JP2006323466A - Information providing device, terminal device, information providing system, and information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing device capable of providing map data appropriately corresponded to the displays on various terminal devices of different product forms or specifications. <P>SOLUTION: A server 21 has a function of providing the map data to user terminals 1, 31 and 41 via a network 12. The server 21 comprises a map DB 24 for storing reference map data respondable to the displays on various user terminals, a registration receiving means 22a for receiving, from each user terminal, registration of user information including information related to the specification of the display section of the user terminal, a user information DB 25 for storing the user information of which registration has been received, a map data processing means 22c for processing the reference map data into map data corresponded to the specification of the display section of the user terminal when a request for the map data is received from the user terminal registered in the user information DB 25, and a map data transmitting means 22d for transmitting the map data processed by a map data processing means 22c to the user terminal having requested the map. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an information providing device, a terminal device, an information providing system, and an information providing method, and more specifically, an information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network, the information providing device and the network The present invention relates to a terminal device having a function of communicating via an information provision system, an information provision system including these, and an information provision method.

In recent years, it has become possible to connect a terminal device to a network (such as the Internet) and receive map data from a map data providing server via the network. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, in order to use the latest map data in a navigation device, a personal computer is operated to access a map data providing server via a network, and a desired map is obtained from the map data providing server. Download the latest map data such as the national version and the western Japan version, write the latest downloaded map data to the memory card, and use the memory card with the latest map data on the navigation device. A possible system is disclosed.

In the map data providing server described in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether the command is a request command for predetermined map data when accessed from a personal computer. If the command is a map data request command, the command is read from the map database. Is read out, and the read map data is transmitted to the personal computer that has transmitted the command.

However, since the map data providing server described in Patent Document 1 is a server that provides map data for use in a navigation device, other terminal devices having different product forms (for example, personal computers, PDAs (personal digital assistants), It is not configured to provide a map suitable for display on a mobile phone or the like.

Therefore, when trying to receive the provision of map data suitable for display on another terminal device having a different product form, for example, a mobile phone, the map is accessed by accessing another map data providing server for the mobile phone. Must be provided with data. However, since there are many map data providing servers (map providing sites) that provide map data via a network, it is suitable for display on a terminal such as a mobile phone used by the user, and a form desired by the user (display It is not easy for the user to find a map data providing server that provides the map data of the content etc., and there is a problem that it takes time to acquire the desired map data.

In addition, when receiving map data from a separate map data providing server, the map form (map background, display facility, display road color and shape) that is usually the base of the map data used by each map data providing server Etc.), map data with a common base is not provided for terminal devices with different product forms, and it is not possible to receive a map with a common base among various terminals. There was a problem.

The map data providing server described in Patent Document 1 reads map data designated by a command from a map database, and transmits the read map data to a personal computer as it is. That is, the map data stored in the map database is provided as it is, and the map data specified by the command is further used for the specifications of the display unit of the terminal model used by each user (that is, the screen of the display unit). The terminal model used by each user in the map data to be downloaded is not processed into a form that reflects each user's wishes (display performance such as size, number of display pixels, displayable color, etc.) There is a problem that map data reflecting the display performance of each user and the desires of each user is not provided.
JP 2002-49624 A

Means for solving the problems and their effects

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can provide map data appropriately corresponding to display on various terminal devices having different product forms and performances, and is also suitable for user requests. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information providing device, a terminal device, an information providing system, and an information providing method that can provide map data corresponding to the above.

In order to achieve the above object, an information providing apparatus (1) according to the present invention is an information providing apparatus having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network, and can support display on various terminal devices. Map data storage means for storing standard reference map data, registration accepting means for accepting registration of user information including information related to specifications of the display unit of the terminal device from each user terminal device, and the registration accepted When a request for map data is received from a user information storage means for storing user information and a user terminal device registered in the user information storage means, the reference map data is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal device. Map data processing means for processing the map data corresponding to the specifications, and map data processed by the map data processing means It is characterized by and a map data transmitting means for transmitting to.

According to the information providing apparatus (1), user information including information related to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device received from the terminal device of each user is registered in the user information storage unit and registered. When a request for map data is received from a user terminal device, the map data processing means processes the reference map data into map data corresponding to the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal device. The map data thus transmitted is transmitted to the terminal device of the user.

Since the user information includes information on the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device (for example, information such as screen size, number of display pixels, displayable color, etc.), the registered user terminal device When a request for data is received, it is possible to grasp information related to the specifications of the display unit of the user's terminal device from the user information, and the display unit displays the reference map data based on the information related to the specifications. Can be processed into map data corresponding to the specifications. Therefore, it is possible to provide map data that matches the specifications of the display unit of each terminal device to various terminal devices having different specifications of the display unit of the product. An easy-to-see map can be provided.

Moreover, in order to acquire the map data used by various terminal devices, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat the access, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Further, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to the various terminal devices. For a user who uses map data with a plurality of terminal devices having different specifications, it is possible to receive map data that is uniform and easy to see between various terminal devices. The target of various terminal devices includes not only terminal devices with different product forms such as mobile terminals, navigation devices, and personal computers, but also terminal devices with different product specifications in the same product form.

An information providing device (2) according to the present invention is an information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network in the information providing device (1), and displays on various terminal devices. When a request for map data is received from a certain terminal device together with information relating to the specification of the display unit of the terminal device, the reference map data is stored in the certain terminal. Map data processing means for processing the map data corresponding to the specifications of the display unit of the apparatus, and map data processed by the map data processing means
Map data transmission means for transmitting data to the certain terminal device.

According to the information providing device (2), when a request for map data is received from the certain terminal device together with information relating to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device, the map data processing means causes the reference map data to be The map data is processed into map data corresponding to the specification of the display unit of the certain terminal device, and the processed map data is transmitted to the certain terminal device. Therefore, when a request for map data is received from the certain terminal device, the reference map data corresponds to the specification of the display unit based on the information related to the specification of the display unit of the terminal device transmitted together with the request. Can be processed into map data. That is, it is possible to provide map data that matches the specifications of the display unit of each terminal device to various terminal devices having different specifications of the product display unit. An easy-to-see map can be provided.

Moreover, in order to acquire the map data used by various terminal devices, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat the access, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Also, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to the various terminal devices. It is possible to provide easy-to-see map data that is consistent between the two.

An information providing device (3) according to the present invention is an information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network in the information providing device (1) or (2). Map data storage means for storing reference map data that can be displayed on the apparatus, terminal information storage means for storing terminal information including model names of various terminal apparatuses and display unit specifications, and terminal apparatuses for each user Registration acceptance means for accepting registration of user information including the model name of the terminal device, user information storage means for storing the user information for which the registration has been accepted, and users registered in the user information storage means Terminal information extractor that extracts the terminal information corresponding to the user terminal device from the terminal information storage means when a request for map data is received from the terminal device Map data processing means for processing the reference map data into map data corresponding to the user terminal device based on the extracted terminal information corresponding to the user terminal device, and the map data processing Map data processed by means
Map data transmission means for transmitting data to the terminal device of the user.

According to the information providing device (3), user information including the model name of the terminal device received from the terminal device of each user is registered in the user information storage means, and the registered user terminal When a request for map data is received from the device, the terminal information corresponding to the user terminal device is extracted from the terminal information storage means, and based on the extracted terminal information corresponding to the user terminal device. Then, the reference map data is processed into map data corresponding to the user terminal device, and the processed map data is transmitted to the user terminal device.

Since the model name of the terminal device is included in the user information, when a request for map data is received from a registered user terminal device, the model name of the user terminal device is determined from the user information. The terminal information corresponding to the model name can be extracted from the terminal information storage means, and based on the extracted terminal information (specifications, etc. on the display unit) It can be processed into map data corresponding to the terminal device.
Therefore, by registering the user information including the model name of the terminal device, it is possible to provide map data according to the model of each terminal device for various terminal devices,
A user-friendly map can be provided for any terminal device.

Moreover, in order to acquire the map data used by various terminal devices, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat the access, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Also, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to the various terminal devices. It is possible to provide easy-to-see map data that is consistent between the two.

An information providing device (4) according to the present invention is an information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network in any of the information providing devices (1) to (3). , Map data storage means for storing reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices, terminal information storage means for storing terminal information including model names of various terminal devices and display unit specifications, and a terminal When a request for map data is received together with the model name information of the terminal device from the device, the terminal information extracting means for extracting the terminal information corresponding to the certain terminal device from the terminal information storage means, and the extracted Map data processing means for processing the reference map data into map data corresponding to the certain terminal device based on the terminal information corresponding to the certain terminal device; It is characterized by and a map data transmitting means for transmitting data to said certain terminal device - processed map de that by over data processing means.

According to the information providing device (4), when a request for map data is received from the certain terminal device together with the model name information of the terminal device, the terminal information corresponding to the certain terminal device is the terminal information. Based on the extracted terminal information, the reference map data is processed into a map corresponding to the certain terminal device, and the processed map data is transmitted to the certain terminal device. Is done. Therefore, when a request for map data is received from the certain terminal device, the corresponding terminal information is extracted from the terminal information storage means based on the model name information of the terminal device transmitted together with the request, Based on the extracted terminal information, the reference map data can be processed into map data corresponding to the terminal device. That is, it is possible to provide map data according to the model of each terminal device to various terminal devices, and it is possible to provide a user-friendly map to any terminal device.

Moreover, in order to acquire the map data used by various terminal devices, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat the access, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Also, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to the various terminal devices. It is possible to provide easy-to-see map data that is consistent between the two.

Moreover, the information provision apparatus (5) which concerns on this invention is provided with the terminal information update means which updates the said terminal information memorize | stored in the said terminal information storage means in the said information provision apparatus (3) or (4). It is characterized by.
According to the information providing apparatus (5), since the terminal information stored in the terminal information storage unit is updated by the terminal information update unit, the terminal information can be kept up-to-date, It becomes possible to correspond to the terminal device.

Moreover, the information provision apparatus (6) according to the present invention is the information provision apparatus (1) to (5), wherein the map data processing unit is configured such that the specification of the display unit of the terminal apparatus or the terminal apparatus The reference map data is processed based on the processing conditions of the map data set according to the product form.

According to the information providing device (6), the reference map data is processed based on the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device or the processing conditions of the map data set according to the product form of the terminal device. . For example, when the terminal device is a navigation device, the user needs to set processing conditions such as preferentially leaving information (display content) that is highly necessary when driving on the road as processing conditions for the map data. A map including the displayed contents can be provided. Therefore, according to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device or the product form of the terminal device, the display objects (for example, facilities, buildings, characters, symbols, etc.) to be displayed on the map, the display color of the map (color display, color reduction) Display) and display data thinning methods are individually set to provide map data ideal for the user, more suitable for the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device or the product form of the terminal device. be able to.

In the information providing device (7) according to the present invention, in the information providing device (1) or (3), when the user information includes setting information of processing conditions for map data, the map data processing The means is characterized in that the reference map data is processed in consideration of setting information of processing conditions for the map data.

According to the information providing apparatus (7), in the case where the user information includes setting information for processing conditions for map data, the reference map data is added with the setting information for processing conditions for the map data. Since it is processed, it is possible to provide each terminal device with map data processed into a form reflecting each user's wishes.

Further, the information providing apparatus (8) according to the present invention includes a setting change accepting unit that accepts a setting change of the processing conditions of the map data from the terminal device of each user in the information providing apparatus (1) or (3), When the map data processing condition setting change is accepted, the map data processing means processes the reference map data in consideration of the map data processing condition setting change. .

According to the information providing apparatus (8), the setting change accepting unit can accept a change in the map data processing condition as necessary from each user's terminal device. When the setting change is accepted, the reference map data is processed in consideration of the setting change of the processing conditions of the map data. Therefore, the map data processed in a form reflecting each user's desire is sent to each terminal device. Can be provided to.

Further, when a change in the map data processing conditions is accepted, the user information storage means may be equipped with a setting change registration means for registering the map data processing condition setting change information. For example, since the map data processing condition setting change information is registered in the user information storage means, it can be reflected in the processing of the reference map data from the next time, and each time the map data processing condition is set. The trouble of making changes can be saved.

In the information providing device (9) according to the present invention, in the information providing device (7) or (8), the processing conditions of the map data include a detailed level setting condition of map display content, and a display to be displayed on the map. It is characterized in that at least one of an object setting condition and a color setting condition of a display object to be displayed on a map is included.

According to the information providing apparatus (9), when the processing conditions of the map data include the setting condition of the detailed level of the map display content, the level of the map display content desired by the user (the display content is abundant) It is possible to provide map data corresponding to a schematic map in which the display content is reduced from the detailed map. Moreover, when the setting conditions of the display object displayed on a map are included, the map data which gave priority to the display object (facility, building, character, symbol, etc.) which a user requires may be provided. it can. In addition, when the setting condition of the color of the display object to be displayed on the map is included, map data in which the color of the display object is set according to the user's preference can be provided.

The information providing apparatus (10) according to the present invention is the information providing apparatus (9), wherein the display condition color setting condition for changing the color of the display object according to a time zone is set in the information providing apparatus (9). It is characterized by including setting conditions.

According to the information providing apparatus (10), the setting condition for changing the color of the display object according to the time zone is included in the setting condition of the color of the display object displayed on the map.
It is possible to provide map data in which the color of the facility displayed on the map is changed according to the business hours of the facility, and it is possible to provide map data in a form in which information desired to be obtained by the user can be obtained.

Further, the information providing device (11) according to the present invention may be configured such that, in any of the information providing devices (7) to (10), when the terminal device is a navigation device, the map data processing condition includes: It is characterized in that a setting condition for whether to reflect the history information acquired from the navigation device on the map is included.

According to the information providing device (11), when the terminal device is a navigation device, the processing condition of the map data is a setting condition as to whether or not the history information acquired from the navigation device is reflected on the map For example, if the history information is set to be reflected on the map, information such as the destination setting history and past driving history is reflected on the displayed map (for example, the past The color of roads with a history of driving can be changed), and map data that shows the roads that the user has traveled in the past or places set as destinations can be provided.

The terminal device (1) according to the present invention includes the information providing devices (1), (3), (7), (8
A registration request means for requesting the information providing apparatus to register user information including information related to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal apparatus; According to the specification of the display unit of the terminal device transmitted from the information providing device to the map requesting unit for requesting the desired map data to the information providing device, and the request from the map requesting unit It is characterized by comprising map data receiving means for receiving map data processed together.

According to the terminal device (1), if user information including information related to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device is registered in advance with the information providing device, the terminal is requested when map data is requested. Without inputting information related to the specifications of the display unit of the device, from the information providing device,
The map data processed according to the specification of the display unit of the terminal device can be received, and the operation required for obtaining the desired map data can be simplified.

The terminal device (2) according to the present invention includes the information providing devices (1), (3), (7), (8
A registration request means for requesting the information providing apparatus to register user information including a model name of the terminal apparatus, and the information providing function. Map request means for requesting desired map data to the device, and map data processed in accordance with the model of the terminal device transmitted from the information providing device in response to a request by the map request means It is characterized by comprising map data receiving means for receiving.

According to the terminal device (2), if user information including the model name of the terminal device is registered in advance with the information providing device, the model name of the terminal device is requested when requesting map data. The map data processed according to the model of the terminal device can be received from the information providing device without the input of the information, and the operation required for obtaining the desired map data can be simplified. .

The terminal device (3) according to the present invention is a terminal device having a function of communicating with the information providing device (2) or (4) via a network, and the terminal device is connected to the information providing device. In addition to the input information related to the specification of the display unit, the map request unit that requests the desired map data, and the specification of the display unit of the terminal device that is transmitted from the information providing device in response to the request by the map request unit It is characterized by comprising map data receiving means for receiving map data processed together.

According to the terminal device (3), the display of the terminal device can be displayed when receiving the map data without registering in advance information related to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device. If the desired map data is requested together with the input information related to the specification of the part, the map data processed according to the specification of the display part of the terminal device can be received from the information providing device.

Moreover, the terminal device (4) according to the present invention is a terminal device having a function of communicating with the information providing device (2) or (4) via a network. Map request means for requesting desired map data together with input information of the model name of the map, and a map processed according to the model of the terminal device provided from the information providing apparatus in response to a request by the map request means And a map data receiving means for receiving data.

According to the terminal device (4), the input information of the model name of the terminal device can be obtained when receiving the map data without registering the model name of the terminal device in advance to the information providing device. At the same time, if desired map data is requested, map data processed according to the model of the terminal device can be received from the information providing device.

The information providing system (1) according to the present invention includes the information providing devices (1), (3), (7
), (8) and the terminal device (1) or (2).
According to the information providing system (1), the information providing devices (1), (3), (7), (
8) and the terminal device (1) or (2), so that the above-described effects in the information providing devices (1), (3), (7), (8) , The terminal device (
It is possible to construct an information providing system that has the above-described effects in 1) and (2), that is, can provide map data that is more ideal for the user, and has improved convenience on the user side.

An information providing system (2) according to the present invention includes the information providing device (2) or (4),
It is characterized by comprising the terminal device (3) or (4).
According to the information providing system (2), since the information providing device (2) or (4) and the terminal device (3) or (4) are included, the information providing device (2) ), (4
) And the above-described effects of the terminal devices (3) and (4), that is, more ideal map data for the user can be provided, and the convenience on the user side is enhanced. An information provision system can be constructed.

An information providing method (1) according to the present invention is an information providing method for providing map data from an information providing device to a terminal device via a network, wherein the terminal device A step of requesting registration of user information including information relating to the terminal device; and when the information providing device accepts registration of user information including information relating to the terminal device from the terminal device, the user information is stored in the user information A step of storing in a means; a step in which the terminal device requests desired map data from the information providing device; and a step in which the information providing device is registered in the user information storage means. When a request for map data is received, the reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices stored in the map data storage means is displayed on the terminal. A step of processing the map data corresponding to the specifications of the device, a step of transmitting the processed map data to the terminal device, and the terminal information transmitted from the information providing device. And receiving map data corresponding to the specifications of the apparatus.

According to the information providing method (1), when a request for map data is received from a registered user terminal device, information relating to the user terminal device is grasped from the user information, and information relating to the display unit is obtained. Based on this, the reference map data can be processed into map data corresponding to the specifications of the terminal device. Therefore, by registering the user information including information related to the terminal device, when a request for map data is received, various terminal devices with different product specifications are matched to the specifications of each terminal device. Map data can be provided, and a user-friendly map can be provided for any terminal device.

Moreover, in order to acquire the map data used by various terminal devices, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat the access, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Also, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to the various terminal devices. It is possible to provide easy-to-see map data that is consistent between the two.

An information providing method (2) according to the present invention is an information providing method for providing map data from an information providing device to a terminal device via a network, wherein the terminal device When inputting information related to a terminal device and requesting desired map data, and when the information providing device receives a request for desired map data from the terminal device together with input information related to the terminal device, Processing the reference map data stored in the data storage means that can be displayed on various terminal devices into map data corresponding to the specifications of the terminal device; and processing the processed map data to the terminal Transmitting to the device, and the terminal device receives map data corresponding to the specifications of the terminal device, transmitted from the information providing device. It is characterized in that it contains a step.

According to the information providing method (2), when a request for desired map data is received from the terminal device, based on input information regarding the terminal device transmitted along with the request,
The reference map data can be processed into map data corresponding to the specifications of the terminal device. That is, map data that matches the specifications of each terminal device can be provided to various terminal devices with different product specifications, and a user-friendly map can be provided to any terminal device. Can do.

Moreover, in order to acquire the map data used by various terminal devices, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat the access, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Also, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to the various terminal devices. It is possible to provide easy-to-see map data that is consistent between the two.

Embodiments of an information providing device, a terminal device, an information providing system, and an information providing method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the information providing system according to the embodiment (1).

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal 1 includes a microcomputer 2, a communication unit 3 that enables connection to a network 12 such as the Internet, an input unit 4 for input operation,
And a display unit 5 having a small display 5a. The mobile terminal 1 can be connected to the network 12 via the base station 11 using the communication unit 3, and exchange information with a server (information providing apparatus) 21 connected to the network 12. Can be done.

In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes an in-vehicle navigation device.
A communication unit 33 that enables connection to the microcomputer 32, the network 12, an input unit 34 for input operation, a display unit 35 having a display 35a larger than the portable terminal 1, and a navigation function It includes a map database 36 in which map data and facility data are stored, and a vehicle position detection unit 37 that detects a vehicle position including GPS.

In the ROM (not shown) in the microcomputer 32, navigation functions such as a destination search function, a route search function to the destination, and a route guidance function for guiding a route to the set destination are realized. Are stored, and the RAM (not shown) in the microcomputer 32 is configured to store destination setting and travel route history information. Also,
The navigation device 31 can be connected to the network 12 via the base station 11 using the communication unit 33, and can exchange information with the server 21 connected to the network 12. ing.

In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a personal computer. The personal computer 41 includes a microcomputer 42, a communication unit 43 that enables connection to the network 12, an input unit 44 for input operation, and a display 45a larger than the navigation device 31. And a display unit 45 having The personal computer 41 can be connected to the network 12 using the communication unit 43, and can exchange information with the server 21 connected to the network 12.

Each microcomputer 2, 32, 42 of the portable terminal 1, the navigation device 31, and the personal computer 41
A registration request unit that requests the server 21 to register user information including information related to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal, a map request unit that requests the server 21 for desired map data, Map data receiving means for receiving map data processed in accordance with the specifications of the display unit of the terminal, which are transmitted from the server 21 in response to the request by the map request means (none of which are shown) are provided. ing. Hereinafter, these portable terminal 1, navigation device 31,
The personal computer 41 is generically referred to as a user terminal. The target of the user terminal is the mobile terminal 1,
Not only terminal devices with different product forms such as the navigation device 31 and the personal computer 41 but also terminal devices with different product specifications in the same product form are included.

The server 21 includes a microcomputer 22, a communication unit 23 for connecting to the network 12, and various user terminals having different product forms and specifications (that is, the mobile terminal 1 and the navigation device 31).
A map database 24 that stores reference map data including detailed map information that can be displayed on a personal computer 41, etc., and facility information about facilities to be displayed on the map,
And a user information database 25 in which user information for which registration from each user terminal has been accepted is stored.

The microcomputer 22 includes, from each user terminal, a registration receiving unit 22a that receives registration of user information including information (display size, display pixel number, display color, etc.) related to the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal, and each user terminal. When the request for map data is received from the setting change accepting means 22b for accepting a change in the setting of the map data processing condition and the user terminal registered in the user information database 25, the reference map data is displayed on the user terminal. Map data processing means 22c for processing map data corresponding to a change in the specification of the part and / or processing conditions for map data, and map data processed by the map data processing means 22c are requested for map data. Map data transmission means 22d for transmitting to the user terminal.

Further, in the memory 22e in the microcomputer 22, the specifications of the display unit of each user terminal, that is, the processing conditions of the reference map data (characters, symbols,
The information in which the display objects such as buildings and facilities, the display objects to be displayed, the color of the map background, the thinning conditions of the display data, and the like are set is stored, and the reference map data is processed by the map data processing means 22c. It has come to be used in the case of.

Next, a user registration processing operation performed by the microcomputer 32 of the navigation device 31 and the microcomputer 22 of the server 21 in the information providing system according to the embodiment (1) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. To do.

First, the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) controls the communication unit 33 based on an input operation from the input unit 34, connects to the network 12, and accesses the server 21 (
Step S1). For example, the browser stored in the microcomputer 32 is started and the server 2
After the address 1 is designated, connection processing to the network 12 is performed.

When the server 21 (the microcomputer 22) detects an access from the navigation device 31 (step S2), the server 21 transmits information for displaying a user registration screen to the navigation device 31 from which the access has been detected (step S3). ).

When the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) receives the user registration screen information transmitted from the server 21 (step S4), the “user registration setting” screen as shown in FIG. Step S5). Through this “user registration setting” screen, the user can display the user name, user ID, password, and display unit 3 of the navigation device 31.
5 information (display size, color compatibility, etc.) can be input.

Next, in the “user registration setting” screen, it is determined whether or not a completion button has been input after inputting each item (step S6). If it is determined that a completion button has been input, the input user registration information is stored. It transmits to the server 21 (step S7).

When the server 21 (the microcomputer 22) receives the user registration information transmitted from the navigation device 31 (step S8), the server 21 performs a process of registering the received user registration information in the user information database 25 (step S9). Information for notifying completion of user registration is transmitted to the navigation device 31 (step S10).

When the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) receives a notification of completion of user registration (
In step S11), a “user registration completion notification” screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 35 (step S12), informing the user of the navigation device 31 that the user registration is completed, and the subsequent processing is performed. Finish.

Note that user registration of the mobile terminal 1 and the personal computer 41 is also performed between the mobile terminal 1 and the server 21 and between the personal computer 41 and the server 21 by the same processing operation as described above. .

Next, map request / provision processing operations performed by the microcomputer 32 of the navigation device 31 and the microcomputer 22 of the server 21 in the information providing system according to the embodiment (1) are shown in FIG.
This will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5-2 and 5-3.

First, the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) controls the communication unit 33 based on an input operation from the input unit 34, connects to the network 12, and accesses the server 21 (
Step S21). For example, after starting the browser stored in the microcomputer 32 and designating the address of the server 21, connection processing to the network 12 is performed.

When the server 21 (microcomputer 22) detects an access from the navigation device 31 (step S22), the server 21 transmits information for displaying a login screen to the navigation device 31 from which the access has been detected (step S23). .

Upon receiving the login screen information transmitted from the server 21 (step S24), the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) displays a “login” screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 35 (step S25). ), The user ID and password are accepted.

Next, in the “login” screen, it is determined whether or not a completion button has been input after the user ID and password are input (step S26). If it is determined that the completion button has been input, the input login information is displayed. It transmits to the server 21 (step S27).

When the server 21 (the microcomputer 22) receives the login information transmitted from the navigation device 31 (step S28), it collates the received login information with the user information registered in the user information database 25 (step S28). S29) It is determined whether or not it has been registered (step S30). If it is determined that it has not been registered, the process proceeds to processing at the time of unregistration (such as transmitting information on the re-input screen to the navigation device 31). If it judges, the information for displaying a map request | requirement reception screen will be transmitted to the navigation apparatus 31 (step S31).

When the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) receives the map request reception screen information transmitted from the server 21 (step S32), the “map request reception setting” screen as shown in FIG. 35 (step S33), and accepts the map condition input requested by the user.

Through this “map request acceptance setting” screen and “user condition setting” screen (FIG. 7B), the user sets the area and location of the map that the user desires to acquire, and the facility displayed on the map,
Map settings for display objects such as buildings, characters and symbol information, settings for facilities that require facility information, color settings for display objects such as roads and facilities, and destination histories and travel histories stored in the navigation device 31 The user can set the map data processing conditions such as whether or not to reflect them. Although not shown in FIG. 7B, the business hours of the facility or building are set using the facility information stored in the map database 24 as the color setting condition of the display object displayed on the map. It is also possible to set a setting condition for changing the color of the facility or the building (for example, changing the color so that it can be distinguished between business hours and non-business hours).

Next, when the input unit 34 is operated through the “map request reception” screen and the user instructs the input of the map request items (input of the completion button) (step S34), the input map request reception information is displayed. It transmits to the server 21 (step S35).

When the server 21 (the microcomputer 22) receives the map request acceptance information transmitted from the navigation device 31 (step S36), the user information of the navigation device 31 and
Based on the processing conditions of the reference map data stored in the ROM and the map request acceptance information,
A process of processing the reference map data corresponding to the area or point requested by the user is performed (step S37), and then the processed map data is transmitted to the navigation device 31 (step S38). The processing for processing the reference map data will be described in detail later based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) receives the map data transmitted from the server 21 (step S39), the navigation device 31 (in accordance with the specifications of the display unit 35 of the navigation device 31 and the user's request) responds. The processed map data) is displayed on the display unit 35 (step S40).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to store the received map data in the map database 24 (step S41). If it is determined that there is an instruction to store, the received map data is stored in the map database 24. (Step S42), it is determined whether or not a logout instruction has been issued (Step S43). If it is determined that there has been no logout instruction, the process returns to Step S41.
1 (step S44).

Upon receiving the logout information transmitted from the navigation device 31 (step S45), the server 21 (the microcomputer 22 thereof) transmits information for displaying the logout completion screen to the navigation device 31 (step S46).

When the navigation device 31 (the microcomputer 32 thereof) receives the logout completion screen information (step S47), the logout completion screen is displayed (step S48), and the processing ends thereafter. On the other hand, in step S41, the received map data is converted into the map database 24.
If it is determined that there is no instruction to store the map, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to change the map setting (step S49). If it is determined that there is no instruction to change the map setting, the process returns to step S41. If it is determined that there has been an instruction for a map setting change request, a “map setting change request” screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 35 (step S50), and a map setting change condition is input. Accept. Through this “Map Setting Change Request” screen,
Setting of display objects such as facilities, buildings, characters and symbol information to be displayed on the map, setting of facilities requiring facility information, setting of colors of display objects such as roads and facilities, destinations stored in the navigation device 31 The user can set the processing conditions for the map data, such as whether or not to reflect the history and travel history on the map.

Next, when the input unit 34 is operated through the “map setting change request” screen and the user instructs the input of setting change items (input of the completion button) (step S51), the setting of the input map is set. The change request information is transmitted to the server 21 (step S52).

Upon receiving the map setting change information transmitted from the navigation device 31 (step S53), the server 21 (the microcomputer 22) associates the received map setting change information with the user information of the navigation device 31, and the user Processing for registration in the information database 25 is performed (step S54), and based on the received map setting change information, step S37 is performed.
The map data processed in the above is further processed (step S55), and the further processed map data is transmitted to the navigation device 31 (step S56).

When the navigation apparatus 31 receives the additional processed map data transmitted from the server 21 (step S57), the received map data is displayed on the display unit 35 (step S).
58), the process returns to step S41.

Note that map request / provision processing corresponding to the mobile terminal 1 or the personal computer 41 is performed between the mobile terminal 1 and the server 21 and between the personal computer 41 and the server 21 by the same processing operation as described above. It is configured as follows.

Next, “map data processing” (step S37 in FIG. 5-1) performed by the microcomputer 22 of the server 21 in the information providing system according to the embodiment (1) is shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. This will be explained based on.

First, user information corresponding to the navigation device 31 is read from the user information database 25 (step S61), and then the user information (that is, the navigation device) is selected from the processing conditions of the reference map data stored in the memory 22e. The processing conditions of the reference map data corresponding to the specification of the display unit 35 of 31 are extracted (step S62). Next, reference map data corresponding to the region or point requested by the user is read from the map database 24 using the region / point information of the requested map included in the map request reception information as a key (step S63).
Next, based on the processing conditions of the reference map data corresponding to the specifications of the display unit 35 of the navigation device 31 and the setting information (user setting conditions) of the processing conditions of the map data included in the map request reception information, The reference map data read in step S63 is processed (step S
64) That is, the type of display objects such as characters, symbols, buildings, and facilities to be displayed on the map, the display objects to be displayed and the color of the map background are changed according to the setting, or the thinning process according to the size of the display After performing the above and the like, the process is finished, and the process proceeds to step S38.

According to the information providing system according to the embodiment (1), the server 21 receives user information including information related to the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal received from each user terminal.
When it is registered in the user information database 25 and a request for map data is received from the registered user terminal, the reference map data stored in the map database 24 is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal by the map data processing means 22d. The map data is processed into map data corresponding to the specification, and the processed map data is transmitted to the user terminal that has requested the map.

The user information includes information on specifications of the display unit of the user terminal (for example, screen size,
Information such as the number of display pixels and displayable colors) is included, and when a request for map data is received from a registered user terminal, information regarding the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal is obtained from the user information. The reference map data can be processed into map data corresponding to the specification of the display unit based on the information related to the specification on the display unit. Therefore,
Map data that matches the specifications of the display unit of each terminal device can be provided to various user terminals with different specifications of the display unit of the product. Can be provided.

For example, in response to a request for map data from a mobile terminal 1 equipped with a small display 5a, information that is suitable for a small screen and that is not necessary for the user when being carried is omitted, and a highly necessary display object Map data on which roads and roads are displayed with priority can be provided.
Further, in response to a request for map data from the navigation device 31 equipped with the medium-sized display 35a, information that is suitable for a navigation screen and that is not necessary for the user when riding the vehicle is omitted, and the necessity is high. Map data on which display objects and roads are displayed with priority can be provided. In addition, in response to a request for map data from the personal computer 41 having the large display 45a, it is possible to provide map data suitable for a large screen and including detailed information.

Therefore, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat access in order to acquire map data used in various user terminals having different product forms and specifications. If accessed, map data corresponding to any user terminal can be provided, and the convenience of the user can be improved. In addition, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various user devices is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to various user terminals. For users who use map data at a plurality of user terminals having different numbers, it is possible to receive map data that is easy to see and that is uniform among the user terminals.

In the information providing system according to the above embodiment (1), user information (that is, information relating to the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal) is registered in advance on the server 21 side. In the embodiment, instead of registering information related to the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal in advance on the server 21 side (that is, without providing the user information DB 25), when the user requests a map, the user terminal display Send information about the specifications of the part to the server side,
On the server side, the reference map data may be processed into map data corresponding to the specifications of the display unit based on information regarding the specification of the display unit of the user terminal transmitted from the user terminal.

In the embodiment (1), the user name, user ID, password, and information related to the specifications of the display unit 35 of the navigation device 31 are input through the “user registration setting” screen shown in FIG. However, in another embodiment, the user can also set the map data processing conditions as shown in FIG. 8, and the map data processing conditions can also be set by the user. It is good also as a structure registered as information.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the information providing system according to the embodiment (2). However, for the configuration of the information providing system according to the embodiment (2), the server 21
Since the configuration of A, the functions of the microcomputers 2A, 32A, 42A of the user terminals 1A, 31A, 41A, and the terminal information server 51 are substantially the same as the information providing system shown in FIG.
Different parts of the server 21A having different functions, the microcomputers 2A, 32A, and 42A of the user terminals 1A, 31A, and 41A, and the terminal information server 51 are given different reference numerals, and the other constituent parts are assigned the same reference numerals. The description is omitted.

The information providing system according to the embodiment (2) and the information providing system according to the embodiment (1) are different in the contents of user information registered in the user information database 25A of the server 21A. In (2), the user information includes the model name information of the user terminal, not the information related to the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal.

Based on the difference in user information registered in the user information database 25A, the server 21A
Includes model names of various user terminals and product forms (cell phones, PDAs, navigation devices,
A terminal information database 26 in which terminal information including information for identifying a personal computer or the like is stored is provided.

The microcomputer 22A of the server 21A receives, from each user terminal, a registration accepting unit 22a ′ that accepts registration of user information including the model name of the user terminal, and a setting change acceptance that accepts a setting change of the map data processing condition from each user terminal. Means 22b and user information database 25
Terminal information extraction means 22f for extracting terminal information corresponding to the user terminal from the terminal information database 26 when a request for map data is received from the user terminal registered in A.
A map data processing unit 22c ′ for processing the reference map data into a map corresponding to the user terminal based on the extracted terminal information corresponding to the user terminal, and a map data processing unit 2
Map data transmitting means 22d for transmitting the map data processed by 2c 'to the user terminal that has requested the map data.

Further, in the memory 22e 'in the microcomputer 22A, the processing conditions of the reference map data (displayed on the map) are classified according to the product form of each user terminal, that is, for each product form of the terminal such as a mobile phone, PDA, navigation device, personal computer. The information in which the display objects such as characters, symbols, buildings, and facilities to be displayed, the display objects to be displayed, the color of the map background, and the thinning conditions of the display data are set is stored. It is used when processing the reference map data. Furthermore, product forms such as a mobile phone, a navigation device, a PDA, and a personal computer may be classified finely according to the size of the display and the processing conditions for the reference map data may be set for each classification.

The terminal information server 51 also stores the latest model information (release date, manufacturer name,
A terminal database 52 in which model names, specifications of the display unit 35, product types, and other specifications) are collected, a communication unit (not shown) that enables connection to the network 12, and a microcomputer (not shown) And is connected to the network 12. The server 21A is configured to periodically obtain the latest model information from the terminal information server 51 and update the information in the terminal information database 26.

Next, the terminal information update processing operation performed between the server 21A and the terminal information server 51 in the information providing system according to the embodiment (2) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. This processing operation is repeatedly executed every predetermined period (for example, every 24 hours).

First, the server 21A (its microcomputer 22A) determines whether or not the update timing of the terminal information has come (step S71). If it is determined that the update timing has come, the communication unit 23 is used to update the information (latest information). The terminal information server 51 is requested to transfer the terminal model information) (
Step S72).

Upon receiving the update information transfer request transmitted from the server 21A (step S73), the terminal information server 51 (the microcomputer) searches the terminal database 52 and extracts the update information from the previous time (step S74). The extracted update information (latest terminal model information) is transmitted to the server 21A (step S75). When there is no update information, information indicating that there is no update information is transmitted.

Upon receiving the update information transmitted from the terminal information server 51 (step S76), the server 21A (the microcomputer 22A) performs processing for registering the received update information in the terminal information database 26 (step S77), and thereafter processing Finish.

In addition, with respect to the user registration processing operation performed by the microcomputer 32A of the navigation device 31A and the microcomputer 22A of the server 21A in the information providing system according to the embodiment (2), the server 21A (the microcomputer 22A) performs the operation for the navigation device 31A. 12, the information for displaying the user registration screen, that is, the configuration of the “user registration setting” screen displayed on the display unit 35 of the navigation device 31A is as shown in FIG. Since the processing is performed in the same manner except that the model name of the user terminal is input instead of the specification, the description thereof is omitted here.

Further, for the map request / provision processing operation performed by the microcomputer 32A of the navigation device 31A and the microcomputer 22A of the server 21A in the information providing system according to the embodiment (2), the standard in step S37 shown in FIG. Since the processing operations are substantially the same except for the map data processing, only the reference map data processing will be described here.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing “map data processing” performed by the microcomputer 22A of the server 21A in the information providing system according to the embodiment (2).
First, user information (model name) corresponding to the navigation device 31A is read from the user information database 25A (step S81), and then the terminal information database 26 is searched using the read user information (model name) as a search key. Navigation device 31A
Terminal information corresponding to the model name is extracted (step S82).

Next, from the processing conditions of the reference map data stored in the memory 22e ′ using the product form identification information included in the extracted terminal information as a search key, the product form, in this case,
The processing conditions of the reference map data corresponding to the navigation device are extracted (step S83).
.

Next, the reference map data corresponding to the region or point requested by the user is read from the map database 24 using the region / point information of the requested map included in the map request reception information as a key (
Step S84), based on the processing conditions of the reference map data corresponding to the product form (in this case, the navigation device) and the setting information (user setting conditions) of the processing conditions of the map data included in the map request reception information The reference map data read in S84 is processed (step S85), and then the process ends.

It should be noted that processing of map data corresponding to product forms such as the mobile terminal 1 and the personal computer 41 is performed between the mobile terminal 1A and the server 21A and between the personal computer 41A and the server 21A by the same processing operation as described above. Is configured to be performed.

According to the information providing system according to the above embodiment (2), the server 21A registers the user information including the model name of the user terminal received from each user terminal in the user information database 25A and registers the user information. User terminal (for example, navigation device 3
When a request for map data is received from 1A), terminal information corresponding to the navigation device 31A is extracted from the terminal information database 26, and the extracted navigation device 3
The reference map data stored in the map database 24 is processed into map data corresponding to the navigation device 31 (considering the model name) based on the terminal information corresponding to 1, and the processed map data is It is transmitted to the navigation device 31.

Since the user information includes the model name of the user terminal, when a request for map data is received from a registered user terminal, the model name of the terminal can be grasped from the user information. The terminal information corresponding to the model name can be extracted from the terminal information database 26, and the reference map data is made to correspond to the user terminal based on the extracted terminal information (model name, product type identification information, etc.). Can be processed into map data. Therefore, by registering the user information including the model name of the user terminal, it is possible to provide map data according to the model of each user terminal for various user terminals with different product forms and specifications, A user-friendly map can be provided for any user terminal.

In addition, in order to acquire map data used by various user terminals, the user does not need to search for different map data providing servers and repeat access,
That is, if the server 21A is accessed, the map data corresponding to any user terminal can be provided, and the convenience for the user can be improved. Moreover, since the reference map data that can be displayed on various user terminals is used as a base, map data having a common base can be provided to various user terminals. Can provide uniform and easy-to-read map data.

In the information providing system according to the above embodiment (2), user information (that is, information on the model name of the user terminal) is registered in advance on the server 21A side, but in another embodiment, Instead of registering the model name information of the user terminal in advance on the server 21A side (that is, without providing the user information DB 25A), when the user requests a map, the model name information of the user terminal is The terminal information corresponding to the model name is extracted from the terminal information database 26 using the model name of the user terminal transmitted from the user terminal as a key and transmitted to the server side, and the extracted terminal information ( The reference map data may be processed into map data corresponding to the product form and specifications of the user terminal that requested the map based on the product form of the terminal) .

It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (1) of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the user registration process operation | movement performed with the microcomputer of a navigation apparatus and the microcomputer of a server in the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (1). It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the "user registration" screen displayed on the display part of a navigation apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the "user registration completion notification" screen displayed on the display part of a navigation apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the map request | requirement provision process operation | movement performed with the microcomputer of a navigation apparatus and the microcomputer of a server in the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (1). It is the flowchart which showed the map request | requirement provision process operation | movement performed with the microcomputer of a navigation apparatus and the microcomputer of a server in the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (1). It is the flowchart which showed the map request | requirement provision process operation | movement performed with the microcomputer of a navigation apparatus and the microcomputer of a server in the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (1). It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the "login" screen displayed on the display part of a navigation apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the "map request reception" screen displayed on the display part of a navigation apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the "map setting change request" screen displayed on the display part of a navigation apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the "map data processing process" performed with the microcomputer of the server in the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (1). It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (2). It is the flowchart which showed the terminal information update process operation performed between the server in the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (2), and a terminal information server. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the "user registration" screen displayed on the display part of a navigation apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the "map data processing process" performed with the microcomputer of the server in the information provision system which concerns on embodiment (2).

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A portable terminal 21, 21A server (information providing device)
22, 22A Microcomputer 22a, 22a 'Registration accepting means 22b Setting change accepting means 22c, 22c' Map data processing means 22d Map data transmitting means 22e Memory 22f Terminal information extracting means 23 Communication unit 24 Map database 25, 25A User information database
31, 31A Navigation device 41, 41A PC

Claims (19)

An information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network,
Map data storage means for storing reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices;
Registration accepting means for accepting registration of user information including information related to specifications of the display unit of the terminal device from the terminal device of each user;
User information storage means for storing the user information for which the registration has been accepted;
A map for processing the reference map data into map data corresponding to the specifications of the display unit of the user terminal device when a request for map data is received from the user terminal device registered in the user information storage means Data processing means;
An information providing apparatus comprising map data transmitting means for transmitting map data processed by the map data processing means to the terminal device of the user. An information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network,
Map data storage means for storing reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices;
A map that processes the reference map data into map data corresponding to the specification of the display unit of the certain terminal device when a request for map data is received from a terminal device together with information on the specification of the display unit of the terminal device Data processing means;
An information providing apparatus, comprising: map data transmission means for transmitting map data processed by the map data processing means to the certain terminal device. An information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network,
Map data storage means for storing reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices;
Terminal information storage means for storing terminal information including model names of various terminal devices and specifications of the display unit;
Registration accepting means for accepting registration of user information including the model name of the terminal device from the terminal device of each user;
User information storage means for storing the user information for which the registration has been accepted;
Terminal information extraction means for extracting the terminal information corresponding to the user terminal device from the terminal information storage means when a request for map data is received from the user terminal device registered in the user information storage means; ,
Map data processing means for processing the reference map data into map data corresponding to the user terminal device based on the terminal information corresponding to the extracted user terminal device;
An information providing apparatus comprising map data transmitting means for transmitting map data processed by the map data processing means to the terminal device of the user. An information providing device having a function of providing map data to a terminal device via a network,
Map data storage means for storing reference map data that can be displayed on various terminal devices;
Terminal information storage means for storing terminal information including model names of various terminal devices and specifications of the display unit;
When a request for map data is received together with the model name information of the terminal device from a certain terminal device, terminal information extracting means for extracting the terminal information corresponding to the certain terminal device from the terminal information storage means;
Map data processing means for processing the reference map data into map data corresponding to the certain terminal device based on the terminal information corresponding to the extracted certain terminal device;
An information providing apparatus, comprising: map data transmission means for transmitting map data processed by the map data processing means to the certain terminal device. 5. The information providing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising terminal information update means for updating the terminal information stored in the terminal information storage means. The map data processing means processes the reference map data based on the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device or the processing conditions of the map data set according to the product form of the terminal device. The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information providing apparatus is characterized in that: When the user information includes setting information of processing conditions for map data,
4. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map data processing means processes the reference map data in consideration of setting information of processing conditions for the map data. From the terminal device of each user, it is provided with a setting change accepting means for accepting a setting change of the map data processing conditions,
When the setting change of the processing condition of the map data is accepted, the map data processing means,
4. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference map data is processed in consideration of a setting change of a processing condition of the map data. The map data processing conditions include at least one of a detailed level setting condition of map display contents, a display object setting condition to be displayed on the map, and a display object color setting condition to be displayed on the map. 9. The information providing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The information providing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the setting condition for the color of the display object displayed on the map includes a setting condition for changing the color of the display object according to a time zone. When the terminal device is a navigation device,
11. The processing condition for the map data includes a setting condition for determining whether or not history information acquired from the navigation device is reflected on a map. 11. Information provision device. A terminal device having a function of communicating with the information providing device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 7, and 8 via a network,
Registration request means for requesting the information providing apparatus to register user information including information related to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device;
Map request means for requesting desired map data to the information providing device;
Map data receiving means for receiving map data processed in accordance with the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device, which is transmitted from the information providing device in response to a request by the map requesting means. A terminal device. A terminal device having a function of communicating with the information providing device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 7, and 8 via a network,
Registration request means for requesting registration of user information including the model name of the terminal device to the information providing device;
Map request means for requesting desired map data to the information providing device;
A terminal comprising map data receiving means for receiving map data processed in accordance with the model of the terminal device transmitted from the information providing apparatus in response to a request from the map requesting means apparatus. A terminal device having a function of communicating with the information providing device according to claim 2 or 4 via a network,
For the information providing device, together with input information related to the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device,
Map request means for requesting desired map data;
Map data receiving means for receiving map data processed in accordance with the specifications of the display unit of the terminal device, which is transmitted from the information providing device in response to a request by the map requesting means. A terminal device. A terminal device having a function of communicating with the information providing device according to claim 2 or 4 via a network,
Map requesting means for requesting desired map data together with input information of the model name of the terminal device to the information providing device;
A terminal device comprising: map data receiving means for receiving map data processed in accordance with a model of the terminal device provided from the information providing device in response to a request from the map requesting device; . The information providing device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 7, and 8,
An information providing system comprising the terminal device according to claim 12 or 13. An information providing device according to claim 2 or claim 4,
An information providing system comprising the terminal device according to claim 14 or 15. An information providing method for providing map data from an information providing device to a terminal device via a network,
The terminal device requesting the information providing device to register user information including information related to the terminal device;
A step of storing the user information in user information storage means when the information providing apparatus receives registration of user information including information related to the terminal apparatus from the terminal apparatus;
The terminal device requesting desired map data from the information providing device;
When the information providing device receives a request for map data from a terminal device registered in the user information storage means, a reference map that can be displayed on various terminal devices stored in the map data storage means Processing the data into map data corresponding to the specifications of the terminal device;
Transmitting the processed map data to the terminal device;
Receiving the map data corresponding to the specifications of the terminal device, the terminal information being transmitted from the information providing device. An information providing method for providing map data from an information providing device to a terminal device via a network,
The terminal device inputs information about the terminal device to the information providing device and requests desired map data;
When the information providing device receives a request for desired map data from the terminal device together with input information related to the terminal device, a standard that can be displayed on various terminal devices stored in the map data storage unit Processing the map data into map data corresponding to the specifications of the terminal device;
Transmitting the processed map data to the terminal device;
The terminal device includes a step of receiving map data corresponding to the specification of the terminal device transmitted from the information providing device.

Images