JP2010096557A - Map information update system, map information update method, navigation device, and map information distribution center - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an appropriate selection target to be selectable in a map information update system capable of updating map data locally. <P>SOLUTION: A freshness confirmation target selection part 102 of a navigation device 1 monitors the map data used by an application processing part 110, and sets a local update unit of the used map data as the map freshness confirmation target. A map freshness query part 103 queries a freshness value of the map freshness confirmation target at timing when a telematics processing part 116 establishes communication connection with the map information distribution center 2, receives the freshness value calculated by a map freshness degree calculation part 701 of the map information distribution center 2, and stores it in a map freshness database (DB) 62. A user can determine which local update unit of the map data is to be updated by browsing the map freshness information of a map freshness information providing part 106, and can properly select the update target. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a map information update system, a map information update method, a navigation device, and a map information distribution center.

  In recent years, navigation devices that display the current position of a vehicle on a map or search for route information to a destination to guide a driver have become widespread. In order to perform such current position display, route search, and route guidance, the navigation device includes map data divided according to the size of the area indicated by the map.

  Such map data is obtained by a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a hard disk (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) and a recording device, and recently is also obtained by downloading to a hard disk via a communication line. However, the actual road network is constantly changing due to the opening and closing of new roads. Therefore, in order for the map data once obtained to reflect such a latest road situation, the user can select an update target and update only a necessary map locally. On the other hand, according to the map update service for each local section, it becomes a new problem that it takes time for the user to select an update target or a communication cost.

In order to solve this problem, there is a method in which when updating the map of the navigation device, update content having a high utility value for the user is selected and notified to the user (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this technique, for example, the utility value is quantified and calculated using the road type, the distance from a predetermined point, and the content of the change. Thereby, only the necessary map data is notified to the user, so that the operation is saved and the communication cost is reduced.
In addition, there is a technique for accurately managing the update history of the navigation device in the map information distribution center by thoroughly notifying the map information distribution center of the map data identification information and the navigation device identification information when the map is updated. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). This eliminates the need for version confirmation at the time of an update request and reduces communication costs. Furthermore, it is possible to update the map data difference and reduce the amount of communication.
JP 2008-20486 A JP 2008-20202 A

However, in the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, the update operation is not performed after determining whether or not to update in advance before updating the map.
Specifically, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is an invention that notifies the updated content of a high utility value, and does not select the update target in advance by the user. In addition, since the amount of inspection is increased because the value is determined by examining the contents of the update content, it is not suitable for use in selecting an update target.

  The technique described in Patent Document 2 is an invention that allows the map information distribution center to grasp the degree of achievement of map update of the navigation apparatus, but is not a technique that supports selection of an update target on the navigation apparatus side. In addition, in the map information distribution center, it is difficult to grasp all the update states of the navigation device because a huge amount of data must be transmitted, which is difficult in practice.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and the present invention presents a substantial degree of update of map data as freshness information for each local update unit of map data, and allows the update of map data to be updated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a map information update system, a map information update method, a navigation device, and a map information distribution center that can support selection.

  In order to solve the above problems, the map information update system, the map information update method, the navigation device, and the map information distribution center of the present invention select the map freshness confirmation target by the navigation device monitoring the application processing unit, The map information distribution center compares the latest version of the map data with the version of the map data included in the navigation device for the selected map freshness confirmation target, thereby substantially subtracting the map data from deletion, insertion and change. A freshness value indicating the degree of update is calculated. And freshness information is shown to the display part of a navigation apparatus based on the calculated freshness value for every local update unit.

  According to the present invention, for each local update unit of map data, a substantial map data update degree is presented as freshness information, and a user can select map data to be updated accurately and quickly. A map information update system, a map information update method, a navigation device, and a map information distribution center can be provided.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a map information update system according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the map information update system 3 according to this embodiment includes a navigation device 1 and a map information distribution center 2. The navigation device 1 and the map information distribution center 2 are connected via a communication line 4 so that they can communicate wirelessly.

In the present embodiment, first, a freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102, which will be described later, of the operation status of the navigation device 1 monitors, and according to this, a local update segment unit (local update unit) selected as a map data update target is selected. ) Is selected. Next, the navigation device 1 transmits the local update unit of the selected map data and the version information of the map data to the map information distribution center 2. Then, the map information distribution center 2 calculates the freshness value in comparison with the latest version of the map data.
Subsequently, the navigation device 1 receives the calculated freshness value, presents the freshness information of the local update unit having many update locations to the user, and assists the user in selecting the map data to be updated. . The configuration of this embodiment will be specifically described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a display unit 20, an input / output unit 30, a satellite radio wave reception unit 40, a data exchange processing unit 50, a storage unit 60, and a control unit 10.

  The display unit 20 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays road conditions or guidance guidance according to navigation processing under the control of the control unit 10. In addition, a screen for receiving an instruction from the outside via the input / output unit 30 is displayed.

  The input / output unit 30 includes, for example, a remote controller or a touch panel, and receives an instruction to the navigation device 1 from the outside. Further, under the control of the control unit 10, voice guidance or the like is output through a speaker (not shown) according to various processes of the navigation device 1.

The satellite radio wave receiver 40 receives radio waves from the satellite that are necessary for calculating the current position of the navigation device 1.
Incidentally, the position of the satellite is obtained by receiving radio waves from the satellite, and the distance (pseudo distance) from the navigation device 1 (satellite radio wave receiving unit 40) to the satellite is obtained. The correct current position of the navigation device 1 can be obtained by receiving radio waves from four or more satellites.

  The data exchange processing unit 50 has a function of exchanging data with an external device such as the map information distribution center 2, and includes a communication processing unit 51 and a bridge media processing unit 52. Here, the communication processing unit 51 is a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone or a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and transmits map freshness inquiry information and the like to be described later to the map information distribution center 2 via the communication line 4. The bridge media processing unit 52 is a device that reads and writes information recorded on an external recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory.

  The storage unit 60 includes an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and includes an in-vehicle map database (DB) 61 and a map freshness database (DB) 62.

The in-vehicle map DB (map database) 61 stores map data that is converted into data in units of local update (local update units).
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of map data stored in the in-vehicle map DB. As shown in FIG. 2, the map data 200 includes road data 201, destination search data 202, background drawing data 203, and route guidance data 204.
The map data 200 stored in the in-vehicle map DB 61 of the navigation device 1 is assumed to be in-vehicle map data.

The road data 201 is an aggregate of road networks connected to small sections called road links in order to display roads on the screen or to calculate recommended routes to destinations by, for example, a calculation algorithm using the Dijkstra method. And the link information of the road link, the connection information between the road links, and the road link cost information indicating the required time and the length of the road link.
Further, the destination search data 202 is for searching by narrowing down facilities and points as destinations according to various conditions such as facility name, facility category, telephone number, area designation such as prefecture or city. Keep information.
The background drawing data 203 holds drawing information such as buildings, green spaces, coordinates of water systems such as rivers and seas, background types, drawing colors, and the like that make up a map background on the display unit 20. .
Further, the route guidance data 204 is information for performing route guidance for notifying the right / left turn guidance of the intersection, the guidance of the traveling lane, etc. using images and voices so that the user can travel along the recommended route without error. Hold.

  These are data with different map data types, each of which is given as a relational database (RDB), with columns (rows) and records (rows) assigned to the data, arranged in a table (table). It is remembered. In the in-vehicle map DB 61, each map data type is divided and stored in different data files, or an ID for identifying the map data type is given even when the data files are the same. Thus, the map data 200 of a specific map data type can be identified and referenced or updated.

  In addition to the map data type, the map data 200 is classified according to the area of each prefecture / city / town, or the area of a rectangular area of several kilometers square called a mesh, and identifies the map data 200 in a specific area and refers to it. And can be updated. This area is also divided into different data files for each area such as each prefecture, or an ID for identifying the area is given even if the data files are the same, and the map data 200 of the specific area You can select and browse and update.

  The local update unit in the map data 200 can be specified by combining the map data type and the area. For example, the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data is specified such that the map data type corresponds to the Japanese restaurant category of the destination search data 202 and the area corresponds to Tokyo. Can do.

  Thus, in the map update of the local update unit in this embodiment, the update target of the local map data 200 is selected from huge vehicle-mounted map data whose data size is several GB as a whole, and the update is performed on that part. By updating the map data 200 by narrowing down, it is possible to suppress the processing time and data communication cost for the update processing of the in-vehicle map data, and to provide the user with a high-speed and inexpensive in-vehicle map data update service.

  Next, the map freshness DB 62 is a quantification of how much the in-vehicle map data of the navigation device 1 has been changed with respect to the latest version of the map data 200 stored in the map information distribution center 2. Stores map freshness information for managing values.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of map freshness information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the map freshness information 300 includes identification information 310 of local update units, vehicle-side version information 320, an interest level 330, a freshness value 340, and a confirmation time 350.

The local update unit identification information 310 is information for identifying the local update unit map data 200. The local update unit map data 200 is specified by specifying the map data type and area.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, information such as (POI, Japanese food, Tokyo) (reference numeral 3001) and (road, section 5335) (reference numeral 3002) is held.
Here, POI (Point Of Interest) means destination search data 202 (see FIG. 2). That is, (POI, Japanese food, Tokyo) (reference numeral 3001) is identification information of a local update unit in which the map data type is the destination search data 202, the facility category is Japanese food, and the belonging area is Tokyo. 310.
Further, (road, section 5335) (reference numeral 3002) is identification information 310 of a local update unit in which the map data type is road data 201 (see FIG. 2) and the section ID is 5335. .

  The vehicle-side version information 320 holds version information of the in-vehicle map data specified by the identification information 310 of the local update unit. Specifically, for example, a numerical value representing a version number is held. This version number is assigned when the map data 200 is distributed from the map information distribution center 2 at a predetermined timing.

Here, it should be noted that the difference between the version numbers in the old and new map data 200 does not directly indicate a substantial change in the contents of the map data 200.
For example, when the map information distribution center 2 distributes the nationwide map data at a predetermined timing, the map data 200 of the area where there is no actual opening or closing of a new road or new installation of a facility such as a convenience store, etc. The content does not change. However, the version number advances by one for this area. That is, even if the version number is advanced by 1, there may be no substantial change.
In addition, for example, the substantial difference between the version 1 map data 200 of a certain area and the version 4 map data 200 is small for the map data 200 in a certain area, while the version 1 and version 2 of the map data 200 in another area separated by only one generation. The substantial difference in the map data 200 may be large. That is, the difference in version number between the new and old map data 200 does not directly indicate a substantial difference in the map data 200.
This is a problem of the prior art, and in the present invention, the substantial change degree of the map data 200 can be calculated as the freshness value 340, so that the user can assist in selecting an object to be updated. It is.

Returning to FIG. 3, the degree of interest 330 is an index indicating the degree of interest of the user with respect to the local update unit.
In the present embodiment, as an example, the default value of the interest level 330 is set to 0 point, and the points of the interest level 330 are added according to the level of interest of the user. Specifically, when the user has registered a home position in the navigation apparatus 1 in advance, a predetermined interest point is added to the map data 200 in a predetermined area near the home. When the user has registered a favorite facility category in the navigation device 1 in advance, a predetermined interest point is added to the map data 200 of the facility category. This interest level point is used to determine which local update unit among the plurality of local update units registered in the map freshness information 300 is an important map update target for the user.

As for the freshness value 340, the map information distribution center 2 holds the version of the in-vehicle map data held by the navigation device 1 by confirming a substantial difference between the new and old map data 200 that cannot be known only by comparing the version numbers. This is a value obtained by quantifying how much the latest version of the map data 200 has been updated.
In this embodiment, as an example, when the freshness value 340 is the latest version at the time of confirming, the freshness value 340 is increased as the substantial difference from the latest version at that time is larger, that is, the freshness is worse. To be subtracted. In other words, the worse the freshness, the greater the negative value.

Further, the calculation of the freshness value 340 requires comparison between the old and new map data 200 itself. Therefore, the calculation process of the freshness value 340 is performed on the map information distribution center 2 holding the historical version map data 200. The details of the freshness value calculation will be described in a map freshness confirmation process (see FIGS. 5 to 7) described later.
The freshness value 340 stored in the map freshness information 300 is used when the display unit 20 visually confirms which local update unit of the in-vehicle map data is and how fresh through the map freshness presentation screen described later by the user. The navigation apparatus 1 automatically uses the automatic update notification described later to notify the user of important local update units.

The confirmation time 350 holds the time when the navigation device 1 makes an inquiry about the freshness value 340 to the map information distribution center 2 via the communication line 4, for example, “year / month / day / hour / minute / second”.
After a freshness check at a certain time and storing the freshness value 340 in the map freshness information 300, the true freshness is worse than the freshness value 340 stored in the map freshness information 300 as more time passes. The possibility increases. Therefore, when the freshness value 340 is used, it is necessary to consider the time when the freshness value 340 is calculated.
That is, the freshness value 340 stored in the map freshness information 300, that is, the freshness value 340 at the confirmation time 350, and the true freshness value 340, that is, the freshness value 340 that should be obtained when the map information distribution center 2 is inquired at the current time. It is possible to roughly know the possibility of divergence. Further, it can be used as a judgment material for determining whether or not to make an inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 and for determining a priority of an inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 with another local update unit.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 10 has a function of controlling the entire navigation device 1, and includes a map freshness management unit 100, an application processing unit 110, a map update unit 120, a travel condition monitoring unit 130, and data exchange And a process monitoring unit 140. The function of the control unit 10 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) developing and executing a program stored in the storage unit 60 of the navigation device 1 in a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The map freshness management unit 100 stores the latest version of the master map data stored in the master map database (DB) 91 to be described later in the map information distribution center 2 in the in-vehicle map DB 61 in the navigation device 1. Map freshness information 300 indicating how new the in-vehicle map data is new is generated.
The map freshness management unit 100 includes a map freshness confirmation unit 101, a map freshness DB management unit 104, a weight update information collection unit 105, and a map freshness information presentation unit 106.

  The map freshness confirmation unit 101 collects version information of the in-vehicle map data, and inquires of the map information distribution center 2 that accompanies the notification of the version information, from the map center processing unit 700 described later, the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data. A freshness value 340 is obtained. The map freshness confirmation unit 101 includes a freshness confirmation target selection unit 102 and a map freshness inquiry unit 103.

  The freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102 selects which local update unit of the in-vehicle map data to confirm the freshness value 340 in view of the use state of the in-vehicle map data.

  The map freshness inquiring unit 103 identifies identification information for identifying the local update unit of the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data selected by the freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102 and the version information of the in-vehicle map data corresponding to the local update unit. The map freshness inquiry information indicating the two pieces of information is transmitted to the map information distribution center 2 via the communication processing unit 51. As a result of the map freshness inquiry, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 obtains the freshness value 340 of the in-vehicle map data corresponding to the local update unit from the map center processing unit 700 of the map information distribution center 2.

  The map freshness DB management unit 104 uses the map freshness value 340 obtained from the map center processing unit 700 by the map freshness confirmation unit 101 and the version information of the current on-vehicle map data collected by the map freshness confirmation unit 101 as a map. The process which memorize | stores in the map freshness information 300 (refer FIG. 3) of freshness DB62 is performed.

  The weight update information collection unit 105 counts the number of searches for distance-preferred route search or time-preferred route search set by the user when the application processing unit 110 performs route search. And together with the transmission date and time, it is collected as weight update information and transmitted to the map information distribution center 2.

The map freshness information presentation unit 106 provides functions such as search and display so that the user can browse the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) stored in the map freshness DB 62.
Further, the map freshness information presentation unit 106, when a vehicle or the like equipped with the navigation device 1 enters the area indicated by the local update unit stored in the map freshness information 300, sends an automatic update automatic notification that prompts the update of the map data 200. It is displayed on the display unit 20 (see FIG. 11 described later).

  Next, the application processing unit 110 includes a route search unit 111, a destination search unit 112, a map drawing unit 113, a route guidance unit 114, a position estimation unit 115, and a telematics processing unit 116. Controls overall guidance guidance (navigation processing) operations.

The route search unit 111 calculates a route to the destination using the road data 201 (see FIG. 2) stored in the in-vehicle map DB 61.
In addition, the destination search unit 112 searches for a facility or point as a destination using facility information and address information included in the destination search data 202 (see FIG. 2) stored in the in-vehicle map DB 61.
The map drawing unit 113 uses the background drawing data 203 (see FIG. 2) stored in the in-vehicle map DB 61 to perform processes such as drawing a map on the display unit 20 and scrolling or enlarging / reducing the map.
In addition, the route guidance unit 114 performs services such as intersection left / right turn guidance for guiding the navigation device 1 to the destination along the route generated by the route search unit 111 and presentation of the distance to the intersection.
The position estimation unit 115 integrates the position information calculated by using the radio wave received from the satellite by the satellite radio wave reception unit 40 and the road position information stored in the in-vehicle map data, and uses only the satellite radio wave reception unit 40. The position of the vehicle is estimated with higher accuracy than if

  The telematics processing unit 116 is connected to a telematics server processing unit 710 described later on the map information distribution center 2 by wireless communication such as a mobile phone or PHS via the communication processing unit 51 in the navigation device 1, and the weather stored in the telematics DB 93. Enjoy various telematics services such as forecasts, news, e-mail, and traffic information.

  Next, the map update unit 120 performs wireless communication such as mobile phone or PHS, CD, DVD, USB flash via the communication processing unit 51 and the bridge media processing unit 52 of the data exchange processing unit 50 in the navigation device 1. Map recording data generated and distributed by the map update server processing unit 703 in the map information distribution center 2 is acquired by appropriately using an external recording medium such as a memory, and the vehicle map in the vehicle map DB 61 is obtained using this map update data. Update the data.

Here, as the update method of the map data 200 (see FIG. 2), the map update unit 120 updates all map data that updates all the in-vehicle map data at once, or a local map that updates the in-vehicle map data locally. Data update can be used appropriately.
The update of the map data 200 in the local update unit is performed for each map data type such as road data 201 and destination search data 202, for each area such as a prefecture, a city, a town and a village, or a rectangular area of several kilometers square called a mesh. In addition, for each category that is a classification of the destination search data 202 such as a convenience store or a gas station, and further, by specifying the map data type, area, and category, the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data is specified, This is a map data update method for updating the local map data 200 limited to that portion.

  According to the update of the map data 200 in such a local update unit, it is possible to suppress the amount of data handled in the update process of the map data 200 as compared to the update of all map data in which all the in-vehicle map data are updated at once. In addition, advantages such as reduction in processing time required for updating the map data 200 and cost saving when the updated map data is transmitted from the map information distribution center 2 can be enjoyed.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the traveling state monitoring unit 130 monitors the traveling state such as whether the vehicle or the like on which the navigation device 1 is mounted is stopped or traveling. Then, the map freshness information presenting unit 106 in the map freshness management unit 100 considers the freshness information based on the information obtained from the traveling state monitoring unit 130 in consideration of safety as compared to when the vehicle is stopped compared to when the vehicle is traveling. It can be difficult to be presented.

The data exchange processing monitoring unit 140 monitors the usage status of the communication processing unit 51 and the bridge media processing unit 52 in the data exchange processing unit 50. Then, the map freshness information presenting unit 106 shows on the display unit 20 based on the information obtained from the data exchange processing monitoring unit 140 according to the usage status of the communication processing unit 51 or the bridge media processing unit 52. Adjust the ease of displaying freshness information.
Specifically, in the case of updating using a bridge media processing unit 52 such as a DVD, a large amount of data can be obtained at high speed, so that it is easy to display when freshness information is displayed on a map. To. Then, it is possible to prompt the user to update a large amount of maps using the high speed and large capacity of the bridge media processing unit 52.
On the other hand, in the case of updating using the communication processing unit 51 by a mobile phone or the like, the data is obtained at a lower speed and with a smaller capacity compared to the bridge media, so that the display when displaying freshness information on a map is suppressed. To do. Then, it is possible to prompt the user to update an appropriate amount of map in accordance with the low speed and small capacity characteristics of the communication processing unit 51.

Next, the map information distribution center 2 will be described. The map information distribution center 2 is connected to the navigation device 1 via the communication line 4, calculates a freshness value 340 by an inquiry from the navigation device 1, and sends the latest version of the map data 200 of the local update unit to the navigation device 1. To deliver.
The map information distribution center 2 includes a control unit 70, a data exchange processing unit 80, and a storage unit 90.

  The data exchange processing unit 80 has a function of exchanging data with an external device, and includes a communication processing unit 81 and a bridge media processing unit 82. The communication processing unit 81 and the bridge media processing unit 82 are connected to the data exchange processing unit 50 of the navigation device 1 through communication or bridge media, and exchange various data related to telematics services and map data update processing.

  The storage unit 90 is a storage unit including a master map database (DB) 91, a weight management information database (DB) 92, and a telematics database (DB) 93, and includes a hard disk or the like.

Master map DB91 memorizes master map data used as the basis of in-vehicle map data which navigation device 1 memorizes. Here, each version of map data 200 (see FIG. 2) is stored in the master map DB 91 as master map data for each local update unit.
The weight management information DB 92 stores a weight management table used when calculating the freshness value 340. This weight management table includes a deletion weight management table, an insertion weight management table, and a change weight management table corresponding to each operation of deletion, insertion, and change, which are operations when the map data 200 is updated. Consists of. Details will be described later (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  The telematics DB 93 stores content related to various telematics services such as weather forecasts, news, mail, and traffic information.

  The control unit 70 controls the entire map information distribution center 2 and includes a map center processing unit 700 and a telematics server processing unit 710. Note that the function of the control unit 70 is realized by, for example, the CPU storing and executing a program stored in the storage unit 90 of the map information distribution center 2 in the RAM.

  The map center processing unit 700 uses the master map DB 91 stored in the storage unit 90 to perform generation processing and distribution processing of the map data 200 in local update units for updating the in-vehicle map data. Further, the freshness value 340 of the in-vehicle map data is calculated in response to an inquiry from the map freshness confirmation unit 101 in the navigation device 1. The map center processing unit 700 includes a map freshness calculation unit 701, a weight management information update unit 702, and a map update server processing unit 703.

  The map freshness calculation unit 701 responds to the map freshness inquiry information from the map freshness confirmation unit 101 in the navigation device 1, and the map data 200 of the local update unit of the version indicated by the map freshness inquiry information and the latest version of the master map. The freshness value 340 of the in-vehicle map data is calculated by comparing with the data. Details will be described later.

  Based on the weight update information received from the navigation device 1, the weight management information update unit 702 updates the weight value of the weight management table obtained by weighting information according to the frequency of use and user preference. . Details will be described later (see FIG. 8).

  The map update server processing unit 703 generates map update data for updating the in-vehicle map data of the navigation device 1 using the master map DB 91 that stores the master map data that is the basis of the in-vehicle map data that the navigation device 1 has. Perform processing and distribution processing.

  Next, the telematics server processing unit 710 performs content distribution processing related to various telematics services such as weather forecasts, news, mail, and traffic information.

Next, the operation of the map information update system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 12 with reference to FIG.
As a flow of the entire process of the navigation device according to the present embodiment, when the navigation device 1 is activated, the map freshness management unit 100 (see FIG. 1) first starts a map freshness check preparation process. In this map freshness check preparation process, the freshness check target selection unit 102 in the map freshness management unit 100 specifies a local update unit of the in-vehicle map data to be a map freshness check target, and the version of the in-vehicle map data related to the local update unit This is a process of acquiring information and accumulating it in the map freshness DB 62. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the map freshness management unit 100 performs a map freshness confirmation process. This map freshness confirmation processing is performed by the map freshness inquiry unit 103 making an inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 regarding the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data selected as the map freshness confirmation target by the freshness confirmation target selection unit 102. 340 is acquired, and the map freshness DB management unit 104 stores the freshness value 340 in the map freshness DB 62. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Subsequently, the map freshness management unit 100 performs map freshness presentation processing. This map freshness presentation process displays the freshness information on the display unit 20 based on the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) in response to a request from the user through a menu operation, and allows the user to select update data. It is a process of presenting information. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Map freshness confirmation preparation process)
Next, the map freshness confirmation preparation process will be described in detail.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the map freshness confirmation preparation process of the navigation device according to this embodiment. In this map freshness check preparation process, the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data to be checked for map freshness is specified, version information regarding the local update unit is acquired, and stored in the map freshness DB 62. This will be specifically described below.

  First, the freshness confirmation target selection unit 102 in the map freshness confirmation unit 101 (see FIG. 1) determines whether or not the in-vehicle map data is used by various applications in the application processing unit 110 (step S401). If it is determined that the in-vehicle map data is not used (step S401 → No), the process waits until the application is used. That is, the freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102 constantly monitors the use of the in-vehicle map data by the application. On the other hand, if it is determined that the on-vehicle map data is used by the application (step S401 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102 selects a local update unit including the in-vehicle map data directly used by the application processing unit 110 and the in-vehicle map data related to the in-vehicle map data as a map freshness confirmation target (step S402). S402).

  Here, for example, a case where the destination search unit 112 in the application processing unit 110 uses in-vehicle map data will be described as an example. First, the user operates the navigation device 1 to call the destination search unit 112. Next, the user instructs category search to the destination search unit 112. Next, the user designates Japanese food as a category. Next, the user designates Tokyo as an area. As a result, a list of Japanese restaurants belonging to the Japanese category and belonging to Tokyo is displayed on the screen, and the user can obtain a list of Japanese restaurants.

  For this series of operations, the freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102 detects the use of the on-vehicle map data by the destination searching unit 112 in step S401. Next, in step S402, the usage content of the on-vehicle map data is the use of a local update unit in which the map data type is the destination search data 202 (see FIG. 2), the category is Japanese food, and the area is Tokyo. Therefore, the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data is selected as a map freshness confirmation target.

Further, the case where the route search unit 111 uses in-vehicle map data will be described as an example. First, the user operates the navigation device 1 to call the route search unit 111. Here, the route search unit 111 is called after the user has determined the destination using the destination search unit 112.
The route search unit 111 searches for a recommended route using the host vehicle position estimated by the position estimation unit 115 as a start point and a destination as an end point. At this time, the route search unit 111 reads road data 201 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to a predetermined area including the start point and the end point from the in-vehicle map data, and connection information between road links included in the road data 201, Using the road link cost information indicating the required time and length of passage of the road link, a set of road links connected from the start point to the end point that minimizes the sum of the road link costs is derived as a recommended route.
In the route search, in addition to the recommended route with the smallest total cost, for example, about five routes including other routes that are the next points are presented to the user, and finally the user selects the route from among them. Is specified.

  In response to this series of operations, the freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102 detects the use of the in-vehicle map data by the route search unit 111 in step S401, and then in step S402, the use content of the in-vehicle map data indicates that the map data type is road. The local update unit of the on-vehicle map data is selected as the map freshness confirmation target based on the use of the local update unit that is the data 201 and the area includes, for example, about five routes.

  As described above, the freshness check target selection unit 102 performs step S401 and step S402, so that the use update of the in-vehicle map data and the local update that is expected to be used in the future for the in-vehicle map data estimated to be related thereto is high. The unit can be selected as a map freshness check target.

  Next, step S403 will be described. In step S403, the freshness confirmation target selection unit 102 acquires the vehicle-side version information 320 that is the version number at the time of execution of step S403 for the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data that is the map freshness confirmation target selected in step S402. (Step S403). The in-vehicle map data includes a table that holds version information for each update unit at the time of local update. By referring to this table, the vehicle-side version information 320 of the local update unit selected in step S402 is obtained. Obtainable.

  Next, the map freshness DB management unit 104 includes identification information 310 of the local update unit that is the target of map freshness selection selected in step S402, vehicle side version information 320 of the local update unit acquired in step S403, The interest level 330 for the local update unit is registered in the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) in the map freshness DB 62 (step S404).

In the present embodiment, the degree of interest 330 has a default value of 0 points, and the points of interest degree 330 are added according to the level of interest of the user. Specifically, when the user has registered a home position in the navigation device 1 in advance, a predetermined interest point is added to the map data 200 in a predetermined area near the home. If the user has registered a favorite facility category in the navigation device 1 in advance, a predetermined interest point is added to the map data 200 of the category. This interest level point, together with the freshness value 340, determines which local update unit among the plurality of local update units of the in-vehicle map data registered in the map freshness information 300 relates to map update important for the user. Used to do.
After step S404 is completed, the process returns to step S401 again, and the application processing unit 110 monitors the use of in-vehicle map data.

  As described above, the processing of steps S401 to S404 selects the local update unit with the high record of future use of the in-vehicle map data estimated to be related to the in-vehicle map data as the map freshness check target, and the local update thereof. The unit identification information 310, the vehicle-side version information 320, and the interest level 330 can be stored in the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) in the map freshness DB 62.

(Map freshness confirmation process)
Next, the map freshness confirmation process will be described in detail.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the map freshness confirmation process of the navigation system according to the present embodiment. In this map freshness confirmation process, the navigation device 1 makes an inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 to acquire the freshness value 340 and stores the acquired freshness value 340 in the map freshness DB 62.

First, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 (see FIG. 1) of the navigation device 1 determines whether or not to execute a map freshness inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 (step S501). Here, when the map freshness inquiry is executed (step S501 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S502. If the map freshness inquiry is not executed (step S501 → No), the process waits until the map freshness inquiry is executed. This map freshness inquiry means that the navigation apparatus 1 inquires the map information distribution center 2 about the freshness value 340 of the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data that is the target of map freshness confirmation.
In addition, when executing a map freshness inquiry to the map information distribution center 2, there are two types: when there is a direct instruction from the user, and when an automatic center inquiry condition described below is satisfied. is there.

  When there is a direct instruction from the user, the user operates the map freshness confirmation menu provided in the operation menu of the navigation device 1 to request browsing of the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3). This is a case where execution of a freshness query is specified. In this case, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 establishes a connection with the map information distribution center 2 via the communication processing unit 51. And it progresses to the process after step S502.

  On the other hand, when the automatic center inquiry condition is satisfied, a function block in the application processing unit 110 such as the telematics processing unit 116 establishes a connection with the map information distribution center 2 via the communication processing unit 51. It is. In this case, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 executes a map freshness inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 using the connection with the already established map information distribution center 2, and proceeds to the processing after step S502.

If there is a direct instruction from the user, there is a merit that a map freshness inquiry can be made at a timing according to the user's needs, and when the automatic center inquiry condition is satisfied, the user is not particularly aware of it, There is an advantage that the freshness value 340 can be automatically collected and stored in the map freshness DB 62. If automatic collection is performed in advance, when the map freshness information presentation unit 106 displays the map freshness information 300, it is only necessary to refer to the map freshness information 300 already collected by the freshness value 340. It can be carried out.
Note that the amount of communication data required for the map freshness inquiry is much smaller than the communication data size of the map update data, so that it can be sufficiently added to the communication such as telematics and transmitted.

  Subsequently, in step S502, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 confirms the registration contents of the map freshness information 300 registered in the map freshness DB 62, and determines whether there is a registered record (row) (step S502). If there is a registered record (step S502 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S503. On the other hand, if there is no registered record (step S502 → No), the process returns to step S501.

  Next, in step S503, the map freshness inquiring unit 103 confirms the registration contents of the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) registered in the map freshness DB 62, and the local update unit regarding the registered record to be the map freshness confirmation target. Identification information 310 and vehicle-side version information 320 are read out (step S503).

  Then, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 transmits map freshness inquiry information indicating the local update unit identification information 310 and the vehicle-side version information 320 read in step S503 to the map information distribution center 2 via the communication processing unit 51. (Step S504).

Next, in the map information distribution center 2, the map freshness calculation unit 701 determines whether or not the map freshness inquiry information from the navigation device 1 has been received (step S505). Here, it is assumed that the map information distribution center 2 normally receives a plurality of map freshness inquiry information (a set of “identification information 310 of local update units and vehicle-side version information 320”).
If the map freshness inquiry information is received (step S505 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S506. On the other hand, when the map freshness inquiry information has not been received (step S505 → No), it waits until it is received.

  Subsequently, the map freshness calculation unit 701 extracts one of the plurality of map freshness inquiry information received from the navigation device 1, and locally updates the map data 200 (see FIG. 2) included in the map freshness inquiry information. For the unit, the latest version of the map data 200 and the version of the map data 200 based on the vehicle-side version information 320 included in the map freshness inquiry information are extracted from the master map DB 91, the contents of both are compared, and the freshness value 340 Is performed (step S506). Details of the process of calculating the freshness value 340 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  Then, the map freshness calculating unit 701 determines whether or not the freshness value 340 has been calculated for all the map freshness inquiry information acquired from the navigation device 1 (step S507). If the freshness value 340 is calculated for all map freshness inquiry information (step S507 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S508. On the other hand, if there is map freshness inquiry information for which the freshness value 340 has not yet been calculated (step S507 → No), the process returns to step S506 to continue the processing.

  Subsequently, in step S508, the map freshness calculation unit 701 distributes all the freshness values 340 calculated for the map freshness check target to the navigation device 1 (step S508).

  Next, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 of the navigation device 1 determines whether or not the freshness value 340 has been received from the map information distribution center 2 (step S509). If the freshness value 340 is received (step S509 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S510. On the other hand, when the freshness value 340 has not been received (step S509 → No), the process waits until the freshness value 340 is distributed from the map information distribution center 2.

In step S510, the map freshness DB management unit 104 stores the received freshness value 340 and the confirmation time 350 that is the received time in the map freshness information 300 of the map freshness DB 62.
In this way, the navigation device 1 can acquire the freshness value 340 calculated by the map freshness calculation unit 701 of the map information distribution center 2.

  In step S503 of the map freshness confirmation process shown in FIG. 5, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 gives priority to a local update unit registered in the map freshness information 300 having a high interest degree 330 value. It can be selected as a map freshness check target. Moreover, if it is the local update unit which has acquired the freshness value 340 in the past, a thing with the old freshness value 340 and the confirmation time 350 can be preferentially selected as a map freshness confirmation target. As a result, the navigation device 1 is able to update the latest local update unit that has a high track record of use and a high potential for future use from among the vast in-vehicle map data with a data size of several gigabytes. The freshness value 340 can be preferentially collected and stored in the map freshness DB 62.

(Freshness value calculation processing)
Next, the freshness value calculation process in step S506 in FIG. 5 will be described in detail.
6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining a freshness value calculation process in the map information distribution center according to the present embodiment.
Here, before explaining each process, the outline and concept of the whole freshness value calculation process of FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described.

The processing performed by the operation flow shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as a whole is specified by the map freshness inquiry information when one of the map freshness inquiry information (local update unit identification information 310 and vehicle-side version information 320) is extracted. It is the process which calculates the freshness value 340 of the local update unit of the vehicle-mounted map data on the navigation apparatus 1 to be performed.
The freshness value 340 is a data deletion (Delete :) as a process of updating the components of the map data 200 such as roads and POIs between the version of the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data and the latest version of the map data 200. The number of operations such as “DEL”), insertion (Insert: hereinafter referred to as “INS”), and change (Update: hereinafter referred to as “UPD”) as a total is counted. That is, for example, there are 3 cases for the deletion process for deleting 3 records, 1 case for the insertion process for inserting 1 record, and 1 case for the change process for changing one record. Specifically, this is performed for all of the corresponding map data table in the in-vehicle map DB 61 stored in the relational database, or a part of the records and columns of the map data table.

Here, a method of counting the number of update records will be described in detail. In the deletion and insertion of the map data 200, the update operation for one record is an operation that affects all the columns of one record. On the other hand, in the change of the map data 200, the update operation for one record is an operation that affects some columns of one record. That is, even in the case of the same “update operation for one record”, in the case of a delete and insert operation and in the case of a change operation, the former is always 100% with respect to the ratio of the number of columns affected in one record, and the latter is There is a feature that it fluctuates at 100% or less.
In the present invention, in consideration of this, in counting the number of delete / insert operations and change operations, the ratio of the number of columns affected in one record is reflected with “weight”, and the number of records to be updated is counted. "Count".

  Depending on how the map freshness check target is selected, the table, column, and record of the map data 200 (see FIG. 2) to be updated are changed and selected each time. Depending on the frequency of use and user preference, there is a difference in expectations of freshness. Therefore, in the present invention, the initial set value of “weight” is adjusted in advance for each table or for each set specified by a set of a table and a column.

  In the adjustment of the weight value, a policy is adopted in which the weight value of the column that is highly apparent to the user is increased and the weight value of the column that is less obvious to the user is decreased. Further, columns for which weight values are set in a certain table are not all columns in the table, but are “column groups whose contents can be changed” in the change operation for the table in the map update. In setting the weight value, the weight value is set for each table so that the sum of the weight values of these column groups in the table is “1.0”.

  According to the weight value setting method described above, when the value of all the columns whose contents can be changed in one record is changed by the change operation of one record, the number of weighted cases is counted as one. This is an update operation for one record, and when a delete operation or an insert operation that always changes the contents of all columns of the record is counted without regard to the weight in particular (in this case, the weight value is always “1.0”). This is consistent with the fact that the number is counted as one. As a result, the freshness value 340 can be appropriately calculated in the calculation of the freshness value 340 based on the count of cases in all update operations of deletion, insertion, and change.

  Next, specific examples of weight value setting will be described with reference to FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 7D. FIG. 6B shows a deletion weight management table according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6C shows an insertion weight management table according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7D shows a change weight management table according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in the deletion weight management table of FIG. 6B and the insertion weight management table of FIG. 6C, for the deletion and insertion operations, the contents of all the columns of the record are always changed by one record operation. In order to change, weighting for each column is not performed, and a value of “weight” to be considered when one record is updated for each table is defined. Here, as an example, uniform “1.0” is set.
Thereby, for example, when deleting (or inserting) one record with respect to the “road table”, the number of weights related to the deleting (or inserting) operation of one record is calculated as one.
Although not performed in the deletion weight management table (FIG. 6B) and the insertion weight management table (FIG. 6C), different weights may be used for each table. Further, the weighting may be made more finely in units of each predetermined record set in one table. As a result, the table, column, and record have different levels of expectation for freshness according to usage frequency and user preference, but more detailed freshness values can be calculated based on this.

FIG. 7D is a change weight management table according to the present embodiment. In the change weight management table, for example, regarding the location where the table name is “road table”, the “road name” displayed on the screen and the “required time” and “link length” columns displayed to the user as the route search result are displayed. Sets a large weight value “0.3”, and the navigation device 1 is mainly used for internal processing and does not touch the user's eyes. The “link ID” column has a small weight value “0.1”. Is set.
In this example, the column group whose contents can be changed by the change operation in the “road table” is assumed to be four columns of “road name”, “required time”, “link length”, and “link ID”. Set the weight. Further, the weight value is set so that the sum of the weight values of the four columns is “1.0”.
Thereby, for example, when a change operation of one record is performed on the “road table”, the columns whose contents are actually changed are the “road name” column (weight value “0.3”) and the “link ID”. In the case of the column (weight value “0.1”), the number of weighted items related to the change operation of one record is calculated as 0.3 + 0.1 = 0.4.
It should be noted that at the time when the “weighted count” process is executed, the setting value of “weight” can be dynamically adjusted according to the frequency of use of the map data 200 at that time and the user's preference. Good.

Hereinafter, the freshness value calculation process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 (a1) and 7 (a2).
FIG. 6A1 and FIG. 7A2 are flowcharts showing the flow of freshness value calculation processing in the map information distribution center according to this embodiment.

  First, in FIG. 6A1, the map freshness calculation unit 701 in the map center processing unit 700 (see FIG. 1) initializes the value of DEL_W_SUM to zero (step S601). Here, DEL_W_SUM is the sum of all the deletion operations of the weights specified based on the table name in each deletion operation.

  Next, based on the map freshness inquiry information (local update unit identification information 310 and vehicle-side version information 320), the map freshness calculation unit 701 performs a deletion operation from the map freshness confirmation target. One is extracted (step S602).

  Subsequently, the map freshness calculation unit 701 acquires the weight set in the deletion operation target table extracted in step S602 from the deletion weight management table (FIG. 6B) based on the table name. , It is added to the current value of DEL_W_SUM (step S603). The map freshness calculation unit 701 stores the value of DEL_W_SUM in a temporary storage unit (not shown).

  Then, the map freshness calculation unit 701 determines whether all the deletion operations for the map freshness confirmation target have been extracted (step S604). If all the delete operations have been extracted (step S604 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if all the deletion operations have not been extracted (step S604 → No), the process returns to step S602 to continue the processing.

  Next, the map freshness calculation unit 701 initializes the value of INS_W_SUM to zero (step S605). Here, INS_W_SUM is the total sum of all the insertion operations of the weight specified based on the table name in each insertion operation.

  Then, the map freshness calculation unit 701 extracts one insertion operation from the map freshness confirmation target based on the map freshness inquiry information acquired from the navigation device 1 (step S606).

  Subsequently, the map freshness calculation unit 701 acquires the weight set in the insertion operation target table extracted in step S606 from the insertion weight management table (FIG. 6C) based on the table name. , INS_W_SUM is added to the current value (step S607). The map freshness calculation unit 701 stores the value of INS_W_SUM in the temporary storage unit.

  Then, the map freshness calculation unit 701 determines whether or not all of the map freshness confirmation target insertion operations have been extracted (step S608). If all the insertion operations have been extracted (step S608 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S609 in FIG. On the other hand, if not all insertion operations have been extracted (step S608 → No), the process returns to step S606 to continue the processing.

  Next, the map freshness calculation unit 701 initializes the value of UPD_W_SUM to zero (step S609). Here, UPD_W_SUM is the sum of all the change operations of the sum of the weights specified based on the combination of (table name, column name) in each change operation.

  Then, the map freshness calculation unit 701 extracts one change operation from the map freshness check target based on the map freshness inquiry information acquired from the navigation device 1 (step S610).

  Subsequently, the map freshness calculation unit 701 uses the change weight management table (FIG. 7D) based on the weights set for each target column of the change operation extracted in step S610. )) And the sum of the weights of the extracted change operations is added to the current value of UPD_W_SUM (step S611). The map freshness calculation unit 701 stores the value of UPD_W_SUM in the temporary storage unit.

  Then, the map freshness calculation unit 701 determines whether or not all the operations for changing the map freshness confirmation target have been extracted (step S612). If all the changing operations have been extracted (step S612 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S613. On the other hand, if all the change operations have not been extracted (step S612 → No), the process returns to step S610 to continue the processing.

Subsequently, in step S613, the map freshness calculation unit 701 performs the following calculation based on the values calculated in steps S601 to S612 to calculate a freshness value 340.
Freshness value =-{DEL_W_SUM + INS_W_SUM + UPD_W_SUM}

  Through the above steps S601 to S613, the map freshness calculation unit 701 can calculate the freshness value 340 regarding the map freshness check target.

(Weight management table update process)
Next, processing for updating the “weight management table” according to the present embodiment will be described. As a result, it is possible to dynamically adjust the set value of “weight” in accordance with the use frequency of the in-vehicle map data and the user's preference, and calculate the freshness value 340 taking into account the user's needs.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for updating the weight value in the weight management table in the map information updating system according to the present embodiment.

First, processing on the navigation device 1 side will be described.
The weight update information collection unit 105 (see FIG. 1) of the navigation device 1 determines whether it is the timing of an inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 (step S801). Here, as with the map freshness query in step S501 of FIG. 5, the query timing may be when there is a direct instruction from the user or when the automatic center query condition is satisfied. If it is not the timing of the inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 (step S801 → No), it waits until the inquiry timing. On the other hand, if it is the timing of the inquiry to the map information distribution center 2 (step S801 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S802.

  In step S802, the weight update information collection unit 105 acquires the in-vehicle device ID of the navigation device 1 (step S802). The in-vehicle device ID is stored in the storage unit 60 in the navigation device 1.

  Subsequently, the weight update information collection unit 105 counts the number of distance priority searches performed by the route search unit 111 (step S803). Each time the route search unit 111 executes the route search process, the number of times is checked whether or not the search condition at that time is distance priority. If the distance search is prioritized, the number of times is stored in the storage unit 60 in the navigation device 1. The accumulated number of distance priority searches is stored, and the value is counted by the weight update information collection unit 105 reading it out.

  Next, the weight update information collection unit 105 counts the number of time-first searches performed by the route search unit 111 (step S804). Each time the route search unit 111 executes the route search process, the number of times is checked whether the search condition at that time is time-prioritized. The accumulated number of time priority searches is stored, and the value is counted by the weight update information collection unit 105 reading it.

  Then, the weight update information collection unit 105 acquires the transmission date and time (current time) when data is transmitted to the map information distribution center 2 (step S805). The current time is acquired with reference to a clock (not shown) in the navigation device 1.

Subsequently, the weight update information collection unit 105 sends the weight update information indicating the vehicle-mounted device ID, the distance priority search count, the time priority search count, and the transmission date and time via the communication processing unit 51 to the map information distribution center 2. (Step S806).
Here, regarding the transmission date and time, acquiring the time on the navigation device 1 side and transmitting it to the map information distribution center 2 side has the effect of sending the time at which the navigation device 1 transmitted data accurately as the transmission date and time. That is, more accurate transmission date and time can be acquired in that the time is not affected by the communication time as compared with a method of acquiring the time when received at the map information distribution center 2 and approximating it as the transmission date and time. Thereby, in the process of calculating distance priority weight or time priority weight, which will be described later, when the weight of the number of times of search is attenuated according to the age of the time, the time sensitivity can be set high.

Next, processing of the weight management information update unit 702 in the map center processing unit 700 (see FIG. 1) of the map information distribution center 2 will be described.
First, the weight management information update unit 702 receives the weight update information (information indicating the vehicle-mounted device ID, the distance priority search count, the time priority search count, and the transmission date and time) from the navigation device 1 via the communication processing unit 81. It is determined whether or not it has been received (step S807). If the weight update information has not been received (step S807 → No), the process waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the weight update information is received (step S807 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S808.

In step S808, the weight management information update unit 702, for each vehicle-mounted device ID (that is, for each navigation device 1), based on the received weight update information, the distance priority search count “x” and the time priority search count “ y ”and the transmission date and time are stored in the storage unit 90 provided in the map information distribution center 2 (step S808).
Thereby, the usage situation for every user of the navigation apparatus 1 is acquired according to a necessary timing on the map information distribution center 2 side, and analysis in consideration of the user's interest becomes possible.

  Next, the weight management information update unit 702 calculates the distance priority weight for each vehicle-mounted device ID based on the following formula (1) (step S809). Here, the n_last_ vehicle-mounted device ID is the date and time when the user transmits the vehicle-mounted device ID, the distance priority search count, the time priority search count, and the transmission date and time information and the distance priority weight for the first time after the user purchases the navigation device 1. A positive integer obtained by subtracting the day to calculate.

  Subsequently, the weight management information update unit 702 calculates the time priority weight for each vehicle-mounted device ID based on the following formula (2) (step S810).

Here, “r” and “s” are attenuation coefficients in order to conserve the effect of the past search count by discounting the past search count when adding the past search count and the current search count. Parameter.
Here, the values of “r” and “s” may be held in a temporary storage unit (not shown) of the map information distribution center 2 as r = s = 0.5, for example. Furthermore, by setting r = s = 0.9, the user can set the map information distribution center 2 from the screen of the navigation device 1 via the communication means so as to evaluate past searches more strongly. It is.

  Next, in the processing of step S811 and step S812, normalization is performed using the value of the distance priority weight and the value of the time priority weight obtained as a result of the processing of steps S809 and S810, and the distance priority rate α and the time priority rate β are obtained. Calculate and proceed to step S813.

Here, the distance priority rate α is obtained as distance priority rate α = distance priority weight / (distance priority weight + time priority weight) (step S811).
Then, the time priority rate β is obtained as time priority rate β = 1−α (step S812).

  In this embodiment, since it is a size comparison for two weights, it is sufficient to compare the value of the distance priority weight value and the time priority weight value without normalization. When other parameters indicating the situation exist, normalization processing is necessary.

  Subsequently, in step S813, the magnitude relationship between the distance priority rate α and the time priority rate β is compared. If the distance priority rate α is smaller than the time priority rate β (α <β) (step S813 → Yes), it is determined that time priority is given, and the process proceeds to step S814. On the other hand, if the distance priority rate α is not smaller than the time priority rate β (step S813 → No), it is determined that distance priority is given, and the process proceeds to step S815.

  In the process of step S814 determined as time priority, the weight value of the table name “road table” column name “required time” in the change weight management table (see FIG. 7D) is set to Δ minutes (for example, Δ = 0.05) increase. Then, the weight values of the other columns are set to, for example, a total Δ minutes (Δ in proportion to the set weight values so that the weight values of all the columns of the “road table” become “1.0”. = 0.05) Decrease.

On the other hand, in the process of step S815 determined to be distance priority, the weight value of the table name “road table”, column name “link length” in the change weight management table (FIG. 7D) is set to Δ (for example, Δ = 0.05) increase. Then, the weight values of the other columns are decreased by a total Δ (Δ = 0.05) in proportion to the set weight values.
Here, the value of Δ is held in the temporary storage unit of the map information distribution center 2, but the weight management information updating unit 702 increases or decreases the value of Δ based on the communication frequency of the user. Can also be set.

By such processing of the weight management information update unit 702, the map information distribution center 2 can update the weight value by appropriately considering the usage status of the navigation device 1, and the freshness value more suitable for the usage status of the user. 340 can be calculated.
Furthermore, by processing the usage status of the navigation device 1 as time series information in the map information distribution center 2, it is possible to update the weight for calculating the freshness while taking into account the temporal change of the user's interest. It becomes possible.

(Map freshness presentation process)
Next, the map freshness presentation process will be described in detail.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of map freshness presentation processing in the navigation device according to the present embodiment.

First, the map freshness information presentation unit 106 (see FIG. 1) of the navigation device 1 determines whether or not there is a request for presentation of the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) from the user (step S901). If there is no presentation request (step S901 → No), the process waits until there is a presentation request. On the other hand, if there is a presentation request (step S901 → Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S902.
The acceptance of the presentation request from the user is the value of whether the map freshness browsing ON mode or the map freshness browsing OFF mode is set in the condition setting of whether or not the map freshness browsing is performed via the input / output unit 30 in the navigation device 1. Is done by setting. Here, in the map freshness browsing ON mode, it is determined that there is a request for presentation of the map freshness information 300 (step S901 → Yes), and the process proceeds to step S902. On the other hand, in the map freshness browsing OFF mode, it is determined that there is no presentation request (step S901 → No), and the process waits until there is a presentation request.

Next, in step S902, the map freshness information presentation unit 106 displays a map freshness presentation screen on the display unit 20 (step S902). Then, the user presses a button for designating a freshness display target displayed on the map freshness presentation screen of the display unit 20 (step S903).
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the map freshness presentation screen in the present embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, a button for designating a freshness display target is provided on the map freshness presentation screen 1000. Here, “road” (reference numeral 1001) and “facility” (reference numeral 1002) are set as the freshness display objects, and when the “road” button is designated by the user, the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3). Among them, information relating to a local update unit (for example, reference numeral 3002) corresponding to the map data type “road data” is designated as a freshness display target. On the other hand, when the “facility” button is designated by the user, information regarding the local update unit (for example, reference numeral 3001) corresponding to the map data type “destination search data” in the map freshness information 300 is displayed. Designated as a freshness display target. FIG. 10A shows a state where “road” (reference numeral 1001) is selected as the map freshness confirmation target.

  Accordingly, when the user desires to update the road data 201 (see FIG. 2), the map freshness information 300 of the road data 201 is displayed by pressing the “road” button, and the freshness is confirmed. be able to. On the other hand, when the user wishes to update facilities such as convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc., by pressing the “facility” button, the map freshness information 300 of the destination search data 202 is displayed, and the freshness is displayed. Can be confirmed.

Returning to FIG. 9, the “freshness threshold” is designated by the freshness threshold adjustment on the map freshness presentation screen 1000 by the user (step S <b> 904). The method for designating the freshness threshold is selected when the user presses the freshness threshold adjustment knob (freshness threshold setting means) (reference numeral 1003 in FIG. 10) with the touch panel on the map freshness presentation screen 1000 with a finger or the like. By moving the finger up and down, the freshness threshold adjustment knob (reference numeral 1003) moves on the scale (reference numeral 1004).
In the present embodiment, freshness information is more likely to be displayed on the screen even if the freshness is newer, that is, the map data 200 is only slightly updated as it goes down (that is, in the Lo direction). When the freshness is old, that is, when a lot of map data 200 is updated, the freshness information is displayed.

Here, a method for determining the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the freshness threshold will be described.
The upper limit of the freshness threshold value is searched for the maximum value from the freshness values 340 stored in the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) stored in the map freshness DB 62 (see FIG. 1) of the navigation device 1, and the value is set. The upper limit of the freshness threshold value. On the other hand, the lower limit value of the freshness threshold value is searched for the minimum value among the freshness values 340 stored in the map freshness information 300, and the value is set as the lower limit value of the freshness threshold value. From the upper limit value of the freshness threshold value and the lower limit value of the freshness threshold value, the following freshness threshold linear equation is generated.

Freshness threshold = (upper limit value of freshness threshold value−lower limit value of freshness threshold value) × v + lower limit value of freshness threshold value (where v is a value of 0 to 1 determined by a relative position of the freshness threshold adjustment knob 1003 to the scale 1004)

A value v of 0 to 1 is generated using information on the relative position of the freshness threshold adjustment knob (reference 1003) with respect to the scale (reference 1004), and the freshness threshold is calculated by solving this freshness threshold linear equation.
As a result, the user adjusts the freshness threshold adjustment knob (reference numeral 1003) between Hi and Lo, thereby confirming at a glance the local update unit of the in-vehicle map data having a freshness that is older than the arbitrary freshness threshold. can do.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the traveling state monitoring unit 130 (see FIG. 1) acquires information on whether or not the vehicle or the like on which the navigation device 1 is mounted is in a traveling state (step S <b> 905). If the vehicle is running, the freshness information can be made difficult to present by multiplying the freshness threshold value by, for example, a correction value “1.2” in advance. That is, when the vehicle is traveling, only the local update unit having a freshness older than that when the vehicle is stopped (the absolute value of the freshness value is large) can display the freshness information on the map freshness presentation screen 1000. Thereby, since the freshness display in consideration of the state of the car can be realized, it is possible to reduce unnecessary recognition for the user and contribute to safety.

  Next, the data exchange process monitoring unit 140 (see FIG. 1) confirms information indicating the media connection state in the data exchange process unit 50 (step S906). Thereby, the navigation apparatus 1 obtains information as to whether the map data 200 is updated using the communication line 4 or using a bridge medium such as a DVD.

  Subsequently, the map freshness information presentation unit 106 (see FIG. 1) calculates the freshness threshold value specified in step S904 and the map freshness calculation unit 701 of the map information distribution center 2, and stores the map freshness information 300 in the map freshness information 300 of the navigation device 1. The stored freshness value 340 is compared, and freshness information is displayed on the map freshness presentation screen 1000 (step S907). For example, when the freshness value 340 of the local update unit is “−120” with respect to the designated freshness threshold “−100”, the freshness information exceeds the freshness threshold. Sepia-colored hatching is displayed in the area that is a local update unit shown on the presentation screen 1000 (reference numeral 1010 in FIG. 10B). On the other hand, when the freshness value 340 is “−30”, since the freshness threshold value “−100” is not exceeded, sepia hatching is not displayed.

  FIG. 10B shows an example in which freshness information is displayed on the map freshness presentation screen 1000. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the freshness value 340 stored in the map freshness information 300 exceeds the freshness threshold specified by the user for each local update unit delimited by a dotted line, hatching such as sepia This indicates that the freshness of the area is old. By this map freshness presentation processing, the user can intuitively grasp which place on the map is old.

FIG. 10C shows an example in which the freshness threshold value is specified by lowering the freshness threshold adjustment knob (reference numeral 1003) to the Lo side. In this case, if the freshness threshold value is designated by the user by changing from “−100” to “−20”, the local update unit area (“−30”) that has not been displayed until then has a freshness value 340 of “−30”. Reference numeral 1020) is also displayed with sepia hatching.
As described above, the user can adjust and display the local update unit having a very old freshness and the local update unit having a relatively new freshness by adjusting the freshness threshold adjustment knob (reference numeral 1003). .

Returning to FIG. 9, when the freshness information is displayed in step S907, the map updating unit 120 (see FIG. 1) determines whether or not there is a request for updating the map data 200 by area selection by the user (step S908). . When there is an update request by area selection from the user, such as when the user selects a sepia hatched part (local update unit) with a finger (step S908 → Yes), the state of the media acquired in the process of step S906 Based on the information indicating the above, the map information distribution center 2 is accessed by communication processing or a bridge medium such as a DVD, and the map update unit 120 starts the map update processing (step S909). On the other hand, when there is no update request by the user for area selection (step S908 → No), the process returns to step S901.
Accordingly, the user can intuitively grasp which area of the map is old and can determine whether or not to update the map data 200 of the local update unit.

(Important update automatic notification process)
In this map freshness presentation process, the map freshness information presentation unit 106 (see FIG. 1) prompts the user to display the map freshness presentation screen 1000 based on the map freshness information 300 in the map freshness DB 62. The “important update automatic notification” screen can be automatically displayed on the display unit 20.
For example, when a car or the like equipped with the navigation device 1 enters an area of a local update unit whose freshness value 340 of the map freshness information 300 (see FIG. 3) is “−100” or more, the map freshness presentation screen 1000 is displayed. The recommended display is displayed. Further, when a vehicle or the like equipped with the navigation device 1 enters the area of the local update unit in which the map data 200 is not updated for one year from the confirmation time 350 of the map freshness information 300, a map freshness presentation screen 1000 is displayed. Display a recommendation to do so.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of an “important update automatic notification” screen that prompts the map freshness information presentation unit (see FIG. 1) to display a map freshness presentation screen and update the map data. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, “Recommended update found” is displayed on the display unit 20 to prompt the user to present the map freshness information 300.

Further, in the map freshness information 300 of FIG. 3, as the information from the map distribution information center 2, together with the freshness value 340, updated road number information regarding the number of updated roads, and the number of updated facilities that are the number of updated facilities Information can also be provided and used as information related to “important update automatic notification”.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the map freshness information according to the present embodiment. Compared with the map freshness information 300 in FIG. 3, data of updated road number information 360 and updated facility number information 370 is added.
The map update server processing unit 703 (see FIG. 1) of the map information distribution center 2 compares the latest version of the map data 200 with the version of the in-vehicle map data acquired from the navigation device 1, and the number of updated roads and the number of updated facilities. You can get information about. Then, the information is transmitted to the navigation device 1 together with information on the freshness value 340 calculated by the map freshness calculation unit 701.

  By using the updated road number information 360 and the updated facility number information 370, the map freshness information presenting unit 106, when a car or the like equipped with the navigation device 1 enters the area of the local update unit, for example, “In this area , 100 roads have been updated. ”“ 100 facilities have been updated in this area. ”Can be displayed. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to display the map freshness presentation screen 1000.

  In addition, the map freshness information presentation unit 106 can also display how many items have been updated for each highway, national road, prefectural road, etc., using the updated road number information 360. Further, by using the updated facility number information 370, it is possible to display how many items are updated for each convenience store, gas station, restaurant, and the like. As described above, the map freshness information presentation unit 106 can prompt the display of the map freshness presentation screen 1000 by displaying the “important update automatic notification” screen.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the navigation device 1, the freshness confirmation target selecting unit 102 monitors the use of the map data 200 of the application processing unit 110, and the map data 200 corresponding to the used data or related data is displayed. A local update unit can be a map freshness confirmation target. Thereby, a local update unit with high use frequency, that is, high prospect of future use among the in-vehicle map data can be determined as a map freshness confirmation target, and preparation for effectively collecting the map freshness information 300 can be made.

  Further, the map freshness inquiry unit 103 automatically inquires the map information distribution center 2 for the freshness value 340 at the timing when the telematics processing unit 116 is connected to the map information distribution center 2 and stores it in the map freshness DB 62. As a result, the map freshness information 300 can be automatically collected and stored in the map freshness DB 62 without the user being particularly conscious. As described above, if automatic collection is performed in advance, it is only necessary to refer to already collected map freshness information 300 when performing map freshness display, and thus it is possible to display the map freshness presentation screen 1000 quickly.

Further, the map freshness information presentation unit 106 displays the map freshness presentation screen 1000 using the map freshness information 300, so that the user can visually intuitively determine which local update unit of the map data 200 is old and should be updated. The update target can be selected appropriately.
Further, based on the map freshness information 300 in the map freshness DB 62, the map freshness information presenting unit 106 automatically notifies the user that a local update unit area having a freshness older than a predetermined threshold has been entered. Processing can be appropriately promoted.

  By doing in this way, according to the map information update system, the map information update method, the navigation device, and the map information distribution center according to the present embodiment, the substantial update degree is obtained for each local update unit of the in-vehicle map data. Presented as freshness information, the user can select map data to be updated by the user accurately and quickly.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the map information update system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the map data which concern on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the map freshness information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the map freshness confirmation preparation process of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the map freshness confirmation process of the map information update system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the freshness value calculation process in the map information delivery center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the freshness value calculation process in the map information delivery center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which updates the weight value of a weight management table in the map information update system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the map freshness presentation process in the navigation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the map freshness presentation screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the important update automatic notification screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of map freshness information which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation apparatus 2 Map information distribution center 3 Map information update system 4 Communication line 10,70 Control part 20 Display part 30 Input / output part 40 Satellite radio wave receiving part 50,80 Data exchange processing part 51,81 Communication processing part 52,82 Bridge Media processing unit 60, 90 Storage unit 61 Car map database (map database)
62 Map freshness database 91 Master map database 92 Weight management information database 93 Telematics database 100 Map freshness management unit 101 Map freshness confirmation unit 102 Freshness confirmation target selection unit 103 Map freshness inquiry unit 104 Map freshness DB management unit 105 Weight update information collection unit 106 Map freshness information presentation unit 110 Application processing unit 111 Route search unit 112 Destination search unit 113 Map drawing unit 114 Route guidance unit 115 Location estimation unit 116 Telematics processing unit 120 Map update unit 130 Travel condition monitoring unit 140 Data exchange processing monitoring unit 200 Map data 300 Map freshness information 700 Map center processing unit 701 Map freshness calculation unit 702 Weight management information update unit 703 Map update server processing unit 710 Telematics server processing unit 10 0 map freshness presentation screen

Claims (11)

A map information distribution center that distributes map data to the navigation device for each local update unit that is an update unit for each local section, and the navigation device that updates the map data for each local update unit acquired from the map information distribution center In a map information update system comprising
The navigation device
An input / output unit for setting the destination,
A display unit for displaying a guide route from the current position of the navigation device to the destination;
A satellite signal receiver for receiving positioning signals from the satellite;
A data exchange processing unit for transmitting and receiving information on the map data to and from the map information distribution center;
An application processing unit for route search and destination search;
A map database for storing map data for each local update unit distributed from the map information distribution center;
Map freshness information in which the freshness value, which is the degree of difference between the latest version of map data stored in the map information distribution center and the map data stored in the map database, is linked to the map data for each local update unit A map freshness database that remembers
A freshness confirmation target selection unit that selects the map data used by the application processing unit as a map freshness confirmation target;
A map freshness inquiry unit that transmits to the map information distribution center map freshness inquiry information for making an inquiry about the freshness value of the map freshness confirmation target selected by the freshness confirmation handling selection unit;
A map freshness DB management unit for storing the freshness value received from the map information distribution center in the map freshness database;
Map freshness information for causing the display unit to present the map freshness information for each local update unit for the local update unit having the freshness value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold among the freshness values stored in the map freshness database. A presentation unit;
A map that is received from the map information distribution center and stored in the map database, the map data of the local update unit selected based on the map freshness information presented by the map freshness information presentation unit. A map updating unit for updating data,
The map information distribution center
A master map database for storing each version of the map data;
A data exchange processing unit for transmitting and receiving information on the map data to and from the navigation device;
Based on the map freshness inquiry information, the freshness value is calculated using the master map database, and transmitted to the navigation device;
A map update server processing unit that distributes the map data of the latest version of the local update unit to the navigation device;
A map information update system comprising: The map information distribution center
An operation command for updating the map data, further comprising a weight management information database for storing a weight value indicating the magnitude of the difference between the map data before and after the update for each of the delete command, the insert command and the change command,
The map information update system according to claim 1, wherein the map freshness calculation unit calculates the freshness value by using the weight value for each operation command stored in the weight management information database. The navigation device
A weight update information collection unit that collects weight update information that is information related to the use status of the map data by the application processing unit;
The map information distribution center
The map information update system according to claim 2, further comprising a weight management information update unit that updates the weight value based on the weight update information received from the weight update information collection unit. The weight management information update unit, when updating the weight value, calculates the weight value using an attenuation coefficient that reflects a past use situation of the map data. Map information update system. The map freshness information presentation unit
A freshness threshold value setting unit for setting the predetermined threshold value for determining whether or not to display the map freshness information on the display unit, and when the predetermined threshold value is varied, according to the variable threshold value The map information update system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the map freshness information of the local update unit is displayed. The map freshness information presentation unit
Obtaining the current position information calculated by the radio wave received by the satellite radio wave reception unit, when its navigation device enters the area indicated by the local update unit stored in the map freshness database, The map information update system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a notification for prompting display of map freshness information is displayed on the display unit. The navigation device
Provided with a running status monitoring unit that monitors the running status of its own navigation device,
The map freshness information presenting unit increases the predetermined threshold and decreases the display of the map freshness information when the traveling state monitoring unit is moving. The map information update system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The navigation device
A data exchange processing monitoring unit for monitoring whether the update of the map data of the local update unit by the data exchange processing unit is by a communication line or by a bridge medium;
The map freshness information presentation unit increases the predetermined threshold and reduces the display of the map freshness information when the update of the map data is performed by the communication line. 8. The map information update system according to any one of 7 above. A map information distribution center that distributes map data to the navigation device for each local update unit that is an update unit for each local section, and the navigation device that updates the map data for each local update unit acquired from the map information distribution center And a map information update method used in a map information update system comprising:
The navigation device
An input / output unit for setting a destination, a display unit for displaying a guidance route from the current position of the navigation device to the destination, a satellite radio wave receiver for receiving radio waves for positioning from a satellite, and the map A data exchange processing unit for transmitting and receiving information regarding the map data to and from the information distribution center, an application processing unit for performing route search and destination search, and the local update unit distributed from the map information distribution center A freshness value, which is a degree of difference between a map database storing map data for each map, a latest version of map data stored in the map information distribution center, and map data stored in the map database; A map freshness database for storing each map data and linked map freshness information,
Select the map data used by the application processing unit as a map freshness confirmation target,
Transmitting the map freshness inquiry information for inquiring the freshness value of the selected map freshness confirmation target to the map information distribution center;
Storing the freshness value received from the map information distribution center in the map freshness database;
Among the freshness values stored in the map freshness database, for the local update unit having the freshness value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the map freshness information for each local update unit is presented on the display unit,
Receiving the latest version of the map data of the local update unit selected based on the presented map freshness information from the map information distribution center, and updating the map data stored in the map database;
The map information distribution center
A master map database that stores the map data of each version, and a data exchange processing unit that transmits and receives information about the map data between the navigation device,
Based on the map freshness inquiry information, the freshness value is calculated using the master map database, the calculated freshness value is transmitted to the navigation device,
Delivering map data of the latest version of the local update unit to the navigation device;
A method for updating map information. A navigation device that acquires map data for each local update unit, which is an update unit for each local section, from the map information distribution center, and performs update processing using the acquired map data,
An input / output unit for setting the destination,
A display unit for displaying a guide route from the current position of the navigation device to the destination;
A satellite signal receiver for receiving positioning signals from the satellite;
A data exchange processing unit for transmitting and receiving information on the map data to and from the map information distribution center;
An application processing unit for route search and destination search;
A map database for storing map data for each local update unit distributed from the map information distribution center;
Map freshness information in which the freshness value, which is the degree of difference between the latest version of map data stored in the map information distribution center and the map data stored in the map database, is linked to the map data for each local update unit A map freshness database that remembers
A freshness confirmation target selection unit that selects the map data used by the application processing unit as a map freshness confirmation target;
A map freshness inquiry unit that transmits to the map information distribution center map freshness inquiry information for making an inquiry about the freshness value of the map freshness confirmation target selected by the freshness confirmation handling selection unit;
Based on the map freshness inquiry information, the freshness value calculated by the map information distribution center from the difference between the latest version of map data stored in the map information distribution center and the map data stored in the map database A map freshness DB management unit for storing in the map freshness database;
Map freshness information for causing the display unit to present the map freshness information for each local update unit for the local update unit having the freshness value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold among the freshness values stored in the map freshness database. A presentation unit;
A map that is received from the map information distribution center and stored in the map database, the map data of the local update unit selected based on the map freshness information presented by the map freshness information presentation unit. A navigation device comprising: a map updating unit for updating data. A map information distribution center that distributes map data to a local update unit, which is an update unit for each local section, to a navigation device,
A master map database for storing each version of the map data;
A data exchange processing unit for transmitting and receiving information on the map data to and from the navigation device;
Using the master map database, calculating a freshness value that is the degree of difference between the latest version of map data and the map data stored in the navigation device, and transmitting the map freshness calculation unit to the navigation device;
A map update server processing unit that distributes the map data of the latest version of the local update unit to the navigation device;
A map information distribution center comprising:

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