JP2004361188A - Map display device and map updating method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select and update automatically and properly a region of map information to be partially updated. <P>SOLUTION: This device is provided with a map data storage region 5B of a storage part 5 for storing map data divided into a plurality of regions having respectively a prescribed size, a control part 3 for setting a plurality of regions estimated to have a high utilization frequency by a user as an estimated utilization range SE by the user on a map based on a spot PH selected optionally and then transmitting it to a map providing server 13, and the control part 3 for receiving provision of updated region map data corresponding to the estimated utilization range SE set by the control part 3 from the map providing server 13 and performing updation. Hereby, only the range having the high utilization frequency can be partially updated automatically without requiring a labor for selecting the estimated utilization range to be partially updated to the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a map display device and a map updating method, and is suitably applied to, for example, a navigation system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a navigation system includes a navigation device and a map providing server, and presents a current position to a user by displaying map data provided from the map providing server as a map on a display unit of the navigation device. Has been done.
[0003]
The navigation device is mounted on a car or the like to move, and measures a current position based on position information such as a GPS (Global Positioning System), and based on map data stored in, for example, a built-in hard disk or the like. A map corresponding to the position is displayed, a route search from an arbitrary start point to an end point is performed, and the search result is displayed on the map as a guide route.
[0004]
Here, the navigation device needs to always update the map data stored in the built-in hard disk to the latest map data because actual roads and buildings change every day.
[0005]
Therefore, the navigation device downloads the latest map data updated at intervals of, for example, once a year by the map providing server via the Internet or the like, and updates the map data stored in the built-in hard disk to the latest map data. It has been done.
[0006]
At this time, since the data size of the latest map information is very large, the navigation device requires a great deal of time when downloading the latest map data from the map providing server.
[0007]
Therefore, the navigation device is configured to arbitrarily select only an area that is considered to be frequently used by the user and set an update range, thereby partially updating only the update range in the latest map data.
[0008]
In addition to the above-described updating of map data in units of regions, a method of partially updating map data has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-296042 (Page 6, FIG. 1)
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the navigation apparatus having such a configuration, when the user of the navigation apparatus selects an area for partially updating the map data, if there is an erroneous selection by the user, an area frequently used by the user is appropriately selected. There was a problem that the partial update could not be performed.
[0011]
Further, in such a case, the navigation device has a problem that the user is forced to perform extra work for appropriately selecting an area frequently used by the user.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is intended to propose a more convenient map display device and a map updating method that can automatically and appropriately select and update a region of the map data to be partially updated. Is what you do.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, according to the present invention, a map storage means for storing a map divided into a plurality of regions each having a predetermined size, and a user frequently uses the map with reference to an arbitrarily selected point. Setting the plurality of regions estimated as the user's estimated use range, and then transmitting the estimated use range to a predetermined map providing device; and an estimated use range set by the estimated use range setting unit. By providing a map update unit that receives and updates the corresponding update area map data from the map providing device, the update area map data in the estimated use range in which the user frequently uses the area based on an arbitrarily selected point is provided. Select the estimated usage range to be partially updated for the user, because the provision can be automatically updated by receiving the offer from the map providing device. Only it is possible to automatically partial update high range frequency of use without causing the hassle that.
[0014]
Further, in the present invention, the providing map storage means for storing the providing map divided into a plurality of regions having a predetermined size, and the user frequently uses the map on the basis of the point received from the map display device. Update area map data acquisition means for setting and reading out a plurality of areas estimated to be used as an estimated use range, and selecting and reading a provision map corresponding to the estimated use range from the provision map storage means as update area map data; By providing a transmission unit for transmitting the updated area map data read by the area map data acquisition unit to the map display device, the user frequently uses the location specified by the user received from the map display device as a reference. The provision map in the estimated use range is transmitted to the map display device as update region map data, and the map of the map display device is automatically updated. Manner can be partially updated.
[0015]
Further, in the present invention, in a map updating system configured by a map display device and a map providing device, the map display device stores map divided into a plurality of regions each having a predetermined size; Point transmission means for transmitting an arbitrary point designated by the user to the map providing apparatus; and estimated use range setting for setting a plurality of areas in the map which are estimated to be frequently used by the user based on the point as an estimated use range Means, and a map updating means for receiving and updating the update area map data corresponding to the estimated use range set by the estimated use range setting means from the map providing apparatus, wherein the map providing apparatus has a predetermined size. Providing map storage means for storing a providing map divided into a plurality of regions, and a map stored on the basis of a point received from the map display device. An update area map in which a plurality of areas estimated to be frequently used by the user are set as an estimated use range, and a provision map corresponding to the estimated use range is selected and read from the provision map storage means as update area map data. By providing a data acquisition unit and a transmission unit that transmits the update area map data read by the update area map data acquisition unit to the map display device, the location specified by the user received from the map display device is used as a reference. It is possible to transmit a map for provision in an estimated use range that is frequently used by the user to the map display device as update area map data, and to automatically update the map of the map display device.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
(1) Configuration of Map Update System As shown in FIG. 1, a navigation device 2 as a map display device in the map update system 1 is controlled by a control unit 3 having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) configuration as a whole. A satellite signal from a GPS satellite (not shown) received via a position information processing unit 4 including a GPS antenna 4A and a GPS receiver is acquired as current position information, and map data is stored in a storage unit 5. A portion corresponding to the current position information is read out from the current map data (hereinafter, referred to as local map data) stored in the area 5B, and is displayed on the display unit 6 with the local map data and predetermined landmarks. A map image is displayed.
[0018]
The navigation device 2 executes a route search program stored in the program storage area 5A of the storage unit 5 to search for a route from a start point to an end point designated by operating the operation unit 7 and to generate guidance route data. The route guidance is performed on the map generated and displayed on the display unit 6 in accordance with the guidance route data.
[0019]
Further, the navigation device 2 registers an arbitrary point selected by the user in the various data storage area 5C of the storage unit 5, and can read out the point as needed.
[0020]
In addition, the navigation device 2 is connected to the computer 11 via the communication processing unit 8 and is connected for communication with the map providing server 13 as the map providing device via the computer 11 and the Internet 12.
[0021]
In order to connect the navigation device 2 and the computer 11 here, a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like may be used.
[0022]
The map providing server 13 is configured such that the control unit 13A controls the entire system, and stores the latest map data as a providing map and a map providing program in the storage unit 13B. By executing the program, update area map data to be updated is provided to the navigation device 2 or the like via the Internet 12.
[0023]
In the computer 11, the control unit 11A controls the entire system, and stores a map data update relay program in the storage unit 11B. When the computer 11 is connected to the navigation device 2 and the Internet 12, the computer 11 updates the map data update relay. By executing the program, when the navigation device 2 updates the map data, the communication process between the navigation device 2 and the map providing server 13 is relayed.
[0024]
By the way, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the navigation device 2 includes the current display map DA, the current route map data RA, and the generation information indicating the respective generations for the current display map DA and the current route map data RA. (Not shown) is stored in the map data storage area 5B, and the display section 6 displays the current display map DA.
[0025]
Here, the current display map DA is obtained by dividing the entire range into a plurality of regions each having a predetermined size (for example, a square having a side of 20 [km]), and corresponding to actual roads on the divided region map. The displayed display route ER is shown.
[0026]
Further, a link L corresponding to the display route ER is shown in the current route map data RA, and the links L are connected by a node N.
[0027]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the map providing server 13 generates the latest display map DB, the latest route map data RB, the latest display map DB and the latest route map data RB indicating the respective generations ( (Not shown) is stored in the storage unit 13B.
[0028]
(2) Map Update Processing The navigation device 2 obtains the latest map data stored in the storage unit 13B of the map providing server 13 to partially update the local map data stored in the map data storage area 5B. The map data partial update processing procedure of the map update system 1 at that time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0029]
In step SP11, the control unit 11A of the computer 11 updates the navigation device 2 connected to the computer 11 with an update range indicating an area map to be updated on the current display map DA and generation information for each area map in the update range. Is requested, and the routine goes to the next step SP12.
[0030]
At this time, in step SP1, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 receives a request for the update range and the generation information from the computer 11, and proceeds to the next step SP2.
[0031]
In step SP2, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 determines whether or not a point PH indicating the home position of the user is registered, as shown in FIG. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that the point PH has not been registered yet, and at this time, the control unit 3 proceeds to step SP3.
[0032]
In step SP3, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 displays a message on the display unit 6 to urge the user to register the point PH, and returns to step SP2 again.
[0033]
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP2, this means that the point PH has already been registered, and at this time, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 proceeds to the next step SP4.
[0034]
In step SP4, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 estimates that a predetermined distance range centered on the point PH, for example, with a radius of 50 [km] is highly likely to be used by the user, and calls this a virtual circle SC (FIG. 5 (indicated by a dashed line).
[0035]
Further, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 sets all the area maps including the virtual circle SC as the estimated use range SE (shown by oblique lines in FIG. 5), and proceeds to the next step SP5.
[0036]
As described above, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 sets the estimated use range SE of the current display map DA stored in the map data storage area 5B based on the virtual circle SC centered on the registered point PH. Has been done.
[0037]
Next, in step SP5, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 transmits the estimated use range SE, which is the update range, and the generation information in each area map in the estimated use range SE to the computer 11, and proceeds to the next step SP6. .
[0038]
At this time, in step SP12, the control unit 11A of the computer 11 receives the estimated use range SE and the generation information from the navigation device 2, and transmits them to the map providing server 13 via the Internet 12 in a form in which they are relayed as they are. Move to step SP13.
[0039]
Then, in step SP21, the control unit 13A of the map providing server 13 receives the estimated use range SE and the generation information from the computer 11, and proceeds to the next step SP22.
[0040]
In step SP22, based on the estimated use range SE and the generation information, the control unit 13A of the map providing server 13 generates the latest display stored in the storage unit 13B and the generation in each area map in the estimated use range SE of the current display map DA. The map DB is compared with the generation of each area map within the estimated use range SE, and only the latest area map of the latest generation map DB is set as the update target.
[0041]
Next, the control unit 13A of the map providing server 13 updates the plurality of newest area maps set as update targets based on the estimated use range SE and the latest route map data RB corresponding to the entire latest display map DB with the updated area map. After transmitting the data to the computer 11 via the Internet 12, the process proceeds to step SP23, and the processing in the map providing server 13 ends.
[0042]
The control unit 13A of the map providing server 13 sends the updated area map data to the computer 11 to the computer 11 if there is no update target because the entire area map of the estimated use range SE received from the navigation device 2 is the latest generation. Instead, an end notification of the map data partial update processing is made.
[0043]
In step SP13, the control unit 11A of the computer 11 receives the updated area map data from the map providing server 13, transmits the updated area map data to the navigation device 2 by relaying the same, and then proceeds to step SP14, and proceeds to step SP14. Is completed.
[0044]
In step SP6, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 receives the update area map data from the computer 11, and proceeds to the next step SP7.
[0045]
In step SP7, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 uses the plurality of newest area maps corresponding to the estimated use range SE in the latest display map DB in the updated area map data to store the current display stored in the map data storage area 5B. After the map DA is partially updated and the latest route map data RB of the updated area map data is added to the current route map data RA and stored in the map data storage area 5B, the process proceeds to step SP8 to perform the map data partial update processing. finish.
[0046]
If the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 receives the end notification of the map data partial update process in step SP6, the control unit 3 proceeds to step SP8 without performing the partial update of the map data in step SP7 and performs the map data partial update process. It has been made to end.
[0047]
As described above, the map updating system 1 sets the estimated use range SE based on the virtual circle SC centered on the point PH registered by the user, and transmits the estimated use range SE and the generation information from the navigation device 2 via the computer 11. By transmitting the map data to the map providing server 13, the map providing server 13 provides the navigation device 2 with the latest generation of updated area map data corresponding to the estimated use range SE, and updates the map data stored in the map data storage area 5 </ b> B. The map data can be partially updated with the update area map data.
[0048]
Incidentally, in the map updating system 1, the communication device is connected between the navigation device 2 and the map providing server 13 via the computer 11, but the computer 11 is omitted and the navigation device 2 and the map providing server are omitted. 13 may be directly connected for communication via a wireless LAN or the like.
[0049]
By the way, in the mixed generation range SQ composed of the area map DA1 to the area map DA4 surrounded by the bold line in the current display map DA (FIG. 5), the area map DA2 of the estimated use range SE and the area map DA outside the estimated use range SE The area map DA1, the area map DA3, and the area map DA4 are included. Next, the following description will be given focusing on the mixed generation range SQ.
[0050]
For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the partial current display map including the area map DA1 to the area map DA4 corresponding to the mixed generation range SQ originally stored in the map data storage area 5B of the storage unit 5 by the navigation device 2. In contrast to the DAQ, as shown in FIG. 7A, the partially updated display map DBQ consisting of the area map DB1 to the area map DB4 corresponding to the mixed generation range SQ held by the map providing server 13 is the partial current display. The contents of the area map DA2 and the area map DA4 of the map DAQ and the area map DB2 and the area map DB4 of the partial updated display map DBQ are changed to the latest maps.
[0051]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the navigation device 2 performs the partial update based on the updated area map data, thereby obtaining the area map DB2 of the partially updated display map DBQ, the area map DA1, the area map DA3 of the partial current display map DAQ, and the area map DA3. A mixed map area DCQ in which the area map DA4 is mixed is generated, and the mixed map area DCQ is stored in the map data storage area 5B of the storage unit 5.
[0052]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the partial current route map composed of the area maps RA1 to RA4 corresponding to the mixed generation range SQ originally stored in the map data storage area 5B of the storage unit 5 by the navigation device 2. In contrast to the data RAQ, as shown in FIG. 7B, the partial latest route map data RBQ consisting of the area maps RB1 to RB4 corresponding to the mixed generation range SQ held by the map providing server 13 is The contents of the area map RA2 and the area map RA4 of the route map data RAQ and the area map RB2 and the area map RB4 of the partial latest route map data RBQ have been changed to the latest maps.
[0053]
Here, in the navigation device 2, since the partial current route map data RAQ and the partial latest route map data RBQ have different generations and the individual links L do not always correspond, the partial current route map data RBQ and the partial current route map data Both data RAQ are stored in the map data storage area 5B of the storage unit 5.
[0054]
(3) Guide Route Display Processing Subsequently, the navigation apparatus 2 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9 for a guide route display processing procedure in the case of performing route guidance on the partially mixed display map DCQ corresponding to the mixed generation range SQ. Will be described.
[0055]
That is, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 enters from the start step of the routine RT1 and proceeds to step SP31. In step SP31, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the control unit 3 updates the partial update based on the start point PS and the end point PG specified on the partial mixed display map DCQ by the operation of the operation unit 7 by the user. The corresponding start point position TS and end point position TG on the route map data RBQ are set, and the routine goes to the next step SP32.
[0056]
In step SP32, the control unit 3 specifies a route from the start position TS to the end position TG in the partial latest route map data RBQ (FIG. 10B) by the links LB12, LB19, LB45, LB47, LB49, and LB50. Based on the link string KB (LB12, LB19, LB45, LB47, LB49, LB50) obtained as a result, a guide route GB (FIG. 10A) is generated, and the routine goes to the next step SP33.
[0057]
Here, in the navigation device 2, the generations of the area map RB2 of the partial latest route map data RBQ (FIG. 10B) and the area map DB2 of the partial mixed display map DCQ (FIG. 10A) match. On the other hand, the generations of the area map RB4 of the partial latest route map data RBQ (FIG. 10B) and the area map DA4 of the partial mixed display map DCQ (FIG. 10A) do not match.
[0058]
Therefore, when the navigation device 2 displays the guide route GB on the partially mixed display map DCQ based on the link string KB (FIG. 10A), the navigation device 2 displays the display route ER of the partial mixed display map DCQ in the area map DA4. And the guidance route GB may not match.
[0059]
On the other hand, in step SP33, as shown in FIG. 11A, the control unit 3 controls the partially mixed display map DCQ (see FIG. 10 (A) )), The area map DB2 and the area map DA4 are checked, and a partial link string KB4 (links LB45, LB47, LB49, LB50) is selected from the partial mixed display map DCQ (FIG. 10B), and the process proceeds to the next step SP34. Move on.
[0060]
In step SP34, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 3 determines the latitude and longitude for all nodes N19, N45, N47, N49, and N50 that connect each link of the partial link string KB4 (links LB45, LB47, LB49, and LB50). Is acquired, and the acquired latitude and longitude are registered in the link conversion table TBL in association with all the links LB45, LB47, LB49, and LB50, respectively, and the process proceeds to step SP35.
[0061]
In this case, the control unit 3 determines the latitude and longitude in the subsequent processing for the nodes N19, N45, N47, N49, and N50 of the links LB45, LB47, LB49, and LB50 (FIG. 10B) registered in the link conversion table TBL. There is no need to obtain it again, and the contents registered in the link conversion table TBL can be used.
[0062]
By the way, between the partial current route map data RAQ shown in FIG. 10 (C) and the partial latest route map data RBQ shown in FIG. 10 (B), although the generation is different, the position of each node is constant. Links LA31, LA33, LA35, LA36 (FIG. 10C) connecting the nodes of the partial current route map data RAQ based on the latitude and longitude of each node and links connecting the nodes of the partial latest route map data RBQ. LB45, LB47, LB49, and LB50 (FIG. 10B) correspond.
[0063]
Therefore, in step SP35, the control unit 3 links the partial current route map data RAQ corresponding to the latitude and longitude registered for the link LB45 (FIG. 10B) of the link conversion table TBL (FIG. 10C). Can be specified, and the link LA31 is registered in the link conversion table TBL (FIG. 12) in association with the link LB45.
[0064]
Similarly, in step SP35, the control unit 3 also sets the link of the partial current route map data RAQ corresponding to the registered latitude and longitude for the links LB47, LB49, and LB50 (FIG. 10B) of the link conversion table TBL. LA33, LA35, and LA36 (FIG. 10C) can be specified, and the links LA33, LA35, and LA36 are respectively associated with the links LB47, LB49, and LB50, and registered in the link conversion table TBL (FIG. 12). Move to step SP36.
[0065]
In step SP36, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the control unit 3 determines the links LB45, LB47, LB47, LB47 included in the area map RB4 of the partial latest route map data RBQ (FIG. 10B) based on the link conversion table TBL. LB49 and LB50 are converted into links LA31, LA33, LA35, and LA36 included in the area map RA4 (FIG. 10C) of the partial current route map data RAQ, and the links LA31, LA33, and LA35 included in the area map RA4 are converted. The conversion link sequence KC (LB12, LB19, LA31, LA33, LA35, LA36) is generated using the LA36 and the links LB12, LB19 included in the area map RB2, and the process proceeds to the next step SP37.
[0066]
In step SP37, the control unit 3 displays the latest guidance route GB2 based on the conversion link sequence KC (links LB12, LB19) in the latest generation area map DB2 of the partially mixed display map DCQ, as shown in FIG. , The current guidance route GA4 is displayed based on the conversion link sequence KC (links LA31, LA33, LA35, LA36) in the current generation area map DA4 of the partially mixed display map DCQ, and the process proceeds to the next step SP38, where the guidance route display processing procedure is performed. To end.
[0067]
(4) Operation and Effect In the configuration described above, when the navigation device 2 partially updates the map data stored in the map data storage area 5B of the storage unit 5, the navigation device 2 has a predetermined distance around the point PH registered by the user. By setting the estimated use range SE based on the virtual circle SC of the range, and transmitting the estimated use range SE and the generation information in each area map of the estimated use range SE to the map provision server 13, the map provision server 13 , The update area map data corresponding to the estimated use range SE is acquired, and the estimated use range SE can be partially updated using the update area map data.
[0068]
As described above, the navigation apparatus 2 can automatically update the update area map data of the estimated use range SE estimated to be frequently used by the user only by registering the point PH indicating the home position of the user. it can.
[0069]
As a result, the navigation device 2 can automatically update the update area map data of the estimated use range SE, so that the user does not have to select an area to be updated partially.
[0070]
Further, the navigation device 2 can automatically update the update area map data of the estimated use range SE estimated to be frequently used by the user only by registering the point PH indicating the home position of the user. However, it is possible to obtain the same result as in the case where an area that seems to be frequently used by the user himself is optimally selected and partially updated.
[0071]
In addition, when partially updating the map data stored in the map data storage area 5B, the navigation device 2 checks the generation information of each area within the estimated use range SE and selects only the area that has not been updated. Thereby, the partial update process can be efficiently performed in a shorter time without making the user particularly conscious.
[0072]
By the way, when the navigation device 2 performs route guidance from the area map DB2 to the area map DA4 of a different generation on the partially mixed display map DCQ corresponding to the mixed generation range SQ, the navigation link sequence KC (links LB12, LB19, LA31, LA33, LA35, LA36), the area map DB2 uses the latest generation links LB12, LB19, and the area map DA4 uses the current generation links LA31, LA33, LA35, LA36. The latest guidance route GB2 is displayed, and the current guidance route GA4 can be displayed on the area map DA4.
[0073]
Further, even when the generation is different from the area map DA4 of the partially mixed display map DCQ and the area map RB4 of the partial latest route map data RBQ used when performing route guidance, the navigation apparatus 2 does not correspond to the area map DA4. Displays the current guidance route GA4 using the links LA31, LA33, LA35, and LA36 of the current generation, so that the current guidance route GA4 in the area map DA4 that is the current generation accurately corresponds to the partially mixed display map DCQ. be able to.
[0074]
As described above, even when the generation of the area map DB2 and the generation of the area map DA4 are differently mixed in the partial mixed display map DCQ, the navigation device 2 can provide the latest guidance route corresponding to the area map DB2 of the partial mixed display map DCQ. Since the current guidance route GA4 corresponding to the GB2 and the area map DA4 can be accurately displayed, route guidance can be performed without giving the user a misunderstanding or confusion.
[0075]
According to the above configuration, the navigation apparatus 2 automatically registers the location PH indicating the home position of the user, and automatically updates the update area map data of the estimated use range SE estimated to be frequently used by the user. Can be updated.
[0076]
Further, even when the navigation apparatus 2 automatically updates the update area map data of the estimated use range SE provided from the map providing server 13, the area map DB2 and the area map DA4 (FIG. 10 (D)), the latest guidance route GB2 corresponding to the area map DB2 and the current guidance route GA4 corresponding to the area map DA4 can be accurately displayed.
[0077]
(5) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the estimated use range SE is set by the navigation device 2 and the update area map data of the estimated use range SE is acquired from the map providing server 13 to perform partial update. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the map providing server 13 sets the estimated use range SE, and provides the navigation device 2 with the update area map data of the estimated use range SE. You may do it.
[0078]
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in step SP61, the control unit 11A of the computer 11 of the map updating system 1 sends the point PH representing the user's home position and the generation information for each area of the current display map DA to the navigation device 2. Request. In steps SP51, SP52, and SP53, the control unit 3 of the navigation device 2 performs the same processing as steps SP1, SP2, and SP3 in the map data partial update processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, and in step SP54, displays the point PH and the current display. The generation information for each area of the map DA is transmitted to the computer 11.
[0079]
In step SP62, the control unit 11A of the computer 11 receives the point PH and the generation information from the navigation device 2, and transmits the point PH and the generation information to the map providing server 13 via the Internet 12 in a form of relaying them.
[0080]
The control unit 13A of the map providing server 13 receives the point PH and the generation information in step 71, and in step SP72, as in step SP4 (FIG. 4), a predetermined radius of, for example, 50 km around the point PH. It is estimated that the distance range is highly likely to be used by the user, and this is set as a virtual circle SC, and all regions including the virtual circle SC are set as an estimated usage range SE.
[0081]
In steps SP73, SP63, SP55, and SP56, the map update system 1 performs the same processing as steps SP22, SP13, SP6, and SP7 in the map data partial update processing procedure shown in FIG.
[0082]
Accordingly, in the map updating system 1, the map providing server 13 receives the point PH indicating the home position of the user and the generation information for each area of the currently displayed map DA from the navigation device 2, and estimates the position PH as a center. Since the use range SE can be set and the update area map data corresponding to the estimated use range SE can be provided to the navigation device 2, there is no need to set the estimated use range SE in the navigation device 2. The load on the navigation device 2 can be reduced.
[0083]
Further, in this case, in the map updating system 1, the database is constructed by totalizing the estimated use ranges SE set for each of the plurality of users by the map providing server 13, and the estimated use range of the user is calculated using the total result based on the database. By setting the range SE, a plurality of regions estimated to be frequently used by the user can be more appropriately selected.
[0084]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the estimated use range SE is set based on the point PH indicating the home position of the user registered in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the user is not limited to this. The estimated use range SE may be set based on an arbitrarily designated point.
[0085]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where the estimated use range SE is set based on a predetermined distance range centered on the point PH representing the home position of the user registered in advance. The present invention is not limited to this. In addition to a predetermined distance range (for example, a radius of 50 km) around the point PH indicating the home position of the user registered in advance, a major city (for example, a government-designated city or the like) within the predetermined distance range ) May be set to include a predetermined distance range (for example, a radius of 30 [km]) from the center or a predetermined distance range (for example, a radius of 10 [km]) from a main tourist spot.
[0086]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where the estimated use range SE is set based on a predetermined distance range centered on the point PH representing the home position of the user registered in advance. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the entire area including the area (for example, the Kanto region) to which the point PH belongs may be set as the estimated use range SE.
[0087]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 5 as the map storage unit, the control unit 3 as the point transmission unit, the control unit 3 as the estimated use range setting unit, and the control unit 3 as the map update unit The navigation device 2 is configured as a map display device, and a storage unit 13B as a provided map storage unit, a control unit 13A as an update area map data acquisition unit, and a control unit 13A as a transmission unit are provided by a map providing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this, and the map storage means, the point transmission means, the estimated use range setting means, and the map update means having other various circuit configurations are provided. And a map storage device for provision, comprising various other circuit configurations, an update area map data acquisition unit, and a transmission unit. Te may be configured to map providing apparatus.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the update area map data in the estimated provision range in which the user frequently uses the update area map data can be provided and the partial update can be automatically performed based on the arbitrarily selected point. It is possible to automatically update only the frequently used range without having to select the estimated use range to be partially updated, and the area of the map information to be partially updated automatically and appropriately A map display device that can be selected and updated can be realized.
[0089]
Further, according to the present invention, a provision map in an estimated use range in which the user frequently uses the map is transmitted to the map display device as update area map data based on a point designated by the user received from the map display device, and the map is displayed. A map providing apparatus capable of automatically updating the map of the display device in a partial manner, and thus automatically and appropriately selecting and updating the area of the map information to be partially updated on the map display device can be realized.
[0090]
Further, according to the present invention, a provision map in an estimated use range in which the user frequently uses the map based on a point specified by the user received from the map display device is transmitted to the map display device as update area map data, and the map The map of the display device can be partially updated automatically, and thus a map updating system capable of automatically and appropriately selecting and updating the area of the map information to be partially updated can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a map updating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of field map data.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of latest map data.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a map data partial update processing procedure;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining setting of an estimated use range.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of partial site map data.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of partial latest map data.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partially mixed display map.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a guidance route display processing procedure.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining links and guidance routes.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining conversion of a link string.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a link conversion table.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a map data partial update processing procedure according to another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Map update system, 2 ... Navigation apparatus, 3 ... Control part, 5 ... Storage part, 8 ... Communication processing part, 11 ... Computer, 13 ... Map providing server.

Claims (8)

Map storage means for storing a map divided into a plurality of areas having a predetermined size,
Estimating that, after setting a plurality of areas in which the user's use frequency is estimated to be high in the map based on an arbitrarily selected point as the user's estimated use range, the estimated use range is transmitted to a predetermined map providing device. Usage range setting means,
A map display device comprising: a map updating unit that receives update from the map providing device and updates the update area map data corresponding to the estimated use range set by the estimated use range setting unit. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the estimated use range setting means stores the point in advance, and sets the estimated use range based on the point. The map storage means stores generation information respectively attached to the plurality of areas constituting the map,
The estimated use range setting means transmits the estimated use range and the generation information respectively assigned to the plurality of areas to the map providing device, and the map generation device uses The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the map display device is updated by receiving update area map data. On a map divided into a plurality of regions having a predetermined size, the plurality of regions forming a range that is estimated to be frequently used in the map based on a point selected by a user are estimated use ranges. Estimated usage range setting step of transmitting the estimated usage range to a predetermined map providing device after setting as
A map updating step of receiving update information of the update area map data corresponding to the plurality of areas set in the estimated use range setting step from the map providing apparatus and updating the map data. Providing map storage means for storing a providing map divided into a plurality of regions having a predetermined size,
On the basis of the point received from the map display device, a plurality of regions estimated to be frequently used by the user in the map are set as estimated use ranges, and the providing map corresponding to the estimated use range is updated region map data. Update area map data acquisition means selected and read from the provision map storage means as
Transmitting means for transmitting the updated area map data read by the updated area map data obtaining means to the map display device. The update area map data acquiring means receives from the map display device the location and generation information respectively attached to a plurality of divided areas of the map stored in the map display apparatus, 6. The map providing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the updated area map data of the latest generation, which is different from the latest generation, is read from the providing map storage means. A receiving step of receiving an arbitrary point from the map display device;
In the providing map divided into a plurality of regions of a predetermined size read from the providing map storage means, a plurality of regions which are estimated to be frequently used by the user based on the above points are set as estimated use ranges. An update area map data acquisition step of selecting the providing map corresponding to the estimated use range as update area map data,
Transmitting the update area map data selected in the update area map data acquisition step to the map display device. In a map updating system configured by a map display device and a map providing device,
The above map display device,
Map storage means for storing a map divided into a plurality of areas having a predetermined size,
Point transmitting means for transmitting an arbitrary point designated by the user to the map providing device;
Estimated usage range setting means for setting, as an estimated usage range, a plurality of regions in which the user is estimated to be frequently used in the map on the basis of the point,
Map update means for receiving and providing update area map data corresponding to the estimated use range set by the estimated use range setting means from the map providing device,
The map providing device,
Providing map storage means for storing a providing map divided into a plurality of regions having a predetermined size,
On the basis of the point received from the map display device, a plurality of areas estimated to be frequently used by the user in the map are set as the estimated use range, and the providing map corresponding to the estimated use range is set as Update area map data acquisition means for selecting and reading from the provision map storage means as update area map data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the updated area map data read by the updated area map data acquiring means to the map display device.

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