JP2009294328A - Map image distribution apparatus, map image distribution method, and map image distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a map image distribution apparatus, a map image distribution method, and a map image distribution program, for reducing the burden on a digital map manager. <P>SOLUTION: A server 30 is constituted so that when a map request receiving section 34 receives display request of a map image of a prescribed area from a cellular phone via the Internet W, a map transmitting section 35 transmits the map image based on the display request. When the map transmitting section 35 transmits a map image: a map image wherein outline figures of planar shape of features existing on the ground surface are reduced at a prescribed rate and expressed on a plane is obtained out of a map image DB 32a of a map image storage section 32, and a photographic image correlated with the outline figure included in the map image is read out of a photographic image DB 32b, and the photographic image correlated with the outline figure is superposed on an area surrounded by the outline figure as a display range and is transmitted as a map image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention receives a map image display request for a predetermined area via a communication line, and transmits a map image corresponding to the display request via the communication line, a map image distribution method, and a map It relates to an image distribution program.

  As a conventional map image distribution apparatus that distributes a map image to a terminal device or the like, an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this patent document 1, when a server distributes a map image, a plurality of photographs taken of the appearance of each building in the map from a plurality of directions are arranged within a range that does not protrude from the site of the building. A technique is disclosed in which one side is displayed with an image size that matches the site.

JP 2006-72068 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 does not assume any countermeasures when a building as a feature is changed by rebuilding or the like. In other words, when the building is rebuilt, the electronic map manager has to update all the information, which increases the burden on the electronic map manager. Of course, updating requires a lot of time and cost.

  In view of the problems of the conventional technology, the present invention provides a map image distribution device, a map image distribution method, and a map image distribution program capable of reducing the burden required for map update and providing an easy-to-see electronic map. For the purpose.

  The map image distribution device of the present invention includes a map image storage unit that stores a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing a planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on a plane, and a communication line Receiving the photographic image of the feature and the identification information for specifying the outer frame graphic input via the map, and associating the outer frame graphic and the photographic image corresponding to the identification information with the map image A photographic image input unit stored in the storage unit, a map request reception unit that receives a display request for a map image of a predetermined area via the communication line, and reads out a map image based on the display request from the map image storage unit A map transmission unit that transmits the map image via the communication line, and the map transmission unit receives the map image display request via the communication line based on the display request. Read from The display image is transmitted to the display request source in a state in which the photographic image associated with the outer frame graphic is superimposed on the map image, with the area surrounded by the outer frame graphic included in the map image as a display range. To do.

  The map image distribution device of the present invention includes a map image storage unit that stores a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing a planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on a plane; Receiving the photographic image of the feature inputted through a communication line and identification information for specifying the outer frame graphic, and associating the outer frame graphic corresponding to the identification information with the photographic image A photographic image input unit stored in a map image storage unit, a map request reception unit that receives a display request for a map image of a predetermined region via the communication line, and a map image based on the display request from the map image storage unit A map transmission unit that reads out and transmits the map image via the communication line, and the map transmission unit receives the map image display request via the communication line, based on the display request. From memory The map image that has been projected and the photographic image associated with the outer frame figure included in the map image are transmitted so that the area surrounded by the outer frame figure can be superimposed on the display request source as the display range of the photographic image It is characterized by doing.

In the present invention, when a photographic image of a feature and identification information for specifying an outer frame figure are received by the photographic image input unit via a communication line, the outer frame figure and the photograph corresponding to the feature indicated by the identification information The image is associated and stored in the map image storage unit. That is, the map image is updated by storing the photographic image corresponding to the outer frame figure in the map image storage unit as needed.
When a map image display request is received by the map request receiving unit, the map image stored in the map image storage unit is transmitted by the map transmitting unit. At this time, the map image is added to the map image. An area surrounded by the included outer frame graphic is used as a display range, and the photographic image associated with the outer frame graphic is superimposed and transmitted. In addition, a map image based on the display request, a photographic image associated with the outer frame shape included in the map image, and identification information for specifying the outer frame shape, the region surrounded by the outer frame shape It is transmitted as a display range of the image so that it can be superimposed by the display request source. When the map image is transmitted to the display request source with the photographic image superimposed, the display request source side may display the map image with the photographic image superimposed as it is. When a map image and a photo image are sent to the display request source, the photo image is associated with the outer frame shape included in the map image, so the display request source side uses the outer frame shape as the display range Images can be superimposed.
Therefore, a photographic image is displayed as much as possible while maintaining the planar shape of the feature in the map image. Furthermore, by displaying a photographic image of a feature, an easy-to-see map image including information according to an actual viewpoint is provided in spite of being a two-dimensional image.

Further, in the present invention, the map image is associated with storage feasibility information regarding whether or not the outer frame figure and the photographic image can be stored in association with each other. When the information is information that permits storage of the photographic image, it is desirable that the outer frame graphic and the photographic image are associated with each other and stored in the map image storage unit.
For example, storage of photographic images is prompted by setting storage permission / prohibition information for permitting storage of photographic images for outer frame graphics of highly public facilities and entertainment facilities. Therefore, a highly versatile map image distribution apparatus is realized. On the other hand, by storing information that does not permit storage for the storage permission / inhibition information associated with a personal home, storage of a photographic image in the personal home is prevented. Therefore, personal privacy is ensured.

In the present invention, it further includes a timekeeping unit that keeps track of the current date and time, the photo image is associated with creation date and time information related to the date and time when the photo was taken, and the map transmission unit relates to the current date and time. It is desirable to transmit a photographic image selected from a plurality of photographic images stored in the map image storage unit and associated with the same outer frame graphic based on the information and the creation date information. .
For example, by selecting and sending a photographic image taken at the time closest to the current time from among multiple photographic images, a photographic image taken at a bright time is sent at noon, and a dark time at night It is expected that photographed images will be transmitted. Furthermore, by selecting and transmitting a photographic image taken at a time corresponding to the current season from a plurality of photographic images, a photographic image of a feature photographed with a cherry blossom is sent in the spring, and the winter It is expected that a photographic image of a snow-covered feature will be transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to provide a map image that matches the actual time zone and season.

Further, in the present invention, the photographic image is associated with creation date / time information related to the date / time when the image was taken, and based on the timekeeping unit that measures the current date / time, the information related to the current date / time, and the creation date / time information. It is desirable to further comprise an information notifying unit for notifying information related to the old and new photographic images.
When the photographic image stored in the map image storage unit is old, the information conveyed by the photographic image may be different from the current state. Therefore, the age of the photographic image is determined by comparing the creation date information associated with the photographic image with the current date and time acquired from the timing unit. Then, when the photographic image is older than a predetermined value, a notice that the photographic image is old is alerted by an information notification unit that notifies information related to the new and old photographic images.

Further, in the present invention, the map request receiving unit has a function of receiving current position information related to a current position together with a display request for the map image, and the photograph image includes shooting position information related to a photographed position. And the map transmission unit stores a plurality of the photographic images stored in the map image storage unit and associated with the same outer frame graphic based on the current position information and the shooting position information. It is desirable to send a photographic image selected from among the above.
For example, when the map transmission unit selects a photographic image taken from a direction closest to the direction in which the feature can be seen from the current position, from the plurality of photographic images, the photograph is taken from a direction close to the feature seen from the current position. Therefore, it is possible to select a photographic image having a close impression or the same impression from the current position. In addition, a photographic image taken at a position closest to the current position is selected and transmitted, so that a photographic image having the same distance from the current position to the feature corresponding to the photographic image is referred to.

  In addition, when the map transmission unit rotates the map image based on the current position information and transmits the rotated map image, the map transmission unit transmits the map image in a state where the rotation processing is performed only on the outer frame figure, thereby obtaining the target location. Even when the user searches for a route to an object while moving, the photographic image is displayed in a fixed state. In other words, even in the heading-up mode in which the map image is automatically rotated and displayed in accordance with the traveling direction, the photographic image is always displayed as it is stored in the map image storage unit without being rotated. .

  According to the present invention, since a photographic image is input via a communication line, it is possible to reduce the burden required for map update. Furthermore, since a photographic image of the feature is displayed, an easy-to-see electronic map can be provided.

Hereinafter, a map image distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a map image distribution system 10 includes a mobile phone 20 as a mobile terminal used by a user and a server 30 that functions as a map image distribution device via the Internet W, which is an example of a communication line. Are connected to communicate.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 20 includes a communication unit 21 as a wireless communication means, a call unit 22, an Internet control unit 23, a time measuring unit 24, a positioning unit 25, an imaging unit 26, and an input. An operation unit 27 as a means, a display unit 28, and a main control unit 29 are provided.
The communication unit 21 has a function of communicating with a base station or a relay station using a radio signal, and also has a function of modulating a transmission packet or demodulating a reception packet.
The call unit 22 realizes a telephone function, and has a function of converting a voice signal from a microphone (not shown) into a transmission packet or extracting voice data from a reception packet and outputting it from a speaker (not shown). .
The Internet control unit 23 realizes an access function to the Internet W, and has a function to access a website based on a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

The time measuring unit 24 realizes a clock function and has a function of outputting the date as date information. The positioning unit 25 has a function of outputting current position information that is information related to the current position of the user carrying the mobile phone 20. The positioning unit 25 can employ a global positioning system (GPS), a satellite positioning system (Galileo), or the like.
The imaging unit 26 realizes a camera function and has a function of storing a photographed photograph image in a flash memory (not shown). When generating the photographic image, the imaging unit 26 acquires the date / time information timed by the time measuring unit 24 as creation date / time information indicating the date / time of shooting. Further, the imaging unit 26 incorporates the current position information measured by the positioning unit 25 as a part of EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) information, for example.

  The operation unit 27 includes numeric keys, symbol keys, function keys, cross keys (cursor keys or selection keys) and the like (not shown). The display unit 28 has a function of displaying display data such as a map image. As the display unit 28, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence), or the like can be used. The main control unit 29 has a function of performing overall control of the entire mobile phone 20.

  Next, the configuration of the server 30 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 30 that is a computer functions as a map image distribution device that transmits a map image by executing a map distribution program. The server 30 has a function of generating a map image for displaying a map based on a command transmitted from the mobile phone 20, performing a route search, and transmitting a result of the route search to the mobile phone 20. ing.

In order to realize the above-described functions, the server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a map image storage unit 32, a photographic image input unit 33, a map request reception unit 34, a map transmission unit 35, a timing unit 36, A route search unit 37 and an information notification unit 38 are provided.
The communication unit 31 has a function of communicating with the mobile phone 20 via the Internet W. For example, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or a LAN (Local Area Network) connected to an FTP (Fiber To The Premises). It is configured.

An electronic map database used for route search and map display is registered in the map image storage unit 32. The map image storage unit 32 can employ a hard disk drive that has a large capacity and can be accessed at high speed.
Further, in the map image storage unit 32, a map image DB 32a, a photographic image DB 32b, and a storage enable / disable information DB 32c are registered. A map image is stored in the map image DB 32a. Here, the map image is information relating to a map in which an outer frame figure K obtained by reducing the planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on a plane as shown in FIG. The feature means all items on the ground. For example, features include artificial objects such as bridges and towers and natural products such as rivers and mountains in addition to buildings.

The photograph image DB 32b stores a plurality of photograph images P transmitted from the mobile phone 20, as shown in FIG. These photographic images P are stored in the photographic image DB 32b in association with the outer frame figure K corresponding to the position indicated by the storage location information based on the storage location information received together with the photographic image P. . Note that shooting position information relating to the shooting position (for example, information relating to latitude and longitude) is added to the photograph image P.
The storage enable / disable information DB 32c stores storage enable / disable information related to the availability of association between the outer frame graphic K and the photographic image P.
The photographic image input unit 33 associates the photographic image P transmitted from the mobile phone 20 via the Internet W with the outer frame figure K corresponding to the position indicated by the storage destination position information transmitted together with the photographic image P, A function of storing in the map image storage unit 32 is provided.

  The map request receiving unit 34 has a function of receiving a display request command transmitted from the mobile phone 20 as a display request for a map image of a predetermined area. The map transmission unit 35 reads a map image of a predetermined area from the map image storage unit 32 based on the display request command transmitted from the mobile phone 20, and reads the read map image via the Internet W. The function to transmit to. The time measuring unit 36 realizes a clock function and has a function of outputting the date as date information.

  The route search unit 37 has a function of performing a route search based on a command designated by the user. For the route search, for example, a known method such as the Dijkstra method can be used. By using this function, for example, when the destination building is designated by the user, the server 30 starts from the current location detected by the positioning unit 25 of the mobile phone 20 and continues to the building. Search for a route. Then, the map image showing the route is transmitted to the mobile phone 20.

  The information notification unit 38 alerts the user if the creation date and time indicating the date and time when the photo image P transmitted from the mobile phone 20 is created is older than a predetermined value set in advance. It has a function to include a message to the effect in the map image. The criteria for calling attention can be determined by setting such as yearly or monthly. In the present embodiment, when the photographic image P is created two years or more before the current date and time, a message that alerts the user from the mobile phone 20 is output. That is, in the present embodiment, the “predetermined value” is set to “2 years”.

The operation and use state of the map image distribution system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, when the operation unit 27 of the mobile phone 20 is operated by the user, the Internet control unit 23 causes the display unit 28 to display a map image around the current location.
The display processing of the map image of the surrounding area is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 6, the Internet control unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 acquires current position information indicating the current location of the user by the positioning unit 25 and transmits it to the server 30 together with the display request command (step S11). In the server 30, the map request receiving unit 34 receives a display request command. And the map transmission part 35 reads the map image of an applicable area from map image DB32a in the map image memory | storage part 32 (step S12).

Next, the map transmission part 35 transmits the map image read from map image DB32a to the mobile telephone 20 (step S13).
As shown in FIG. 7, in the mobile phone 20, the map image M received via the communication unit 21 is displayed on the display unit 28 by the Internet control unit 23 (step S14).

Next, a storage process for storing the photographic image P in the map image storage unit 32 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, when it is desired to associate a new photographic image with the outline of the building B indicated by the outer frame figure K included in the map image M displayed on the display unit 28, the server 30 Storage processing of the photographic image P transmitted from the mobile phone 20 is executed.
In the storage process, when a photographic image of the building B is taken in advance by the mobile phone 20 and stored in the mobile phone 20, the photographic image is a target of the storage process. When a photographic image is not taken, it is necessary to newly take a picture of the building B with the mobile phone 20 before the storage process.

  When a new photographic image of the building B is to be taken, the imaging unit 26 is activated when the user operates the operation unit 27 of the mobile phone 20 to enter a shooting mode in which a still image is taken. Then, when the user takes a picture with the lens directed toward the building B, the imaging unit 26 includes the shooting date / time information acquired from the time measuring unit 24 together with the shooting condition information such as the aperture value and the shutter speed value in the EXIF information. Generate the included photographic image. Unlike the aerial photograph taken from the sky above the building B, the photograph image taken in this way is a side image of the building B, so that it fits the viewpoint for the user walking around the building B. Is.

  When the building B is photographed, the photographed photograph image is transmitted to the server 30 as a photograph of the building B and stored in the map image storage unit 32. This storage process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, a map image M (see FIG. 7) of the surrounding area including the building B is displayed on the display unit 28 by operating the mobile phone 20 (step S31). The map image M is displayed on the display unit 28 by the procedure from step S11 to step S14 in FIG.

  Next, when a cross key (not shown) of the operation unit 27 is operated by the user, the cursor image Y (see FIG. 9) displayed on the display unit 28 is moved to the building B. Further, when the user presses a decision key (not shown) of the mobile phone 20, the main frame 29 designates the outer frame figure K. By designating the outer frame graphic K, the Internet control unit 23 transmits information relating to the position of the outer frame graphic K, which is identification information for specifying the outer frame graphic K, to the server 30 as the storage location information (step). S32).

  In the server 30, the photographic image input unit 33 first acquires storage enable / disable information from the storage enable / disable information DB 32c corresponding to the received storage location information (step S33). Then, the photographic image input unit 33 determines whether or not the acquired storage enable / disable information is information indicating that storage is not possible (step S34). If the acquired storage enable / disable information is information indicating that storage is impossible, the photograph image input unit 33 transmits a message to the mobile phone 20 that the photograph image cannot be stored (step S35). In the mobile phone 20, the main control unit 29 that has received the message that the photographic image cannot be stored from the server 30 displays the message on the display unit 28, thereby superimposing the photographic image on the outer frame figure K. The user is informed that he / she cannot perform (step S36).

On the other hand, if the storability information is information indicating that storability is possible, the photographic image input unit 33 transmits a message to the effect that the photographic image can be stored to the mobile phone 20 (step S37). In the mobile phone 20, the main control unit 29 that has received the message indicating that the photographic image can be stored from the server 30 displays the message on the display unit 28, thereby superimposing the photographic image on the outer frame figure K. Is notified to the user (step S38).
The user selects a photographic image to be transmitted to the server 30 by operating the operation unit 27 from among a plurality of photographic images obtained by photographing the building B displayed as thumbnails on the display unit 28. The Internet control unit 23 transmits the selected photographic image to the server 30 (step S39).
The photographic image input unit 33 stores the received photographic image in the photographic image DB 32b (step S40), and based on the received storage destination position information, the photographic image input unit 33 stores the outer frame figure K of the map image stored in the map image DB 32a. The photographic image is stored in association with each other (step S41).
Then, the map transmission unit 35 transmits a message to the effect that the photo image is stored in the photo image DB 32b to the mobile phone 20 (step S42). On the mobile phone 20, the user confirms that the photograph image has been stored in the server 30 by displaying a message that the photograph image could not be stored or a message that the photograph image could be stored. (Step S43).

  In addition, when the electronic map manager who manages the map image M does not want to associate the photographic image with the outer frame figure K indicating the building B, the storage enable / disable information is changed to information indicating that storage is impossible. Thus, storage of the photographic image in the map image storage unit 32 is prohibited.

Next, the process of displaying the map image M of the surrounding area on the display unit 28 of the mobile phone 20 will be described based on FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the data related to the display request for the map image M in the surrounding area is transmitted from the mobile phone 20 (step S41), the map transmitting unit 35 of the server 30 determines the surrounding area based on the display request. The map image M is read from the map image DB 32a (step S42).
At this time, the map transmission unit 35 determines whether or not the photographic image P stored in the photographic image DB 32b is associated with the outer frame figure K included in the map image M (step S43). When the photographic image P is stored in the photographic image DB 32b and this photographic image P is associated with the outer frame figure K, the map transmitting unit 35 transmits the associated photographic image P to the photographic image DB 32b. It is determined whether or not a plurality is stored (step S44).

Next, when it is determined by the map transmission unit 35 that a plurality of photo images P associated with each other are stored in the photo image DB 32b, the map transmission unit 35 creates the date and time when the photo image P was created. Based on the date and time information, one photographic image P is selected from a plurality of photographic images P (step S45).
As a method of selecting one photographic image P from among a plurality of photographic images P associated with the same outer frame figure K, for example, selecting a photographic image P taken at a time close to the current time. it can. It is also possible to select a photographic image P taken in the same season as the current season, or to select a photographic image P that is close to the current date. The map transmission unit 35 can acquire information on the current date and time from the time measuring unit 36 and compare the current date and time with the creation date and time information of the photo image P, so that the closest or the same can be selected. .
However, when all of the plurality of photographic images P are, for example, the current time is morning but only the night is present, or when the current season is spring and only the winter is present, the map transmission unit 35 An arbitrary one is selected from a plurality of photographic images P, or the latest creation date / time information is selected. By selecting the photo image P of the latest creation date and time information, the photo image P closer to the current state of the building B can be selected.

The map transmission unit 35 superimposes one photographic image P selected from the plurality of photographic images P in this way with the area surrounded by the outer frame graphic K as a display range (step S46). Here, the process in which the map transmission unit 35 superimposes the photographic image P using the region surrounded by the outer frame graphic K as a display range will be described in detail.
For example, when the photographic image P of the building B is superimposed on the outer frame figure K indicating the feature included in the map image M, it is completely included in the outer frame figure K as shown in FIG. The entire photographic image P is adjusted and superimposed, and the outer frame figure K is adjusted by adjusting the length direction of the photographic image P in accordance with the longest direction of the outer frame figure K as shown in FIG. And a method of superimposing the image so as to cover the photographic image P.

In the method in which the photographic image P completely fits in the outer frame figure K, the outer shape of the building B may be rectangular, but in the case of a complicated shape, the size of the photographic image P is the outer frame of the building B. The figure K is adjusted in the short direction. Therefore, the photographic image P becomes extremely small and it is difficult to grasp the contents of the photographic image P. When the length direction of the photographic image P is adjusted in accordance with the longest direction of the outer frame figure K, the photographic image P completely covers the outer frame figure K. For this reason, the outer frame figure K is hidden and it is difficult to recognize the outer frame figure K.
As another method, there is a method of expressing the building B with a three-dimensional icon that is three-dimensionally expressed, although it is not the photographic image P. However, the cost for producing a three-dimensional icon increases.

  In the server 30 that functions as the map image distribution device according to the present embodiment, the map transmission unit 35 uses the area surrounded by the outer frame graphic K as a display range as shown in FIG. The associated photographic image P is superimposed. When superimposing the photographic image P, the photographic image P is cut out and fitted into the outer frame graphic K in a state where the outer frame graphic K and the photographic image P are superimposed in the longest direction of the outer frame graphic K.

The map transmission unit 35 enlarges the outer frame figure K and enlarges the photographic image P in accordance with the reduced scale when the map image M is displayed on the display unit 28 of the mobile phone 20. It is possible to prevent the size of the photographic image P from changing even if the image is enlarged. If the outer frame figure K is enlarged and the photographic image P is enlarged, the user can observe the details of the photographic image P. Further, even if the outer frame figure K is enlarged, if the size of the photographic image P is not changed, the entire photographic image P that is only partially visible can be observed.
When superimposing the photographic image P, it is possible to cut out the photographic image P in a wider range by superimposing the photographic image P in accordance with the longest direction of the outer frame figure K, as shown in FIG. In addition, the photographic image P may be cut out and fitted into the outer frame graphic K in a state where the outer frame graphic K and the photographic image P are overlapped in the shortest direction of the outer frame graphic K.

Next, the information notification unit 38 compares the creation date / time information of the photographic image P associated with the outer frame figure K with the current date / time information acquired from the timing unit 36, and is taken two years or more ago. It is determined whether or not there is (step S47). When the information notification unit 38 determines that the photographic image P is taken two years or more ago, the information notification unit 38 indicates to the user that the photographic image P superimposed on the outer frame figure K is old. Then, it is superimposed on the map image M as a message for calling attention that there is a possibility that it is different from the current building B (step S48). Therefore, even though the actual building B has been rebuilt, it prevents the situation where the target building B cannot be found because the user has set the building B in the photographic image P as a target standard. can do.
And the map transmission part 35 transmits the map image M with which the photograph image P was superimposed on the outer frame figure K to the mobile telephone 20 which is a display request source (step S49). A map image M of the surrounding area in which the photographic image P is superimposed on the outer frame figure K is displayed on the mobile phone 20 (step S50).

Next, a method for selecting the photographic image P based on the relationship between the current position of the user who owns the mobile phone 20 and the position of the building B will be described.
When a photographic image is transmitted from the cellular phone 20 to the server 30 and stored in the map image storage unit 32 of the server 30, the photographic image and storage location information indicating the position of the outer frame figure K indicated by the photographic image Is transmitted to the server 30 (see step S33 in FIG. 8). At this time, it is also possible to transmit the current position information acquired from the positioning unit 25 of the mobile phone 20 as a part of the EXIF information. . In the server 30, the photographic image photographed by the imaging position information at the positions P <b> 11 to P <b> 14 at which the photographic image shown in FIG. 13 is photographed and the storage destination position information that is the position P <b> 2 of the building B where the photographic image is to be stored. The direction in which the image was taken and the distance to the building B are known.

  Therefore, this time, when the map image M is displayed on the display unit 28 of the mobile phone 20 in accordance with the user's operation, the mobile phone 20 sends the display request command and the current position information acquired from the positioning unit 25 to the server 30. Send. Then, the map request reception unit 34 can recognize the current position P31 by receiving the current position information together with the display request command for the map image M, so that the map transmission unit 35 can recognize the position P31 from the position P31. The photographic image P taken at the closest position P12 can be selected from the photographic image DB 32b.

The user moves from position P31 through positions P32 and P33 toward the building B while referring to the map image M displayed on the display unit 28 of the mobile phone 20. At this time, even if the map transmission unit 35 transmits the map image M in the heading-up mode and the direction of the map image M is rotated, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 (A) to (D). In addition, the photographic image P superimposed on the outer frame figure K included in the map image M is not rotated. The heading-up mode is a function for automatically rotating and displaying a map in accordance with the direction in which the user is facing. That is, the top of the photographic image P is always matched with the top of the display unit 28 with the position of the photographic image P corresponding to the center of the outer frame figure K as the center.
The center of the outer frame figure K may be the position of the center of gravity as a plane figure, or may be the intersection of the centers of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. If the outer frame figure K is rectangular, it can be an intersection of diagonal lines.

As described above, in the image distribution system 10 according to the present embodiment, each user stores the photographic image of the building B in association with the outer frame figure K of the map image M, so that the electronic map administrator There is no need to keep track of information. Moreover, although it depends on the speed and frequency transmitted from the mobile phone 20 to the server 30 by a plurality of users, the information on the building B can be updated at a certain speed. The difference in update speed is clear when considering the update work by at least a limited number of electronic map managers. Therefore, the burden on the electronic map manager can be reduced, and the update speed can be increased.
In addition, when the photographic image P is fitted into the outer frame graphic K, the photographic image P associated with the outer frame graphic K is superimposed with the area surrounded by the outer frame graphic K as the display range. The photographic image P can be displayed to the maximum while maintaining the outline of the image. Accordingly, the appearance of the building B can be easily confirmed while being a two-dimensional map.
Furthermore, since it is possible to prohibit the storage of photographic images in the map image storage unit 32 by setting the storage enable / disable information to information indicating that storage is impossible, this malicious building can be used for a famous building. It is possible to prevent an image different from that from being stored. Moreover, it is possible to prevent privacy from being infringed by storing an image relating to this personal home in the personal home.

  When the mobile phone 20 displays a map image, the mobile phone 20 transmits the current position information acquired from the positioning unit 25 together with the display request command to the server 30, so that the map request receiving unit 34 allows the user to locate the current location. Since the position to be recognized can be recognized, the map transmission unit 35 takes a picture from the direction closest to the direction in which the feature can be seen from the current position among the plurality of photographic images P associated with the same outer frame figure K. The photograph image P thus selected can be selected from the photograph image DB 32b. Therefore, the user refers to the photographic image P in the direction closest to the building B visible from the current position, so that the building B visible from the current position and the building B in the photographic image P have the same or similar directions. Since the side of the building B can be confirmed, the appearance of the building B can be confirmed more easily.

  The selection of the photographic image P by the map transmission unit 35 may be a photographic image having a short distance from the current position to the building B, in addition to being photographed in a direction that is closest to the current position. If the photographic image P is close in distance from the current position to the building B, the photographic image P having the same size as the building B that can be seen from the current position if the angle of view is the same. Can be referred to.

  Further, even when the map transmission unit 35 transmits the map image M in the heading-up mode when the user moves while referring to the map image M, the outer frame figure K included in the map image M is displayed. Only the rotation process is performed, and the photographic image P superimposed on the outer frame figure K is not subjected to the rotation process, so that the user can always rotate the photographed image B of the building B without rotating the mobile phone 20. Since it can observe from a fixed direction, it can be set as an easy-to-see electronic map.

Next, a modified example of the display method when a plurality of photographic images P are associated with one outer frame graphic K will be described. For example, when a plurality of photographic images P are associated with one outer frame figure K, by selecting one photographic image P from among the plurality of photographic images P based on the current date and time information, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, only one photographic image P is displayed in the outer frame figure K.
However, the user cannot know information about whether only the displayed photographic image P is stored or whether there are other stored photographic images P. In addition, there may be a case where it is desired to see other photographic images P other than the displayed photographic image P.

Therefore, when a plurality of photographic images P are associated with the outer frame graphic K, the map transmission unit 35 generates thumbnail images for the plurality of stored photographic images P, so that the range surrounded by the outer frame graphic K is displayed. The map image M superimposed as a display range is transmitted to the mobile phone 20. Therefore, the user can grasp a plurality of photographic images P stored in association with the outer frame figure K.
Here, one photographic image P is selected from the thumbnail images displayed on the display unit 28 of the mobile phone 20, and information related to the selected photographic image P is transmitted to the server 30. Then, the map transmission unit 35 of the server 30 may display the photographic image P corresponding to the transmitted information on the entire outer frame figure as shown in FIG. 11 and transmit it to the mobile phone 20.

  In addition, when the map transmission unit 35 displays a thumbnail image in the outer frame graphic K, it is desirable to display it on the condition that the size of the outer frame graphic K is a certain size or more. When the size of the building B is small, the size of the outer frame graphic K displayed on the display unit 28 is also small. When the scale of reduction is large, the size of the outer frame figure K is small even in the large building B. This is because if a thumbnail image including a plurality of photographic images P is displayed on the outer frame figure K in such a state, it is difficult for the user to recognize the photographic images P one by one.

  Accordingly, by displaying on the condition that the size of the outer frame figure K is a certain size or more, the user can recognize each photo image P displayed as a thumbnail image. Further, since the outer frame figure K displayed on the display unit 28 is displayed in a small state, the map image is displayed even if only one photo image P selected based on the current date and time information is initially displayed. By enlarging M, the outer frame figure K is displayed in a large size and switched to a thumbnail image, so that the user can display or select a desired photographic image P.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the map image M is transmitted to the mobile phone 20, the photographic image P is read from the photographic image DB 32b and superimposed on the outer frame figure K. A map image superimposed on K may be stored in the map image DB 32a. This is because the storage capacity can be reduced and the photo image DB 32b can be omitted compared to storing the photo image P stored in the state transmitted from the mobile phone 20 as it is.

  When the map transmission unit 35 transmits the map image M based on the display request to the mobile phone 20, the server 30 according to the present embodiment transmits the map image M with the photographic image P superimposed thereon. Raster distribution method. However, the map image M and the photographic image P may be transmitted by a vector distribution method in which the process of superimposing the photographic image P on the map image M is performed on the mobile phone side that is the display request source. In this case, the map transmitting unit 35 does not superimpose the map image M as a vector image and the photographic image P associated with the outer frame figure K included in the map image M, and each of them is transmitted to the mobile phone 20. Send to. If the area surrounded by the outer frame figure K is superimposed on the map image M as the display range of the photographic image P on the mobile phone 20 side, the same effect as the raster distribution method can be obtained, and the data amount required for communication can be reduced. Can be reduced.

  The outer frame figure K on which the photographic image P is superimposed is not all of the outer frame figures K included in the map image M requested to be displayed, but the photographic image P is selectively superimposed on the outer frame figure K. Is also possible. For example, when the map image M showing the route searched by the route search unit 37 is displayed on the mobile phone 20, the outer frame figure K near the position that becomes the point of the route such as a corner or an intersection. Then, the map transmission unit 35 superimposes the photographic image P. By doing so, each target object in the middle of the route to the destination is clarified by the map image P, so that it is difficult for the user to get lost.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the outer frame outline K on which the photographic image P is to be superimposed is designated by the mobile phone 20, information regarding the position of the outer frame figure K is transmitted to the server 30 as storage location information. However, if ID information capable of distinguishing each outer frame graphic K is assigned as identification information, this ID information may be transmitted to the server 30 as storage location information.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the mobile telephone 20 was demonstrated to the example as a portable terminal (client) which communicates with the server 30 which functions as a map image delivery apparatus, if it can communicate with the server 30 via a communication line, A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), an in-vehicle navigation device, or a portable navigation device may be used. Alternatively, the user may store the photographic image P or refer to the map image M using a desktop or notebook personal computer from home or the office.

Only the electronic map manager is allowed to change the setting of the storage enable / disable information. For example, a function that allows a user permitted by the electronic map manager to change the setting for a predetermined outer frame graphic K may be provided. In addition, the outer frame figure K of the personal house may be provided with a function that only the owner of the personal house can change the setting, and the outer frame figure K of a highly public facility or the like relates to the facility. A function may be provided so that only the person concerned can change the setting.
Further, the photographic image P stored in the map image storage unit 32 may have a function that can be appropriately deleted by an electronic map manager, a specific user, or the like.
The information notification unit 38 may notify the user that the photographic image is old by voice.
The predetermined value set as a reference when the information notification unit 38 calls attention may be changed by the mobile phone 20.

  The present invention accepts a request for a map image of a predetermined area via a communication line, and transmits a map image based on the request via the communication line, a map image distribution method, and a map image distribution. It is suitable as a program. In particular, it is most suitable when a map image is distributed to a portable terminal with a digital camera function carried by the user.

It is a figure which shows the map image delivery system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which functions as a communication terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which functions as a map image delivery apparatus. It is a figure which shows map image DB memorize | stored in the map image memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows photograph image DB memorize | stored in the map image memory | storage part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process of the map image of a surrounding area. It is a figure which shows an example of the map image displayed on the display part of a mobile telephone. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the memory | storage process of a photographic image. It is a figure which shows an example of the map image containing the outer frame figure with which the photograph image was linked | related. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process at the time of a photographic image being superimposed on the map image of a surrounding area. It is a figure which shows the conventional map image, (A) is a figure which shows the example of a map image when it superimposes so that a photograph image may fit in an outer frame figure, (B) is the longest direction of an outer frame figure. It is a figure which shows the example of a map image when adjusting the length direction of a photograph image and superimposing together. FIG. 4A is a map image according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5A is a diagram when a photographic image is superimposed with a range surrounded by the outer frame graphic as a display range in accordance with the longer outer frame graphic; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram when a photographic image is superimposed with a display area as a display range that is surrounded by the outer frame graphic in accordance with the shorter outer frame graphic. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the position where a user is located, and the position of a building. (A)-(D) is a figure which shows the relationship between the outer-frame figure contained in the rotating map image, and a photographic image.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Map image delivery system, 20 ... Mobile phone, 30 ... Server, 31 ... Communication part, 32 ... Map image memory | storage part, 33 ... Photograph image input part, 34 ... Map request reception part, 35 ... Map transmission part, 36 ... Timekeeping section, 37 ... route search section, K ... outer frame figure, P ... photographic image.

Claims (11)

A map image storage unit for storing a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing a planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on the plane;
Receiving the photographic image of the feature inputted through a communication line and identification information for specifying the outer frame graphic, and associating the outer frame graphic corresponding to the identification information with the photographic image A photographic image input unit to be stored in the map image storage unit;
A map request receiving unit that receives a display request for a map image of a predetermined area via the communication line;
A map transmission unit that reads a map image based on the display request from the map image storage unit and transmits the map image via the communication line, and
When the map transmission unit receives a display request for the map image via the communication line, the map image is included in the map image read from the map image storage unit based on the display request A map image distribution apparatus, wherein an area enclosed by an outer frame figure is set as a display range, and the photographic image associated with the outer frame figure is transmitted to a display request source in a superimposed state. A map image storage unit for storing a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing a planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on the plane;
Receiving the photographic image of the feature inputted through a communication line and identification information for specifying the outer frame graphic, and associating the outer frame graphic corresponding to the identification information with the photographic image A photographic image input unit to be stored in the map image storage unit;
A map request receiving unit that receives a display request for a map image of a predetermined area via the communication line;
A map transmission unit that reads a map image based on the display request from the map image storage unit and transmits the map image via the communication line, and
The map transmission unit includes a map image read from the map image storage unit based on the display request when the map image display request is received via the communication line, and the map image includes the map image A map image distribution apparatus, wherein a photographic image associated with an outer frame graphic is transmitted in a superimposable manner at a display request source as a display range of the photographic image as an area surrounded by the outer frame graphic. The map image is associated with storage feasibility information relating to the possibility of storing the outer frame graphic and the photographic image in association with each other,
The photographic image input unit associates and stores the outer frame figure and the photographic image in the map image storage unit when the storage permission / inhibition information is information for permitting storage of the photographic image. The map image delivery apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that It is further equipped with a timekeeping section that measures the current date and time,
The photo image is associated with creation date / time information related to the date / time when the photo was taken,
The map transmission unit is selected from a plurality of photographic images stored in the map image storage unit and associated with the same outer frame graphic based on the information on the current date and time and the creation date and time information The map image distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the photograph image is transmitted. The photo image is associated with creation date / time information related to the date / time when the photo was taken,
A timekeeping section that measures the current date and time,
4. The information notification unit according to claim 1, further comprising: an information notification unit configured to notify information about the new and old of the photographic image based on the information on the current date and time and the creation date and time information. Map image distribution device. The map request receiving unit has a function of receiving current position information regarding the current position together with the display request for the map image,
In the photographic image, shooting position information about the position where the shot was taken is added,
The map transmission unit is selected from a plurality of the photographic images stored in the map image storage unit and associated with the same outer frame graphic based on the current position information and the shooting position information. The map image delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a photographic image is transmitted.   The map transmission unit transmits the map image after rotating the map image only when the map image is rotated based on the current position information. The map image delivery apparatus described in 1. It has a map image storage unit for storing a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing the planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on a plane, and a map of a predetermined area via a communication line In the map image delivery method of accepting an image display request and transmitting a map image based on the display request via the communication line,
Receiving a photographic image input via the communication line and identification information for specifying the outer frame figure;
The outer frame figure corresponding to the identification information and the photographic image are associated with each other and stored in the map image storage unit,
When a map image display request is received via the communication line, a map image based on the display request is read from the map image storage unit, and an area surrounded by an outer frame figure included in the map image is displayed as a display range. As a map image delivery method, the photographic image associated with the outer frame figure is transmitted to the display request source in a state of being superimposed on the map image. It has a map image storage unit for storing a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing the planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on a plane, and a map of a predetermined area via a communication line In the map image delivery method of accepting an image display request and transmitting a map image based on the display request via the communication line,
Receiving a photographic image input via the communication line and identification information for specifying the outer frame figure;
The outer frame figure corresponding to the identification information and the photographic image are associated with each other and stored in the map image storage unit,
When a display request for the map image is received via the communication line, the map image read from the map image storage unit based on the display request and associated with the outer frame figure included in the map image A map image distribution method, comprising: reading a photographic image from the map image storage unit, and transmitting an area surrounded by the outer frame figure as a display range of the photographic image so as to be superposed at a display request source. A map image distribution program to be executed by a computer having a map image storage unit for storing a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing a planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on a plane. And
The map image storage unit receives a photographic image input via a communication line and identification information for specifying the outer frame graphic, and associates the outer frame graphic corresponding to the identification information with the photographic image. The step of storing in
Receiving a display request for a map image of a predetermined area via the communication line;
When the display request for the map image is received, the map image based on the display request is read from the map image storage unit, and an area surrounded by the outer frame graphic included in the map image is used as a display range, and the outer frame graphic is displayed. And a step of transmitting the photographic image associated with a display request source in a state of being superimposed on the map image. A map image distribution program to be executed by a computer having a map image storage unit for storing a map image in which an outer frame figure obtained by reducing a planar shape of a feature existing on the ground surface at a certain rate is represented on a plane. And
The map image storage unit receives a photographic image input via a communication line and identification information for specifying the outer frame graphic, and associates the outer frame graphic corresponding to the identification information with the photographic image. The step of storing in
Receiving a display request for a map image of a predetermined area via the communication line;
When the display request for the map image is received, the map image based on the display request and the photographic image associated with the outer frame graphic included in the map image are read from the map image storage unit, and the outer frame graphic A map image distribution program that executes a step of transmitting an area enclosed by a display request source in a superimposable manner as a display range of the photographic image.

Images