JP2010128042A - Map data management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently collect and maintain map data. <P>SOLUTION: In a management server 100: a storage section 42 stores map-prepared areas and map-unprepared areas discriminated from each other, wherein the map-prepared areas are associated with map data; a map data providing section 43 provides map data when a user requests for map data designating a map-prepared area; and a map data registration section 44 registers map data provided by a user designating a map-unprepared area. The user who acquires the map data of the map-prepared area makes use of the map data at the actual place in the map-prepared area by using a portable navigation terminal 12. The user who creates map data for the map-unprepared area creates the map data at the actual place in the map-unprepared area by using a portable navigation terminal 12 and provides the map data to the management server 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a map data management system that manages map data that can be used in a portable navigation terminal or the like.

  In recent years, personal portable navigation that obtains its own measured position information using positioning means such as GPS and displays its current position at a position corresponding to the measured position information on a display screen that displays a map image. A terminal is provided. The map data used when displaying a map image on such a navigation terminal is composed of map image data constituting the map image itself and map supplementary information (so-called link data) associated with the map image data. The This map supplementary information is information such as a reference position, a scale, and an azimuth angle for associating map image data with measured position information (latitude / longitude information, etc.).

In recent years, map data combining the above map image data and map supplementary information is acquired from a dedicated management server via a communication network, and the updated map data is updated to obtain the latest map data as a navigation device. A system to be used for this has already been proposed.
JP 2008-90195 A

  Up to now, for road maps mainly composed of road arrangements used in in-vehicle navigation systems, the creation of corresponding map data covering almost the entire area of the country has been completed by specialized map dealers. However, for various facilities that use the above personal portable navigation terminals in the area between these roads, the number of corresponding map data is still small and the area is very wide. There is currently no maintenance system in place.

  If only the map image data representing only the geographical arrangement of the area between the roads, it can be easily created by optical reading of a paper map that has been created conventionally. However, in order to create the above-mentioned map supplementary information necessary for using it for a navigation terminal, it is necessary to go to the actual location of the corresponding area and actually measure each major point position in the map image. A considerable amount of effort was required.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention includes the above-described problem as an example.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to a management server that stores map data composed of map image data and map supplementary information, and a creator who creates the map data accesses the management server. In a map data management system comprising a creator operation means for performing and a user operation means for a user using the map data to access the management server, the management server comprises a map created area A plurality of areas that are distinguished from each other and a map non-created area, a storage means for storing the map data of the area in association with the map created area, and a user operation means Map data providing means for providing the map data corresponding to the specified map created area by access, and for the creator Map data registration means for registering the provided map data in the storage means in association with the map non-created area when the map data of the map non-created area is provided by access from the creation means; Have

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

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the entire map data management system of this embodiment.

  This map data management system S has a management server 100, and user clients 10 possessed by a large number of users are connected to the management server 100 through a communication network NW so as to be able to send and receive information. In the illustrated example, the user clients 10 possessed by two users A and B each include a fixed client device 11 configured by a general-purpose personal computer connected to the management server 100 via a communication network NW, and the fixed client device. 11 and a portable navigation terminal 12 connected to be able to send and receive information via various interfaces. If the portable navigation terminal 12 is also provided with a function of connecting to the management server 100 via the communication network NW, the user client 10 may be configured by the portable navigation terminal 12 alone.

  The management server 100 divides a site such as various facilities existing in an arrangement other than a road in a specific area on the actual geography as an area, and further, the portable navigation terminal 12 uses each of the plurality of areas. It manages whether or not available map data is registered. The area indicated as “present” in the illustrated example is managed as a map-created area in which corresponding map data has already been created and registered and the management server 100 stores the map data. In addition, the area indicated as “none” in the illustrated example is managed as a map uncreated area for which corresponding map data has not yet been created and registered. In addition, it may be possible to make a distinction with a visual difference such as color coding according to the type of each area.

  As described above, in the example of the present embodiment, the user client 10 accesses the management server 100 to browse a map image of a specific area as shown in the figure and create a map created area and a map not created in that area. It can be confirmed separately from the area.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a software configuration example of the map data management program that operates in the management server 100 shown in FIG.

  The map data management program includes an input / output unit 41, a storage unit 42, a map data providing unit 43, a map data registration unit 44, and a control unit 45 as its functions. To demonstrate.

  The input / output unit 41 transmits / receives various information to / from the user client 10 via the communication network NW.

  The storage unit 42 corresponds to a storage unit, and stores each area by distinguishing a map-created area and a map-uncreated area as described above, and associates map data of the area with the map-created area. Remember. In the example of this embodiment, this map data includes map image data consisting only of image data representing actual geographical topography and arrangement in the corresponding area, and measured position information (latitude / longitude) corresponding to this map image data. Data, etc.) and map supplementary information. For details on the map-accompanying information, the reference position indicating where the corresponding map image data corresponds, the information such as the scale and the azimuth, and the point in the area of the corresponding map image data. Measured position information linked to is included.

  The map data providing unit 43 corresponds to a map data providing unit, and retrieves and provides map data corresponding to the designation of a map created area by access from the user client 10 from the storage unit 42.

  The map data registration unit 44 corresponds to a map data registration unit. When the map data of the map non-created area is provided by access from the user client 10, the provided map data is associated with the map non-created area. To the storage unit 42.

  In response to an access from the user client 10 via the input / output unit 41, the control unit 45 provides the map data providing unit 43 with the map data of the already created area to the user client 10, and the map data registration unit The basic control such as the control for registering the map data provided from the user client 10 in association with the map uncreated area by 44 is executed.

  The map data management system S is a configuration example as described above. Next, an example of a map data management method according to the configuration example will be described with reference to FIGS. This map data management method is configured by steps executed by a CPU for performing various calculations and controls provided in the management server 100 by the program of the control unit 45, and includes the following map data management process. Yes.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the map data management process. This map data management process includes a procedure realized by the program of the control unit 45 operating under the control of the CPU. This flow is started when the management server 100 is powered on, for example.

  First, in step S5, it is determined whether or not there is any access from the external user client 10 via the communication network NW. If there is no external access, the same step S5 is repeated to wait in a loop, and if there is an external access, the process proceeds to the next step S10.

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not access from the user client 10 requests provision of map data. If the access is a request for providing map data, the process proceeds to the next step S15.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the area designated for the map data provision request by the access from the user client 10 is a map-created area. If a map-created area is designated, the corresponding map data is retrieved from the storage unit 42 in step S20 and a response is provided to the user client 10, and the process proceeds to the next step S30. On the other hand, if a map uncreated area is designated, the user client 10 is responded that the area designated in step S25 is a map uncreated area and map data cannot be provided, and the process proceeds to the next step S30.

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not an operation for instructing to end the map data management process is performed via an operation unit provided in the management server 100 or the like. If the end operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S5 and the same procedure is repeated. On the other hand, when the end operation is performed, this flow is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the access from the user client 10 is not a map data provision request, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, it is determined whether or not the access from the user client 10 requests registration of map data. If the access is a map data registration request, the map data provided attached to the access in the next step S40 is recorded in the recording unit in association with the map uncreated area specified in the access, Furthermore, this map uncreated area is changed to a map created area and registered. Then, the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if the access is not a map data registration request, the process returns to step S5 and the same procedure is repeated.

  In the map data management system S of the present embodiment having the management server 100 functioning as described above, the flow of the behavior of the system corresponding to the behavior of each user will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. To do.

  4 to 8 correspond to FIG. 1 described above. In the illustrated example, two users in the same position are connected to the management server 100.

  In FIG. 4, in this example, the user A accesses the management server 100 and requests the provision of map data corresponding to the designation of the desired area. In this example, since the designated area is a map uncreated area, the management server 100 returns a reply to the user A that map data cannot be provided. Accordingly, the user A can select whether to give up the acquisition of the map data of the designated area as it is or to create map data corresponding to the designated area and provide it to the management server 100. Here, in the present invention, a user who intends to create map data in this way is hereinafter referred to as a creator M, and the user client 10 used by the creator M is referred to as a creator operating means 10M. Called.

  It should be noted that map data may also be created for map uncreated areas other than areas where it is desired to acquire map data. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the user is willing to create map data from the beginning, that is, the management server 100 is accessed in advance as the position of the creator M so that all map uncreated areas can be searched and confirmed. It may be.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the creator M brings the portable navigation terminal 12, visits the actual location in the map uncreated area, and creates map data using the portable navigation terminal 12. The portable navigation terminal 12 used by the creator M will not be described in detail, but map image data is obtained by detecting the actual positions of the main points in the area using a positioning function such as GPS. And the one that can make map incidental information is used.

  Then, the creator M designates the map uncreated area to the management server 100 and provides the created map data, and the management server 100 having received this maps the map data in association with the designated map uncreated area. Store and map the uncreated map area into a map-created area for registration. Here, if the portable navigation terminal 12 has a network communication function using a wireless telephone line or the like, the management server 100 may be directly accessed from the actual location of the target area where the map data is created, or the user returns home. Then, the management server 100 may be accessed by connecting to the fixed client device 11.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the map data registered in the management server 100 in this way is acquired when another user B accesses the management server 100 and requests the provision of corresponding map data together with the designation of the area. it can. At this time, in the present invention, a user who can acquire map data is hereinafter referred to as a user U, and a user client 10 used by the user U is particularly referred to as a user operation means 10U. The user U can input the acquired map data to the portable navigation terminal 12.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the user U has the portable navigation terminal 12 storing the map data and visits the actual location in the area corresponding to the map data, thereby performing the navigation using the map data. It can be carried out. A detailed description of the navigation terminal 12 used by the user U is omitted, but the current position of the user U in the area using a positioning function such as GPS while referring to the map supplementary information of the map data. And route guidance that can be displayed superimposed on map image data.

  In the map data management system S in the above embodiment, the management server 100 that stores map data composed of map image data and map supplementary information, and the creator M that creates the map data access the management server 100. Creator operating means 10M (corresponding to the creator's user client) and user operating means 10U for the user U using the map data to access the management server 100 (to the user's user client) The management server 100 stores a plurality of areas that are classified into a map-created area and a map-uncreated area, and the map-created area with respect to the map-created area. Is a storage means 42 (corresponding to a storage unit) that stores the map data of the area in association with each other, and the use Map data providing means 43 (corresponding to a map data providing unit) for retrieving and providing the corresponding map data from the storage means 42 in response to designation of the map created area by access from the operating means 10U When the map data of the uncreated map area is provided by access from the creator operation means 10M, the provided map data is registered in the storage means 42 in association with the uncreated map area. Map data registration means 44 (corresponding to a map data registration unit).

  In this way, the management server 100 can distinguish and manage a map created area for which map data has already been created and a map uncreated area for which map data has not yet been created. In addition, the user U who wants to acquire and use the map data among the external users is provided with the map data of the already created map area, and the user who is creating and providing the map data among the external users. Information about which area is an uncreated map area is given to the person M, and provision of map data of the uncreated map area is accepted and registered.

  As a result, it is possible to widely invite the creation and provision of map data for an uncreated map area while distributing and providing the map data of the created map area to a large number of general users. As a result, it is possible to efficiently collect and maintain map data without waiting for the creation and maintenance of map data by a specialized map dealer in areas other than roads.

  In the map data management system S in the above embodiment, in addition to the above-described configuration, the user operation means 10U is configured such that the map data acquired from the management server 100 at a location corresponding to the map-created area. Mobile user terminal 12 (corresponding to the user's portable navigation terminal), and the creator operating means 10M receives the map data at a location corresponding to the map uncreated area. It has a creator portable terminal 12 (corresponding to the creator's portable navigation terminal) for creation.

  In this way, the user U who acquired the map data performs navigation such as the current position and route guidance using the map data at the actual location of the corresponding map-created area by using the user mobile terminal 12. It can be carried out. In addition, the creator M can create map image data and map-accompanying information by using a positioning function such as GPS by using the creator mobile terminal 12 at an actual location in an uncreated map area.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user client 10 accesses the management server 100 and browses a map image of a specific area so as to distinguish between a map created area and a map uncreated area in the area. However, without being limited thereto, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, information regarding map data may be displayed in a list format for each area.

  In addition, this embodiment is not restricted above, A various deformation | transformation is possible. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) When the user pays the price of the map data to the creator In the above embodiment, the act of creating / providing the map data by the creator M was not particularly rewarded. Without being limited thereto, for example, the user U who acquires and uses the map data may pay the creator M who has created the map data.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the behavior of each user and the behavior / information flow of the corresponding system in the map data management system S1 of the first modification. The basic behavior / information flow in the map data management system S1 of the present modification is substantially the same as that in the above embodiment, and only other differences will be described below.

  In FIG. 10, a user who intends to create map data in an uncreated map area, that is, creator M, accesses the management server 101 to search for an uncreated map area, and decides to create map data. Apply for the right to create map data for the map uncreated area. Here, the map data creation right is a reserved right for exclusively creating the map data for a predetermined map uncreated area. For example, the creator M who first applied for the map data creates the map data creation right. And the provision / registration of the map data of the same map uncreated area by other users can be excluded.

  As described above, the management server 101 in this modification has a creation right receiving unit 101A that accepts an application for a map data creation right from the creator M, and the map data registration unit 44 has accepted the map data creation right. Only map data provided by the creator M is registered in association with the corresponding map non-created area.

  In addition, the creation right receiving unit 101A may set an expiration date for the map data creation right. In this case, the map data registration unit 44 only has the map data creation right until the expiration date has passed. The provision and registration of map data from the creator M having Then, after the expiration date has passed, the map data registration unit 44 regards the map data creation right as invalid and permits the provision / registration of map data by another user, or the creation right receiving unit 101A A separate application for map data creation right by the user is accepted.

  In this modification, the user U pays the management server 101 for the acquisition / use of map data, and the management server 101 pays the price for the map data creator M. I do.

  As described above, the management server 101 according to the present modification includes a price payment unit 101B that pays the price of map data to the creator M when the map data is provided from the creator M. 101B pays the consideration paid by the user U for the acquisition or use of the map data to the creator M who provided the map data.

  In addition, the consideration payment unit 101B depends on any of the number of acquisitions, the number of acquisitions, or the number of uses of the user U who acquired the map data provided by the creator M with respect to the magnitude of the consideration paid to the creator M. The price is set according to the size. From the viewpoint of the user U, when setting is made according to the number of acquisitions of the user U, it is only necessary to pay a single price regardless of how many times the same user U acquires the same map data. Moreover, when setting according to the frequency | count of acquisition of the user U, if the same user U acquires the same map data in multiple times, the price for the acquired frequency will be paid. Moreover, when setting according to the frequency | count of use of the user U, when the user U acquires map data, payment of a price is unnecessary, but map data is used using the portable navigation terminal 12. Pay the consideration continuously each time. Note that the number of acquisitions and the number of uses can be combined, or the number of acquisitions and the number of uses can be set in combination.

  In the map data management system S1 in the first modified example, in addition to the above-described configuration, the management server 101 further receives the map data in the predetermined map uncreated area by access from the creator operation means 10M. 101A (equivalent to a creation right accepting unit) that accepts an application for a map data creation right that can be created exclusively, and the map data registration means 44 has received the map data creation right by the acceptance means 101A. The map data provided from the creator operation means 10M is registered in association with the predetermined map uncreated area corresponding to the map data creation right.

  If it does in this way, time delay can be provided in preparation of map data. In other words, for example, if only the creator M who created / provided the map data earliest is given a reward such as payment of the price, a competitive relationship arises among a plurality of creators M, which is sufficient for creating map data. It becomes easy to provide low-quality map data with low accuracy without taking time. However, the management server 101 accepts the right to create map data from one creator M, so that the creator M has a preferential position and gives sufficient time to create map data. Can do. As a result, it is possible to avoid deterioration of the quality of the map data created / provided.

  In the map data management system S1 in the first modified example, in addition to the above-described configuration, the receiving unit 101A of the management server 101 sets an expiration date for the map data creation right that has received the application, The map data registration means 44 applies the map data creation right within the validity period set by the acceptance means 101A limitedly and effectively.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent the creator M who has obtained the right to create map data from spending more time than necessary to create map data and providing and registering map data indefinitely. For this reason, the expiration date of the map data creation right is preferably set to a time limit necessary and sufficient for creating map data in accordance with the contents and situation of the corresponding map uncreated area.

  In the map data management system S1 in the first modified example, in addition to the configuration described above, the management server 101 provides the map data in the map uncreated area by access from the creator operation means 10M. In this case, it has a payment means 101B (corresponding to a price payment section) that pays the price of the map data to the creator M of the creator operating means 10M.

  In this way, not only the good intention of the creator M but also the willingness to create and provide the map data can be improved, and a business model that can be traded with the creator M can be constructed. The consideration may be payment of money using an account transfer such as a bank, or may be payment using points or virtual passages that can be used on the system.

  In the map data management system S1 in the first modified example, in addition to the above-described configuration, the payment unit 101B of the management server 101 paid for the acquisition or use of the map data by the user U. The consideration is paid to the creator M who provided the map data.

  In this way, since the source of consideration can be obtained from the user U, a business model with the creator M can be constructed without the map data management system S1 itself preparing the consideration.

  In the map data management system S1 in the first modified example, in addition to the configuration described above, the payment unit 101B of the management server 101 further includes the user U who has acquired the map data of the map created area. A price corresponding to any of the number of acquisitions, the number of acquisitions, or the number of uses is paid to the creator M who provided the map data.

  In this way, it is possible to pay a fair price to the map data creator M according to the demand level, the acquisition frequency, and the usage frequency of the map data.

  In addition, about the setting of the magnitude | size of the price paid to such the creator M, it is good also as another method. For example, the payment unit 101B of the management server 101 records the number of times specified by access from the user operation unit 10U for each map-uncreated area, and provides the map data of the map-uncreated area. You may make it pay to the creator M according to the said designated frequency | count.

  In this way, the number of times that the map uncreated area is designated before the map data is created / provided, that is, how many users U need map data for the area is expected. By setting the unit price when the user U acquires and uses the map data according to this expectation level, the creator U can pay a fair price according to the social demand of the map data. This can be done for M.

  The map uncreated area is stored and displayed separately from the map created area in advance. For the purpose of measuring this expectation, the user U designates the map uncreated area and creates corresponding map data. A map request button may be prepared so as to indicate a willingness to request. In addition, the count of the specified number of times as an index of expectation may be counted by the total cumulative total by area, a count during a certain period going back from the present, or by the specified number of times per unit time You may count at the designated frequency represented. In addition, multiple designations by the same user may be counted as one.

(2) When the area concerned pays the price of the map data to the creator In the first modified example, the user U who acquired and used the map data paid the price of the creator M who created the map data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a person concerned in an uncreated area of the map may pay a price to the creator M.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the behavior of each user in the map data management system S2 of the second modified example and the behavior / information flow of the corresponding system. The basic behavior / information flow in the map data management system S2 of this modification is substantially the same as that of the above-described embodiment and the first modification, and only other differences will be described below.

  In FIG. 11, a person who has jurisdiction over and manages a certain map uncreated area, that is, a target area operator K requests the management server 102 to create map data of the map uncreated area in advance. Originally, any user can create / provide map data as a creator M for an uncreated map area, but the creation of map data is requested by the target area operator K. It is possible to prepare for paying the price to the person M in advance.

  Further, in this modified example, the storage unit 42 of the management server 102 can store only map image data that is one of the components of map data in association with an uncreated map area. The person K requests the creation of map data of an uncreated map area he / she has jurisdiction over and provides the management server 102 with map image data of the uncreated map area.

Among the map data, the map image data representing only the geographical arrangement can be created relatively easily by optically reading a paper map or a building drawing that has been created conventionally. The map image data provided by the target area operator K who is the map data creation requester can be regarded as highly reliable, and this is provided to the creator M who plans to create map data. Thus, the creator M only needs to create the corresponding map incidental information.
Therefore, it can be expected to create high-accuracy and high-quality map supplementary information.

  The management server 102 in this modification has a map image data providing unit 102C for searching for and providing map image data corresponding to the designation of an uncreated map area from the creator M from the storage unit 42. .

  Then, the creator M accesses the management server 102 to search for an uncreated map area, and for the uncreated map area for which the creation of map data has been decided, the created right reception unit 102A equivalent to the above-described creation right reception unit 101A. Apply for the right to create map data. At this time, when map image data is stored in association with the map non-created area, the map image data providing unit is provided only to the creator M who has obtained the map data creation right by the earliest access. 102C may provide map image data, may provide map image data to all users, or may provide only to the desired users.

  Then, the creator M visits an actual place in the map uncreated area and creates map data using the portable navigation terminal 12. At this time, if the map image data is provided from the map image data providing unit 102C, only the map supplementary information is created using the map image data, and if not provided, the map image data is also created. The map data combining the map image data and the map supplementary information is created.

  Here, in this modification, the content of the created map data is inspected by the target area operator K at the site of the uncreated map area where the creator M created the map data, and the accuracy and quality above a certain level are obtained. Get proof if approved. Specifically, ask the dedicated equipment installed in the target area or the inspector stationed to inspect the map data on the spot, and issue the creation certification data only when the inspection passes. And attach it to the map data. The creator M can register only the map data to which the creation certification data is attached in the management server 102.

  When the map data of the map non-created area is provided from the creator M, the management server 102 in the present modified example attaches the creation certification data from the persons concerned or the dedicated device of the map non-created area to the map data. The map data registration unit 44 registers the provided map data only when the determination unit 102D confirms the attachment of the creation certification data.

  Then, the target area operator K in the uncreated area of the map gives a consideration payment unit 102B equivalent to the above-described consideration payment unit 101B to the creator M who has created and provided the map data of the uncreated map area. The corresponding request will be paid through and the creation request will be completed.

  In the map data management system S2 in the second modified example, in addition to the above-described configuration, the management server 102 provides the map data in the map uncreated area by access from the creator operation means 10M. When it is determined, determination means 102D (corresponding to a determination unit) for determining whether or not creation certification data by a person concerned in the map non-created area or a dedicated device related to the map non-created area is attached to the map data The map data registration unit 44 registers the map data when the determination unit 102D determines that the creation certification data is attached.

  In this way, only map data having high accuracy and quality recognized by the persons concerned in the map uncreated area is registered in the management server 102, and the reliability of the entire map data is improved.

  In the map data management system S2 in the second modified example, in addition to the above-described configuration, the storage means 42 of the management server 102 corresponds the map image data to any one of the map uncreated areas. Image data for storing the map image data corresponding to the designation of the map non-created area by the access from the creator operation means 10M and providing the corresponding map image data by searching from the storage means 42 Providing means 102C (corresponding to a map image data providing unit) is provided.

  In this way, map image data that can be created relatively easily is prepared in advance and provided to the creator M, so that the creator M only needs to create corresponding map-accompanying information. Therefore, it can be expected to create map-accompanying information with high accuracy and quality with sufficient effort.

  In the map data management system S2 in the second modified example, in addition to the above-described configuration, the storage means 42 of the management server 102 is a party K (corresponding to a target area operator) of the map uncreated area. The map image data provided from is stored.

  If it does in this way, if it is the map image data provided from the party K itself of the map uncreated area, it can be regarded as having high reliability, and by providing this to the creator M, the creator M can expect the creation of high-precision map quality information.

  In the map data management system S2 in the second modified example, in addition to the above-described configuration, the payment means 102B (corresponding to the consideration payment unit) of the management server 102 is obtained by a party K of the map creation area. The consideration paid for the provision of the map data by the creator M is paid to the creator M who provided the map data.

  In this way, the related person K in the area where the map has not been created grasps the effect of attracting customers and the improvement in convenience that can be expected by distributing / providing the map data of the area as a kind of advertising / sales promotion means. Costs can be recorded. As a result, since the source of consideration can be obtained from the related person K in the map uncreated area, the business model with the creator M can be constructed without the map data management system S2 itself preparing the consideration. .

  As for the payment of the consideration, the payment may be made at once for the act of creating / providing the map data, or the number of acquisitions, the number of acquisitions, or the number of uses of the user U as in the first modified example. May be paid according to any of the above, or may be paid according to the degree of expectation represented by the designated number of times at the stage of the uncreated map area, or a combination thereof.

  Further, the accuracy / quality of the map data created / provided may be evaluated, and compensation may be paid accordingly. As the evaluation criteria, when the creator M also creates map image data, the evaluation may be evaluated based on the degree of completion, or may be evaluated based on the high accuracy or accuracy of the map supplementary information. Further, if the evaluation of the map data created / provided does not reach a predetermined standard, the map data can be continuously created / provided by the creator M even in the area where the map has been created. If the map data is provided, it may be registered so that it is replaced by paying the consideration.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

It is a system configuration figure showing the whole map data management system of an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the software structural example of the map data management program which operate | moves in the management server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of map data management processing. It is a figure which shows the condition of a system when a user requests | requires provision of map data, specifying a map non-creation area. It is a figure which shows the condition of the system when a creator searches the map uncreated area. It is a figure which shows the condition of the system when a creator produces map data and provides it to the management server. It is a figure which shows the condition of a system when a user requests | requires provision of map data by designating the area where map creation was completed. It is a figure which shows the condition of the system when a user uses map data. It is a figure showing the case where the information of each area is displayed in list format. It is the figure which represented typically the action of each user in the map data management system of a 1st modification, and the flow of the behavior and information of a system corresponding to it. It is the figure which represented typically the action of each user in the map data management system of a 2nd modification, and the behavior of the system corresponding to it, and the flow of information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 User client 10M Creator operation means 10U User operation means 11 Fixed client equipment 12 Portable navigation terminal (equivalent to user portable terminal and creator portable terminal)
41 Input / output unit 42 Storage unit (corresponding to storage means)
43 Map data provider (equivalent to map data provider)
44 Map data registration unit (equivalent to map data registration means)
45 Control unit 100, 101 Management server, 102
S, S1, S2 Map data management system A, B User M Creator U User K Target area operator (corresponding to the related party)

Claims (12)

A management server that stores map data composed of map image data and map supplementary information, a creator operating means for a creator creating the map data to access the management server, and a utilization using the map data In a map data management system having a user operation means for a person to access the management server,
The management server
Storing a plurality of areas distinguished from a map-created area and a map-uncreated area, and storing the map data of the area in association with the map-created area;
Map data providing means for retrieving and providing the corresponding map data from the storage means for the designation of the map-created area by access from the user operation means;
Map data for registering the provided map data in the storage means in association with the uncreated map area when the map data of the uncreated map area is provided by access from the operation means for the creator Registration means;
A map data management system comprising: In the map data management system according to claim 1,
The user operation means includes:
A portable terminal for a user for using the map data acquired from the management server at a location corresponding to the map-created area;
The creator operating means includes:
A map data management system comprising a creator portable terminal for creating the map data at a location corresponding to the map uncreated area. In the map data management system according to claim 1 or 2,
The management server
When the map data of the map non-created area is provided by access from the operation means for the creator, the creation certification data by the person concerned in the map non-created area or the dedicated device related to the map non-created area A determination means for determining whether or not the map data is attached,
The map data registration means includes:
A map data management system, wherein the map data is registered when it is determined by the determination means that the creation certification data is attached. In the map data management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The management server
Receiving means for accepting an application for a map data creation right that can exclusively create the map data of the predetermined map uncreated area by access from the creator operation means;
The map data registration means includes:
Registering the map data provided from the creator operating means that has received the map data creation right by the accepting means in association with the predetermined map uncreated area corresponding to the map data creation right; A featured map data management system. The map data management system according to claim 4,
The receiving means of the management server is
Set an expiration date for the map data creation right that you accepted,
The map data registration means includes:
A map data management system characterized by limitedly and effectively applying the map data creation right within the validity period set by the accepting means. In the map data management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The storage means of the management server is
Storing the map image data in association with any of the uncreated areas of the map,
The image data providing means for retrieving and providing the corresponding map image data from the storage means in response to designation of the map uncreated area by access from the creator operation means. Map data management system. The map data management system according to claim 6,
The storage means of the management server is
The map data management system characterized in that the map image data provided from a person concerned in the map uncreated area is stored. In the map data management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The management server
A payment means for paying the price of the map data to the creator of the creator operation means when the map data of the map uncreated area is provided by access from the creator operation means; A featured map data management system. In the map data management system according to claim 8,
The payment means of the management server is:
A map data management system characterized in that a price paid by the user for acquisition or use of the map data is paid to the creator who provided the map data. In the map data management system according to claim 8,
The payment means of the management server is:
A map data management system characterized by paying to the creator who provided the map data a price paid by a person concerned in the map-prepared area for the provision of the map data by the creator. In the map data management system according to claim 9 or 10,
The payment means of the management server is:
Paying to the creator who provided the map data a compensation according to any of the number of acquisitions, the number of acquisitions, or the number of uses of the user who acquired the map data of the map-created area Map data management system. In the map data management system according to claim 9 or 10,
The payment means of the management server is:
The number of times specified by access from the user operating means is recorded for each map uncreated area, and a price corresponding to the specified number of times is paid to the creator who provided the map data in the map uncreated area A map data management system characterized by that.

Images