JP2007108034A - Navigation device, map information updating technique, and map information updating program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device capable of utilizing predetermined functios even during updating map information. <P>SOLUTION: The navigation device is equipped with a memory means (HDD53) for memorizing map information for displaying of a map, a readout means (DVD driving device 61) for reading out new map information concerned from a storage medium (DVD63) memorizing new map information as a unit of file group required to achieve predetermined functions, an updating means (CPU51) for updating pre-existing map information memorized in the memory means by new map information read out with the readout means, and a validation means (CPU51) for validating functions in which the updating is completed through the updating means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device, a map information update method, and a map information update program.

  A vehicle-mounted navigation device receives signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS (Global Positioning Systems) satellites to detect the current position of the vehicle, and records information about the vehicle detected by various sensors and a record of the navigation device. Based on the map information recorded in the device, the current position of the vehicle and the road on the map are matched (map matching), and the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the map displayed on the display unit. When a destination is set, guidance (navigation) to the destination is executed.

  By the way, since the road or the facility changes, the map information stored in the navigation device needs to be updated every time a certain period elapses, for example. Conventionally, for example, it has been common to update map information by exchanging a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in which map information is stored.

  In recent years, map information is often stored in a hard disk drive (HDD) built in a navigation device. In such a navigation device, in order to update the map information, for example, a storage medium such as a DVD storing update map information is purchased, and a file containing the map information is copied from the DVD to the HDD. In general, the map information is updated.

However, in such a method, since it takes time to copy the file, for example, the time is shortened by the technique shown in Patent Document 1. That is, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the time required for updating the map information is shortened by updating the map information with parcels (map sections).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-315058 (abstract, claims)

  By the way, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the map information is updated in units of parcels. Therefore, there is a problem that the navigation device cannot be used until all the parcels are updated.

  Further, in recent years, the capacity of map information has increased due to higher functionality and higher definition. Therefore, it takes a great amount of time (for example, until the update of the map information is completed and the navigation device can be used). 100 minutes).

  Furthermore, “kiwi” as map information that has become the de facto stand in the industry in recent years has a structure in which it is difficult to subdivide and update map information for each region. Therefore, there is a problem that the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot be applied to such update of map information.

  The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and the purpose thereof is to provide a navigation device, a map information update method, and a map information update method that can be used for predetermined functions even while map information is being updated. An object is to provide a program for updating map information.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a navigation device according to the present invention is a navigation device that displays a map and guides a route to a destination, a storage means for storing map information for displaying the map, and a new map Reading means for reading the new map information from the storage medium storing the information in units of files necessary for realizing a predetermined function, and the new map information read by the reading means, Update means for updating the existing map information stored therein, and validation means for validating the function that has been updated by the update means.

  In addition to the above-described invention, in the navigation device of another invention, the updating unit groups functions having mutual relations and updates existing map information stored in the storage unit in units of the group. I am doing so.

  In addition to the above-described invention, the navigation device according to another invention updates the existing map information based on the order according to the importance of the function realized by the file group included in the group. ing.

  In addition to the above-described invention, the navigation device according to another invention updates the existing map information based on the order according to the frequency of use of the function realized by the file group included in the group. ing.

  In addition to the above-described invention, the navigation device of another invention is such that the updating means updates the existing map information based on the order of the group designated by the user.

  In addition to the above-described invention, in the navigation device of another invention, the updating unit updates new map information in units of groups after deleting all existing map information.

  In addition to the above-described invention, in the navigation device of another invention, the update means deletes and updates only the file group included in the group to be updated.

  The map information update method of the present invention is a map information update method of a navigation device that displays a map and guides a route to a destination, and stores a map information for displaying a map in a storage device; A read step of reading out the new map information from the storage medium storing the new map information in units of files necessary for realizing a predetermined function, and the new map information read in the read step And an update step of updating the existing map information stored in the storage device, and an enabling step of enabling the function that has been updated in the updating step.

  Further, the map information update program of the present invention is a computer readable map information update program that causes a computer to function to update map information of a navigation device that displays a map and guides a route to a destination. The computer reads out the new map information from the storage means for storing the map information for displaying the map and the storage medium storing the new map information in units of files necessary for realizing the predetermined function. As an updating means for updating the existing map information stored in the storage means with the new map information read by the reading means, an enabling means for enabling the function that has been updated by the updating means, Make it work.

  The present invention can provide a navigation device, a map information update method, and a map information update program that can be used for a predetermined function even while map information is being updated.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, a navigation device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a graphic processor 52, an HDD 53, a memory 54, a video memory 55, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 56, a GPS. A receiver 57, a gyro device 58, a sensor group 59, an input device 60, a DVD drive device 61, and a touch panel 62 are included. The navigation device 50 is mounted on an automobile or the like as a moving body.

  Here, the CPU 51 as an updating unit and an enabling unit is a central processing unit that executes various arithmetic processes according to a program stored in the HDD 53 or the memory 54 and controls each unit of the apparatus.

  The graphic processor 52 executes a drawing process according to the command list read from the HDD 53 and developed in the video memory 55, converts the obtained image into a video signal, supplies the image to the LCD 56, and displays it. It is.

  The HDD 53 as a storage means is a storage device having a map information DB (Data Base) 53a and a control program 53b. Here, the map information DB 53a has map information. In this specification, map information refers to information for displaying a map (topography, roads, facilities, etc.) on the LCD 56, information about facilities, and information necessary for performing a destination search (address, telephone number). , Postal code, etc.), information for displaying VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) information, information necessary for route search, and information necessary for route guidance (voice information, etc.) Etc.

  The control program 53b controls each part of the navigation device 50, and executes a process for displaying a map based on the vehicle position supplied from the GPS receiver 57 and the map information stored in the map information DB 53a. Further, route guidance processing to the destination is executed as necessary.

  The memory 54 is configured by a semiconductor storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 54 stores a program executed by the CPU 51 and temporarily stores a program or data to be executed by the CPU 51. To remember.

  The video memory 55 is a semiconductor storage device that temporarily stores a command list to be processed by the graphic processor 52.

  The LCD 56 receives the video signal generated by the graphic processor 52 and displays and outputs a corresponding image.

  The GPS receiver 57 receives radio waves from a plurality of GSP satellites (not shown), extracts time information superimposed on the radio waves, specifies the current position from the arrival time difference between the radio waves, and receives position information (for example, , Latitude information and longitude information) to the CPU 51.

  The gyro device 58 detects the angular velocity of the vehicle with respect to each control axis and supplies it to the CPU 51 when the vehicle changes its direction.

  The sensor group 59 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle speed, a side brake sensor for detecting that the side brake is operated, and the like.

  The input device 60 is, for example, an operation button provided on the periphery of the display unit of the LCD 56 and a remote controller.

  When a DVD 63 as a storage medium is inserted, the DVD drive device 61 as a reading unit executes a process of reading information recorded on the DVD 63. For example, when the DVD 63 for updating (upgrading) the map information is inserted, the map information stored in the map information DB 53a is updated based on the processing described later. When a DVD on which video and audio are recorded is inserted, the stored video and audio are read and reproduced.

  The touch panel 62 is arranged so as to be superimposed on the LCD 56, and desired information can be input by the user operating these portions with reference to buttons displayed as images on the LCD 56. .

  Next, the operation of the present invention will be described.

  When the map information stored in the map information DB 53a of the HDD 53 becomes out of date, the user purchases a DVD 63 storing new map information at a store such as a retail store, or pays a fee from the manufacturer. Get free of charge.

  FIG. 2 is an example of information stored in the DVD 63. In this example, the DVD 63 stores map information management information 631 and update data 632. Here, the map information management information 631 is information indicating the details of the file group constituting the update data 632, and includes group management information 631a, function management information 631b, and file management information 631c. The group management information 631a is information for managing a group as a file update unit. The function management information 631b is information indicating a function realized by the file. The file management information 631c is information indicating details of each file. On the other hand, the update data 632 is data to be updated, and is composed of a plurality of files.

  The user starts the engine of the vehicle on which the navigation device 50 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted, and the navigation device 50 is turned on. Then, the user inserts the DVD 63 into an insertion port (not shown) of the DVD drive device 61. Then, the DVD drive device 61 reads information stored in the DVD 63 and recognizes that the DVD 63 is a DVD for updating map information. Then, the CPU 51 reads an update program (hereinafter referred to as “update program”) stored in the DVD 63 or the HDD 53, stores it in the memory 54, and executes it.

  When the update program is executed, the following processing shown in FIG. 3 is executed.

  Step S10: The CPU 51 acquires the free capacity of the HDD 53. That is, the CPU 51 calculates a capacity (for example, 5 GB) of an unused area in the HDD 53 and stores it in the variable D1.

  Step S11: The CPU 51 calculates the capacity of the update data 632 stored in the DVD 63 and stores it in the variable D2. Specifically, 4 GB is stored in the variable D2 as the capacity of the update data.

  Step S12: The CPU 51 compares the value stored in the variable D1 (the free space of the HDD 53) with the value stored in the variable D2 (the size of the update data 632), and determines whether or not D1 <D2. Determine. As a result, if D1 <D2, the process proceeds to step S16, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S13.

  Step S13: The CPU 51 copies all the update data to the development directory of the HDD 53. Specifically, the CPU 51 requests the DVD drive device 61 to read the update data 632. As a result, the DVD drive device 61 reads the update data 632 from the DVD 63 and supplies it to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 copies all the update data supplied from the DVD drive device 61 to a development directory (for example, a directory for update data) in the HDD 53.

  Step S14: The CPU 51 changes the reference destination of the map information. That is, the CPU 51 changes the directory that is the reference destination of the map information referred to by the control program 53b from the directory so far to the directory where the update data is copied in step S13. As a result, the control program 53b refers to the update data copied in step S13. The name of the directory may be changed instead of changing the reference destination of the control program 53b. Specifically, when “current” is the current reference directory, the update data is first copied to the directory “new”, and when the copy is completed, the directory name is changed from “new” to “current”. You may do it.

  Step S15: The CPU 51 restarts the control program 53b. In step S15, since the reference destination of the control program 53b has been changed, after restarting, the control program 53b performs display processing, search processing of its own vehicle position based on the updated new map information, Route search processing, route guidance processing, and the like are executed. If the restart is normally performed, the existing map information (old map information) is deleted from the HDD 53. If the restart is not performed normally, at least the old version of the navigation function can be used by changing the reference destination to the existing map information.

  Step S16: The CPU 51 stops processing that is not related to the map information of the navigation device 50. That is, the CPU 51 stops processing other than the GPS navigation processing unit and the autonomous navigation processing unit, for example, which does not depend on the map information.

  Step S17: The CPU 51 deletes all existing map information files from the HDD 53. That is, the CPU 51 erases all existing map information (old version map information) stored in the map information DB 53 a of the HDD 53.

  Step S18: The CPU 51 executes processing for updating a file in units of groups. A group refers to a unit of function that is mutually related. Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  According to the above processing, when the free space of the HDD 53 is larger than the size of the update data (D1 ≧ D2), all of the free space of the HDD 53 (an area different from the area where the existing map information is stored) The update data 632 is copied from the DVD 63, the reference destination of the control program 53b is changed, and then the control program 53b is restarted. As a result, since the existing map information can be used even while the map information is being updated, the navigation function can be used. Further, when the free space of the HDD 53 is smaller than the size of the update data 632 (D1 <D2), some functions can be used by copying the update data in units of groups by a process described later. However, the map information can be updated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the details of the “file update process in units of groups” shown in step S18 of FIG. 3 will be described. When this flowchart is started, the following steps are executed.

  S30: The CPU 51 acquires the update order. That is, the CPU 51 supplies a drawing command to the graphic processor 52 and causes the LCD 56 to display information that prompts the user to input the update order to obtain input from the user. For example, information to be displayed on the LCD 56 is “1. Update order is group order. 2. Update order is frequently used group order. 3. Update order is set by user. Please select one. ” And when a user operates the input device 60 or the touch panel 62, the information according to operation is acquired and the order corresponding to the acquired information is determined.

  Step S31: The CPU 51 branches to steps S32 to S34 according to the update order selected by the user. Specifically, in the above-described example, when “1. Set update order as group order” is selected, the process proceeds to step S32, and “2. Set update order as frequently used group order” is selected. If YES in step S33, the process advances to step S33. If “3. Update order is set by the user” is selected, the process advances to step S34.

  Here, the group will be described before describing the processing after step S32. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of the map information management information 631 stored in the DVD 63. In this figure, the group management record is the entity of the group management information 631a shown in FIG. 2, belongs to the highest hierarchy, and has seven records of 0-6. The function management record is the substance of the function management information 631b shown in FIG. 2, belongs to the middle level, and has 18 records from 0 to 17. The file management record is the entity of the file management information 631c shown in FIG. 2, belongs to the lowest hierarchy, and has (n + 1) records of 0 to n. As shown in the figure, one or more function management records belong to each group management record, and one or more file management records belong to each function management record. Although not shown in this drawing, each file management record includes a file included in the update data 632 of the DVD 63. Note that n is, for example, a unit of thousands to tens of thousands, and thousands to tens of thousands of files constitute update data. Further, the group management record, the function management record, and the file management record are associated with each other by information stored in each record, as will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between groups and functions. As shown in this figure, group 0 includes functions related to map display at level 0 or higher. Here, a map of level 0 or higher indicates a map of 100 m scale or higher. Group 1 includes functions related to level-1 map display. Here, the map of level-1 indicates a map of less than 100 m scale. Group 2 includes functions related to search in the building. Here, “in-building search” refers to a search for a tenant occupying a predetermined building. Group 3 includes functions related to VICS level 3 display. Here, the VICS level 3 display means that the traffic information is displayed as an arrow along the road.

  Group 4 includes address 50 sound search, address search, genre search, telephone number search, household search (personal home phone number search), facility 50 sound search, peripheral genre search, partner facility information search, address key dictionary, expressway Functions related to facility information search, postal code search, and railway line facility information search are included. Here, the address 50-sound search is a function for searching by displaying a list of destinations by inputting an address with 50 sounds. Address search is a function for searching for a destination by selecting addresses in order from prefectures. The genre search is a function for selecting a facility from a list classified by genre and searching for a destination. The telephone number search is a function for searching for a destination by inputting a telephone number. Household search is a function for searching for a private home as a destination by inputting a telephone number. The facility 50 sound search is a function for searching for a destination by displaying the names of facilities in the order of 50 sounds. The peripheral genre search is a function of searching for a destination by selecting, from a specific genre, facilities located around an arbitrary place, for example, the vicinity of the own vehicle. The affiliated facility information search is a function of searching for a destination by selecting, for example, a related facility of the facility searched by the genre search, for example, an affiliated parking lot. The address key dictionary is a dictionary function for searching for an address. The expressway facility information search is a function for searching for expressway facilities (for example, parking). Postal code search is a function for searching for a destination by inputting a postal code. Railway line facility information search is a function of searching for a destination by selecting a station from a list by route.

  Group 5 includes functions related to route search. Here, the route search means searching for a route to the destination. Group 6 includes functions related to route guidance. The route guidance means that a route to a predetermined destination is indicated on a map and a route is indicated by voice.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of the group management record, the function management record, and the file management record. FIG. 7A illustrates a configuration example of the group management record. As shown in this figure, the group management record has a group management record number, a function management representative date, the number of function management records, and an offset value to the function management record. Here, the group management record number is one of 0 to 6 in the example of FIG. 5 and indicates the record number. The function management representative date is a representative date for managing each group (for example, the date when the group was created) and indicates the version of the group. The number of function management records indicates the number of function management records belonging to the record. For example, in the case of group management record 0, the number of function management records is 1, and in the case of group management record 4, it is 12. The offset value to the function management record indicates an offset value to the head of the function management record belonging to the group management record. For example, since group management record 0 belongs to function management record 0, it belongs to 0, and group management record 5 belongs to function management record 16, so it belongs to 16.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the function management record. As shown in this figure, the function management record has a group management record number, a function management record number, a function identifier, a file management representative date, the number of file management records, and an offset value to the file management record. Here, the group management record number is the number of the group management record to which the function management record belongs. The function management record number is the number of the function management record. The function identifier is an identifier indicating each function. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the function identifier. As shown in this figure, the function identifier is an identifier assigned to the function shown in FIG. For example, “0x0000000000000001” is assigned as an identifier to a map display function of level 0 or higher.

  The file management representative date is, for example, the date when the file management record is created, and manages the version of the file management record. The number of file management records is the number of file management records belonging to the function management record. The offset value to the file management record is an offset value to the head of the file management record belonging to the function management record.

  FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a file management record. As shown in this figure, the file management record has a group management record number, a function management record number, a function identifier, a file management record number, a file date, a file name, a file relative path, and a file size. Here, the group management record number is the number of the group management record to which the file management record belongs. The function management record number is the number of the function management record to which the file management record belongs. The function identifier is an identifier of a function realized by a file belonging to the file management record (see FIG. 8). The file management record number is the number of the file management record. In the example of FIG. The file date is a date when a file belonging to the file management record is created. The file name is a name given to the file. The file relative path indicates a path to a directory in which the file is stored. The file size indicates the size (capacity) of the file.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued.

  Step S32: The CPU 51 sets the update order in the order of group numbers. That is, the CPU 51 sets the update order to the group management records 0 to 6 shown in FIG.

  Step S33: The CPU 51 sets the update order to the frequently used group order. That is, the CPU 51 determines the update order in accordance with the use frequency in the group shown in FIG. Even in this case, the most important group 0 is updated with the highest priority. More specifically, for example, when the usage frequency is high in the order of groups 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, the update order is in the order of groups 0, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3. Is set. Regarding the usage frequency, a history of the usage status of each function in the past is created, and the usage frequency of each function is calculated based on the history.

  Step S34: The CPU 51 sets the update order to the order designated by the user. Even in this case, the most important group 0 is set in the earliest order. More specifically, for example, when the user designates in the order of groups 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, the update order is in the order of groups 0, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3. Is set.

  Step S35: The CPU 51 updates the group 0. Specifically, the CPU 51 refers to the management record of the group 0 shown in FIG. 6 and refers to the number of function management records of the function management record belonging to the group 0 and the offset value to the function management record. Identify function management records belonging to. Subsequently, referring to the number of file management records of the specified function management record and the offset value to the file management record, the file management record belonging to the function management record is specified. Next, the file name and file relative path included in the file management record are referred to, and the file to be updated is specified. When the file is specified, the CPU 51 requests the DVD drive device 61 to read out the target file. The DVD drive device 61 reads the requested file from the DVD 63 and supplies it to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 writes the supplied file in the map information DB 53 a of the HDD 53.

  Step S36: The CPU 51 assigns the initial value 1 to the variable i. Note that a value indicating the number of processes is assigned to the variable i.

  Step S37: The CPU 51 updates the i-th group in the update order. That is, the CPU 51 updates the i-th group according to the order specified in steps S32 to S34. For example, in step S33, when the group usage frequency is group 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, and when i = 1, group 4 is an update target. The details of the update process are the same as in step S35. That is, the CPU 51 refers to the management record of the group to be updated, refers to the number of function management records of the function management record belonging to the group and the offset value to the function management record, and determines the function management record belonging to the group. Identify. Subsequently, referring to the number of file management records of the specified function management record and the offset value to the file management record, the file management record belonging to the function management record is specified. Next, the file name and file relative path included in the file management record are referred to, and the file to be updated is specified. When the file is specified, the CPU 51 requests the DVD drive device 61 to read out the target file. The DVD drive device 61 reads the requested file from the DVD 63 and supplies it to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 writes the supplied file in the map information DB 53 a of the HDD 53.

  In the present embodiment, in order to operate even when each function is updated independently, an update process is executed for each function for files that are used in common by each function. Specifically, when file A is used in common in group 1 and group 2, file A is operated so that operation is possible regardless of which of group 1 or group 2 is updated first. All groups are subject to update. Therefore, since file A is updated redundantly, at the time of update, the file date of the existing file is compared with the file date of the new file to be updated. If not, the update time can be shortened.

  In addition, since there is no change in the content, it is assumed that the new file to be updated is the same as the existing file. In such a case, as described above, the file date of the existing file, If the file dates of the new files are compared and they are the same, the update time can be shortened by not updating them.

  Step S38: The CPU 51 validates the function of the i-th group in the update order. That is, the CPU 51 validates the function of the group that has been updated. As a result, the function of the group can be used.

  Step S39: The CPU 51 increments the value of the variable i by 1.

  Step S40: The CPU 51 determines whether or not all groups have been updated. If not, the CPU 51 returns to step S37 and repeats the same processing. Otherwise, the processing is completed.

  According to the above processing, the file update is executed in units of groups related to the functions related to each other, and the function is enabled for the group for which the file update has been completed. Therefore, the update of all the files is completed. Even before, it is possible to use a function belonging to a group that has already been updated.

  In the above processing, since the most important group 0 is updated first, it is possible to update the group 0 first regardless of the update method selected by the user. Basic functions can be used preferentially.

  In the above processing, since the user can select the update order, it is possible to select an update method that suits the user's preference. For example, a user who is not familiar with the navigation device can perform the update in a typical order by setting “update order as group number order”. In addition, when updating a function with high use frequency with priority, it is possible to make the function usable in order from the function with the highest use frequency by selecting “Set the update order to the frequently used group order”. . Furthermore, for example, for a user who has sufficient knowledge about the navigation device or a user who wants to use a predetermined function immediately, the user can select a desired order by selecting “update order is the order set by the user”. The function can be enabled.

  The above-described embodiments are preferred examples of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. is there.

  For example, in the above embodiment, update data stored in the DVD 63 is read and the map information stored in the HDD 53 is updated. For example, a storage medium other than the DVD 63 (for example, a CD-ROM) ) May be read, or the update information may be read via telecommunication means (for example, the Internet).

  In the above embodiment, the free space of the HDD 53 is checked by the processing of FIG. 3 and the map information is written in the HDD 53 when the free space is sufficient. However, without checking the free space, You may make it perform the process after step S16.

  In the processing of FIG. 3, the map information is updated with the update data after deleting all the existing map information. For example, only the existing map information related to the group to be updated is deleted. Also good. In this case, since the old and new map information is mixed during the update process, each function needs to operate normally even in the mixed state. It should be noted that all functions may be stopped at the same time as updating is started, and the functions may be validated for functions for which updating has been completed.

  In the above embodiment, a plurality of functions are grouped together and the map information is updated in units of groups. For example, update processing can be executed in units of functions without configuring groups. is there.

  Moreover, the structure of the group shown in FIG. 6 is an example, Comprising: Other structures may be sufficient. Also, the configuration of each record shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and it goes without saying that other configurations may be used.

  The above processing functions are realized by a computer as shown in FIG. 1, for example. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the navigation apparatus should have is provided. By executing the program on the computer, the processing function is realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Examples of the magnetic recording device include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape. Examples of the optical disk include a DVD, a DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), and a CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable). Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical Disk).

  When distributing the program, for example, portable recording media such as a DVD and a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded are sold. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. In addition, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

  The present invention can be used in a navigation device that displays a map and guides a route to a destination.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the information stored in DVD shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the flow of the process performed in the navigation apparatus which concerns on embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining details of “file update processing in units of groups” shown in FIG. 2; FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a group management record, a function management record, and a file management record. It is a figure for demonstrating the function which belongs to each group. (A) is a figure explaining a group management record, (B) is a figure explaining a function management record, (C) is a figure explaining a file management record. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of a function identifier and a function.

Explanation of symbols

50 navigation device 51 CPU (update means, validation means)
53 HDD (storage means)
61 DVD drive (reading means)
63 DVD (storage media)

Claims (9)

In a navigation device that displays a map and guides the route to the destination,
Storage means for storing map information for displaying the map;
Reading means for reading out the new map information from a storage medium storing the new map information as a unit of a file group necessary for realizing a predetermined function;
Updating means for updating existing map information stored in the storage means with new map information read by the reading means;
An enabling means for enabling the function that has been updated by the updating means;
A navigation device comprising:   2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the updating unit groups functions having relevance to each other, and updates existing map information stored in the storage unit in units of the group.   3. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the updating unit updates the existing map information based on an order corresponding to the importance of functions realized by a file group included in the group.   3. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the updating unit updates the existing map information based on an order according to a use frequency of a function realized by a file group included in the group.   3. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the updating unit updates the existing map information based on a group order designated by a user.   3. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the updating unit updates new map information in units of groups after deleting all the existing map information.   3. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the updating unit deletes and updates only a file group included in the group to be updated. In the map information update method of the navigation device that displays the map and guides the route to the destination,
A storage step of storing map information for displaying the map in a storage device;
A reading step of reading out the new map information from the storage medium storing the new map information as a unit of a file group necessary for realizing a predetermined function;
An update step of updating the existing map information stored in the storage device with the new map information read in the reading step;
An activation step for activating the function that has been updated in the update step;
A map information updating method characterized by comprising: In a computer-readable map information update program that causes a computer to function to update map information of a navigation device that displays a map and guides a route to a destination,
Computer
Storage means for storing map information for displaying the map;
Reading means for reading out the new map information from the storage medium storing the new map information in units of files necessary for realizing a predetermined function;
Updating means for updating existing map information stored in the storage means with new map information read by the reading means;
An enabling means for enabling the function that has been updated by the updating means;
A computer-readable program for updating map information that functions as a computer.

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