JP2005265574A - Navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device for solving a problem owing to version mismatching between data of different assortments, as to a navigation device for performing navigation by using the data of different assortments. <P>SOLUTION: This on-vehicle navigation device 1 can be given the update of data for route search, background data, retrieval data, etc. from a data provision center 9. The update can be performed for each of different assortments of data on a block-by-block basis. In the same area, version mismatching can occur between data of different assortments. In such a case, a user is given information to the effect that mismatching has occurred by lowering the display tone in the area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device that uses different types of data.

  The distribution center server receives region designation information for designating a region from an in-vehicle terminal such as a navigation device, extracts updated map information corresponding to the region designation information, and distributes the updated map information to the in-vehicle terminal such as a navigation device An information distribution system is known (for example, Patent Document 1). It is also known that map information used by in-vehicle terminals such as navigation devices includes different types of data such as route search data and background (map display) data.

JP 2002-48574 A

  However, the map information distribution system of Patent Document 1 does not consider version mismatch between different types of data. For example, after updating the map information, if there is a mismatch between the version of the route search data and the city map display data in a certain area, the road display will be displayed when the route obtained as a result of the route search is displayed on the city map. There arises a problem that a deviation occurs between the route display and the route display. Further, when search data is used for destination setting, there is a problem that an appropriate route search cannot be performed if there is a version mismatch between the search data and the route search data.

The invention of claim 1 is applied to a navigation device, and stores at least a first type of data and a second type of data; a first type of data; and a second type of data. Control means for performing processing relating to navigation, updating means for individually updating the first type data and the second type data in predetermined units, and the first type data relating to a predetermined area; Version comparison means for comparing the version with the second type data, and notification means for notifying that the version is different when the first type data and the second type data regarding the predetermined area are different. It is characterized by comprising.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the first aspect, the notification means is predetermined depending on whether the version of the first type of data and the second type of data relating to the predetermined area is different. A notification that the versions are different is made by changing at least one of the display color and the display tone regarding the area.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the first aspect, when the first type data and the second type data regarding the predetermined area are different from each other, the notification means sends a message indicating that the versions are different. It is characterized by outputting.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first type of data is data relating to road connections, and the second type of data is data relating to road map display. It is characterized by being.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first type of data is data relating to road connections, and the second type of data is data relating to display of a city map. It is characterized by being.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first type of data is data relating to road connections, and the second type of data searches for a desired point. Search data.
The invention according to claim 7 is the navigation device according to claim 6, wherein the route search is performed using the destination setting means for setting the destination for the route search using the search data and the data relating to the connection of the road. A route search means for performing a notification that the version is different when the destination is set by the destination setting means, and that the version is different when the route search is started by the route search means. The notification is terminated. .
The invention according to claim 8 is the navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first type of data is route search data used for route search, and the second type of data is a road map. The map display data is used for displaying the map, and the control means performs the route search using the route search data, displays the road map using the map display data, and is obtained as a result of the route search. The route is displayed on the road map, and the notifying means is at least one of the route of the predetermined area and the road map depending on whether the version of the route search data related to the predetermined area is different from the version of the map display data. The display color and the display tone are different from each other.
The invention of claim 9 is applied to a navigation device, and stores at least a first type of data and a second type of data; a first type of data; and a second type of data. A control unit that performs processing related to navigation, an update unit that is connected to the update data providing device and updates the first type data and the second type data individually in a predetermined unit; A version comparison unit that compares the version of the first type of data with respect to the area and the version of the second type of data, and the update unit is configured such that the version of the first type of data about the predetermined area is the second type of data When it is older than the version, the update data providing apparatus is connected to acquire a new version of the first type of data.
The invention of claim 10 is applied to a navigation device, and stores at least a first type of data and a second type of data; a first type of data; and a second type of data. Control means for performing processing relating to navigation, updating means for individually updating the first type data and the second type data in predetermined units, and the first type data relating to a predetermined area; Version comparison means for comparing the version with the second type data, and the control means displays at least a road map using the first type data and the second type data, When the version of the first type data and the second type data regarding the area are different, the display scale of the road map is changed to a scale for displaying a wider area.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the tenth aspect, the control means sets the display scale of the road map to data relating to a predetermined area whose version does not differ between the first type and the second type. The scale is changed to a usable scale.
The invention of claim 12 is applied to a navigation device, and stores storage means for storing a plurality of types of data, control means for performing processing related to navigation using the plurality of types of data, and a plurality of types of data. Update means for individually updating in a predetermined unit, and when the update means updates the first type of data for a predetermined area, the data for the second type of predetermined area having a predetermined relationship with the first type And a notification means for notifying information on the occurrence of inconsistency in the version.
The invention of claim 13 is applied to a navigation control program and causes a computer to realize the function of the navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
In a navigation apparatus that performs navigation using data of different types, it is possible to solve the problem caused by version mismatch between data of different types. In particular, the user can be informed that there is a mismatch between the versions of different types of data in the same area. As a result, for example, the user will not be confused or intimidated even if the navigation processing due to version mismatch is performed. It is also possible to prompt the user to update the type of data having an old version.

-First embodiment-
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an update system for map data and search data used in a navigation device according to the present embodiment. The in-vehicle navigation device 1 reads map data, search data (guide search data), and the like from a recording medium 2 such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. The server 6 of the data providing center 9 reads the map data and the search data from the map database 7 and the search database 8, and provides the map data and the update data of the search data to the navigation device.

  The navigation device 1 can be connected to a communication device 4 such as a mobile phone. The navigation device 1 can be connected to the telephone line network 5 via the communication device 4 and further connected to the server 6 via the telephone line network 5. The server 6 holds from the old map data to the latest map data in the map database 7, and holds from the old search data to the latest search data in the search database 8. Therefore, the server 6 can provide update data for updating a part of the map data or the search data to the navigation apparatus 1 via the telephone line network 5. The mobile phone 4 is connected to the telephone line network 5 by radio.

  The navigation device 1 includes a control device 11 and a nonvolatile memory 12. The control device 11 includes a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits. The non-volatile memory 12 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory provided in the navigation device 1. The nonvolatile memory 12 may be any storage device as long as the written data is not erased even when the power of the navigation device 1 is turned off.

  The map database 7 and the search database 8 of the data providing center 9 are mother data databases because they have all the old and new map data and search data. The server 6 can use the map database 7 and the search database 8 to prepare the recording medium 2 having the initial (before update) map data and search data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the in-vehicle navigation device 1. The navigation device 1 includes a control device 11, a non-volatile memory 12, a current location detection device 13, a DVD drive device 14, a memory 15, a communication interface 16, an input device 17, a monitor 18, and the like.

  The current position detection device 13 is a current position detection device that detects the current position of the vehicle. For example, a direction sensor that detects a traveling direction of a vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor that detects a vehicle speed, or a GPS that detects a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite. It consists of sensors. The DVD drive device 14 is a device that loads the recording medium 2 and reads map data and the like. In the present embodiment, the recording medium 2 is a DVD-ROM. It may be a CD-ROM or other recording medium.

  The memory 15 is a memory for storing vehicle position information detected by the current location detection device 13, node information on the recommended route calculated by the control device 11, link information, and the like. The memory 15 is a working area of the control device 11. The communication interface 16 is an interface for connecting the communication device 4. A mobile phone can be used or connected to the Internet via the communication interface 16.

  The monitor 18 is a display device that displays a map, a recommended route, and various information. The monitor 18 may be provided integrally as a part of the navigation apparatus main body, or may be provided separately as a housing. Further, only the monitor 18 may be connected to the navigation apparatus main body by a cable or the like and provided at a separated position. The input device 17 is an input device for inputting a destination of a vehicle or the like when searching for a route. Also used to enter a search key. A remote controller may be used, or a touch panel provided on the screen of the monitor 18 may be used.

  The control device 11 uses the current vehicle location information detected by the current location detection device 13 and the map data or search data stored in the recording medium 2 or the non-volatile memory 12 to display a road map and calculate a route (route). Search) and various navigation processes such as route guidance. Various processing programs executed by the control device 11 are incorporated in a ROM (not shown) provided in the control device 11.

  The server 6 of the data providing center 9 is a computer system, and uses the map database 7 and the search database 8 to perform various processes including provision of update data. The computer system of the server 6 can be composed of various computers such as general-purpose computers, workstations, and personal computers.

  Next, map data and search data used in the navigation device 1 will be described.

-Map data-
Map data is information about the map, background (map display) data, road (locator) data, route search data (network data), route guidance data (intersection name / road name / direction name / direction guide) Data types such as facility information). The background data is data for displaying the background of a road or a road map. The road data is data used for specifying the position (current location) of the vehicle on the road, map matching, and the like. The route search data is data including branch information that is not directly related to the road shape, and is mainly used when calculating (route search) a recommended route. The route guidance data is data including names of intersections and the like, and is used when a recommended route is guided to a driver or the like based on the calculated recommended route.

  The road data (locator data) is link string data when a road is represented by the concept of a link, a node, and a link string, for example. A node is an intersection or a specified point on the road. A link corresponds to a road between nodes, and a link row represents one road by a plurality of links. The link string data has known contents. The background data is data such as polygons and polylines. Roads are displayed using data such as polylines.

  The map data of this embodiment is managed by the concept of level, block, and mesh. In the present embodiment, the map data is divided into seven levels with different scale ratios, the level of the most detailed scale ratio is set to level 0, and the level of the most extensive map is set to level 6. Each level includes map data having different scale ratios, but the target area is the same for each level. That is, if the entire country is the target, the map data of the whole of Japan having different scales for each level is provided. For example, level 0 has map data of 1/6250, level 3 has a scale ratio of 1/400000, level 4 has a scale ratio of 1 / 1600,000, and level 6 has map data of Japan at a scale of 1 / 1280,000.

  In this embodiment, there are data in which all levels exist depending on the data type, and data in which only a specific level exists. The background (map display) data includes data of levels 0 to 6. The locator data includes level 1 data. The route search data includes data of levels 1, 2, 4, and 5. There is only level 1 data for route guidance data. The level 0 background (for map display) data is also referred to as city map data that can display a city map that also shows the shape of the building.

  The map is divided into several parts at each level, and the minimum unit divided at that level is defined as the mesh of that level, and the area where several meshes are collected is defined as the block. In this embodiment, a data file of each data type is created for each block of each level.

  In this embodiment, since the map of Japan is divided into 576 blocks at level 1, there are 576 background data files and 576 road data files at level 1. There are a plurality of route search data files, and there are 576 route guidance data. At level 0, there are 9216 blocks, and level 0 data exists only for background data, so only 9216 background data files exist. Each data file has all mesh management information for managing the data of all meshes in the corresponding block.

Next, how to name the data file will be described. In the present embodiment, the file name of the map data file is determined based on the latitude and longitude. For example, the file name of a block is abcdefgh. DAT. DAT is an extension indicating that the data is map data or the like. This is the same as the method for calculating the primary mesh code.
ab = bottom latitude of block × 1.5
cd = Minor left end of block−100
ef = top latitude of block × 1.5
cd = light right end of block−100

  As a result, the area range can be known only from the file name. Therefore, if the management information of the file name stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 is acquired, it is possible to grasp which area of data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12. Each data is managed in a hierarchy by folders (directories). For example, it is managed as root / data type / level / file name. Therefore, the path name and the file name can be used to identify the file in which area of which data type and which level. Note that the hierarchy may have other configurations.

-Search data-
Search data is data used when searching for a desired point instead of setting it on a map. For example, when setting a route search destination, the name of a facility, a telephone number, an address, or the like is input to obtain the location of the facility using search data. The control device 11 sets a point obtained using the search data as a destination, for example, and performs processing such as route search.

  Search data includes name (reading) search data, telephone number search data, address search data, and the like as types. The name search data is data used to specify the position on the map by the facility name, and a data file is created for each category (genre) in each prefecture. The category includes, for example, “station”, “airport”, “ferry”, “department store”, “hotel” and the like. Each file stores search tree (tree) data and entity data that can be searched by name.

  The telephone number search data is data used to specify the position on the map by the telephone number, and a data file is created in units of two digits of the area code. Each file stores search tree data and entity data that can be searched by telephone number. The address search data is data used for specifying a position on a map by an address, and a data file is created for each municipality in each prefecture. Each file stores search tree data and entity data that can be searched by address. The substance data of each search data includes data such as name information, telephone number information, address information, and position information of each facility. The position information in the search data is position coordinate data specified by latitude and longitude.

-Updating map data and search data-
Map data and search data in the navigation device 1 are stored in units of files as described above. Therefore, the map data and search data in the navigation device 1 can be updated in units of the files.

  For example, the data can be updated by selecting a menu “update map data” or “update search data” on the menu screen of the navigation device 1 or the like. In response to the instruction on the menu screen, the data type of the data to be updated and the region or range to be updated are designated. When the data type of the data to be updated or the region or range to be updated is specified, the navigation device 1 identifies the corresponding file, and includes the file name (including the path), the version information of the file, etc. The data providing center 9 is notified through the telephone line network 5. The data type is specified by the path name.

  Prior to transmitting data from the navigation device 1 to the data providing center 9, a call is made from the communication device 4, which is a mobile phone, to the telephone number of the data providing center 9, and the line is connected. The telephone is automatically dialed by an instruction from the control device 11 instead of being dialed by a person.

  The data providing center 9 investigates whether a file storing newer data exists in the map database 7 or the search database 8 based on the transmitted path name + file name and version information. Specifically, it is checked whether there is a file having a later version of the same path name + file name. If there is a file holding new data, the file is transmitted to the navigation device 1.

  In the navigation device 1, the transmitted update file is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, and the file management table and the like are rewritten. As a result, the latest data file transmitted can be used. That is, the navigation device 1 can update the map data and the search data in a predetermined unit (file unit, block unit in the present embodiment) for each data type.

-Version-
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure in the data file 21 of the map data and search data. The data file 21 includes a version 22 in which version information is stored and data 23 in which data of each data type is stored. The data 23 is further composed of management information, entity data, etc., but details are omitted. The version information is information indicating whether the data is new or old, and can be said to be a version. It consists of the date when the data was created and the serial number. For example, “2004013001” includes “date (January 30, 2004) + serial number (01)”. Note that the version information may have any configuration as long as the information can identify whether the data is new or old. That is, it may be a serial number or may be composed of alphabets.

  The versions of various data files stored in the recording medium 2 are basically the same. Further, the map database 7 and the search database 8 of the data providing center 9 have data files of the same version as the data files of the recording medium 2. That is, the same version is assigned to all data files generated at the same time or data files confirmed to be the latest. The same version is also assigned to all data files that should be managed with the same version. Thereafter, when the data is updated, a data file to which a new version is assigned is generated.

  That is, the data providing center 9 generates a data file by assigning the same version to all files of all types of data at a certain time. Based on this data file, the recording medium 2 is also manufactured. Thereafter, when the data is updated, a data file with a new version is generated each time. The updated data file is transmitted to the navigation device 1 in response to an update request from the navigation device 1. Thereafter, at some timing, the same new version is assigned to all files of all types of data, and a new data file is generated. A new version of the recording medium 2 is manufactured based on the new version of the data file.

  For the navigation device 1 that holds only data of the old version of the recording medium 2, the data file of the new version of the recording medium 2 is updated data. Therefore, when there is an update request from the navigation device 1 that holds only the data of the old version of the recording medium 2, the data file of the new version of the recording medium 2 is transmitted to the navigation device 1 as update data.

-Route search-
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a control program for performing a route search using the data file described above and displaying a route on a road map. The control device 11 of the navigation device 1 executes this control program. As described above, it is assumed that the background data and the route search data are already updated as needed in file units (block units). Therefore, in some regions, version mismatch may occur in different types of data files corresponding to the region.

  In step S1, the destination of the vehicle is set using the input device 17. In step S2, the current location of the vehicle is detected using the current location detection device 13.

  In step S3, the route search data from the current location of the vehicle detected in step S2 to the destination of the vehicle set in step S1 is read from the recording medium 2 and the nonvolatile memory 12. Note that all the data of the recording medium 2, that is, the original data may be temporarily stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 so that the original data and the update data are always read from the nonvolatile memory 12. The route search data necessary for the route search is read by appropriately changing the level. If the data to be read extends over a plurality of files, the plurality of files are read. If the route search data has already been updated, the latest version of the file is read.

  In step S4, the route search from the current position of the vehicle to the destination is performed using the read route search data. Since the route search method has publicly known contents, the description thereof is omitted. In step S5, background data around the current location is read. The access destination is the same as the route search data. The range to be read is a range that covers a road map displayed on the monitor 18 at a specified scale. If the data to be read spans multiple files, read multiple files. If the background data has already been updated, the latest version of the file is read.

  In step S6, the road map around the current location is displayed on the monitor 18 using the background data read in step S5. In step S7, the route in the range of the road map displayed in step S6 is displayed among the routes searched in step S4. The route is displayed in pink or the like so as to be different from a normal road. In the present embodiment, the route is displayed using route display data included in the route search data or route display data updated together with the route search data.

  Next, in step S8, the background data of the road map displayed on the monitor 18 is compared with the version of the route search data used for the route search. In this embodiment, since data files are created in units of blocks, comparison is made between data files corresponding to the blocks. As a result of the comparison, if the version does not match, the process proceeds to step S9. If there is no mismatch, step S9 is skipped and the process ends.

  In step S9, the display tone of the display relating to the data with the older version is changed. For example, when the version of the background data is old, the road map display tone based on the background data is lowered. Conversely, if the version of the route search data is old, the display tone of the route obtained as a result of the route search is lowered. Lowering the display tone means reducing the color or lowering the brightness. Further, the display color may be changed to a specific color, or the display line may be thinned. In other words, changing the display tone means changing the appearance of the display, and lowering the display tone means that when the user sees the display of the changed tone, the importance of the display itself is higher than the others. A change that makes you feel low. A display with a lowered display tone can also be said to indicate that the data is not up-to-date or that the data is not valid (invalid).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the route search data is old. A road map corresponding to the four blocks 32 to 35 is displayed on the display screen 31 of the monitor 18. Reference numeral 36 denotes a vehicle current location mark indicating that the vehicle is traveling on the route 37. However, in block 33, there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data, and the route 38 portion of the route 37 is displayed toned down. On the other hand, the road denoted by reference numeral 39 is a newly constructed road, and the background data is displayed by reflecting the updated data.

  By looking at this display, it can be seen that there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data at least in block 33. Thereby, even if the current position display 36 of the vehicle displays an incomprehensible display in the block 33, the user, that is, the driver does not panic. For example, even if the road 38 is actually lost and there is only a straight road 39, the user will not panic. Further, if the road (locator) data is also kept at the old version, map matching may be performed on the path 38 that does not actually exist. However, since the user knows that the data inconsistency is caused, the user is not panicked. Further, it is possible to grasp that it is necessary to update the route search data and the road (locator) data of the block 33 by such display.

  In this way, if there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data in the same block (region, area), the display is toned down to notify that there is a version mismatch. did. Thus, it can be seen at a glance that there is a version mismatch between different types of data. In the present embodiment, since the display tone of the display based on the old version data is lowered, it is possible to immediately grasp the data type of the old version. Such a display also prompts the user to update the data of the old version data type.

-Second Embodiment-
In the first embodiment, if there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data, the display of either the background or the route is toned down to indicate that there is a version mismatch. Added notification. At this time, when the background data is level 0 city map data, a display shift due to inconsistency is conspicuous. In the second embodiment, when there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data and the city map display is made, an example of changing to a road map display in a wider area where the shift is not conspicuous Will be explained.

  Note that the configuration of the update system and the navigation device, map data, search data, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the control program executed by the navigation device 1 will be described below. However, the control program will be described focusing on the differences.

  6A is a diagram for displaying a route 41 on a city map, and FIG. 6B is a diagram for displaying a route 42 on a normal road map. FIG. 6A shows a display in which the shift of the path 41 is conspicuous. In the present embodiment, a map displayed using level 0 data is a city map, and levels 1 and higher are normal road maps. The city map is a detailed map and is a display showing the width of the road and the shape of the building. A normal road map is basically a display in which roads are indicated by lines and shapes such as buildings are not indicated. That is, background data of level 1 or higher does not have normal building shape data.

-Route search-
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a control program that displays a route search and a route according to the second embodiment. Steps S1 to S7 are the same as those in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S11, the background data of the road map displayed on the monitor 18 is compared with the version of the route search data used for the route search. Since data files are created in block units, the data files corresponding to the block are compared. As a result of the comparison, if there is a mismatch, the process proceeds to step S12. If there is no mismatch, the process is terminated by skipping steps S12 and S13.

  In step S12, it is determined whether the background data is level 0. That is, it is determined whether the currently displayed road map is a city map display. If it is a city map, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is not a city map, the process ends.

  In step S13, level 1 background data is read, a map around the current location is displayed, and the route is overwritten. That is, background data of a normal road map in a wider area than the city map is read and displayed.

  Thus, when there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data of the same block (region, area), and the background data is city map data, the road map display is wider. Switch to normal road map display that is not a city map. As a result, the difference between the background display (road map display) and the route display becomes inconspicuous. That is, even if there is a difference between the background display (road map display) and the route display, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

-Third embodiment-
In the first embodiment, if there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data, the display of either the background or the route is toned down to indicate that there is a version mismatch. Added notification. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which a data file with an older version is automatically updated.

  Note that the configuration of the update system and the navigation device, map data, search data, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the control program executed by the navigation device 1 will be described below. However, the control program will be described focusing on the differences.

-Route search-
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a control program for displaying a route and displaying a route according to the third embodiment. Steps S1 to S7 are the same as those in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S21, the background data of the road map displayed on the monitor 18 is compared with the version of the route search data used for the route search. Since data files are created in block units, the data files corresponding to the block are compared. As a result of comparison, if the version does not match, the process proceeds to step S22. If there is no mismatch, the process ends.

  In step S22, the old version of the data file that is inconsistent is updated. The update is performed for the specified file in the same manner as the update of the map data / search data described in the first embodiment. In step S23, it is determined whether the updated data is background data. In the case of background data, the process proceeds to step S24. If it is not background data but route search data, the process returns to step S3 and the route search is performed again. In step S24, the updated background data is read, a map around the current location is displayed, and the route is overwritten again.

  Thus, when there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data of the same block (area, area), the old version data file is automatically updated. Specifically, the mobile phone 4 is connected to the data providing center 9 to notify the file name (including path) and version of the data file to be updated, and to request transmission of a newer version of the data file. At this time, the data version of the new version may be notified and the data file of the same version may be obtained. When a new update data file is transmitted from the data providing center 9, it is stored in the non-volatile memory 12 and used for subsequent navigation processing.

  As a result, even if there is a version mismatch between the route search data and background data of the same block (region, area), the background display (road map display) and the route display are automatically updated. Misalignment will not occur.

-Fourth embodiment-
In the fourth embodiment, a case where there is a version mismatch between the search data and the route search data will be described. Note that the configuration of the update system and the navigation device, map data, search data, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the control program executed by the navigation device 1 will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the store A has been moved due to road construction. Fig.9 (a) is a figure which shows the mode before construction. It is shown that a curved road 51 and a road 52 intersect at an intersection 53, and there is a store A54 having a coordinate value (x1, y1) at the corner. Initially, background data, route search data, search data, and the like are created with the contents of FIG. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a state after the construction. Construction is performed so that the road 51 is straight, the intersection 53 has moved to the intersection 55, and accordingly, the store A has also moved to the position 56.

  Here, the data providing center 9 also holds the post-construction data of FIG. 9B as new version data. However, in the navigation device 1, it is assumed that the background data and the route search data are updated with the contents of FIG. 9B, but the search data is not updated. In this state, when the navigation device 1 tries to set the store A as the destination of the route search using the search data, the position of the old code 54 is set as the destination and the route search is performed. As a result, incorrect route guidance is performed. The present embodiment solves this problem.

-Route search-
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a control program for performing destination (destination) setting and route search in the fourth embodiment. The control device 11 of the navigation device 1 executes this control program. Similar to the first embodiment, the search data and route search data may be updated or not updated as needed in file units (block units). Therefore, in some regions, version mismatch may occur in different types of data files corresponding to the region. The processing in FIG. 8 starts when the menu button of the input device 17 is pressed, various menus are displayed, and the destination setting menu is selected.

  In step S31, a destination setting menu is displayed. In the destination setting menu, various menus such as “From Favorites”, “From 50 Sounds”, “From Phone Number”, “From Address” are displayed. In the present embodiment, description will be made on the assumption that “from 50 sounds” is selected. In step S32, “From 50 sounds” is selected, and the name of the facility can be input with 50 sounds. In step S33, the name of the facility that the user inputs by operating the input device 17 is received. In step S <b> 34, the facility name is determined by the user pressing the determination button of the input device 17.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the facility category and the prefecture where the facility is located are determined together with the facility name.

  In step S35, a data file of name search data is specified from the determined facility category and prefecture, and the data is read. A facility with the determined facility name is searched using the read data. When the corresponding facility is hit, the point information of the facility is acquired and a map around the point is displayed. At this time, the background data around the corresponding point is read and a map is displayed. When “From phone number” is selected in the above processing, the phone number search data is used. When “From address” is selected, the address search data is used.

  In step S36, the versions of the search data and the route search data are compared. Specifically, the version of the data file of the name search data read in step S35 is compared with the version of the data file of the route search data including the vicinity of the facility hit in step S35. If there is a mismatch in the version as a result of the comparison, the process proceeds to step S37. If there is no mismatch, the process skips step S37 and proceeds to step S38.

  In step S37, a message indicating that there is a mismatch between the search data and the route search data is displayed, and at the same time, notification is also made by voice. In step S38, it is determined whether or not the button for setting the point displayed in step S35 as the destination has been pressed. If the button to be set as the destination is pressed, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S39, the display indicating that there is a mismatch is erased (released), and the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, a route search is performed using the point set as the destination in step S38 as the destination.

  On the other hand, if a button not set as the destination is pressed in step S38, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the display indicating that there is an inconsistency is erased, and the process ends.

  Thus, if there is a version mismatch between the search data data file used to set the destination for the route search and the data file for the route search data including the vicinity of the destination, the mismatch is not detected. A message to that effect is displayed and a voice notification is given. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user that there is a version mismatch between the search data and the route search data.

  The user can determine whether or not to receive route guidance by performing route search after knowing that there is a mismatch. Therefore, even if a mysterious route guidance is received in the vicinity of the destination, there will be no confusion or frustration. In addition, when the inconsistency is resolved and a route search is desired with correct data, the old data can be updated by using this notification. As a result, a correct route search can be performed with the latest and inconsistent data. As a result, appropriate route guidance can be received.

-Fifth embodiment-
In the fifth embodiment, when a data file of a certain data type is updated, a notice that inconsistency occurs in data of another data type is issued. Note that the configuration of the update system and the navigation device, map data, search data, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the control program executed at the time of data update in the navigation device 1 will be described below.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a control program that performs update processing of map data and search data. The control device 11 of the navigation device 1 executes this control program. The process of FIG. 11 is started by selecting a menu “update map data” or “update search data” on the menu screen of the navigation device 1 or the like.

  In step S41, a data type of data to be updated is set based on a user input operation in accordance with an instruction on the menu screen. In step S42, similarly, based on the input operation of the user, the region or range to be updated of the data to be updated is set. The data file to be updated is specified based on the setting contents of step S41 and step S42. In step S43, a message indicating that the version is inconsistent with another data type for the specified data type is displayed and voiced.

  For example, when update of a data type related to road connection such as route search data or road data is selected, there is an influence due to inconsistency between background data (city map data) of level 0 and search data. Give a notice to alert you that it is large. Notification of strongly recommending updating of the other data may be performed. On the other hand, the same applies to the reverse case. That is, when update of the level 0 background data (city map data) or search data is selected, a notice is issued to call attention to the effect of inconsistencies with route search data or road data. Do.

  The combination of data types related to road connections, such as route search data and road data, and background data of level 1 or higher, and combinations of search data and background data of all levels are also caused by version mismatches. A notice to call attention is given to the impact. In this case, since the degree of influence is smaller than the data type related to road connection, such as route search data and road data, and the background data (city map data) and search data of level 0, the content of the notification is different. Make it. Alternatively, the notification itself may not be performed.

  In step S45, the process waits for the user to decide whether or not to update. If there is an input operation by the input device 17 to update, the process proceeds to step S46, and if there is an input operation to not update, the process ends. In step S46, an update process is performed for the file specified in step S43. Specifically, the specified file name (including the path) and version information of the file are notified to the data providing center 9 via the communication device 4 telephone line network 5 and transmitted from the data providing center 9. The update file is received and stored in the nonvolatile memory 12. The processes related to the update in the navigation device 1 and the data providing center 9 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when a data file of a certain data type is updated, a notice that an inconsistency occurs in data of another data type is called. That is, when a combination (pattern) having an influence level due to version mismatch is determined in advance and update of one of the data types of the combination is selected, version mismatch is caused for the other data type. Announced that the impact will occur, and raised the attention.

  Thereby, the user can update after knowing the degree of influence, and does not cause confusion when using the navigation device 1. In addition, the other data type can be updated using this as a trigger.

-Sixth embodiment-
In the first to fifth embodiments, the map data includes background (for map display) data, road (for locator) data, route search data (network data), and route guidance data (intersection name / road name). In the example described above, the background data includes data for displaying a road. Further, the example in which the route is displayed using the route display data included in the route search data or the route display data updated together with the route search data has been described. As a result, an example in which there is a mismatch between the road display and the route display has been described.

  In the sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which roads of level 1 or higher are displayed using the road data. In the display of the level 0 city map, the road is displayed using the city map data as the background data. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the versions between the road data and the route search data are usually the same. That is, the road data and the route search data are updated at the same timing. Therefore, there is no possibility of version mismatch between the route search data and the road data, but there is a possibility that version mismatch between the background data and the route search data or the road data.

  The sixth embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except that roads of level 1 or higher are displayed using road data. Therefore, only differences from the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 of the second embodiment, and description of other contents will be omitted.

  In the sixth embodiment, background data and road data around the current location are read in step S5 of FIG. 7 of the second embodiment. When each data is updated, the latest version of the file is read. In step S6, a road map around the current location is displayed on the monitor 18 using the background data and road data read in step S5. However, in the case of the city map display (level 0), the city map around the current location is displayed using only the city map data as the background data.

  In step S7, the route in the range of the road map displayed in step S6 is displayed among the routes searched in step S4. The route is displayed by associating the route search result with the road data. Note that the method of displaying the route by associating the route search result with the road data has a publicly known content, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram for displaying the route 61 on the city map, and FIG. 12B is a diagram for displaying the route 62 on the normal road map. In FIG. 12A, the road 63 and the route 61 of the city map are displayed in a shifted manner. This is because there is a version mismatch between the city map data displaying the city map and the road data used for displaying the route.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 12B, there is no deviation between the route 62 and the road. This is because both the road display and the route display are performed using the same road data. In the case of FIG. 12, there is no particular problem as to which of the version of the city map data as the background data and the version of the route search data and the road data is newer.

  Thus, in the sixth embodiment, when there is a version mismatch between the route search data of the same block (area, area) and the city map data as the background data, the road map display is changed to the city area. Switched to the normal road map display of a wider area than the figure. That is, from the state where version mismatch occurs between the route search data and the data used to display the road (city map data), the route search data and the data used to display the road Switch to a state where there is no version mismatch with (road data). As a result, there is no difference between the road display and the route display.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the navigation apparatus 1 and the data providing center 9 are connected by the telephone line network 5 has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this content. You may make it connect via the internet. Another dedicated line may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the DVD drive device 14 is mounted on the navigation device 1 side has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. Only the non-volatile memory 12 such as a hard disk may be provided, and all map data and search data may be acquired by communication. Further, the navigation device 1 may be provided with a slot such as an IC card, and update data for search data may be provided using a removable memory such as an IC card.

  Although the example of the navigation device mounted on the vehicle has been described in the above embodiment, it is not necessarily limited to this content. The present invention can also be applied to a portable navigation device.

  In the above embodiment, the version, the update date, the data creation date, and the like are shown as the version information, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. It may be represented by a sequence of numbers, a sequence of alphabets, or a combination of numbers and alphabets. That is, any information can be used as long as it can identify the new and old data. In this specification, such information is referred to as version information.

  In the above embodiment, the program executed by the navigation device 1 or the server 6 has been described as an example already installed in each device, but it is not necessary to limit to this content. You may make it provide these programs with recording media, such as DVD and CD-ROM. In this case, it is necessary for each device to read data from those recording media. Further, these programs may be provided via a transmission medium such as a communication line represented by the Internet. In other words, the program can be converted into a signal on a carrier wave that carries the transmission medium and transmitted.

  In the above embodiment, an example of a dedicated navigation device mounted on a vehicle has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. The navigation apparatus may be realized by executing the control program for the navigation apparatus 1 described above on a personal computer. In that case, the current location detection device 13 and the like may be connected to a predetermined I / O port of the personal computer.

  In the above embodiment, the inconsistency between the specified data types has been described as an example, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. The present invention can also be applied to combinations between other data types.

  As map types, map data includes background (for map display) data, road (for locator) data, route search data (network data), route guidance data (intersection name / road name / direction name / direction guide) In the search data, the name (reading) search data, the telephone number search data, and the address search data are given as examples. However, the search data is not necessarily limited to this content. For example, a combination of some of these data types may be used as one data type, or one data type may be divided into a plurality of data types. Further, the data type may not be in the above embodiment. That is, the present invention can be applied to all types of data used by the navigation device. In particular, the present invention can be applied to all types of data having data in relation to areas or points on a map.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the data file of each data type of the map data is generated in units of blocks has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. It may be a mesh unit. Other units may also be used. Furthermore, all data types need not be in the same unit. One data type may be a block unit, and another data type may be a mesh unit. What is necessary is just to compare a version between the data files containing the data regarding the specified point or area.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which there is a version mismatch between data files has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. There may be a version mismatch between predetermined data sets. In such a case, it is necessary to have data version information in a predetermined data set unit. For example, the data file is created in units of the above blocks, but the data may be managed in units of meshes and have version information in units of meshes. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a case where version information is provided in units of link strings or POIs of search data in more detail.

  In the above embodiment, an example of a planar map has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called bird's-eye view displayed obliquely from above.

  In the first embodiment, if there is a version mismatch, the display is toned down to notify that there is a version mismatch, but it is not necessarily limited to this. A message indicating inconsistency may be displayed or notified by voice. Further, it may be a message prompting the update of the old version data. Furthermore, the display of the inconsistent area itself may be erased.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which there is a version mismatch in a part of the display screen is shown in FIG. 5, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. There may be inconsistencies in the data displaying the entire screen. In that case, the display tone is changed for the entire screen. For example, when the background data is old, the display tone of the road map on the entire screen is lowered.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the display tone of either the road map or the route is lowered is shown, but it is not necessarily limited to this content. In the corresponding area, the entire display tone including the road map and the route may be changed. Thus, it can be seen that at least a version mismatch occurs in the area.

  In the second embodiment, when there is a version mismatch between the route search data and the background data, and the background data is city map data, the road map display is not a wider city map. Switch to normal road map display. However, it is also possible to switch to the road map display of a scale closest to the city map using data in which there is no inconsistency between the route search data and the background data. This is not limited to when inconsistency occurs between route search data and city map data, but also when inconsistency occurs between route search data and other levels of background data. Applicable.

  In the fourth embodiment, when there is a version mismatch between the search data file and the route search data file, a message indicating that there is a mismatch is displayed and also notified by voice. I did it. However, the display of the icon of the facility searched by the search data may be changed. For example, the icon display tone may be lowered, the color may be changed, the shape may be changed, or the icon may be changed to a dedicated icon indicating inconsistency.

  Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these contents. Other embodiments conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention are also included in the scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the update system of the map data and search data used for a navigation apparatus. It is a block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation device. It is a figure which shows the data structure in the data file of map data or search data. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the control program of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display when the data for a route search are old. It is a figure which displays the path | route on a city map, and the path | route on a normal road map. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the control program of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the control program of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining a mode that the shop A was moved with road construction. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the control program of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the control program of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation apparatus 2 Recording medium 4 Communication apparatus 5 Telephone line network 6 Server 7 Map database 8 Search database 11 Control apparatus 12 Non-volatile memory 13 Present location detection apparatus 14 DVD drive apparatus 15 Memory 16 Communication interface 17 Input apparatus 18 Monitor

Claims (13)

A navigation device,
Storage means for storing at least a first type of data and a second type of data;
Control means for performing processing relating to navigation using the first type of data and the second type of data;
Updating means for individually updating the first type of data and the second type of data in a predetermined unit;
Version comparison means for comparing versions of the first type data and the second type data relating to a predetermined area;
A navigation device, comprising: a notification means for notifying that a version is different when the first type data and the second type data relating to the predetermined area are different. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein
The notifying unit may display at least one of a display color and a display tone related to the predetermined area depending on whether the first type data and the second type data regarding the predetermined area are different from each other. A navigation device that performs notification that a version is different by making different. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein
The notification device outputs a message indicating that the versions are different when the versions of the first type data and the second type data relating to the predetermined area are different. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of data is data related to road connections, and the second type of data is data related to display of a road map. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of data is data relating to road connections, and the second type of data is data relating to display of a city map. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of data is data relating to road connections, and the second type of data is search data for searching for a desired point. The navigation device according to claim 6, wherein
Destination setting means for setting a destination for route search using the search data;
Further comprising route search means for performing a route search using the data relating to the connection of the road,
When the destination is set by the destination setting means, the notification means starts notification that the versions are different, and when the route search means starts route search, the notification that the versions are different ends. The navigation apparatus characterized by doing. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first type of data is route search data used for route search, and the second type of data is map display data used for display of a road map,
The control means performs a route search using the route search data, displays a road map using the map display data, and displays a route obtained as a result of the route search on the road map. Display
The notification means displays the color of at least one of the route and the road map of the predetermined area depending on whether the route search data and the map display data regarding the predetermined area are different in version. And a navigation device characterized in that at least one of display tones is made different. A navigation device,
Storage means for storing at least a first type of data and a second type of data;
Control means for performing processing relating to navigation using the first type of data and the second type of data;
Updating means for connecting to an update data providing device and individually updating the first type data and the second type data in a predetermined unit;
Version comparison means for comparing versions of the first type data and the second type data relating to a predetermined area;
When the version of the first type of data related to the predetermined area is older than the version of the second type data, the update unit is connected to the update data providing device and connected to the update data providing device of the new type. A navigation apparatus characterized by acquiring data. A navigation device,
Storage means for storing at least a first type of data and a second type of data;
Control means for performing processing relating to navigation using the first type of data and the second type of data;
Updating means for individually updating the first type of data and the second type of data in a predetermined unit;
Version comparison means for comparing versions of the first type data and the second type data relating to a predetermined area;
The control means displays at least a road map using the first type data and the second type data, and the first type data and the second type relating to the predetermined area. A navigation device characterized in that when the version of the type data is different, the display scale of the road map is changed to a scale for displaying a wider area. The navigation device according to claim 10,
The control means changes the display scale of the road map to a scale that can use data relating to the predetermined area whose version does not differ between the first type and the second type. Navigation device. A navigation device,
Storage means for storing a plurality of types of data;
Control means for performing processing relating to navigation using the plurality of types of data;
Updating means for individually updating the plurality of types of data in a predetermined unit;
When the updating unit updates the first type of data regarding a predetermined area, the version of the data regarding the second type of the second type that has a predetermined relationship with the first type is inconsistent in version. A navigation device comprising: notification means for notifying information related to the navigation device.   The navigation control program which makes a computer implement | achieve the function of the navigation apparatus in any one of Claim 1-12.

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