the transmission operation of the captured image data is added with the corresponding position data to the desired position. The information terminal with image reception function is transmitted to the other party, and the information terminal with image reception function is provided with a display means, and the captured image data with position data received from the external information terminal with image transmission function is stored in the storage means, The captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the storage unit automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation, and is associated with the displayed captured image. When a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map information is received, the captured image and the focus image are displayed on the display unit. Map information distribution method to that so as to display a map of the location with a mark, the said. 8. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. , Current position detection means for detecting the current position, and image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image according to the image pickup instruction, The position data detected by the detection unit is stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit is stored according to the image calling operation. The captured image is displayed on the display means on the basis of the display information, and a map request having the position data associated with the displayed captured image as the position coordinate of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map information is displayed. A means for displaying a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on the means. 9. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. The position data corresponding to the image data received from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and the most recently received image data or desired image stored in the storage means is automatically received or according to the image calling operation. An image is displayed on the display means based on the data, and a map request is delivered in which a map request in which the position data associated with the displayed image is the position coordinate of interest Sent to the location,
When the map information is received, the image and the map with the position-of-interest mark are displayed on the display means at the same time or in a switching manner, and the map information distribution method is characterized. 10. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. And a storage means capable of storing the image data with the corresponding position data. According to the image calling operation, the image is displayed on the display means based on the desired image data stored in the storage means, and the displayed image is displayed. Send a map request with the associated position data as the position coordinates of interest to the map information distribution device,
A map information distribution method, characterized in that, when the map information is received, the display means displays an image and a map with a position-of-interest mark. 11. A map information distribution device for accumulating map information and distributing the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals capable of communicating with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives the map request with the coordinates of the position of interest from the map information distribution device and reads back the map information around the coordinates of the position of interest and returns it to the information terminal of the request source, , Current position detection means for detecting the current position, and image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction. The position data detected by the detection unit is associated and stored in the storage unit, and the desired image stored in the storage unit is stored in accordance with the transmission operation of the captured image data. The image data is transmitted to a desired partner information terminal with the corresponding position data, the captured image data with the position data received from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation, A map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device, in which the latest received captured image data stored in the storage unit or position data associated with desired captured image data is set as the position coordinate of interest,
When the map information is received, based on the map information and the latest captured image data or desired captured image data,
A map information distribution method characterized in that the display means displays a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark. 12. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution system, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the information to the requesting information terminal. An information terminal with a function and one or more information terminals with an image receiving function capable of communicating with the information terminal with an image transmitting function via a network are provided, and the information terminal with an image transmitting function detects a current position. Means, an image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, and the time point or position registration of the picked-up image data picked up by the image pickup means is instructed. The position data detected by the current position detection unit at the point is stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit according to the transmission operation of the captured image data is requested with the corresponding position data. To the information terminal with image reception function of the other party, and the information terminal with image reception function is provided with a display means, and the captured image data with position data received from the external information terminal with image transmission function is stored in the storage means. , A map information distribution device that uses a map request having position data associated with the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the storage unit automatically as the reception request, or according to the image calling operation. Call to
When the map information is received, based on the map information and the latest captured image data or desired captured image data,
A map information distribution method characterized in that the display means displays a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark. 13. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. , Current position detection means for detecting the current position, and image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image according to the image pickup instruction, The position data detected by the detection unit is stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit is stored according to the image calling operation. When a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the position information associated with the position data is the position coordinates of interest, and the map information is received, the image pickup image is displayed on the display means based on the map information and desired image pickup image data. The map information distribution method is characterized in that the map with the position of interest mark is displayed. 14. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and returns the map information to the information terminal of the request source. The position data corresponding to the image data received from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and the most recently received image data or desired image stored in the storage means is automatically received or according to the image calling operation. When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received, the map information having the position data associated with the data as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device. Based on the captured image data or a desired captured image data received in the new map information distribution method characterized by, that as to display a map dated focused position mark captured image on the display means. 15. An information terminal including: a map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside; and one or more information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. In the map information distribution system, when the map information distribution device receives the map request with the coordinates of the position of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the coordinates of the position of interest and sends the map information back to the information terminal of the request source. And a storage unit capable of storing the image data with the corresponding position data, and a map request in which the position data associated with the desired image data stored in the storage unit is set as the position coordinate of interest according to the image calling operation. When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received, the display unit displays the captured image and the map with the position-of-interest mark based on the map information and desired image data. A map information distribution method characterized in that 16. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes: a display unit, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and a time point when the captured image data captured by the image capturing unit is captured. Alternatively, a storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other when the position registration is instructed, and another information terminal via the network. , A communication means capable of communicating with the map information distribution device, an operation means for performing an image capturing instruction operation, a transmission operation of captured image data to a desired partner, a map request operation, and a communication means for controlling the communication means in accordance with the transmission operation of the captured image data The desired captured image data stored in the storage means is transmitted to the information terminal of the desired partner with the corresponding position data, and the captured image data with the position data received by the communication means from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means. When receiving, automatically or according to the image calling operation, the captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data stored in the storage unit or the desired captured image data, and when the map request operation is performed, The map information distribution device is caused to transmit a map request in which the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the communication device is set as the position coordinates of interest, and the communication device When Figure information is received, the map information distribution system further comprising a processing means for displaying a map or the map and the captured image with the interested position mark on the display means, characterized by. 17. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request from the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest In the distribution system, one or more information terminals with image transmission function and one or more information terminals with image reception function capable of communicating with the information terminal with image transmission function via a network are provided. Is a current position detecting unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and imaged image data captured by the image capturing unit. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time point when the point or position registration is instructed, a communication unit that can communicate with other information terminals via a network, an imaging instruction operation, An operating means for transmitting the captured image data to the desired partner, and a desired partner with the position data corresponding to the desired captured image data stored in the storage means by controlling the communication means according to the transmission operation of the captured image data. The information terminal with image receiving function includes a display means, a communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, and a communication means of an external device. The captured image data with position data received from the information terminal with image transmission function is stored in the storage means,
When a map request operation is performed by displaying a captured image on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the storage unit automatically or according to the image calling operation upon reception, the communication unit The map information distribution device to transmit a map request in which the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the
A map information distribution system comprising: a map having a position-of-interest mark or a processing unit for displaying the map and a captured image on the display unit when the map information is received by the communication unit. 18. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request from the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes a display unit, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and a time point when the captured image data captured by the image capturing unit is captured. Alternatively, when the location registration is instructed, the storage means for storing the location data detected by the current location detection means in association with each other and the map information distribution via the network. A communication means capable of communicating with the device, an operation means for performing an image capturing instruction operation, an image calling operation, and a map request operation, and a captured image on the display means based on the desired captured image data stored in the storage means according to the image calling operation. When it is displayed and a map request operation is performed, a map request having the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the communication unit as the position coordinates of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and the map is transmitted by the communication unit. A map information distribution system comprising: a map with a position of interest mark or a processing unit that displays the map and a captured image when the information is received. 19. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes a display unit, a communication unit capable of communicating with other information terminals and a map information distribution apparatus via a network, and position data corresponding to image data received from the external information terminal by the communication unit. Is stored in the storage means, and based on the most recently received image data or desired image data stored in the storage means automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation. When the received image is displayed on the display means and the map request operation is performed, the map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device by controlling the communication means and using the position data associated with the displayed image as the position coordinates of interest. When the communication means receives the map information, the display means is provided with a processing means for displaying the map with the position-of-interest mark or the map and the image. 20. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes a display unit, a communication unit capable of communicating with the map information distribution apparatus via a network, a storage unit capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and a storage unit according to an image calling operation. An image is displayed on the display means based on the desired image data stored in the means, and when a map request operation is performed, the communication means is controlled to be associated with the displayed image. A process of causing a map information distribution device to issue a map request having the position data of the selected position data as coordinates of a position of interest, and when the communication device receives the map information, displaying the map with the position of interest mark or the map and the image on the display device. A map information distribution system characterized by including means and. 21. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes: a display unit, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and a time point when the captured image data captured by the image capturing unit is captured. Alternatively, a storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other when the position registration is instructed, and another information terminal or Communication means capable of communicating with the information distribution apparatus, operation means for performing an image capturing instruction operation and operation for transmitting captured image data to a desired partner, and controlling the communication means in accordance with the captured image data transmission operation to be stored in the storage means. The desired captured image data with the corresponding position data is transmitted to the information terminal of the desired partner, and the captured image data with the position data received by the communication means from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and automatically when received. Or in accordance with the image calling operation, the captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the storage unit, and the communication unit is further controlled to display the captured image. When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means, the map information is imaged on the display means. Map information distribution system for further comprising processing means for displaying a map with the interested position marked image, and the features. 22. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. A distribution system, comprising: one or more information terminals with image transmission function and one or more information terminals with image reception function capable of communicating with the information terminal with image transmission function via a network. Is a current position detecting unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image capturing instruction, and captured image data captured by the image capturing unit. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time point when the point or position registration is instructed, a communication unit that can communicate with other information terminals via a network, an imaging instruction operation, An operating means for transmitting the captured image data to the desired partner, and a desired partner with the position data corresponding to the desired captured image data stored in the storage means by controlling the communication means according to the transmission operation of the captured image data. The information terminal with image receiving function includes a display means, a communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, and a communication means of an external device. The captured image data with position data received from the information terminal with image transmission function is stored in the storage means,
The captured image is displayed on the display means based on the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the storage means automatically or according to the image calling operation at the time of reception, and is further displayed by controlling the communication means. When a map request is made to be transmitted to the map information distribution device by using the position data associated with the captured image as the position coordinates of interest and the map information is received by the communication means, the display means displays the captured image and the map with the position of interest mark. A map information distribution system, comprising: a processing unit for displaying. 23. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes: a display unit, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and a time point when the captured image data captured by the image capturing unit is captured. Alternatively, a storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other when the position registration is instructed, and an operation for performing an image capturing instruction and an image calling operation. And the position data associated with the captured image displayed by controlling the communication unit based on the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit according to the image capturing operation. And a processing unit that causes the map information distribution device to issue a map request for the coordinates of the position of interest and, when the communication unit receives the map information, displays the captured image and the map with the position of interest mark on the display unit. , A map information distribution system. 24. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes a display unit, a communication unit capable of communicating with other information terminals and a map information distribution apparatus via a network, and position data corresponding to image data received from the external information terminal by the communication unit. Is stored in the storage means, and based on the most recently received image data or desired image data stored in the storage means automatically at the time of reception or according to the image calling operation. The map information is displayed on the display means, and further the communication means is controlled to cause the map information distribution device to issue a map request having the position data associated with the displayed image as the position coordinates of interest. A map information distribution system comprising: a processing unit that displays an image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on the display unit when received. 25. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request from the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal has a display unit, a communication unit capable of communicating with the map information distribution device via a network, a storage unit capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and a storage unit according to an image calling operation. An image is displayed on the display means based on the desired image data stored in the means, and the position data associated with the displayed image is received by controlling the communication means. The map information distribution device is caused to transmit a map request for position coordinates, and when the communication means receives the map information, a processing means for displaying the image and the map with the position-of-interest mark on the display means is provided. Characteristic map information distribution system. 26. A map information distribution device for accumulating map information and distributing the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals capable of communicating with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes: a display unit, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and a time point when the captured image data captured by the image capturing unit is captured. Alternatively, a storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other when the position registration is instructed, and another information terminal or Communication means capable of communicating with the information distribution apparatus, operation means for performing an image capturing instruction operation and operation for transmitting captured image data to a desired partner, and controlling the communication means in accordance with the captured image data transmission operation to be stored in the storage means. The desired captured image data with the corresponding position data is transmitted to the information terminal of the desired partner, and the captured image data with the position data received by the communication means from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and automatically when received. Or according to the image calling operation, the map request is a map request in which the communication means is controlled and the latest received captured image data stored in the storage means or position data associated with desired captured image data is set as the position coordinate of interest. Send to the distribution device,
When the map information is received by the communication means, a processing means for displaying the picked-up image and the map with the position-of-interest mark on the display means based on the map information and the latest picked-up image data or desired picked-up image data. A map information distribution system characterized by: 27. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. A distribution system, comprising: one or more information terminals with image transmission function and one or more information terminals with image reception function capable of communicating with the information terminal with image transmission function via a network. Is a current position detecting unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image capturing instruction, and captured image data captured by the image capturing unit. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time point when the point or position registration is instructed, a communication unit that can communicate with other information terminals via a network, an imaging instruction operation, An operating means for transmitting the captured image data to the desired partner, and a desired partner with the position data corresponding to the desired captured image data stored in the storage means by controlling the communication means according to the transmission operation of the captured image data. The information terminal with image receiving function includes a display means, a communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, and a communication means of an external device. The captured image data with position data received from the information terminal with image transmission function is stored in the storage means,
A map request with the position data associated with the latest received captured image data stored in the storage unit or the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit by controlling the communication unit automatically or according to the image call operation upon reception When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means, the captured image and the position of interest mark are displayed on the display means based on the map information and the latest captured image data or desired captured image data. A map information distribution system comprising: a processing unit for displaying a map; 28. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes: a display unit, a current position detection unit that detects the current position, an image capturing unit that captures a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and a time point when the captured image data captured by the image capturing unit is captured. Alternatively, a storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other when the position registration is instructed, and an operation for performing an image capturing instruction and an image calling operation. And a map request having the position data associated with the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit as the position coordinates of interest by controlling the communication unit according to the image calling operation and the image calling operation. When the map information is received by the means,
A map information distribution system comprising: a processing unit that displays a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on a display unit based on the map information and desired captured image data. 29. A map information distribution device that accumulates map information and distributes the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request with the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes a display unit, a communication unit capable of communicating with other information terminals and a map information distribution apparatus via a network, and a position corresponding to the captured image data received by the communication unit from an external information terminal. The latest captured image data stored in the storage means by storing the data in the storage means and controlling the communication means automatically upon reception or according to the image calling operation Alternatively, a map request having position data associated with desired captured image data as coordinates of the position of interest is transmitted to the map information distribution device, and when the map information is received by the communication means, the map information and the latest information are received. A map information distribution system comprising: a processing unit that displays a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on a display unit based on captured image data or desired captured image data. 30. A map information distribution device for accumulating map information and distributing the map information to the outside, and one or a plurality of information terminals capable of communicating with the map information distribution device via a network. When the map information distribution device receives a map request from the position coordinates of interest from the map information distribution device, the map information distribution device reads the map information around the position coordinates of interest and sends the map information back to the requesting information terminal to display the map around the position coordinates of interest. In the distribution system, the information terminal includes a display unit, a communication unit capable of communicating with the map information distribution apparatus via a network, a storage unit capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and a storage unit according to an image calling operation. A map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device by using the position data associated with the desired captured image data stored in the means as the position coordinates of interest, and the communication means transmits the map. A map information distribution system comprising: a processing unit which, when the information is received, displays a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on a display unit based on the map information and desired captured image data. . 31. Display means, current position detection means for detecting the current position, image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, and picked up image data picked up by the image pickup means at the time of image pickup or position registration. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time of the instruction, a communication unit that can communicate with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, an image capturing instruction operation, Operation means for transmitting image data to a desired person and requesting a map, and controlling the communication means in accordance with the image data transmission operation to obtain desired captured image data stored in the storage means with corresponding position data. The image data with position data received by the communication means from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and automatically transmitted at the time of reception. Displays the picked-up image on the display unit based on the latest received picked-up image data stored in the storage unit or desired picked-up image data according to the image calling operation, and controls the communication unit when the map request operation is further performed. When a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the communication means receives the map information, the map with the position-of-interest mark is displayed on the display means. Alternatively, an information terminal comprising: a processing unit that displays the map and the captured image. 32. Display means, current position detection means for detecting the current position, image pickup means for picking up a still image or moving image according to an image pickup instruction, and image pickup image data picked up by the image pickup means at the time of image pickup or position registration. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time of the instruction, a communication unit that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network, and an image capturing instruction operation and a map request operation In accordance with the operation means and the image calling operation, the captured image is displayed on the display means based on the desired captured image data stored in the storage means, and when the map request operation is further performed, the communication means is controlled to display the captured image. When a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means, the map information is delivered to the display means. An information terminal, comprising: a map with eye position marks or a processing means for displaying the map and a captured image. 33. A current position detection means for detecting a current position, an image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, and a time point for picking up imaged image data picked up by the image pickup means or a point for instructing position registration. Storage means for storing position data detected by the current position detection means in association with each other, communication means capable of communicating with other information terminals via a network, image capturing instruction operation, and operation of transmitting image data to a desired partner And a processing unit that controls the communication unit according to the image data transmission operation to transmit the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit to the information terminal of the desired partner with the corresponding position data. An information terminal characterized by being provided. 34. Display means, communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, operation means for requesting a map, and an image received by the communication means from an external information terminal. The position data corresponding to the data is stored in the storage means, and an image is displayed on the display means based on the latest received image data or desired image data stored in the storage means automatically or according to the image calling operation upon reception, When a map request operation is further performed, the map information distribution device is caused to issue a map request in which the position data associated with the image displayed by controlling the communication device is the coordinate information of interest, and the communication device receives the map information. Then, the information terminal comprising: a map with the position-of-interest mark or a processing means for displaying the map and an image on the display means. 35. Display means, communication means capable of communicating with a map information distribution device via a network, storage means capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and storage means storing the image data in accordance with an image calling operation. When an image is displayed on the display means based on the desired image data that has been displayed and a map request operation is further performed, the map request in which the position data associated with the displayed image by controlling the communication means is set as the position coordinate of interest When the map information is transmitted to the map information distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means, the display means displays the map with the position of interest mark or the processing means for displaying the map and the image. Terminal. 36. Display means, current position detection means for detecting the current position, image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, and picked up image data picked up by the image pickup means at the time of image pickup or position registration. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time of the instruction, a communication unit that can communicate with other information terminals and a map information distribution device via a network, an image capturing instruction operation, Operation means for transmitting image data to a desired partner, and information of the desired partner with position data corresponding to the desired captured image data stored in the storage means by controlling the communication means in accordance with the image data transmission operation. Captured image data with position data received from an external information terminal by the communication means or stored in the storage means, and automatically or upon image reception upon reception In accordance with the operation, a captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the latest received captured image data or desired captured image data stored in the storage unit, and the communication unit is further controlled to be associated with the displayed captured image. A processing means for transmitting a map request having the position data as the position coordinates of interest to the map information distribution device and, when the map information is received by the communication means, displaying means for displaying the captured image and the map with the position of interest mark on the display means; An information terminal characterized by being provided. 37. Display means, current position detection means for detecting the current position, image pickup means for picking up a still image or a moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, and picked up image data picked up by the image pickup means at the time of image pickup or position registration. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the point of time indicated, a communication unit that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network, and an operation unit that performs an imaging instruction operation, In accordance with the image calling operation, the captured image is displayed on the display unit based on the desired captured image data stored in the storage unit, and the position data associated with the displayed captured image is further controlled by controlling the communication unit to obtain the position coordinate of interest. When a map request is sent to the map information distribution device and the map information is received by the communication means, the captured image and the map with the position-of-interest mark are displayed on the display means. An information terminal, comprising: 38. A display means, a communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, and a storage means for storing position data corresponding to image data received by the communication means from an external information terminal. The image is displayed on the display means on the basis of the latest received image data or desired image data stored in the storage means automatically upon receipt or according to the image calling operation, and is further displayed by controlling the communication means. When a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device with the position data associated with the image as the position coordinates of interest and the map information is received by the communication means, the image and the map with the position of interest mark are displayed on the display means. An information terminal, comprising: 39. A display means, a communication means capable of communicating with a map information distribution device via a network, a storage means capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and a storage means for storing the image data according to an image calling operation. An image is displayed on the display means based on the desired image data, and the communication means is further controlled to cause the map information distribution device to issue a map request with the position data associated with the image being displayed as the position coordinates of interest. An information terminal, comprising: processing means for displaying an image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on the display means when the map information is received by the communication means. 40. A display means, a current position detecting means for detecting a current position, an image capturing means for capturing a still image or a moving image according to an image capturing instruction, and captured image data captured by the image capturing means at an image capturing time point or position registration. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the time of the instruction, a communication unit that can communicate with another information terminal and a map information distribution device via a network, an image capturing instruction operation, Operation means for transmitting image data to a desired partner, and information of the desired partner with position data corresponding to desired captured image data stored in the storage means by controlling the communication means in accordance with the image data transmission operation. The captured image data with position data received by the communication means from the external information terminal is stored in the storage means, and automatically transmitted at the time of reception. Alternatively, in accordance with an image calling operation, the map information is distributed by controlling the communication means and using the latest received captured image data stored in the storage means or position data associated with desired captured image data as the position coordinate of interest. When the communication device receives the map information from the device and the communication means receives the map information, the display means displays a captured image and a map with a target position mark on the basis of the map information and the latest captured image data or desired captured image data. An information terminal comprising: a processing unit. 41. Display means, current position detection means for detecting the current position, image pickup means for picking up a still image or moving image in accordance with an image pickup instruction, and picked up image data picked up by the image pickup means at the time of image pickup or position registration. A storage unit that stores the position data detected by the current position detection unit in association with each other at the point of time indicated, a communication unit that can communicate with the map information distribution device via a network, and an operation unit that performs an imaging instruction operation, In accordance with the image calling operation, the communication means is controlled to cause the map information distribution device to issue a map request having the position data associated with the desired captured image data stored in the storage means as the position coordinates of interest, and the communication means maps the map. Once the information is received,
An information terminal comprising: a processing unit that displays a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on a display unit based on the map information and desired captured image data. 42. A display means, a communication means capable of communicating with another information terminal or a map information distribution apparatus via a network, and a position corresponding to the image data received by the communication means from an external information terminal or information distribution apparatus. The data is stored in the storage means, and when received, automatically or according to the image calling operation,
Controlling the communication means to cause the map information distribution device to transmit a map request having the latest received captured image data stored in the storage means or position data associated with desired captured image data as the position coordinate of interest, and to communicate When the map information is received by the means, a processing means for displaying the captured image and the map with the position of interest mark on the display means based on the map information and the latest captured image data or desired captured image data is provided. An information terminal characterized in that. 43. Display means, communication means capable of communicating with a map information distribution device via a network, storage means capable of storing image data with corresponding position data, and control of communication means in accordance with image calling operation. Then, when a map request is transmitted to the map information distribution device with the position data associated with the desired captured image data stored in the storage means as the position coordinate of interest, and the map information is received by the communication means,
An information terminal comprising: a processing unit that displays a captured image and a map with a position-of-interest mark on a display unit based on the map information and desired captured image data.