JP2006275774A - Navigation device, updating system of map data, and updating method of the map data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method capable of updating map data of also an area other than the periphery of a recommended route, in a navigation device capable of partially updating the map data. <P>SOLUTION: When fuel residual quantity of own vehicle becomes lower than a prescribed value, a circular runnable range 41 is set on a map, by using as a radius a distance range corresponding to a fuel residual quantity value of own vehicle at that time, centered at the present position of own vehicle, based on the fuel residual quantity at that time. Each of meshes M1-M6, M8 including the runnable range 41 is set as a region for object of updating. Then, updated map data relative to each of the meshes M1-M6, M8 are downloaded from an updated map data delivery center to the navigation device, to thereby partially update the map data recorded in an HDD. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for updating map data stored in a navigation device.

  There is known a navigation device that partially updates the map data around a recommended route searched by a set destination to the latest contents.

JP 2003-75174 A

  In the navigation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, an area other than the vicinity of the recommended route cannot be an update target area, and the map data cannot be updated to the latest contents. However, even in areas other than around the recommended route, areas that are highly likely to be used by users or areas with large map changes are set as update target areas according to the situation, and the map data is the latest content. It is desirable to update to Thus, there is a need for a method capable of updating map data by setting an appropriate update target area in accordance with the situation in areas other than the vicinity of the recommended route in a navigation apparatus that can partially update map data.

The invention of claim 1 displays a map based on stored map data, and the map data can be partially updated using the latest version of map data transmitted from an external update map data transmission device. A navigation device, which is set by map storage means for storing map data set for each predetermined area range, range setting means for setting a travelable range based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle, and range setting means The update area setting means for setting the update target area when the map data is partially updated based on the travelable range that has been set, and the update target area set by the update area setting means are stored in the map storage means. Request means for requesting the updated map data transmitting device for the latest version of the map data, and the latest map data transmitted from the updated map data transmitting device in response to the request Update map data acquisition means for acquiring the map data update means for partially updating the map data stored in the map storage means using the latest version of the map data acquired by the update map data acquisition means It is to be prepared.
The invention of claim 6 displays a map based on the stored map data, partially updates the map data stored in the navigation device, and a navigation device capable of partially updating the map data. A map data update system having an updated map data transmission device for transmitting the latest version of map data for navigation to a navigation device,
The navigation device is set by a map storage unit that stores map data set for each predetermined area range, a range setting unit that sets a travelable range based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle, and a range setting unit. The update area setting means for setting the update target area when the map data is partially updated based on the travelable range, and the update target area set by the update area setting means are stored in the map storage means. Request means for requesting the updated map data transmitting device for the latest version of the map data, updated map data acquiring means for acquiring the latest version of the map data transmitted from the updated map data transmitting device in response to the request, and updated map data Map data update that partially updates the map data stored in the map storage means using the latest version of the map data acquired by the acquisition means. And means,
The updated map data transmission device includes transmission means for transmitting the latest version of the map data for the update target area to the navigation device in response to a request from the request means.
The invention of claim 7 displays a map based on the stored map data, partially updates the map data stored in the navigation device, and a navigation device capable of partially updating the map data. A map data update method used in a map data update system having an updated map data transmission device for transmitting a latest version of map data to a navigation device, wherein the map data set for each predetermined area range is navigation device Is stored, and the range that can be traveled is set based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle, and the update target area when the map data is partially updated is set and set based on the set travelable range. For the update target area, the updated map data transmission device is requested for the latest version of the map data, and the update target area is requested in response to the request. The latest version of the map data is transmitted from the updated map data transmitting device to the navigation device, acquired by the navigation device, and the map data stored by the navigation device is partially used by using the latest version of the acquired map data. It will be updated.

  According to the present invention, in the navigation device, the travelable range is set based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle, the update target area is set based on the set travelable range, and the map for the set update target area is set. Request updated map data transmitter for latest version of data. In response to this request, the latest version of the map data transmitted from the updated map data transmitting apparatus is acquired in the navigation apparatus, and the map data of the navigation apparatus is partially updated using the latest version of the map data. Since the map data of the navigation device is partially updated in this way, it is possible to set an appropriate update target area according to the situation and update the map data for areas other than the vicinity of the recommended route.

  A map updating system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. This system includes a navigation device (on-vehicle device) 1, a communication terminal 2, a mobile communication network 3, and an updated map data distribution center 4 mounted on the vehicle 100. The navigation device 1 and the communication terminal 2 are connected to each other, and the mobile communication network 3 and the updated map data distribution center 4 are connected to each other.

  The navigation device 1 displays a map around the current location based on map data recorded in an internal HDD (hard disk), searches for a recommended route to the destination set by the user, and the recommended route. To guide the vehicle 100 to the destination. Note that the map data stored in the HDD of the navigation device 1 can be partially updated on a regional basis by receiving the update map data transmitted from the update map data distribution center 4.

  A mobile phone or the like is used as the communication terminal 2, and can make a call to a destination of a designated telephone number and receive incoming calls from other telephones. When a call is made or received at the communication terminal 2, the communication terminal 2 and the mobile communication network 3 are wirelessly connected to establish a communication line. As a result, the user can make a call with an external telephone. Note that the navigation device 1 has a hands-free call control function, and controls incoming and outgoing calls at the communication terminal 2 and records the call history, that is, the call destination and caller phone number history. be able to.

  Further, the communication terminal 2 has a data communication function in addition to the above telephone function, and transmits output data from the navigation device 1 to the update map data distribution center 4 and is also transmitted from the update map data distribution center 4. Can be output to the navigation device 1. At that time, the communication terminal 2 is wirelessly connected to the mobile communication network 3 under the control of the navigation device 1. When the communication terminal 2 and the mobile communication network 3 are wirelessly connected, a communication line is established between the navigation device 1 and the updated map data distribution center 4, and data can be transmitted and received.

  As described above, when the communication terminal 2 and the mobile communication network 3 are wirelessly connected during a call or data communication, a radio base station (not shown) is used. The wireless base stations can wirelessly communicate with the communication terminals 2 in a predetermined communication area around the wireless base stations, and are scattered throughout the country. Further, the connection between the navigation device 1 and the communication terminal 2 is not limited to a wired connection using a cable or the like, and a wireless connection such as an infrared ray may be used.

  When updating the map data stored in the HDD of the navigation device 1, a distribution map data distribution request is sent from the navigation device 1 to the update map data distribution center 4 using the data communication function of the communication terminal 2 described above. Is sent. That is, the communication terminal 2 is wirelessly connected to the mobile communication network 3 under the control of the navigation device 1, and a communication line is established between the navigation device 1 and the updated map data distribution center 4. In this state, a distribution map data distribution request is output from the navigation device 1 to the communication terminal 2 and transmitted from the communication terminal 2 to the update map data distribution center 4. This requests the update map data distribution center 4 to distribute the update map data.

  Furthermore, when transmitting the update map data distribution request as described above, information for specifying the region to be updated (hereinafter referred to as region specifying information) is created in the navigation device 1. Then, it is transmitted from the navigation device 1 to the updated map data distribution center 4 together with the distribution map data distribution request. In addition, the creation method of area specific information is demonstrated in detail later.

  The updated map data distribution center 4 is provided with a map server in which the latest map data is stored. As described above, when the update map data distribution request and the area specifying information are transmitted from the navigation device 1, the update map data distribution center 4 is based on the latest map data stored in the map server. Create updated map data. At that time, an update target area is specified based on the content of the received area specifying information, and updated map data for the area is created. The created update map data is transmitted from the update map data distribution center 4 to the navigation device 1.

  When the navigation device 1 receives the updated map data from the updated map data distribution center 4, it uses the updated map data to partially update the map data recorded in the HDD on a regional basis. In this way, the map data is updated.

  The configuration of the navigation device 1 is shown in FIG. The navigation device 1 includes a control circuit 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, current location detection device 14, image memory 15, display monitor 16, input device 17, and HDD 18.

  The control circuit 11 includes a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and performs various processes and controls for operating the navigation device 1 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 12 using the RAM 13 as a work area. The communication terminal 2 is connected to the control circuit 11, and when the map data is updated, the control terminal 11 controls the communication terminal 2 to update the map data distribution center 4 shown in FIG. And region specific information is transmitted. In response to this, the map data in the HDD 18 is partially updated by receiving the update map data transmitted from the update map data distribution center 4 via the communication terminal 2.

  A fuel remaining amount signal detected in the host vehicle is input to the control circuit 11. This fuel remaining amount signal represents the current fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle. For example, in the case of a gasoline vehicle, the remaining amount of gasoline is expressed as the remaining amount of fuel, and in the case of an electric vehicle, the remaining amount of battery is expressed as the remaining amount of fuel. This fuel remaining amount signal is also used to control the indicated value of the fuel gauge in the host vehicle.

  The current location detection device 14 is a device that detects the current location of the host vehicle. For example, a vibration gyro 14a that detects the traveling direction of the host vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor 14b that detects a vehicle speed, and a GPS sensor that detects a GPS signal from a GPS satellite. 14c and the like. The navigation device 1 can determine a route search start point when searching for a recommended route based on the current location of the host vehicle detected by the current location detection device 14.

  The image memory 15 temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the display monitor 16. This image data includes road map drawing data for displaying a map image, various graphic data, and the like, and is created by the control circuit 11 based on the map data recorded in the HDD 18. A map around the vehicle position is displayed on the display monitor 16 using the image data stored in the image memory 15.

  The input device 17 has various input switches for receiving operation inputs from the user, and this is realized by an operation panel, a remote control, a touch panel, or the like. The user can input the address and name of the facility designated as the destination by operating the input device 17 in accordance with the screen instruction displayed on the display monitor 16. When the user inputs an address, a facility name, or the like, the corresponding facility is searched for as a destination candidate in the navigation device 1, and the user's selection from the destination candidates is set as the destination. By setting the destination in this way, a recommended route to the destination is searched in the navigation device 1.

  Map data is recorded in the HDD 18 as described above. That is, the navigation device 1 stores map data by the HDD 18. Although an example using an HDD is described here, another rewritable nonvolatile recording device such as a rewritable recording disk such as a DVD-RAM, a flash memory, or the like is used instead of the HDD. Also good.

  The map data recorded in the HDD 18 is mainly used to guide the vehicle to the destination according to the recommended route such as route calculation data used for calculating the recommended route, intersection name, road name, and the like. Route guidance data, road data mainly used for representing road shapes, and background data representing map shapes other than roads such as coastlines, rivers, railways, and buildings. Further, POI (Point Of Interest) data representing the names, positions, types, telephone numbers and the like of various facilities is also included in the map data. The map data other than the route calculation data is set for each predetermined area range determined on a map called a mesh, and is filed separately for each mesh. For this reason, map data other than route calculation data can be rewritten for each file and partially updated in units of regions.

  In the road data, the smallest unit representing a road section is called a link. That is, each road is composed of a plurality of links set for each predetermined road section. In addition, the length of the road section set by a link differs, and the length of a link is not constant. A point connecting the links is called a node, and each node has position information (coordinate information). Also, a point called a shape interpolation point may be set between nodes in the link. Each shape interpolation point also has position information (coordinate information) like each node. The link shape, that is, the shape of the road is determined based on the position information of the node and the shape interpolation point.

  In the route calculation data, information called a link cost for representing the required travel time is recorded corresponding to each link representing major trunk roads throughout Japan. When the destination is set as described above, a route calculation from the current location detected by the current location detection device 14 to the destination is performed by a predetermined algorithm based on the route calculation data. A recommended route that minimizes the total link cost to the destination is obtained. Then, a map around the current location including the determined recommended route is displayed on the display monitor 16, and a right / left turn instruction or the like is appropriately performed according to the recommended route.

  Next, a method for partially updating the map data recorded in the HDD 18 of the navigation device 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, when the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, a range (travelable range) in which the host vehicle can travel is set on the map based on the remaining fuel amount at that time. And the mesh number information showing the mesh containing the set driving | running | working possible range is transmitted to the update map data delivery center 4 from the navigation apparatus 1 as above-mentioned area specific information.

  In the updated map data distribution center 4 that has received the region specifying information transmitted from the navigation device 1, a mesh including a travelable range is specified from the mesh number information, and updated map data having the mesh as an update target mesh is created. Then, it transmits to the navigation apparatus 1. The updated map data is created by extracting map data other than the route calculation data from the map server of the updated map data distribution center 4 for the update target mesh. By receiving the updated map data transmitted from the updated map data distribution center 4 in the navigation device 1 in this way, the map data recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated.

  A specific method for setting the travelable range based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle as described above will be described. Here, three methods will be described. The first method is to set a range within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle as a travelable range. Specifically, a range within a circle centered on the current position of the host vehicle and having a distance range corresponding to the remaining amount of fuel as a radius is defined as a travelable range. If the travelable range is set by this method, there is an advantage that the processing is simplified because it is not necessary to consider the road shape.

  FIG. 3 shows how the travelable range is set by the first method. The host vehicle whose current position is indicated by the current location mark 30 is traveling on the road 31. This road 31 intersects with the road 32 in front of the host vehicle, and further branches off with the road 33. It is assumed that meshes M1 to M9 are set in the map data. If the remaining fuel level of the host vehicle is equal to or lower than a predetermined value in such a state, a circular travelable range 41 is set on the map by the navigation device 1 based on the remaining fuel level at that time.

  The travelable range 41 is set with the current range 30 of the host vehicle as the center and a distance range corresponding to the fuel remaining value of the host vehicle at that time, that is, the predetermined value described above as a radius. Note that this distance range can be determined in advance in an appropriate size based on the average fuel consumption of the host vehicle and the predetermined value of the remaining amount of fuel. Alternatively, the distance traveled and the remaining fuel amount signal history may be recorded, and the distance range may be calculated by obtaining the fuel consumption from the history.

  The mesh numbers of the meshes M1 to M6 and M8 including the travelable range 41 set as described above are transmitted from the navigation device 1 to the updated map data distribution center 4 as area specifying information. As a result, the updated map data for these meshes is downloaded from the updated map data distribution center 4 to the navigation device 1, and the map data recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated.

  The second method is to set a travelable range in consideration of the road shape of the destination. Specifically, the range within the distance corresponding to the fuel remaining amount along the road in the traveling direction from the current position of the host vehicle is set as the travelable range. Setting the travelable range by this method has an advantage of avoiding unnecessary partial update of map data because it is possible to prevent an area that is not likely to travel as an update target area.

  FIG. 4 shows how the travelable range is set by the second method. When the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value, the travelable range 42 is set in a portion indicated by a thick line in the roads 31, 32 and 33 based on the fuel remaining amount at that time. The travelable range 42 extends along the road 31 in the traveling direction from the current position 30 of the host vehicle to a distance range corresponding to the fuel remaining value of the host vehicle at that time, that is, the predetermined value. Furthermore, from the intersection of the road 31 and the road 32 and the branch point of the road 31 and the road 33, the road 31 extends in the same direction as the road 31 in each direction. This distance range may be determined in advance as in the first method, or may be calculated using the obtained fuel consumption information.

  Note that when the travelable range is set by the second method described above, the distance range may be changed according to the road type. In other words, the distance range can be increased for roads with a high traveling speed, such as highways, and the distance range can be decreased for roads with a low traveling speed. Furthermore, the distance range may be changed in consideration of the traffic jam situation acquired by road traffic information or the like. That is, the distance range can be made smaller than usual when there is traffic jam or congestion. In this way, a more accurate travelable range can be set.

  The mesh numbers of the meshes M2, M3, M5, and M6 including the travelable range 42 set as described above are transmitted from the navigation device 1 to the updated map data distribution center 4 as area specifying information. As a result, the updated map data for these meshes is downloaded from the updated map data distribution center 4 to the navigation device 1, and the map data recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated.

  The third method is to set a travelable range along the recommended route when the recommended route is set. Specifically, the range within the distance corresponding to the remaining amount of fuel along the recommended route set from the current position of the host vehicle is set as the travelable range. Setting the travelable range by this method has the advantage that the update target area can be further narrowed down and unnecessary partial update of map data can be avoided as compared with the second method.

  FIG. 5 shows how the travelable range is set by the third method. The road 31 is set as a recommended route, and is displayed on the map so as to stand out from other roads. In this state, when the remaining amount of fuel of the host vehicle becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, a travelable range 43 is set between the current position 30 and the point 34 in the recommended route 31 based on the remaining fuel amount at that time. The travelable range 43 extends from the current position 30 of the host vehicle along the recommended route 31 to a fuel remaining value of the host vehicle at that time, that is, a distance range corresponding to the predetermined value. This distance range may be determined in advance as in the first and second methods, or may be calculated using the obtained fuel consumption information. Further, as in the second method, the distance range may be changed according to the road type and the traffic congestion situation.

  The mesh numbers of the meshes M5 and M6 including the travelable range 43 set as described above are transmitted from the navigation device 1 to the updated map data distribution center 4 as area specifying information. As a result, the updated map data for these meshes is downloaded from the updated map data distribution center 4 to the navigation device 1, and the map data recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated.

  Using one of the three methods described above, the travelable range is set based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle. Note that which of these three methods is used may be determined in advance or may be selected by the user. Alternatively, any method may be automatically selected according to the situation at that time. For example, when the number of roads around the host vehicle is large, that is, when the road density is high, the first method is used. Otherwise, the second method is used. If the recommended route is set, the third method can be used regardless of the road density. In this way, the travelable range can be set by an optimum method according to the situation.

  6 and 7 show flowcharts executed in the navigation device 1 and the updated map data distribution center 4 when the map data recorded in the HDD 18 of the navigation device 1 is partially updated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart executed when the route calculation data is updated. FIG. 7 is a flowchart executed when map data other than the route calculation data is updated.

  Hereinafter, the flowchart when updating the route calculation data in FIG. 6 will be described first. In FIG. 6, the flowchart shown in (a) is executed by the navigation device 1, and the flowchart shown in (b) is executed by the updated map data distribution center 4.

  The navigation apparatus 1 determines whether or not the route calculation data is updated by the control circuit 11 in step S1 of FIG. This determination is performed by determining whether or not a preset update condition is satisfied. If the update condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step S2. In step S2, a route calculation data distribution request for requesting the latest version of route calculation data is transmitted to the updated map data distribution center 4 via the communication terminal 2. At this time, information indicating the version number of the route calculation data recorded in the HDD 18 (route calculation data version information) is transmitted together with the route calculation data distribution request. Thus, the updated map data distribution center 4 can determine the version of the current route calculation data in the navigation device 1.

  Various contents can be set in the update condition used for the determination in step S1. For example, the update condition may be that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous update, or that an update request operation has been performed by the input device 17 from the user. By satisfying such an update condition, a route calculation data distribution request is transmitted from the navigation device 1 to the updated map data distribution center 4.

  The updated map data distribution center 4 receives the route calculation data distribution request transmitted from the navigation device 1 in step S2 as described above in step S21 of FIG. 6B. In the next step S22, in response to the route calculation data distribution request, the latest version of route calculation data for the main roads nationwide is transmitted. If step S22 is performed, the update map data distribution center 4 will complete | finish the flowchart of FIG.6 (b).

  When the latest version of the route calculation data is transmitted in step S22, the current route calculation in the navigation device 1 is performed based on the route calculation data version information transmitted from the navigation device 1 together with the route calculation data distribution request. Determine the data version. As a result, when the version of the current route calculation data is the same as the latest version, it is not necessary to transmit the route calculation data, so that the route calculation data is not transmitted in step S22.

  The navigation device 1 receives the route calculation data transmitted from the updated map data distribution center 4 in step S22 as described above by the control circuit 11 via the communication terminal 2 in step S3 of FIG. As a result, the latest version of the route calculation data is acquired. In the next step S4, the route calculation data in the map data recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated using the route calculation data received in step S3. If step S4 is performed, the flowchart of Fig.6 (a) will be complete | finished. As described above, the route calculation data recorded in the HDD 18 in the navigation device 1 is updated to the latest contents.

  Next, the flowchart at the time of map data update of FIG. 7 is demonstrated. In FIG. 7, the flowchart shown in (a) is executed by the navigation device 1, and the flowchart shown in (b) is executed by the updated map data distribution center 4.

  The navigation device 1 uses the control circuit 11 to acquire the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle based on the fuel remaining amount signal input from the host vehicle to the control circuit 11 in step S11 of FIG. In step S12, it is determined whether or not the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle acquired in step S11 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If it is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to the next step S13. However, when it is larger than the predetermined value, the flowchart of FIG. In this case, the map data in the HDD 18 is not updated. Note that, for example, a fuel remaining amount value when the fuel warning lamp is turned on in the host vehicle can be set as the predetermined value of the fuel remaining amount used for the determination in step S12. In this way, partial update of the map data can be started at the timing when the fuel warning lamp is turned on to prompt the user to refuel.

  In step S13, based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle acquired in step S11, a travelable range of the host vehicle at the current fuel remaining amount is set. Here, the travelable range is set by one of the three methods described above.

  In step S14, a mesh including the travelable range set in step S13 is specified. In step S15, area specifying information representing the mesh number of the mesh specified in step S14 is created. Thereby, the mesh is set as the update target area. In step S16, an updated map data distribution request indicating that distribution of updated map data is requested is transmitted to the updated map data distribution center 4 through the communication terminal 2 together with the area specifying information created in step S15. .

  The updated map data distribution center 4 receives the updated map data distribution request and the area specifying information transmitted from the navigation device 1 in step S16 as described above in step S31 of FIG. 7B. In the next step S32, the mesh set in the update target area is determined based on the area specifying information received in step S31, and the latest map data of the mesh (update target mesh) is extracted from its own map server. In step S33, the latest map data of the update target mesh extracted in step S32 is transmitted to the navigation device 1 as updated map data. If step S33 is performed, the update map data distribution center 4 will complete | finish the flowchart of FIG.7 (b).

  The navigation device 1 receives the update map data transmitted from the update map data distribution center 4 in step S33 as described above by the control circuit 11 via the communication terminal 2 in step S17 of FIG. In the next step S18, the map data recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated using the updated map data received in step S17. If step S18 is performed, the flowchart of Fig.7 (a) will be complete | finished. As described above, the map device recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated in the navigation device 1.

  In addition, when transmitting area specific information from the navigation apparatus 1 to the update map data delivery center 4 in step S16, it is preferable to transmit the information of the map version in each update object mesh together with it. In this way, when the latest version of the map data is extracted from the map server of the updated map data distribution center 4 in step S32, the update target mesh that has already been updated to the same map version is excluded from the extraction target. can do. As a result, mesh data that does not need to be updated can be excluded from the updated map data to reduce the amount of useless data.

According to the embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be achieved.
(1) In the navigation device 1, a travelable range is set based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle (step S13), and a mesh including the travelable range is specified based on the set travelable range (step S14). ) Set the update target area. The updated map data distribution center 4 is requested for updated map data including the latest version of the road data for the update target area thus set (step S16). In response to this request, the updated map data distribution center 4 transmits updated map data including the latest version of the road data for the update target area to the navigation device 1 (step S33), and this is acquired in the navigation device 1 ( Step S17). Using the latest version of the road data acquired in this way, the map data recorded in the HDD 18 is partially updated (step S18). Since the map data of the navigation device is partially updated in this way, it is possible to set an appropriate update target area according to the situation and update the map data for areas other than the vicinity of the recommended route.

(2) As a first method of setting the travelable range in step S13, setting the travelable range within a circle centered on the current position of the host vehicle and having a radius corresponding to the distance range corresponding to the remaining amount of fuel. It was. Since it did in this way, a process can be simplified and the processing load of a control circuit can be reduced.

(3) As a second method of setting the travelable range in step S13, the travelable range is set within a distance corresponding to the fuel remaining amount along the road in the traveling direction from the current position of the host vehicle. . Since it did in this way, it can prevent the area where there is no possibility of traveling as the update target area, avoid the partial update of unnecessary map data, and suppress the generation of unnecessary communication time and communication charges. it can.

(4) As a third method of setting the travelable range in step S13, the travelable range is set within a distance corresponding to the remaining amount of fuel along the recommended route from the current position of the host vehicle. Since it did in this way, the partial update of unnecessary map data can be avoided by narrowing down an update object area further, and generation of useless communication time and communication charge can be controlled.

(5) It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of fuel of the host vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S12). If the remaining amount of fuel is equal to or less than the predetermined value, a travelable range is set in step S13. . Since it did in this way, the partial update of map data can be performed according to the timing which prompts a user to refuel, and the newest information, such as a gas station in the possible travel range of the own vehicle, can be acquired.

  In the above-described embodiment, the map data is partially updated by setting the travelable range when the fuel level of the host vehicle is equal to or less than the predetermined value. It is also possible to start a partial update of the data. For example, partial update of map data may be started when a user requests or when an abnormality is detected in the host vehicle. If it does in this way, the newest map information in a runable range can be acquired at various timings as needed.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the latest version of the route calculation data and the updated map data are downloaded from the updated map data distribution center 4 to the navigation device 1 using the wireless communication line has been described. The content is not limited. For example, by connecting a map data rewriting device provided in a car dealership or service center to a navigation device, and transmitting the latest version of the route calculation data or updated map data from the map data rewriting device to the navigation device. The present invention can also be applied when partially rewriting map data. Further, the latest version of the route calculation data and the updated map data may be acquired from different locations.

  In the above embodiment, the update target area is set from the travelable range by the process of step S14 in the navigation device 1. However, this process may be performed in the update map data distribution center 4 by transmitting the information of the travelable range set in step S13 to the update map data distribution center 4. That is, the position and size of the set travelable range, and when the travelable range is set along the road, the link number of the road is transmitted from the navigation device 1 to the updated map data distribution center 4. Based on these pieces of information, any one of the meshes may be selected in the update map data distribution center 4 and set in the update target area. In this case, since it is not necessary to create the area specifying information, it is not necessary to execute the process of step S15.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the updated map data is automatically updated when the navigation device 1 receives the update map data has been described. However, the map data is obtained only when the user approves the user before confirming the update. You may make it update. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the map data from being updated without the user's desire.

  In the above embodiment, map data for the whole of Japan has been described as an example, but other regions, for example, one region in Japan such as the Kanto region, or a foreign country may be targeted. Regardless of the region, the present invention can be applied as long as the map in the region is represented by the map data set for each predetermined region range for the region.

  The embodiment and various modifications described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these contents as long as the features of the invention are not impaired.

  In the above embodiment, the map storage means is realized by the HDD 18, and the other means are realized by processing in either the control circuit 11 of the navigation device 1 or the updated map data distribution center 4. Specifically, the range setting means is realized in step S13, the update area setting means in step S14, the request means in step S16, the update map data acquisition means in step S17, the map data update means in step S18, and the transmission means. This is realized by step S33. In addition, the above description is an example to the last, and when interpreting invention, it is not limited or restrained at all by the correspondence of the description matter of said embodiment, and the description matter of a claim.

It is a figure which shows the map update system by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of a navigation apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of the 1st driveable range which sets the range within the predetermined distance from the own vehicle to a driveable range. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of the 2nd driveable range which sets the driveable range in consideration of the road shape of an advancing destination. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of the 3rd driveable range which sets a driveable range along a recommended route. It is a flowchart performed when updating route calculation data. It is a flowchart performed when updating map data other than route calculation data.

Explanation of symbols

1: Navigation device 2: Communication terminal 3: Mobile communication network 4: Update map data distribution center 11: Control circuit 12: ROM
13: RAM
14: Current location detection device 15: Image memory 16: Display monitor 17: Input device 18: HDD
100: Vehicle

Claims (7)

A navigation device that displays a map based on stored map data, and that can partially update the map data using the latest version of map data transmitted from an external update map data transmission device,
Map storage means for storing map data set for each predetermined area range;
Range setting means for setting a travelable range based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle;
An update area setting means for setting an update target area when the map data is partially updated based on the travelable range set by the range setting means;
Request means for requesting the updated map data transmission device for the latest version of the map data stored in the map storage means for the update target area set by the update area setting means;
Updated map data acquisition means for acquiring the latest version of the map data transmitted from the updated map data transmitter in response to the request;
A navigation apparatus comprising: map data update means for partially updating map data stored in the map storage means using the latest version of the map data acquired by the update map data acquisition means. . The navigation device according to claim 1.
The said range setting means sets the said driving | running | working range within the circle | round | yen centering on the present position of the own vehicle and having a distance range according to the said fuel remaining amount as a radius. The navigation device according to claim 1.
The said range setting means sets the said driving | running | working range within the distance according to the said fuel remaining amount along the road of the advancing direction from the present position of the own vehicle, The navigation apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The navigation device according to claim 1.
A route setting means for setting a recommended route to the set destination;
The said range setting means sets the said driving | running | working range within the distance according to the said fuel remaining amount along the recommendation path | route set by the said route setting means from the present position of the own vehicle. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The said range setting means sets the said driving | running | working range when the fuel remaining amount of the own vehicle becomes below a predetermined value defined beforehand, The navigation apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A navigation device capable of displaying a map based on the stored map data and partially updating the map data, and the latest map data for partially updating the map data stored in the navigation device An updated map data transmitting device for transmitting a version to the navigation device;
The navigation device
Map storage means for storing map data set for each predetermined area range;
Range setting means for setting a travelable range based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle;
An update area setting means for setting an update target area when the map data is partially updated based on the travelable range set by the range setting means;
Request means for requesting the updated map data transmission device for the latest version of the map data stored in the map storage means for the update target area set by the update area setting means;
Updated map data acquisition means for acquiring the latest version of the map data transmitted from the updated map data transmitter in response to the request;
Map data update means for partially updating the map data stored in the map storage means, using the latest version of the map data acquired by the update map data acquisition means,
The updated map data transmission device includes:
A map data update system comprising: a transmission means for transmitting the latest version of map data for the update target area to the navigation device in response to a request from the request means. A navigation device capable of displaying a map based on stored map data and partially updating the map data, and the latest map data for partially updating the map data stored in the navigation device A map data update method used in a map data update system having an updated map data transmission device for transmitting a version to the navigation device,
Storing the map data set for each predetermined area range by the navigation device;
Set the driving range based on the fuel level of your vehicle,
Based on the set possible travel range, set an update target area when partially updating the map data,
For the set update target area, request the updated version of the map data to the updated map data transmission device,
In response to the request, the latest version of the map data for the update target area is transmitted from the updated map data transmitting device to the navigation device, and acquired by the navigation device,
A map data update method, wherein the map data stored in the navigation device is partially updated using the latest version of the acquired map data.

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