JP2007212803A - Map display system in mobile information device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display an overall map and a partial map in a size that is easy to view on a mobile information device of a small screen size, and enable users to quickly understand the situation correlating the layout of the surrounding building and roads, with the direction to the destination recognized from the current position. <P>SOLUTION: This map display system is built by using the following elements: a map information management system 100, a radio network 200, and a mobile information device 300. It has a function of switching to display the overall whole map and a partial map in a size that is easy to view, a function of providing information by correlating the layout of the surrounding building and roads with the direction to the destination, and a function of downloading the map information again from the map information management center, when the user moves out of the range of the map which the user has downloaded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a map display system that downloads map information stored in a map information management system to a mobile information device, creates a map based on the downloaded map information, and displays the map on the screen of the mobile information device. Screen transition method to switch between map and partial map, arrow display and movement method indicating the direction of the destination on the map, arrow display and movement method to display the direction of the destination recognized from the user's current location, usage The present invention relates to a display and movement method of a neighborhood display frame indicating the current position of the user, and re-downloading of map information when the user goes out of the range of the downloaded map.

  A typical system that uses a combination of location information acquired from GPS and a map is a car navigation system. The car navigation system is characterized by a routing function that calculates the route to reach the destination using the current location information acquired from the GPS and the destination management information (address, map code, etc.) input to the car navigation.

  The car navigation system uses this routing function to create a nearby road map corresponding to the current position of the vehicle based on the current position information acquired from GPS and the map information stored in the car navigation device. At the same time, the route from the current position to the destination is displayed on the screen on the created map.

  In addition to car navigation systems, a typical example of a system that uses a combination of location information and a map is a map system using the Internet.

  In a general map display system using the Internet, an address, a station name, etc. are input from a personal computer as a terminal as the base point of the map, then sent to the map information management system, and the map information stored in the map information management system is Read it out and display it as a map on the computer screen.

  However, in this use, after the map is displayed on the computer, the next map is displayed with the base point as the center and the next map is displayed. Not suitable for mobile devices that are intended for use while walking.

Conventionally, there has been a map information providing service method for receiving area information requested by a client for a mobile phone with a limited screen size, and dividing the area into a plurality of partial areas and transmitting the area information to the client. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
JP 2002-73621 A.

  Conventionally, there has been a program for performing direction guidance and movement information guidance using the GPS function of a mobile phone.

  The program features a north fixed mode and a direction measurement mode for the direction. For the map, the current location, destination, neighboring city, and travel route are displayed on the map of Japan, giving a sense of how far you have traveled. It is in point to understand.

In the fixed north mode, the azimuth line is fixed on the mobile phone display with the north up, the south north, the east right, and the west left. There is a function to change the direction of the arrow line to the correct direction, and in the direction measurement mode, the direction of its own movement is the vertical direction from the bottom to the top of the mobile phone display, and the direction line and purpose There was a function to change the arrow line indicating the direction of the ground in the correct direction. (For example, see Patent Document 2)
JP 2005-3654.

Conventionally, in the United States, there are products that indicate the direction of the destination, the east-west north-south, and the distance to the destination on the instrument from the current location. (For example, see Non-Patent Document 1)
GARMIN eTrex.

  The home page is http://www.garmin.com/products/etrex/.

  First, a problem related to the operation of the device will be described.

  Among the above-mentioned conventional technologies, in Patent Document 1, although screen division is performed in consideration of the screen size of a mobile phone, “(2) In a map providing service such as a mobile phone, a plurality of divided maps are not displayed. After sending the first page, the user should send the next map page with a simple and constant button operation. " It is considered that the operation is assumed, and it can be interpreted that the operation is troublesome.

  In addition, in order to display an easy-to-understand map, the entire map including the starting point and destination can be displayed, and a partial map created based on the scale factor specified by the user can be displayed and used alternately. There is no mention of this.

  Further, when switching from the partial map to the whole map, it is more convenient for the user to display the progress in the whole route on the whole map using the current position display frame, but there is no mention about this.

  The second problem is a countermeasure when the road from the departure point to the destination is largely detoured and a part of the road protrudes outside the entire map including the departure point and the destination.

  When the departure point and the destination are included in one whole map, the road from the departure point to the destination is often included in the whole map, but it is necessary when the road is largely detoured. Map will not be downloaded, causing inconvenience.

Next, as a third problem, a problem related to the transition of the partial screen will be described.
As described above, in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the user operates a button to display the next partial map.

  In addition, the idea is to “make overlap between each divided map page and deepen the understanding at the joint of divided maps”, but in the method where the divided screen to be displayed changes to the next screen at once, the user It is not very convenient for us.

  Rather, when a user views a partial map, it can be said that it is easier to see a partial map in which the surrounding map can be scroll-displayed around the current location.

  In addition, there is a method in which the mobile information device and the map information management system are always connected to the network, and the surrounding map is scroll-displayed around the current location. However, this method has a problem that the communication cost increases.

  Next, as a fourth issue, a problem related to the display of an arrow that clearly indicates the direction of travel will be described.

  As a general rule, even if you have a map at hand, when you start walking from your starting point to your destination, you can get a precise sense of direction as soon as the user takes the first step. It is difficult to do other than that.

  For example, when the user climbs the stairs of a subway station and comes out on the ground, he sees a map.

  In such a case, usually, a pedestrian first looks at a map, searches for nearby landmarks and roads, creates a general sense of direction, and then walks toward the destination while walking nearby. While confirming buildings and landmarks that are a little far away, you will verify that you are moving in the right direction.

  However, it is inherently desirable to be able to quickly understand the map and form a sense of direction to the destination even when there are no landmark buildings in the vicinity.

  Patent Document 2 tries to deal with the orientation in two modes, a north fixed mode and an orientation measurement mode.

  Specifically, in claim 2, in the north fixed mode, on the display of the mobile phone with north as the up direction, north is up, south is down, east is right, west is left, and the azimuth line is fixed, It has a function to change the arrow line indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location to the correct direction with respect to the fixed direction line ''. However, the arrow line indicating the direction of the destination is In such a case, the direction of the destination in the case where the north is expressed as an upward direction is clearly indicated in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In such a case, mentioning that the map and the arrow are displayed in an overlapping manner leads to clearly indicating the direction of the destination on the map, but there is no description about this.

  However, even if the arrow used in the north mode is associated with the map, it merely indicates which direction the destination is on the map with north as the upward direction.

  In addition, what is clearly described in relation to the map is only the function of displaying the travel route on the Japanese map in claim 3.

  Further, in claim 2, in the direction measurement mode, the direction of travel of the mobile phone is defined as a vertical direction from the bottom to the top of the display of the mobile phone, and an arrow line indicating the direction of the azimuth line and the destination with respect to the travel direction. It has a function to change the direction in the right direction ", but there is no description indicating the relation with the map in this part as well.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, unlike Non-Patent Document 1, the most important feature of GPS is that if you move forward according to the arrow indicating the destination recognized from the current location, which is the biggest feature of GPS, you will always reach the destination. It does not utilize characteristic functions.

  Next, the fifth problem will be described.

  If a user who is walking is outside the boundaries of all the partial maps downloaded from the map information management system, the user will download a new map. In this case, it is desirable to minimize the number of device operations performed by the user.

  For example, when a user goes to a destination while making a detour for a walk, it is not only troublesome to operate the device frequently in order to display a new map on the mobile information device. It also affects user safety.

  Therefore, in the present invention, when a mobile information device with a small screen size is used, a map with a list property is provided by creating a whole map including a starting point and a destination in one map, and a map scale magnification is provided. By creating a partial map that is easy to see, the user can switch between the whole map and the partial map so that the map can be used according to the application.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the first problem will be described.

In a map display system in which a user downloads map information stored in a map information management system to a mobile information device via a wireless network, and displays a map created based on the downloaded map information on the screen.
In the map information management system, the management program stores, in advance, basic map information and basic map management information in a recording device;
In the mobile information device, when the map is used, the user registers destination management information, departure point management information, and screen display basic information in the recording device, and then stores all the registered information in the map information management system. Means for transmitting;
In the map information management system,
The management program uses the destination management information, departure point management information, and screen display basic information received from the mobile information device to display an entire map including the destination and departure point on the screen of the mobile information device. The scale scale that can be displayed as a map of the map is calculated, and using the calculated scale scale, the entire map information and the entire map management information are extracted and created from the basic map information and the basic map management information. Means for transmitting management information to the mobile information device;
The basic map subject to the basic map information and basic map management information stored and managed by the management program, with destination management information, departure point management information, screen display basic information, and overall map management information as selection conditions Extract information and basic map management information, create partial map information and partial map management information from the extracted basic map information and basic map management information, and send the created partial map information and partial map management information to the mobile information device Means to
The management program creates necessary additional information from the entire map management information and the partial map management information, updates the destination management information and the departure point management information using the created additional information, and updates the updated destination management information. And means for transmitting departure point management information to the mobile information device;
In the mobile information device,
A display program downloads partial map information, partial map management information, destination management information, departure point management information, whole map information, and whole map management information from the map information management system, and records all downloaded information Means for storing in,
When the display program displays the entire map based on the user's operation, first, a neighborhood display frame is created, and the created neighborhood display frame is created using current location information acquired from GPS. Means for overlaying on the map, and then displaying the location display frame position on the screen while sequentially moving on the map in response to the movement of the user;
When the display program displays a partial map based on the user's operation, first, a neighborhood display frame is created, and the created neighborhood display frame is created using current location information acquired from GPS. Means for overlaying on a partial map, and then displaying on the screen while sequentially moving the location of the neighborhood display frame on the map in response to the movement of the user;
When the border of the partial map displayed in the neighborhood display frame is reached, the display program switches the displayed partial map to the next partial map, and the neighborhood created on the switched partial map. Means for overlapping the ground display frames and displaying the superimposed partial map on the screen;
When the user performs a switching operation from the entire map to the partial map, the display program associates the entire map with the partial map using the current location information acquired from the GPS, and then the target Means to select a partial map to be displayed on the screen,
When the user performs a switching operation from the partial map to the entire map, the display program associates the entire map with the partial map using the current location information acquired from the GPS, and then the vicinity By providing a means to create a terrestrial display frame and overlay it on the entire map, and display the superimposed entire map on the screen,
Based on map information such as partial map information, partial map management information, whole map information, whole map management information, etc. downloaded by the user from the map information management system, a list-like whole map and a portion that is easy to see By creating a map and switching the displayed whole map and partial map alternately, it is possible to use a map that is easy to understand and easy to see.

  Next, when the road from the departure point to the destination is largely detoured, the road on the way is out of the range of the entire map including the departure point and the destination, and the map required by the user cannot be obtained. The correspondence of will be described.

  In the present invention, a mechanism is constructed in which the position of the node on the road on the way is compared with the entire map management information, and the scale factor is increased until all the nodes are included in the range of the entire map management information.

  Below, the means for solving the second problem will be described.

In the map display system according to claim 1,
Using the destination management information, the departure point management information, and the screen display basic information received from the mobile information device by the management program as a selection condition, an entire map including the destination and the departure point is displayed on the screen of the mobile information device. All of the scales that can be displayed as a single map are calculated and used to set the route with the starting point as the base point and the destination as the end point when creating the overall map information and overall map management information that match the calculated scale factor. A means of confirming that the position of the node is included in the overall map;
As a result of checking, if a part of the node used for the loop setting is located outside the range of the entire map, the scale factor of the entire map information is recalculated to include the node within the range of the entire map, Create the entire map information, the entire map management information, the partial map information, the partial map management information, the destination management information, and the departure point management that match the recalculated scale magnification, and store all the created information in the mobile information device By providing a means to send to
Even when the road from the departure point to the destination is largely detoured, the user can display the necessary whole map and partial map on the mobile information device.

  Next, means for solving the inconvenience caused by the partial maps changing screens at once will be described.

  In the present invention, in order to improve the usability, when displaying a partial screen, a mechanism has been constructed in which a neighborhood display frame is arranged in the center of the screen and the partial map is scrolled around the neighborhood display frame.

  Below, the means for solving the third problem will be described.

In the map display system according to claim 1,
In the mobile information device, the display program is
Means for concatenating a plurality of partial map information received from the map information management system to synthesize integrated map information;
Means for concatenating a plurality of partial map management information received from the map information management system to synthesize integrated map management information;
When extracting the partial map by editing the combined integrated map information and integrated map management information, the current location information and screen size information acquired from the GPS are used as a partial map centered on the current location of the user. Means for image extraction;
Means for displaying a partial map created by image extraction while scrolling sequentially around the neighborhood display frame on the screen in accordance with the movement of the user based on the current location information acquired from the GPS; ,
When displaying the entire map, based on the switching operation from the partial map to the entire map performed by the user, first create a neighborhood display frame, then get the created neighborhood display frame from GPS In response to the movement of the user based on the current location information, means for sequentially displaying the map while changing its position;
When displaying a partial map, the user performs the correspondence between the whole map and the partial map using the current location information acquired from the GPS based on the switching operation from the whole map to the partial map performed by the user. By having a means to extract a specific area of the partial map to be displayed on the screen,
When the user performs a simple mobile information device operation, a partial map centered on the current location can be created, and the created partial map can be scrolled and displayed as the user moves.

  Next, an explanation will be given of an arrow that can be understood in an easy-to-understand manner in a map and a course, which cannot be solved by the arrow in the north mode and the arrow in the direction measurement mode described in Patent Document 2.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in order to quickly understand the map and perform appropriate course control, an arrow indicating the azimuth of the destination recognized from the current location with the center of the neighborhood display frame as a base point and the current location on the map A mechanism to display the destination with a combination of arrows indicating the destination was constructed.

  In addition, the length of the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location and the length of the arrow indicating the destination from the current location on the map are different, so it is easy to see even if the two arrows overlap. is there.

  Hereinafter, claims 4 and 5 will be described together with regard to means for solving the fourth problem.

In a map display system in which a user downloads map information stored in a map information management system to a mobile information device via a wireless network, and displays a map created based on the downloaded map information on the screen.
In the mobile information device,
Means for creating an arrow indicating the north direction viewed from the current position of the user, using the position information of the current location and the position information of the north pole obtained from the GPS, the display program;
The display program creates a circle surrounding an arrow indicating the created north direction, and expresses the letters north directly above the created circle and displays it on the screen;
The user uses a display rule that the upper direction indicates north in a general map, and first, the arrow indicating the north direction viewed from the current position points upward in the circle. A means of roughly locating mobile information devices;
Means for creating an arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map and an arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location using the current location information and the destination location information acquired from the GPS by the display program;
The display program uses the entire map information, the entire map management information, the partial map information, the partial map management information, the destination location information, and the current location information to indicate the direction of the destination on the map and the user Means for displaying an arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location of the current location on the map with the center of the neighborhood display frame as a base point,
Based on the current location information acquired from the GPS, the display program displays a nearby location display frame, an arrow indicating the direction of the destination, and an arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location of the user. Correspondingly, means for displaying on the map while sequentially changing its position,
The user has means for finely adjusting the orientation of the mobile information device so that the arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map and the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location of the user overlap exactly By
The user can quickly understand the map and properly control the course by confirming that the arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map overlaps the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location. it can.

Hereinafter, a specific description will be given using the “map screen in the mobile information device” of FIG.
Fig. 5 (1) `` Map screen when mobile information device is facing west '' is an example when mobile information device is facing west. On the map, the arrow indicating the direction of the destination is It points to the destination, and the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location indicates southeast.

  In this case, the user first positions the mobile information device so that the arrow indicating north in the circle at the upper right of the screen is generally upward.

  Next, the user accurately displays the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location and the arrow indicating the direction of the destination from the current location on the map. Fine-tune the orientation of the mobile information device so that it overlaps.

  The case where the two arrows overlap exactly is (2) “Map screen when the mobile information device is facing north” in FIG.

  In this case, the user can proceed to the destination while maintaining the state where the two arrows overlap, and the road or building existing in front of the display on the map around the neighborhood display frame. Can quickly understand the correlation.

  More specifically, since both the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location and the arrow indicating the destination from the current location on the map indicate the direction from the neighborhood display frame, these two arrows As long as the two are accurately overlapped, the user can quickly understand the correspondence between the roads and buildings on the map and the roads and buildings in front of them.

  More specifically, a building located to the right of the neighborhood display frame on the map appears to the right of the user, and a road located to the left of the neighborhood display frame on the map appears to the left of the user, The direction of the destination recognized from the current position of the user coincides with the direction of the destination on the map.

  Next, the fifth problem will be described.

  For example, when a walking user detours for a walk and heads to the destination, the user downloads a new map when he / she is outside the boundaries of all the partial maps downloaded from the map information management system. In order to do this, it is necessary to operate the mobile information device, but this operation is troublesome for the user.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in order to reduce the user's device operation, in the mobile information device, the received map information and the coordinates obtained by converting the current location information are always compared, and the display program only receives the received map information. Then, when it is detected that a map to be displayed next cannot be created, the current location information and destination management information are sent to the map information management system, and a necessary whole map or partial map is newly downloaded. It was constructed.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the fifth problem will be described.

In the map display system according to claim 1,
In the mobile information device,
The display program constantly compares the coordinates obtained by converting the current location information acquired from GPS with all the received partial map management information stored in the recording device, and the mobile information device that is the position monitoring target receives If you go outside the boundaries of all the partial maps that
If the display program detects that the mobile information device has gone out of the boundaries of all the partial maps received, the destination management information, departure point management information, Among them, means for transmitting the departure place position information of the departure place management information with the current position information, and transmitting the replaced departure place management information, destination management information, and screen display basic information to the map information management system;
The display program receives partial map information, partial map management information, whole map information, whole map management information, destination management information, and departure point management information from the map information management system, and records all received information After storing in the device, using the information received from the map information management system and current location information, create a whole map and a partial map, and have means to display the created map on the screen,
Even if the user who owns the mobile information device goes out of the boundaries of all the received partial maps, there is no need to perform special device operation, and the display program can receive the next map information. Is displayed.

  According to the present invention, a partial map of a size that is easy to see is displayed on a mobile information device having a small screen size, and the user recognizes the direction of the destination accurately, and then the notation on the map and the actual surrounding roads You can quickly understand the correspondence with buildings.

  Hereinafter, a map display system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a map display system in one embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, the map display system includes a map information management system 100 and a mobile information device 300, and the map information management system 100 and the mobile information device 300 are connected by a wireless network 200.

  First, the map information management system 100 will be described.

  The map information management system 100 includes a recording device 101 and a server 108.

  The recording device 101 includes basic map information 102, overall map information 103, partial map information 104, basic map management information 105, overall map management information 106, partial map management information 107, destination management information 305, departure place management. Information 306 and screen display basic information 307 are stored.

  In the server 108, a management program 109 operates.

  The mobile information device 300 includes a processor 301, a screen 303, and a recording device 304.

  In the processor 301, a display program 302 operates.

  Further, the recording device 304 includes overall map information 103, partial map information 104, overall map management information 106, partial map management information 107, destination management information 305, departure point management information 306, screen display basic information 307, integrated map information. 308 and integrated map management information 309 are stored.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of setting items of data used in the map display system.

  In the figure, basic map information 102 is a map image stored in the recording device 101, and basic map management information 105 is map management information stored in the recording device 101.

  Further, the entire map information 103 is a map image including a starting point and a destination, and the image format conforms to a data format standard adopted for representing map data.

  Also, set 'Z' in the first digit of the file name, and set the user number, overall map management number, and partial map management number (however, the setting content is a space) in the second and subsequent digits of the file name. use.

  Also, in the figure, the partial map information 104 is a series of partial map images divided in a size that is easy to see even on the small screen 303 of the mobile information device 300, and the image format is the data format used to express the map data. Conform to the standard.

  Also, 'B' is set in the first digit of the file name, and the user number, the entire map management number, and the partial map management number are set and used in the second and subsequent digits of the file name.

  In the figure, the basic map management information 105 is data for managing the corresponding basic map information 102, and includes an overall map management number, a partial map management number, a coordinate system flag, a coordinate system number, and a lower left corner (X (Coordinates, Y coordinates), Top right corner (X coordinates, Y coordinates), Top left corner (X coordinates, Y coordinates), Bottom right corner (X coordinates, Y coordinates), Creation date are set as items Has been.

  Also, 'C' is used in the first digit of the file name, and the entire map management number and the partial map management number are set in the second and subsequent digits of the file name.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of data setting items used in the map display system.

  In the figure, the entire map management information 106 is data for managing the corresponding entire map information 103. The user number, the entire map management number, the scale factor, the partial map management number (however, the contents are spaces), coordinates System flag, coordinate system number, lower right corner (X coordinate, Y coordinate), upper right corner (X coordinate, Y coordinate), upper left corner (X coordinate, Y coordinate), lower right corner (X coordinate) , Y coordinate) and creation date are set as items.

  In the figure, partial map management information 107 is data for managing the corresponding partial map information 104, and includes a user number, an entire map management number, a partial map management number, a coordinate system flag, a coordinate system number, Guo lower left corner (X coordinate, Y coordinate), Guo Guo upper right corner (X coordinate, Y coordinate), Guo Guo upper left corner (X coordinate, Y coordinate), Guo Guo lower right corner (X coordinate, Y coordinate), creation date Day is set as an item.

  In the figure, destination management information 305 is data related to the destination, such as a user number, destination position information (latitude, longitude), overall map management number, partial map management number, coordinate system flag, coordinate system number. , Destination coordinates (X coordinate, Y coordinate), creation date are set as items.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting items of data used in the map display system.

  In the figure, departure point management information 306 is data relating to a departure point, such as a user number, departure point position information (latitude, longitude), overall map management number, partial map management number, coordinate system flag, coordinate system number, departure The ground coordinates (X coordinate, Y coordinate) and creation date are set as items.

  In the figure, the screen display basic information 307 is basic information related to the screen display of the mobile information device 300, and the user number, map scale factor, screen size, and creation date are set as items.

  Also, in the figure, the integrated map information 308 is obtained by concatenating a plurality of received partial map information 104 as one image, and 'T' is added to the first digit of the file name, and the second and subsequent digits of the file name. The user number and the entire map management number are set and used, and a space is stored in the partial map management number.

  Also, in the figure, the integrated map management information 309 is obtained by concatenating a plurality of received partial map management information 105, with 'U' in the first digit of the file name and after the second digit of the file name. Uses and sets a user number and an entire map management number, and a space is stored in the partial map management number.

  Fig. 5 shows the screen format displayed on the screen 303 of the mobile information device 300. The upper row is set with a square frame with the letters "North" on the top and the top, and the lower row displays a map. The frame to be set is set.

  In the figure, the distance to the destination is displayed in the upper square frame.

  Also, an arrow indicating north always created based on GPS position information is displayed in the upper circular frame. When this arrow points upward, the mobile information device is facing north.

  (1) in Fig. 5 is a `` map screen when the mobile information device is facing west '', and the user is on Yamate-dori, which is the departure place, in the neighborhood display frame that is the user's current location. The short arrow extending from the center is “an arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map”, and the long arrow is “an arrow indicating the direction of the destination as viewed from the current location”.

  In the map screen when the mobile information device is facing west, in the upper circle, the north indicated by the arrow is on the right, so that the mobile information device is facing the west. The long arrow, which is the “arrow indicating the direction of the destination as seen from the present”, indicates the southeastern area at the lower left, and the short arrow, which is the “arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map,” is the lower right. Is shown.

  In this case, when the user changes the orientation of the mobile information device so that the arrow in the upper circle is generally pointing up, (2) in Fig. 5 `` When the mobile information device is facing north No map screen "is displayed.

  On the map screen when the mobile information device is facing north, the arrow indicating the direction of the destination as viewed from the current location and the map The user fine-tunes the orientation of the mobile information device so that the `` arrow indicating the direction of the destination '' is displayed in an overlapping manner, and the user keeps this overlap so that the user can see the surrounding roads and buildings. You can understand the relationship with the displayed symbols on the map accurately, and you can proceed steadily toward the destination.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the whole map and the partial map, and each frame shows one map displayed on the screen 303 of the mobile information device 300.

  In the figure, the whole map is a map showing the starting point and the destination in one map, and the partial map is a detailed map from the starting point to the destination.

  In this map display system, the management program sets the route from the departure point to the destination based on the map with the road intersection as a node, and then extracts a series of partial maps including the route. And create.

  In this case, A2, B2, B3, and C3 are a series of partial maps.

  If a detailed map without nodes is used, all partial maps from A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, and C3 will be downloaded and the user will receive a `` Destination from the current location '' The heading proceeds toward the destination while comprehensively judging the relationship between the “arrow indicating the direction of the direction”, the “arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map”, and the road on the map.

  In the following, first, in relation to claim 1, claim 2, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, the processing procedure in the map display system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described, and then The processing procedure related to claim 3 will be partially described based on the described processing procedure.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts of the map display program.

  In the figure, the user operates the mobile information device 300, the user number and destination location information are displayed in the destination management information 305, and the user number and departure location information are displayed in the departure location management information 306. A user number, a map scale magnification, and a screen size are set in the basic information 307, and all the set information is registered in the recording device 304 of the mobile information device 300 (S100).

  After the user registration process is completed, the display program 302 is registered in the recording device 304 of the mobile information device 300 via the wireless network 200, with destination management information 305, departure point management information 306, screen display basic information. 307 is transmitted to the map information management system 100 (S101).

  Next, in the map information management system 100, the management program 109 converts the coordinates of the destination position information of the destination management information 305, the coordinates of the departure position information of the departure point management information 306 converted, and screen display basic information Based on the screen size of 307, the scale factor of the entire map management information 106 is calculated. Using the calculated scale factor, the entire map information 103 and the entire map management information 106 are obtained from the basic map information 102 and the basic information management information 105. Is extracted and created (S102).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the position information of all the nodes used for calculating the route from the departure point to the destination is included in the range of the entire map management information 106 (S103). In this case, until the position information of all the nodes is included in the range of the whole map management information 106, the scale factor of the whole map management information 106 is multiplied by 1.1 to recalculate a new scale factor (S104). Using the recalculated scale factor, the process of extracting and creating the entire map information 103 and the entire map management information 106 from the basic map information 102 and the basic information management information 105 is repeated (S102).

  When it is confirmed that the position information of all the nodes used to calculate the route from the starting point to the destination is included in the range of the entire map management information (S103), the calculated scale factor Is set to the scale factor of the entire map management information 106, and then the entire map information 103 and the entire map management information 106 are transmitted to the mobile information device 300 (S105).

  Next, in the map information management system 100, the management program 109 selects from the basic map information 102 and the basic map management information 105 using the screen size of the screen display basic information 307 and the scale factor of the overall map management information 106 as selection conditions. The partial map information 104 and the partial map management information 107 are extracted and created, and the extracted and created partial map information 104 and the partial map management information 107 are transmitted to the mobile information device 300 (S106).

  Next, in the map information management system 100, the management program 109 uses the coordinates obtained by converting the destination position information of the destination management information 305, the screen size of the screen display basic information 307, and the scale factor of the overall map management information 106. Extract the target data from the basic map information 102 and the basic map management information 105, and set the items of the overall map number, partial map management number, coordinate system flag, coordinate system number, and destination coordinates of the destination management information 305 Then, the destination management information 305 updated by setting the item is transmitted to the mobile information device 300 (S107).

  Next, in the map information management system 100, the management program 109 uses the coordinates obtained by converting the departure point position information of the departure point management information 306, the screen size of the screen display basic information 307, and the scale factor of the entire map management information 106. The target data is extracted from the basic map information 102 and the basic map management information 105, and the items of the entire map number, partial map management number, coordinate system flag, coordinate system number, and departure point coordinates of the departure point management information 305 are set. The departure point management information 306 updated by setting items is transmitted to the mobile information device 300 (S108).

  Next, in the mobile information device 300, the display program 302 reads the entire map information 103, the partial map information 104, the entire map management information 106, the partial map management information 107, the destination management information 305, the departure point management from the map information management system. The information 306 is received, and all the received information is stored in the recording device 304 (S109).

  Next, 1 (entire map ') is stored in the changeover switch as an initial value, and the processing is continued from S112 (S110).

  Next, the display program 302 receives an instruction input by the user (1 for the whole map, 2 for the partial map, 9 for the end), and sets the number indicating the received instruction to the switch. Store (S111).

  The switching switch is a switch for controlling the flow of processing of the program, and the instruction content input by the user to the mobile information device is set in numbers.

  Next, the display program 302 executes a series of processes after S112 until the number stored in the changeover switch becomes 9 (end '), and the number stored in the changeover switch becomes 9 (end'). When this happens, the process ends (S112).

  Next, when the coordinates created by converting the current location information exceed the boundaries of all the partial map management information 107 (S113), the display program 302 stores the destination management information stored in the recording device 304. 305, departure point management information 306, screen display basic information 307, departure point position information of departure point management information 306 is updated with current position information, updated departure point management information 306, destination management information 305, screen display After registering the basic information 307 in the recording device 304, the processing from S101 is continued (S114), and the coordinates created by converting the current location information do not exceed the boundaries of all the received partial maps 104. Processing is continued from S115 (S113).

  Next, when the number stored in the changeover switch is 1 (overall map ') (S115), first, a supplementary place display frame is created, and the created nearby place display frame is designated as the whole map information 103. The display position is calculated by using the coordinates created by converting the current position position information and the four corner coordinates of the outline of the entire map management information 106 for display on the top, and then using the calculated display position. The neighborhood display frame is overlaid on the entire map information 103, and the overlaid entire map information 103 is displayed on the screen 303. Then, the processing from S111 is continued (S116), and the number stored in the changeover switch is displayed. If it is not 1 ('entire map'), the processing from S117 is continued (S115).

  Next, when the number stored in the changeover switch is 2 (partial map ') (S117), first, a supplementary place display frame is created, and the created nearby place display frame is displayed as the partial map information 104. The display position is calculated using the coordinates created by converting the current position information and the four corner coordinates of the map of the partial map management information 107 to be displayed on top of each other, and then the calculated display position is used. The display area display frame is overlaid on the partial map information 104, and the superimposed partial map information 104 is displayed on the screen 303. Then, the processing from S111 is continued (S118), and the contents stored in the changeover switch are If it is not 2 ('partial map'), the processing from S111 is continued (S117).

  In the following, S109 and S118, which are processing procedures to which changes are made in relation to claim 3, will be described with a partial extraction based on the processing procedures in the map display system described above.

  First, the processing procedure S109 will be described.

  In the mobile information device 300, the display program 302 receives the entire map information 103, the partial map information 104, the entire map management information 106, and the partial map management information 107 from the map information management system 100, and receives the plurality of received partial map information 104. After combining the images, combine one piece of integrated map information 308, combine multiple partial map management information 105 and combine integrated map management information 309, then combine all the information received from the map information management system The integrated map information 308 and the combined integrated map management information 309 are stored in the recording device 304 (S109).

  Next, the processing procedure S118 will be described.

When the number stored in the changeover switch is 2 (partial map ') (S117), first, the current location coordinates are calculated by converting the GPS location information at the current location, and the calculated current location coordinates and screen size Is used to extract the partial map 104 from the integrated map information 308 and then superimpose the neighborhood map on the extracted partial map 104 using the current point coordinates and display the superimposed partial map 104 on the screen. After scrolling to 303, the process from S111 is continued (S118), and if the content stored in the changeover switch is not 2 (partial map '), the process from S111 is continued (S117).

  This completes the description of the “best mode for carrying out the invention”, and a supplementary description of the features of the embodiment of the present invention will be given below.

  (1) Displaying a comprehensive map with a list and a partial map that is easy to see

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a small map size of a mobile information device displays a whole map with a list that displays a starting point and a destination on a single map and a partial map divided into easy-to-see sizes. .

  In addition, by displaying a neighborhood display frame indicating the current position of the user on the entire map and the partial map, it is possible to easily understand where the user is currently walking.

  Also, by using the current location coordinates obtained by converting the current location information into the coordinate system, the displayed map can be changed from the entire map to the partial map, or from the partial map. You can switch to the entire map with a simple key operation.

  For this reason, returning from the partial map to the entire map, it is possible to easily check the progress in the entire process.

  In addition, since the arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map extends from the center of the neighborhood display frame toward the destination, the user can quickly display the current location and the direction to proceed by simply listing the map. Can understand.

  (2) Quickly get a sense of direction by overlapping two arrows indicating the destination

  In one embodiment of the present invention, an arrow indicating the direction of the destination as viewed from the current location and an arrow indicating the direction of the destination from the current location on the map are displayed superimposed on the screen of the mobile information device. Can quickly understand the direction of the destination as seen from where it stands and the direction of the destination on the map.

In addition to obtaining an accurate sense of direction at the first departure point, the arrow indicating the direction of the destination viewed from the current location and the arrow indicating the destination from the current location on the map overlap after starting to walk. As long as you are advancing while confirming, you can head to the destination while understanding the map accurately.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, even if the exit from a subway exit where there is no landmark building around, it is not necessary to understand the map while adjusting the direction in the head. , Understand the relationship between the direction of the destination and the notation on the map.

  (3) Simple device operation

  In one embodiment of the present invention, consideration is given to the safety of a user while walking, so that the user can use the device with a simple device operation.

  For example, when the user crosses the boundary of the partial map displayed on the screen of the mobile information device, the display program performs screen transition processing to the next partial map, so that the user can perform special device operations. There is no need to do it.

  In addition, when a partial map is displayed using a display format in which the neighborhood display frame is always placed at the center of the screen, the partial map automatically scrolls around the neighborhood display frame. There is no need to operate the equipment.

  In addition, if the user exceeds the boundaries of all the partial maps that have already been downloaded, the location information of the registered destination and the current location obtained from the GPS, etc. from the mobile information device to the map information management system It is a mechanism to re-download the entire map including the map and a plurality of partial maps from the map information management system.

  For this reason, even if a user goes to the destination while making a detour for a walk, there is no need to perform a special device operation.

  (4) The functions provided by an embodiment of the present invention can be used even in a detailed map where no nodes are set

  The route displayed by the car navigation system is set by connecting nodes on the map information. Therefore, the node is set on the premise of the road through which the car passes.

  On the other hand, the arrow display function provided by an embodiment of the present invention can also be used on a path or a mountain road where a node for calculating a route is not set. If you download it, you can select an appropriate road even in the mountains that cannot communicate with the map information management system.

  That is, as long as the road is described on the map, the user can use the map display system using the GPS even in the mountains.

  Below, the terminology used in the present invention will be supplementarily explained.

  The management program in the map information management system manages basic map information and basic information management information. Based on requests from mobile information devices, partial map information, partial map management information, overall map information, overall map management information, etc. Is a program that creates and transmits to a mobile information device.

  The mobile information device in the present invention is a portable information device that has wireless communication capability and can exchange data with other information devices via a wireless network. For example, the mobile information device is a mobile phone, personal digital assistance, etc. , But not limited to mobile PCs.

  GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System.

  GPS is a global positioning system developed by the United States. Aircraft and ships can determine their position by knowing the distance from four or more GPS satellites at the same time. is there.

  The location information is information that consists of the latitude, longitude, altitude, geodetic system, coordinate system, etc. used by GPS, and is information for specifying the location where the target exists on the earth. is there.

  In addition, the coordinate system information is information composed of a coordinate system flag, a coordinate system number, an X coordinate, a Y coordinate, and the like, and is information for specifying a place where the target exists on the earth.

  The reference key is item information that is a key for searching for position information registered in the form of a table or the like.

  The map information is information composed of map image information such as whole map information and partial map information, map management information such as whole map management information and partial map management information.

  The map includes a map image that can be discriminated by the human eye.

  The whole map is a single map including the destination and the departure point, and is a map edited to fit on one screen in consideration of the screen size of the mobile information device.

  The partial map is a map divided into a size that fits on one screen of the mobile information device.

  The whole map information is information for creating a whole map image, and is created by processing the basic map information stored in the map information management system.

  The partial map information is information for creating a partial map image, and is created by processing the basic map information stored in the map information management system.

  The global map management information is information for managing the coordinates displayed on the global map. The coordinate system flag, the coordinate system number, the lower left corner of the map (X and Y coordinates), and the upper right corner of the map (X and Y coordinates), upper left corner (X and Y coordinates), lower right corner (X and Y coordinates), etc.

  The partial map management information is information for managing the coordinates displayed on the partial map. The coordinate system flag, the coordinate system number, the lower left corner of the map (X coordinate and Y coordinate), the upper right corner of the map (X and Y coordinates), upper left corner (X and Y coordinates), lower right corner (X and Y coordinates), etc.

  The screen display basic information is information necessary for searching a map and displaying it on the screen, such as a user number, a map scale factor, and a screen size.

  The integrated map information is map information obtained by connecting a plurality of partial map information received from a map information management system into a single image by a display program operating on a mobile information device.

  The integrated map management information is map management information obtained by combining a plurality of partial map management information received from a map information management system by a display program operating on a mobile information device.

  Further, the map scale magnification is a scale magnification of the map information extracted from the map information registered in the map information management system and downloaded to the mobile information device.

  The neighborhood display frame is a frame for showing a certain area centered on the current location of the user on the map.

  The direction viewed from the current location is, for example, a direction such as east, west, south, and north with the current position of the user as a reference point.

  The direction is a direction indicating a point from a certain point.

  The direction is a relative direction indicating another coordinate from a certain coordinate, an orientation viewed from the current position of the user, or a direction indicating another point recognized from a certain point on the map.

  The arrow indicating the destination when viewed from the current position is an arrow that indicates the direction of the destination by cutting three-dimensional GPS position information on, for example, a two-dimensional plane.

  The arrow indicating the destination on the map is an arrow indicating the direction of the destination at the current location on the map.

  Downloading refers to processing for receiving map information from a map information management system in a mobile information device.

  Also, the coordinate system flag is 1 for a plane Cartesian coordinate system (Japan geodetic system), 2 for a plane Cartesian coordinate system (all coordinate transformations in the world geodetic system), A classification flag assigned to each coordinate system, such as 3 etc.

  Also, the coordinate system number in Japan conforms to 2002 Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notification No.9.

  Also, instead of the departure location position information in the departure location management information, enter a reference key for searching the departure location location information such as address, map code, station name, phone number, etc., and to the GPS location information in the map information management system The conversion process may be performed.

  Also, instead of the destination location information in the destination management information, enter the reference key for searching the destination location information such as address, map code, station name, telephone number, etc. The conversion process may be performed.

  The map code is a code that designates a location in Japan with a 6-10 digit number, and searches for and uses a code registered in advance in a map, an address table, or the like.

  The recording device may be any device having a data holding function, and includes, for example, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and the like.

  The present invention can be applied to a mobile information device that downloads and uses map information from a map information management system.

It is the block diagram which showed the map display system in one Embodiment of this invention. (1)-(4) is the figure which showed an example of the setting item of the data stored in the recording device of the map display system in one embodiment of this invention. (1)-(3) is the figure which showed an example of the setting item of the data stored in the recording device of the map display system in one embodiment of this invention. (1)-(4) is the figure which showed an example of the setting item of the data stored in the recording device of the map display system in one embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the map screen displayed on a mobile information device in the map display system in one embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the whole map and partial map which are displayed on a mobile information device in the map display system in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the map display program in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the map display program in one embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100: Map information management system, 101: Recording device, 102: Basic map information, 103: Whole map information, 104: Partial map information, 105: Basic map management information, 106: Whole map management information, 107: Partial map management information , 108: server, 109: management program, 200: wireless network, 300: mobile information device, 301: processor, 302: display program, 303: screen, 304: recording device, 305: destination management information, 306: departure place Management information, 307: Screen display basic information, 308: Integrated map information, 309: Integrated map management information.

Claims (6)

In a map display system in which a user downloads map information stored in a map information management system to a mobile information device via a wireless network, and displays a map created based on the downloaded map information on the screen.
In the map information management system, the management program stores, in advance, basic map information and basic map management information in a recording device;
In the mobile information device, when the map is used, the user registers destination management information, departure point management information, and screen display basic information in the recording device, and then stores all the registered information in the map information management system. Means for transmitting;
In the map information management system,
The management program uses the destination management information, departure point management information, and screen display basic information received from the mobile information device to display an entire map including the destination and departure point on the screen of the mobile information device. The scale scale that can be displayed as a map of the map is calculated, and using the calculated scale scale, the entire map information and the entire map management information are extracted and created from the basic map information and the basic map management information. Means for transmitting management information to the mobile information device;
The basic map subject to the basic map information and basic map management information stored and managed by the management program, with destination management information, departure point management information, screen display basic information, and overall map management information as selection conditions Extract information and basic map management information, create partial map information and partial map management information from the extracted basic map information and basic map management information, and send the created partial map information and partial map management information to the mobile information device Means to
The management program creates necessary additional information from the entire map management information and the partial map management information, updates the destination management information and the departure point management information using the created additional information, and updates the updated destination management information. And means for transmitting departure point management information to the mobile information device;
In the mobile information device,
A display program downloads partial map information, partial map management information, destination management information, departure point management information, whole map information, and whole map management information from the map information management system, and records all downloaded information Means for storing in,
When the display program displays the entire map based on the user's operation, first, a neighborhood display frame is created, and the created neighborhood display frame is created using current location information acquired from GPS. Means for overlaying on the map, and then displaying the location display frame position on the screen while sequentially moving on the map in response to the movement of the user;
When the display program displays a partial map based on the user's operation, first, a neighborhood display frame is created, and the created neighborhood display frame is created using current location information acquired from GPS. Means for overlaying on a partial map, and then displaying on the screen while sequentially moving the location of the neighborhood display frame on the map in response to the movement of the user;
When the border of the partial map displayed in the neighborhood display frame is reached, the display program switches the displayed partial map to the next partial map, and the neighborhood created on the switched partial map. Means for overlapping the ground display frames and displaying the superimposed partial map on the screen;
When the user performs a switching operation from the entire map to the partial map, the display program associates the entire map with the partial map using the current location information acquired from the GPS, and then the target Means to select a partial map to be displayed on the screen,
When the user performs a switching operation from the partial map to the entire map, the display program associates the entire map with the partial map using the current location information acquired from the GPS, and then the vicinity By providing a means to create a terrestrial display frame and overlay it on the entire map, and display the superimposed entire map on the screen,
Based on map information such as partial map information, partial map management information, whole map information, whole map management information, etc. downloaded by the user from the map information management system, a list-like whole map and a portion that is easy to see A map display system characterized by being able to use a map that is easy to understand and easy to see by creating a map and switching the displayed whole map and partial map alternately. In the map display system according to claim 1,
Using the destination management information, the departure point management information, and the screen display basic information received from the mobile information device by the management program as a selection condition, an entire map including the destination and the departure point is displayed on the screen of the mobile information device. All of the scales that can be displayed as a single map are calculated and used to set the route with the starting point as the base point and the destination as the end point when creating the overall map information and overall map management information that match the calculated scale factor. A means of confirming that the position of the node is included in the overall map;
As a result of checking, if a part of the node used for the loop setting is located outside the range of the entire map, the scale factor of the entire map information is recalculated to include the node within the range of the entire map, Create the entire map information, the entire map management information, the partial map information, the partial map management information, the destination management information, and the departure point management that match the recalculated scale factor. By providing a means to send to
A map display system, wherein the user can display a necessary whole map and a partial map on the mobile information device even when the road from the departure point to the destination is largely detoured. In the map display system according to claim 1,
In the mobile information device, the display program is
Means for concatenating a plurality of partial map information received from the map information management system to synthesize integrated map information;
Means for concatenating a plurality of partial map management information received from the map information management system to synthesize integrated map management information;
When extracting the partial map by editing the combined integrated map information and integrated map management information, the current location information and screen size information acquired from the GPS are used as a partial map centered on the current location of the user. Means for image extraction;
Means for displaying a partial map created by image extraction while scrolling sequentially around the neighborhood display frame on the screen in accordance with the movement of the user based on the current location information acquired from the GPS; ,
When displaying the entire map, based on the switching operation from the partial map to the entire map performed by the user, first create a neighborhood display frame, then get the created neighborhood display frame from GPS In response to the movement of the user based on the current location information, means for sequentially displaying the map while changing its position;
When displaying a partial map, the user performs the correspondence between the whole map and the partial map using the current location information acquired from the GPS based on the switching operation from the whole map to the partial map performed by the user. By having a means to extract a specific area of the partial map to be displayed on the screen,
A map display characterized in that the user can create a partial map centered on the current location by performing a simple mobile information device operation, and can scroll the created partial map as the user moves. system. In a map display system in which a user downloads map information stored in a map information management system to a mobile information device via a wireless network, and displays a map created based on the downloaded map information on the screen.
In the mobile information device,
Means for creating an arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map and an arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location using the current location information and the destination location information acquired from the GPS by the display program;
The display program uses the entire map information, the entire map management information, the partial map information, the partial map management information, the destination location information, and the current location information to indicate the direction of the destination on the map and the user Means for displaying an arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location of the current location on the map with the center of the neighborhood display frame as a base point,
Based on the current location information acquired from the GPS, the display program displays a nearby location display frame, an arrow indicating the direction of the destination, and an arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location of the user. Correspondingly, means for displaying on the map while sequentially changing its position,
The user has means for adjusting the orientation of the mobile information device so that the arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map and the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location of the user overlap exactly. By
The user confirms that the arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map and the arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location are overlapped, so that the arrangement relationship between the map and the surrounding buildings and roads can be determined. A map display system that can quickly understand and control the course appropriately. In the map display system according to claim 4,
In the mobile information device,
Means for creating an arrow indicating the north direction viewed from the current position of the user, using the position information of the current location and the position information of the north pole obtained from the GPS, the display program;
The display program creates a circle surrounding an arrow indicating the created north direction, and expresses the letters north directly above the created circle and displays it on the screen;
The user uses a display rule that the upper direction indicates north in a general map, and first, the arrow indicating the north direction viewed from the current position points upward in the circle. A means of roughly locating mobile information devices;
Next, the user accurately overlaps the arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map starting from the center of the neighborhood display frame and the arrow indicating the direction of the destination as viewed from the current position of the user. Thus, by providing means for finely adjusting the orientation of the mobile information device,
The map display system characterized in that the user can smoothly superimpose an arrow indicating the direction of the destination on the map and an arrow indicating the direction of the destination recognized from the current location of the user. In the map display system according to claim 1,
In the mobile information device,
The display program constantly compares the coordinates obtained by converting the current location information acquired from GPS with all the received partial map management information stored in the recording device, and the mobile information device that is the position monitoring target receives If you go outside the boundaries of all the partial maps that
If the display program detects that the mobile information device has gone out of the boundaries of all the partial maps received, the destination management information, departure point management information, Among them, means for transmitting the departure place position information of the departure place management information with the current position information, and transmitting the replaced departure place management information, destination management information, and screen display basic information to the map information management system;
The display program receives partial map information, partial map management information, whole map information, whole map management information, destination management information, and departure point management information from the map information management system, and records all received information After storing in the device, using the information received from the map information management system and current location information, create a whole map and a partial map, and have means to display the created map on the screen,
Even if the user who owns the mobile information device goes out of the boundaries of all the received partial maps, there is no need to perform special device operation, and the display program can receive the next map information. A map display system characterized in that screen display is made.

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