JP2010237444A - Map distribution apparatus, map distribution method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a map distribution apparatus, a map distribution method, and a computer program for reducing the response time from reception of a distribution request from each terminal to distribution of the distribution-purpose data. <P>SOLUTION: When new map data is registered, a pre-preparation target navigation device, for which map update data is generated before an update request is received, is identified on the basis of an identified new map area and saved location information in each navigation device 4. If an application required for updating map data of the new map area is not installed in the pre-preparation target navigation device, distribution-purpose data that includes map update data and required application data to be distributed to the navigation device is created before reception of a distribution request, and stored in a distribution-purpose data storage database 28. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a map distribution device, a map distribution method, and a computer program for distributing map update data for updating map data stored in a terminal in response to a request from the terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a navigation device is often mounted on a vehicle that provides vehicle travel guidance so that a driver can easily arrive at a desired destination. Here, the navigation device detects the current position of the vehicle with a GPS receiver or the like, acquires map data corresponding to the current position through a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM or HDD, or a network, and displays it on a liquid crystal monitor. It is a device that can do. Then, map data including the current position of the vehicle is read from a recording medium or the like, a map image around the current position of the vehicle is drawn based on the map data and displayed on the display device, and the vehicle position mark is overlaid on the map image. You can also see at a glance which point the vehicle is currently driving by scrolling the map image as the vehicle moves, or by fixing the map image to the screen and moving the vehicle position mark I have to. In recent years, some cellular phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), personal computers, and the like have functions similar to those of the navigation device.

  Here, new roads (new roads) are built every year in Japan. Along with this, the existing road disappears or the shape of the existing road is changed. At this time, there is a problem that information relating to a new road or the like newly created after the map data owned by the navigation device or the like is not registered in the map data. That is, in a navigation device having map data that does not include a new road, the new road is not displayed on the LCD monitor, and the new road is not subject to route search. There may be a search for a detour route that does not pass. In order to avoid such a problem, it is necessary to update the map data stored in the navigation device or the like at a certain time interval. Here, the update of the map data is performed by purchasing a new map data recording medium and exchanging it with an old recording medium, or updating the map data distributed from the map information distribution center or the like (hereinafter referred to as map update data). Based on this, the map data owned by the navigation device or the like is rewritten.

  Here, in particular, as a method of updating the map data owned by the navigation device or the like using the map update data distributed from the map information distribution center, one of the map data owned by the navigation device or the like requested by the navigation device or the like. There is a difference update that updates only the map data of the area of the copy (see 2008-3417).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-3417 (pages 16 to 18 and FIG. 4)

  By the way, in the difference update, when the map data is updated (read, converted, etc.) based on the map update data received by the navigation device or the like, an application (program) corresponding to the map update data is required. Therefore, when updating map data based on new map update data that does not correspond to the application of the current navigation device or the like (for example, map update data that updates the area of newly registered new map data). Therefore, the navigation device or the like needs to acquire a new application. Therefore, conventionally, when new map update data is distributed to a navigation device or the like in the map information distribution center, distribution data including application data corresponding to the new map update data is created in the map update data. , Was delivering. Specifically, the process for creating distribution data includes a process of reading application data corresponding to the generated map update data from a DB or the like, a process of creating distribution data by combining the read application data and map update data, and thereafter And processing for performing an error check on the distribution data. The distribution data creation process is executed every time there is a distribution request for map update data from a navigation device or the like.

  Here, since the application data has a large data size, a large processing load is generated in the map distribution apparatus in the process of creating the distribution data, particularly in the process of reading from the application data DB and the process of performing error check. Therefore, if data for distribution is created every time there is a request for distribution of map update data from a navigation device or the like as in the past, it will cause a deterioration in the response from reception of the distribution request from each terminal to distribution of the data for distribution. It was.

  When the distribution of the distribution data is delayed, the following problem has arisen particularly when the map data stored in the navigation device is updated. In other words, if the distribution of the distribution data is delayed, the map data is updated after a considerable time has elapsed since the vehicle requested the distribution. As a result, the unusable period of the navigation device that occurs in association with the update of the map data may occur during the travel, resulting in an obstacle to the user's vehicle travel during the unusable period. .

  On the other hand, if distribution data is created and stored in advance for all areas that may be requested to be updated by a navigation device or the like, a very large storage area is required to store the distribution data. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and when new map data is registered, the map update data for updating the map data of the area in which the new map data is registered, and the map Since the distribution data including the program data for causing the terminal to update the map data based on the update data is created and stored in advance, each terminal can reduce the amount of the distribution data to be created in advance. An object of the present invention is to provide a map distribution device, a map distribution method, and a computer program capable of shortening a response from reception of a distribution request to distribution of distribution data.

In order to achieve the above object, the map distribution device (1) according to claim 1 of the present application provides the map data of the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal among the map data stored in the terminal from the terminal (4). Is registered when new map data is registered in the map distribution apparatus that distributes the map update data in response to a distribution request from the terminal when there is a distribution request for map update data for updating And a new map area specifying means (20) for specifying an area included in the new map data as a new map area, and a terminal specifying means (20) for specifying a terminal in which at least a part of the new map area is included in the reference update area ( 20) and a program update is required to update the map data of the new map area in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means Map update data for generating map update data for updating the map data of the update target area including the new map area and the reference update area among the map data stored in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means Program data for updating the program in order to update the map data of the new map area in the terminal specified by the generating means (20) and the terminal specifying means. For generating distribution data including program data generation means (20) for generating the map update data, the map update data generated by the map update data generation means, and the program data generated by the program data generation means Created by the data creation means (20) and the distribution data creation means. A data storage means (20) for storing the distribution data, and a map update data distribution request for updating map data in a reference update area including a registration point of the terminal from the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means And a data distribution means for distributing the distribution data stored by the data storage means to the terminal when there is a data.
The “registration point” is a point registered in advance by the user, such as the user's home, the user's work place, and the like.

  Further, the map distribution method according to claim 2 is a map update data for updating the map data in the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal among the map data stored in the terminal from the terminal (4). In a map distribution method for distributing the map update data in response to a distribution request from the terminal when there is a distribution request, an area included in the registered new map data when new map data is registered A new map area identifying step for identifying a new map area, a terminal identifying step for identifying a terminal in which at least a part of the new map area is included in the reference update area, and the terminal identified by the terminal identifying step If the program needs to be updated to update the map data of the new map area, the terminal specifying step A map update data generation step for generating map update data for updating the map data of the update target area including the new map area and the reference update area among the map data stored in the determined terminal; and the terminal A program data generating step for generating program data for updating the program when updating of the program is necessary to update the map data of the new map area in the terminal specified by the specifying step; A distribution data creation step for creating distribution data including the map update data generated by the map update data generation step and the program data generated by the program data generation step; and Store the created data for distribution The data storage means when there is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data of the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal from the terminal specified in the terminal specifying step. And a data distribution step of distributing the distribution data stored in step 1 to the terminal.

  Furthermore, the computer program according to claim 3 is installed in a computer, and the map update data for updating the map data in the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal among the map data stored in the terminal from the terminal. In the computer program for executing the distribution of the map update data in response to the distribution request from the terminal when the new map data is registered, the registered new map data A new map area specifying function for specifying an area included in the map as a new map area, a terminal specifying function for specifying a terminal in which at least a part of the new map area is included in the reference update area, and the terminal specifying function. In addition, in order to update the map data of the new map area in the terminal, the program is updated. When necessary, generates map update data for updating the map data of the update target area including the new map area and the reference update area among the map data stored in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying function. And a program for updating the program when it is necessary to update the map data in the new map area in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying function. Program data generation function for generating data, distribution data generation for generating distribution data including the map update data generated by the map update data generation function and the program data generated by the program data generation function Function and the delivery data created by the delivery data creation function Data storage function for storing data, and when there is a request for distribution of map update data for updating the map data of the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal from the terminal specified by the terminal specifying function, And a data distribution function for distributing the distribution data stored by the data storage means to the terminal.

  In the map distribution device according to claim 1 having the above-described configuration, when new map data is registered, map update data for updating the map data of the area in which the new map data is registered, and a map based on the map update data Since the distribution data including the program data for causing the terminal to update the data is created and stored in advance, the distribution request is received from each terminal while suppressing the amount of the distribution data to be created in advance. It is possible to shorten the response from distribution to distribution of distribution data. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the map data update process from being delayed, particularly in a time zone in which distribution requests from terminals are concentrated.

  In the map distribution method according to claim 2, when new map data is registered, map update data for updating the map data of the area in which the new map data is registered, and map data based on the map update data are updated. Since data for distribution including program data for causing the terminal to execute the update is created and stored in advance, it is distributed from reception of a distribution request from each terminal while suppressing the amount of data for distribution to be created in advance. It is possible to shorten the response to the distribution of the business data. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the map data update process from being delayed, particularly in a time zone in which distribution requests from terminals are concentrated.

  Further, in the computer program according to claim 3, when new map data is registered, map update data for updating the map data of the area in which the new map data is registered, and update of the map data based on the map update data Distribution data including the program data for executing on the terminal is created and stored in advance, so that the amount of distribution data to be created in advance is suppressed and the distribution request is received from each terminal. It is possible to shorten the response until data distribution. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the map data update process from being delayed, particularly in a time zone in which distribution requests from terminals are concentrated.

It is the schematic block diagram which showed the map information delivery system which concerns on this embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the map information delivery system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the version management system of the basic map data memorize | stored in center side map information DB. It is the figure which showed the version management table memorize | stored in version management DB. It is the figure which showed the application management table memorize | stored in application management DB. It is a figure explaining an example of the update of the map data memorize | stored in the navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart of the specific delivery data creation processing program according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining a new map area. It is explanatory drawing explaining the made-up determination area. It is explanatory drawing explaining an update object area. It is a flowchart of the data delivery processing program for delivery concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the data production process program for specific delivery which concerns on other embodiment.

Hereinafter, a map distribution device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment embodied in a map distribution center 1 with reference to the drawings.
First, a schematic configuration of a map information distribution system 2 including a map distribution center 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a map information distribution system 2 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the map information distribution system 2 according to the present embodiment is basically composed of a map distribution center 1 and a navigation device 4 installed in a vehicle 3. In the present embodiment, an example in which the navigation device 4 is used as a terminal for storing map data as will be described later and updating the stored map data based on the data distributed from the map distribution center 1 will be described. However, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal computer, or the like may be used instead of the navigation device 4.

  Here, the map distribution center 1 updates the old version of the map data stored in the navigation device 4 to a new version of map data reflecting newly established or abolished roads or facilities ( Generation of map data (hereinafter referred to as map update data), generation of map data based on the map update data (reading, conversion, etc.), generation of application data which is a program necessary for the navigation device 4 to execute, and generated map update data And a distribution center that distributes application data. In addition, as map update data, all the map data memorize | stored in the navigation apparatus 4 are rewritten and updated (henceforth all updates), and only the specific area of map data is rewritten and updated (henceforth, There are two types of differential update data (referred to as differential update). In this embodiment described below, only an embodiment using differential update data as map update data will be described.

The navigation device 4 is installed on a vehicle 3 traveling on each road in the country, displays a map around the vehicle position based on the stored map data, and searches and guides a route to a set destination. It is an in-vehicle device. Here, the map distribution center 1 and the navigation device 4 are configured to be capable of bidirectional communication using a vehicle communication module 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as a communication module 5) such as a mobile phone or DCM mounted in advance in the vehicle. Various information such as distribution request data and map update data, which will be described later, is transmitted and received between the two.
In addition, the navigation device 4 has a specific area (with respect to the map distribution center 1) when a specific condition is satisfied (for example, when ACC is turned on or when a destination is set and route guidance is started). For example, a map update data distribution request for updating the map data of the 80 km square area centered on the user's home and the 10 km square area centered on the set destination) to a new version of map data is transmitted. To do.
Furthermore, when the navigation apparatus 4 receives map update data from the map distribution center 1 in response to the transmitted distribution request, the navigation apparatus 4 updates the map data to be stored based on the received map update data.

  Next, the map distribution center 1 constituting the map information distribution system 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the map information distribution system 2 according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the map distribution center 1 is a server (new map area specifying means, terminal specifying means, map update data generating means, application data generating means, distribution data generating means, data storage means, data distribution means, program Version acquisition means) 20, a center side map information DB 26 as an information recording unit connected to the server 20, a version management DB 27, a distribution data storage DB 28, an application management DB 33, and a center side communication device 29. .

  The server 20 performs a process of registering new map data reflecting the input operation or the like based on the input operation of the administrator, etc., when the roads and facilities in various parts of the country are newly established or removed, and the map update data to be distributed to the navigation device 4 , Processing for generating application data necessary for causing the navigation device 4 to execute update (reading, conversion, etc.) of map data based on the map update data, distribution including map update data and necessary application data This is a control unit that performs overall control of the map distribution center 1 such as processing for generating business data and processing for distributing the generated distribution data to the navigation device 4. The server 20 includes an arithmetic device that controls the entire server 20, a CPU 21 as a control device, a RAM 22 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 21 performs various arithmetic processes, a control program, which will be described later. An internal storage device such as a flash memory 24 for storing a program read from the ROM 23 and the ROM 23 in which a data distribution processing program for specific distribution (see FIG. 7) and a data distribution processing program for distribution (see FIG. 11) are recorded. Yes.

Further, the center-side map information DB 26 is registered based on input data and input operations from the outside, and the version of the basic map data 30 which is the map data serving as the basis for updating the map data stored in the navigation device 4 is a version. It is a memory | storage means to be divided and memorize | stored for every area and every area. Here, the version is creation time information for specifying the time when the map data was created, and the time when the map data was created can be specified by referring to the version.
Then, the map distribution center 1 performs version management of the basic map data 30 stored in the center-side map information DB 26 in units of 10 km square secondary mesh. For example, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a version management system for the basic map data 30 stored in the center-side map information DB 26. As shown in FIG. 3, in the basic map data 30, a mesh ID is set for each secondary mesh, and the latest version number of the map data of the secondary mesh at the current time is assigned to each mesh ID. Are associated and managed. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the latest version of the secondary mesh map data “mesh ID: 10001” is “5”, and the latest version of the secondary mesh map data “mesh ID: 10002”. Is “3”, and the latest version of the map data of the secondary mesh of “Mesh ID: 10003” is “4”. Then, when new map data is registered by the administrator, the basic map data 30 is newly updated for the secondary mesh included in the registered new map data (for example, version “4”). To version “5”). In addition to the latest version of the basic map data 30, the old version of the basic map data 30 is stored in the center-side map information DB 26 separately for each version and each secondary mesh.

The version management DB 27 is a storage unit that records a version management table 31 that indicates the version of map data currently stored in each navigation device 4 to which map update data is to be distributed. Here, the map data stored in the navigation device 4 and the basic map data 30 are recorded with various information necessary for route guidance and map display including a road network, for example, for displaying a map. It consists of map display data, intersection data for each intersection, node data for node points, link data for roads (links), search data for searching for routes, facility data for facilities, search data for searching points, etc. ing.
The map information distribution system 2 performs version management of the map data stored in the navigation device 4 in units of a secondary mesh of 10 km square for each navigation device 4 serving as a distribution destination. Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a version management table 31 stored in the version management DB 27. As shown in FIG. 4, the version management table 31 sets a user ID for each navigation device 4 to which map update data is distributed, sets a mesh ID for each secondary mesh, and further sets each user ID (multiple digits). Number)) and the current version number of the map data for each mesh ID. Are associated and managed. For example, in the navigation device 4 of “user ID: A001” shown in FIG. 4, the current version of the map data of the secondary mesh of “mesh ID: 10001” is “5”, and 2 of “mesh ID: 10002”. The current version of the map data of the next mesh is “3”, and the current version of the map data of the secondary mesh of “Mesh ID: 10003” is “3”. When the map update data is distributed to the navigation device 4, the map distribution center 1 considers that the distribution destination navigation device 4 has updated the map using the distributed map update data. The version corresponding to the corresponding user ID and mesh ID is updated.

  The version management DB 27 also stores the position coordinates of the user's home as registered points registered in each navigation device 4 that is the distribution target of the map update data (see FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, the user's home is set as the registered point, but may be another point as long as it is a point registered in advance in the navigation device 4. For example, the user's work location or the like may be used as the registration point. When a new registration point is set in the navigation device 4, information on the set registration point is transmitted to the map distribution center 1, and the version management DB 27 is updated.

Further, the version management DB 27 stores the version number of the application currently installed in each navigation device 4 to be distributed map update data. Is also stored (see FIG. 4). Then, the map distribution center 1 stores the version number of the application of each navigation device 4 stored in the version management DB 27. Based on the above, it is determined whether to include application data in the distribution data. When application data is distributed as distribution data, the version number of the application corresponding to the distribution destination navigation device 4 stored in the version management DB 27 is stored. Is updated to the version of the distributed application data.
Further, the version management table 31 is updated with application data included in the currently prepared distribution data (distribution data stored in the distribution data storage DB 28) as shown in FIG. The application version of each navigation device 4 is also stored. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, distribution data is created for the navigation device of “user ID: A002”, and the created distribution data changes the application version from “4” to “5”. The case where application data to be updated is included is shown in

  The distribution data storage DB 28 is a storage unit that stores distribution data 32 for distribution to the navigation device 4.

Here, the distribution data 32 includes map update data or map update data and application data.
The map update data is obtained by substituting the map data stored in the navigation device 4 in the area requested by the distribution request from the navigation device 4 (hereinafter referred to as update request area) into a new version of map data. Data to be updated. And it produces | generates by the server 20 based on the version management table 31 memorize | stored in the basic map data 30 and version management DB27.
On the other hand, the application data is application installation data required when the map data is updated (read, converted, etc.) based on the map update data received by the navigation device 4. Note that there are a plurality of versions of application data, and map update data corresponding to each version (map update data that can be updated by the application) is determined in advance as described later. Newly generated map update data is associated with a new version of application data.

After receiving the map update data distribution request from the navigation device 4, the map distribution center 1 generates map update data to be distributed to the navigation device 4 that is the distribution request source. Furthermore, when the version of the application corresponding to the generated map update data is newer than the version of the application currently installed in the navigation apparatus 4 that is the distribution request source, the corresponding application data is read from the application management DB 33. Thereafter, distribution data including the generated map update data and application data is distributed.
On the other hand, if the version of the application corresponding to the generated map update data is the same as or older than the version of the application currently installed in the navigation device 4 that is the distribution request source, the distribution data including only the generated map update data is displayed. To deliver.

Therefore, when the map update data such as the map update data for updating the area other than the newly registered area of the new map data distributes the map update data that does not require a new application, the distribution data is an application. Does not contain data. That is, in such distribution data creation processing, the processing load generated in the map distribution apparatus is relatively small. In addition, the response from the reception of the distribution request from each navigation device 4 to the distribution of the distribution data was rarely deteriorated. Therefore, if only distribution data including application data that is larger in data size than map update data is created and stored in advance, it will be distributed along with the processing load of the map distribution device. It is possible to solve the problem of an increase in the storage area for storing data for use.
Accordingly, when the map distribution center 1 distributes distribution data including application data to a specific navigation device 4, the map distribution center 1 distributes the map update data before receiving a distribution request for map update data from the specific navigation device 4. Data is created and stored in the distribution data storage DB 28. When the map distribution center 1 subsequently receives a map update data distribution request from the specific navigation device 4, the map distribution center 1 reads the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage DB 28 and reads the read distribution data. To deliver.

  The update request area for which map update data is requested from the navigation device 4 varies depending on the situation of the navigation device 4 when the navigation device 4 requests map update data. Specifically, the navigation device 4 is configured to request the map distribution center 1 to distribute map update data when the ACC is turned on and when the destination is set and the route guidance is started. Yes. When the ACC of the navigation device 4 is turned on, a secondary mesh (reference update area) including an area of a predetermined distance (for example, 80 km) around the registration point of the navigation device 4 (for example, the user's home). And distribution of secondary mesh map update data including high-standard roads (for example, highways, etc.) nationwide. On the other hand, when the destination is set by the navigation device 4 and the route guidance is started, a secondary mesh including an area of a predetermined distance (for example, 10 km) around the destination set by the navigation device 4; Request distribution of secondary mesh map update data including high-standard roads nationwide.

The application management DB 33 is a storage unit that stores an application management table 35 indicating the correspondence between the application data 34 and the map update data together with the application data 34. The application management DB 33 stores all versions of application data 34 generated by the map distribution center 1 up to now.
The map information distribution system 2 manages the correspondence relationship between the application data 34 and the map update data in units of a secondary mesh of 10 km square. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an application management table 35 stored in the application management DB 33. As shown in FIG. 5, the application management table 35 has a map data version No. registered in the secondary mesh so far for the mesh ID set for each secondary mesh of the map data. And the version number of the application data corresponding to the version update of the map data of the secondary mesh. Are associated and managed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, there are “1” to “5” as the version of the secondary mesh map data “mesh ID: 10001”, and the version is updated from “1” to version “2”. Requires that a version “1” application be installed in the navigation device 4, and in order to update from version “1” or “2” to version “3”, the version “2” application must be installed. It is necessary to be installed in the navigation device 4, and in order to update from any of the versions “1” to “3” to the version “4”, an application of the version “3” is installed in the navigation device 4. Update from one of the versions "1" to "4" to version "5" It is necessary that the application of version "4" has been installed in the navigation device 4 in. Therefore, for example, when the version of the application currently installed in the navigation device 4 is “3”, the version of the map data of the secondary mesh of “Mesh ID: 10001” is changed from “4” to “5”. When the map update data to be updated is distributed from the map distribution center 1 to the navigation device, the application data 34 of the version “4” is distributed as distribution data together with the map update data.
If the navigation device 4 to be distributed includes a plurality of types of navigation devices 4, the map distribution center 1 creates and manages an application management table 35 for each format.

  Further, the center side communication device 29 is a communication device for communicating with the navigation device 4 via the network 8. Here, as the network 8, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, a mobile phone network, a telephone network, a public communication network, a dedicated communication network, a communication network such as the Internet Etc. can be used. A communication system using CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, terrestrial digital television broadcasting, FM multiplex broadcasting, or the like by a broadcasting satellite can also be used. Furthermore, a communication system such as a non-stop automatic fee payment system (ETC) or a narrow area communication system (DSRC) used in an intelligent road traffic system (ITS) can also be used.

Next, an example of updating the map data stored in the navigation device 4 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, there is a map update data distribution request for updating map data in a predetermined update request area from the navigation device 4 to the map distribution center 1, which is stored in the navigation device 4. Of the map data 36, the version of the mesh to be updated in the update request area is “4”, the version of the application installed in the navigation device 4 is “3”, and the map distribution center 1 owns it. When the latest version of the update request area of the basic map data 30 to be updated is “5” and the version of the application required to update the map data of the mesh to be updated to version “5” is “4”. explain.
In this case, the map distribution center 1 generates the map update data by comparing the version “4” and the version “5” of the basic map data 30 stored in the center side map information DB 26. Note that the map update data generated in this case is the map data 36 stored in the navigation device 4 from the version “4” to the version “5” of the mesh map data to be updated in the update request area. Data to be updated. In addition, when generating map update data, a process for checking whether the road network is correctly communicated after the update between the area where the map data is updated and the area adjacent to the area (network confirmation process) ).
Further, since the version of the application installed in the navigation device 4 is “3”, the map distribution center 1 updates the version “4” in order to update the version of the application installed in the navigation device 4 to “4”. 4 "application data is read from the application management DB 33.
Thereafter, distribution data including the generated map update data and the application data of the version “4” read from the application management DB 33 is created. Further, when the distribution data is created, a process (error check process) for checking an error in the created distribution data is also performed. However, as described later, specific distribution data distributed to a specific navigation device is created before receiving a distribution request from the specific navigation device 4. The application data read process and error check process associated with the creation of distribution data are also executed before receiving a distribution request from the specific navigation device 4.
The map distribution center 1 distributes the generated distribution data to the navigation device 4 that is the distribution request source. On the other hand, the navigation device 4 that has received the distribution data first upgrades the installed application based on the application data 34 included in the received distribution data. As a result, the version of the application installed in the navigation device 4 is updated from the version “3” to the version “4”. Thereafter, the map data 36 is updated using the map update data included in the received distribution data. As a result, the map data of the mesh to be updated in the update request area in the map data 36 stored in the navigation device 4 is updated from the version “4” to the version “5”.

  Next, a specific distribution data creation processing program executed by the server 20 of the map distribution center 1 in the map information distribution system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the specific delivery data creation processing program according to the present embodiment. Here, the specific distribution data creation processing program is executed when a new map data registration operation is performed in the map distribution center 1, and the specific distribution data to be distributed to a specific navigation device is designated as the specific distribution data. This is a program prepared in advance before receiving a distribution request from the navigation device 4. Note that the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 below is stored in the RAM 22 or ROM 23 provided in the server 20 and executed by the CPU 21.

First, in the specific distribution data creation processing program, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the CPU 21 performs registration processing of new map data based on data input by the administrator. Specifically, when roads and facilities in various parts of the country are newly established or abolished, map data reflecting the changed contents is generated as a new version of basic map data 30 and stored in the center-side map information DB 26. Thus, the registration process is performed. The registration of the new map data in S1 is performed in units of secondary mesh. That is, when roads and facilities located throughout the country are newly established or abolished, only secondary mesh map data including the changed portion is registered as new map data. Accordingly, the basic map data 30 is managed for each version in units of secondary mesh (see FIG. 3).
The registration of new map data may be performed in area units other than the secondary mesh unit. For example, it may be performed in an administrative division unit such as a municipality or an area narrower than the secondary mesh (eg, an area of 2.5 km square).

  Next, in S2, the CPU 21 corresponds to the map update data for reflecting the new map data registered in S1 (that is, update (reading, converting, etc.) using the map update data for reflecting the new map data. ) Is generated by the navigation device 4 to generate application) data. The generated application data includes a new version number. Are stored in the application management DB 33 in association with each other. Further, the application management table 35 (FIG. 5) is updated. If the corresponding application data is already stored in the application management DB 33, the process of S2 is not executed.

  Subsequently, in S3, the CPU 21 performs a new map area specifying process for specifying a new map area in which the version of the basic map data 30 is updated (new map data is registered) by registering new map data. . In the new map area specifying process, when the new map data registered in S1 is data that spans a plurality of secondary meshes (for example, when a newly constructed road straddles a plurality of secondary meshes), An area obtained by combining a plurality of secondary meshes included in the new map data is specified as a new map area. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when a newly established road 41 straddles three secondary meshes 42 to 44, an area combining the secondary meshes 42 to 44 is specified as a new map area. In addition, when the new map data registered in S1 is data that does not span a plurality of secondary meshes (for example, when a newly constructed road is included in only one secondary mesh), Only the secondary mesh is specified as a new map area.

Further, in S4, the CPU 21 sets a reserve determination area based on the new map area specified in S2. Here, the preparation determination area is a range surrounded by a boundary connecting points 40 km away from the new map area specified in S3. This reserve determination area is used to identify the navigation device 4 that is a target for generating map update data before receiving an update request in S4 described later.
For example, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a preparation determination area 45 that is set when an area obtained by combining the secondary meshes 42 to 44 illustrated in FIG. 8 is specified as a new map area. As shown in FIG. 9, the reserve determination area 45 is a range surrounded by a boundary connecting points 40 km away from the secondary meshes 42 to 44. Specifically, when a 40 km square is circulated around the secondary meshes 42 to 44 in a state of being in contact with the secondary meshes 42 to 44, the area of the outer circumference drawn by the squares is created and the determination area 45 is set. And
Further, when the preparation determination area is set in S4, information (for example, coordinates of the outer periphery of the area) for specifying the set preparation determination area is stored in the RAM 22 or the like.

  Thereafter, in S5, the CPU 21 specifies a navigation device (hereinafter referred to as a preparation target navigation device) that is a target for creating distribution data before receiving the update request. Specifically, first, the position coordinate of each user's home is acquired from the version management DB 27 as a registered location registered in each navigation device 4 that is the distribution target of the distribution data. Then, the position coordinates of each user's home are compared with the preparation determination area set in S4, and the navigation device 4 including the position coordinates of the user's home in the preparation determination area is specified. In the navigation device 4 in which the position coordinate of the user's home is included in the preparation determination area, at least a part of the new map area is a reference update area of the navigation device 4 (registered point of the navigation device 4 (user's home)). Is a navigation device included in a secondary mesh including an area of 80 km square centering on. That is, the preparation target navigation device is a navigation device in which at least a part of the map data in the new map area is the update target when the ACC is turned on and the map data in the reference update area is updated.

  In S6, the CPU 21 determines whether or not at least one navigation device 4 has been specified as a preparation target navigation device in S4. As a result, when at least one navigation device 4 is specified as a preparation target navigation device (S6: YES), the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if none of the navigation devices 4 is specified as a preparation target navigation device (S6: NO), the specific distribution data creation processing program is terminated without making distribution data.

  Then, the following processing of S7 to S16 is executed for each preparation target navigation device specified in S4. Specifically, the processes of S7 to S16 are repeatedly executed in order from the preparation target navigation device with the smallest user ID. And after the process with respect to all the specified preparation object navigation apparatuses is completed, the said specific delivery data creation process program is complete | finished.

  First, in S7, the CPU 21 refers to the version management table 31 (FIG. 4) and the application management table 35 (FIG. 5), and in the preparation target navigation device 4 to be processed, the map of the new map area specified in S3. It is determined whether or not an application necessary for executing data update is already installed.

And when it determines with the application required in order to perform the update of the map data of a new map area having already been installed (S7: YES), with respect to the preparation object navigation apparatus 4 of the present process object In this case, the processing ends without making the distribution data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the application necessary for updating the map data in the new map area is not installed (S7: NO), the process proceeds to S8.
For example, if the new map data registered in S1 is the map data of version “5” of “mesh ID: 10001” shown in FIG. 5, the application of version “4” is the map data of the new map area. This is an application that is required to execute the update.

In S8, the CPU 21 refers to the version management table 31 (FIG. 4) and the application management table 35 (FIG. 5), and is scheduled to deliver to the preparation target navigation device 4 to be processed, and is specified in S3. It is determined whether or not distribution data including application data necessary for updating the map data of the new map area is already created in the distribution data storage DB 28.
Specifically, distribution data to be distributed to the preparation target navigation device 4 to be processed is stored in the distribution data storage DB 28, and the application data included in the distribution data is S3. In the case of the application data for updating to the version of the application necessary for executing the update of the map data of the new map area specified in step, YES is determined. On the other hand, when the distribution data to be distributed to the preparation target navigation device 4 to be processed is not stored in the distribution data storage DB 28, and even if stored, the application included in the distribution data If the data is not application data for updating to the version of the application necessary for updating the map data of the new map area specified in S3, it is determined as NO.

  If it is determined that the application data necessary for updating the map data of the new map area is not created in the distribution data storage DB 28 (S8: NO), the process proceeds to S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the application data necessary for updating the map data in the new map area is stored in the distribution data storage DB 28 (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S13. To do.

  In S9, the CPU 21 updates the reference update area of the target navigation device to be processed (secondary mesh including an 80 km square area centered on the registration point of the navigation device (user's home)) and the new specified in S3. An update target area including a map area is set, and map update data for updating the map data of the update target area is generated. Specifically, the CPU 21 first acquires the version of the update target area of the corresponding navigation device 4 from the version management DB 27. Then, the updated version of the basic map data 30 is compared with the latest version of the basic map data 30 in the same area to generate map update data. The map update data generated in this case is data for updating the map data of the mesh to be updated in the update request area from the current version to the new version among the map data stored in the navigation device 4. Yes (see FIG. 6). In S9, as the map update data is generated, the CPU 21 also performs a network confirmation process for confirming whether the road network is correctly communicated between the update target area and the area adjacent to the update target area after the update. Do.

  Here, FIG. 10 shows that the area where the secondary meshes 42 to 44 shown in FIG. 8 are combined is specified as a new map area, and the registration point (user's home) is in the preparation determination area 45 shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the update object area 48 set with respect to the placement object navigation apparatus. As shown in FIG. 10, the update target area 48 includes a reference update area 49 (secondary mesh including an 80 km square area centered on the registration point of the navigation device (the user's home)) and a new one. The area includes the secondary meshes 42 to 44 which are map areas.

  In S10, the CPU 21 refers to the application management table 35 (FIG. 5), updates the version of the application currently installed in the target navigation device to be processed, and updates the map data in the new map area specified in S3. The application data for updating to the version of the application necessary for executing is read from the application management DB 33.

  Next, in S11, the CPU 21 creates distribution data including the map update data generated in S9 and the application data read in S10. Further, in S11, an error check process for checking an error in the created distribution data is also performed.

  Subsequently, in S12, the CPU 21 stores the distribution data created in S11 in the distribution data storage DB 28 in association with the user ID of the distribution destination navigation device. Then, the version management table 31 (FIG. 4) is updated based on the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage DB. Specifically, the information for specifying the version of the application of the navigation device 4 when updated with the application data included in the distribution data currently being prepared is updated. The distribution data stored in the distribution data storage DB 28 is distributed in accordance with the received distribution request when a distribution request is received from the navigation device 4 that has created the distribution data as will be described later. (S26).

  On the other hand, in S13, the CPU 21 sets a reference update area of the preparation target navigation device to be processed and an update target area including the new map area specified in S3, and a map for updating the map data in the update target area. Generate update data. Note that the specific processing contents are the same as in S9, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, in S <b> 14, the CPU 21 reads out the distribution data corresponding to the generated map update data from the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage DB 28. Note that the distribution data corresponding to the generated map update data is distribution data scheduled to be distributed to the target navigation device 4 to be processed, and the map of the new map area specified in S3. This is distribution data including application data necessary for executing data update.

  Subsequently, in S15, the CPU 21 adds the map update data generated in S13 to the distribution data read from the distribution data storage DB 28 in S14, and newly distributes the distribution data added with the map update data. Data.

Thereafter, in S16, the CPU 21 stores the distribution data to which the map update data is added in S15 in the distribution data storage DB 28 again.
Thereafter, the specific delivery data creation processing program is terminated after the processing of S7 to S16 is completed for all the preparation target navigation devices.

  Next, a map data distribution processing program executed by the server 20 of the map distribution center 1 in the map information distribution system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the map data distribution processing program according to this embodiment. Here, the map data distribution processing program is a program that is executed when a distribution update data distribution request is received from the navigation device 4 and distributes the map update data in response to the distribution request transmitted from the navigation device 4. Note that the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 below is stored in the RAM 22 or ROM 23 provided in the server 20 and executed by the CPU 21.

  First, in the map update data distribution processing program, the CPU 21 receives a map update data distribution request transmitted from the navigation device 4 in S21. Then, information regarding the received distribution request is stored in the RAM 22.

  The distribution request includes a user ID that specifies the navigation device 4 that is the transmission source of the distribution request, and information that specifies an area for which an update is requested. Here, the navigation device 4 is configured to request the map distribution center 1 to distribute map update data when the ACC is turned on and when the destination is set and the route guidance is started. . When the ACC of the navigation device 4 is turned on, the area for requesting the update is a secondary mesh (reference update area) including an area of a predetermined distance (for example, 80 km) around the registration point of the navigation device 4. ) And secondary meshes including high-standard roads (for example, highways, etc.) nationwide. When the destination is set by the navigation device 4 and the route guidance is started, a secondary mesh including an area of a predetermined distance (for example, 10 km) around the destination set by the navigation device 4; A secondary mesh that includes high-standard roads nationwide.

  Next, in S22, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the navigation device 4 that is the transmission source of the distribution request is the navigation device in which the distribution data has been created in S8 to S12. When it is determined that the navigation device 4 that is the transmission source of the distribution request is the navigation device in which the distribution data has been created (S22: YES), the process proceeds to S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that the navigation device 4 that is the transmission source of the distribution request is not the navigation device in which the distribution data has been created (S22: NO), the process proceeds to S25.

  In S23, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the distribution request received from the navigation device 4 is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data in the area including the reference update area. In the present embodiment, the distribution request transmitted when the ACC of the navigation device 4 is turned on becomes the map update data distribution request for updating the map data in the area including the reference update area.

  If it is determined that the distribution request received from the navigation device 4 is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data in the area including the reference update area (S23: YES), the process proceeds to S24. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the distribution request received from the navigation device 4 is not a map update data distribution request for updating the map data in the area including the reference update area (S23: NO), the process proceeds to S25. To do.

In S24, the CPU 21 reads out the distribution data associated with the navigation device 4 that has transmitted the distribution request from the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage DB 28 in S12. Thereafter, the read distribution data is distributed to the navigation device 4 that has transmitted the distribution request (S26). Then, the navigation device 4 that has received the distribution data updates the application installed in the navigation device 4 and the map data stored in the navigation device 4 based on the received distribution data. As a result, the application installed in the navigation device 4 is first updated based on the application data included in the distribution data. Thereafter, based on the map update data included in the distribution data among the map data stored in the navigation device 4, the mesh map data to be updated in the update request area is updated to a new version of map data. . On the other hand, when the application data is not included in the distribution data, only the map data is updated.
In addition, new map data that is changed (newly established or removed) for high-standard roads (such as highways) in the whole country since the map update data was delivered to the navigation device 4 that sent the delivery request last time is new. If it is registered, the map update data for updating the secondary mesh including the high standard road is also generated and distributed in the distribution data.

  On the other hand, in S25, based on the distribution request, the CPU 21 creates distribution data including map update data and necessary application data for updating the map data of the requested area to a new version of map data. However, if necessary application data is already installed in the requesting navigation device, distribution data is created only from the generated map update data. Then, the created distribution data is distributed to the navigation device 4 that has transmitted the distribution request (S26). When creating the distribution data in S25, a process for reading application data corresponding to the map update data from the DB or the like and a process for checking an error in the created distribution data are performed as in the prior art. Is called. Since the distribution data creation processing in S25 is already known, details are omitted. In addition, the version management table 31 (FIG. 4) memorize | stored in version management DB27 is updated with the delivery process (S26) of the data for delivery.

As described in detail above, in the map distribution center 1 according to the present embodiment, the map update method by the map distribution center 1 and the computer program executed in the map distribution center 1, when new map data is registered, the new The secondary mesh included in the map data is identified as a new map area (S3), and the map update data is generated before receiving the update request from the identified new map area and the registered point information of each navigation device 4. If the application necessary for executing the update of the map data of the new map area is not installed in the preparation target navigation device, the preparation target navigation device is specified (S5). Map update data to be distributed and necessary application data Is generated before receiving the distribution request (S11) and stored in the distribution data storage DB 28 (S12), so that each terminal can reduce the amount of distribution data to be generated in advance. It is possible to shorten the response from the reception of the distribution request to the distribution of the distribution data. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the map data update process from being delayed, particularly in a time zone in which distribution requests from terminals are concentrated.
In addition, only when the version of the program necessary for causing the navigation device 4 to update the map data based on the map update data to be distributed is newer than the version of the application installed in the navigation device 4 as the distribution destination. Since the corresponding application data is included in the distribution data, the data size of the distribution data can be reduced.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the distribution data is created for each navigation device 4 to be prepared and stored in the DB, but common distribution data that can be distributed to a plurality of navigation devices 4 is used. It is good also as a structure to create. Details will be described below.

Here, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the specific delivery data creation processing program according to the other embodiment.
The processing of S101 to S106 is the same as the processing of S1 to S6 of the specific delivery data creation processing program according to the present embodiment shown in FIG.

  In S107, the CPU 21 specifies application data that needs to be distributed to each preparation target navigation device specified in S104. For example, if the current version of the navigation device to be prepared is “3” and the version of the application required to update the map data in the new map area is “5”, “3” Application data for updating the application version from “5” to “5” is specified. And the flag corresponding to the application data specified for every preparation object navigation apparatus is turned ON. For example, when application data for updating the application version from “1” to “5” is specified, “flag 1” is turned ON. If application data for updating the application version from “2” to “5” is specified, “flag 2” is turned ON. If application data for updating the application version from “3” to “5” is specified, “flag 3” is turned ON. If application data for updating the application version from “4” to “5” is specified, “flag 4” is turned ON. It should be noted that the processing is terminated without turning on any flag for the preparation target navigation device in which the application necessary for updating the map data in the new map area is already installed.

  Next, in S108, the CPU 21 determines the reference update area (an 80 km square area centered on the registration point (user's home) of the navigation device) of all the preparation target navigation devices for which any of the flags is turned on in S107. 2) and an update target area including the new map area specified in S103, and map update data for updating the map data of the update target area is generated.

  Subsequently, in S109, the CPU 21 changes the application data corresponding to the flag turned on in S107 (for example, when the flag 3 and the flag 4 are turned on, the version of the application is changed from “3” to “5”). Application data for updating and application data for updating the version of the application from “4” to “5”) are read from the application management DB 33.

  Thereafter, in S110, the CPU 21 creates distribution data including the map update data generated in S108 and the application data read out in S109 for each flag. Further, in S110, an error check process for checking an error in the created distribution data is also performed.

  Next, in S111, the CPU 21 stores each distribution data created in S110 in the distribution data storage DB 28 in association with a flag. The distribution data stored in the distribution data storage DB 28 includes distribution data corresponding to the ON flag when a distribution request is received from the navigation device 4 with any of the flags ON. Deliver in response to a delivery request.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the navigation device 4 is used as a terminal for updating the map data stored based on the data distributed from the map distribution center 1 has been described. A mobile phone, PDA, personal computer, or the like may be used.

  Further, the size of the preparation determination area set in S4 or S104 may be changed depending on the density of registered points. For example, in the area where the density of registered points is high, the reserve determination area is set narrower than the standard (40 km around the new map area), and in the area where the density of registered points is low, the reserve determination area is set wider than the standard. As a result, the data amount of the distribution data to be created can be set to an appropriate size.

  In this embodiment, in S6, the update target area is the reference update area of the navigation device 4 (secondary mesh including an 80 km square area centered on the registration point of the navigation device (user's home)) and the S2. Is set to an area including the new map area specified in (see FIG. 10), but may be set to an area including the reference update area and the area to be reserved.

1 map distribution center 2 map information distribution system 3 vehicle 4 navigation device 20 server 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
32 Data for distribution 34 Application data 45 Make-up determination area 48 Update target area 49 Reference update area

Claims (3)

When there is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data in the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal among the map data stored in the terminal from the terminal, the distribution request from the terminal In response to the map distribution device that distributes the map update data,
New map area specifying means for specifying an area included in the registered new map data as a new map area when new map data is registered;
Terminal specifying means for specifying a terminal in which at least a part of the new map area is included in the reference update area;
When update of the program is necessary to update the map data of the new map area in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means, the map data stored in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means Map update data generating means for generating map update data for updating the map data of the update target area including the new map area and the reference update area,
Program data generating means for generating program data for updating the program when the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means needs to be updated in order to update the map data of the new map area. When,
Distribution data creation means for creating distribution data including the map update data generated by the map update data generation means and the program data generated by the program data generation means;
Data storage means for storing the delivery data created by the delivery data creation means;
The distribution stored by the data storage unit when there is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data of the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal from the terminal specified by the terminal specifying unit A map distribution device comprising: data distribution means for distributing data to the terminal. When there is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data in the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal among the map data stored in the terminal from the terminal, the distribution request from the terminal In the map distribution method for distributing the map update data accordingly,
A new map area specifying step of specifying an area included in the registered new map data as a new map area when new map data is registered;
A terminal specifying step for specifying a terminal in which at least a part of the new map area is included in the reference update area;
When update of a program is necessary to update the map data of the new map area in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying step, the map data stored in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means A map update data generation step for generating map update data for updating the map data of the update target area including the new map area and the reference update area;
A program data generation step for generating program data for updating the program when the terminal specified in the terminal specification step needs to be updated in order to update the map data of the new map area. When,
A distribution data creation step for creating distribution data including the map update data generated by the map update data generation step and the program data generated by the program data generation step;
A data storage step for storing the distribution data created by the distribution data creation step;
The distribution stored by the data storage means when there is a distribution request for map update data for updating the map data of the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal from the terminal identified in the terminal identification step A map distribution method comprising: a data distribution step of distributing data for use to the terminal. On the computer,
When there is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data in the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal among the map data stored in the terminal from the terminal, the distribution request from the terminal In response to the computer program for executing the distribution of the map update data,
A new map area specifying function for specifying an area included in the registered new map data as a new map area when new map data is registered;
A terminal specifying function for specifying a terminal in which at least a part of the new map area is included in the reference update area;
When update of a program is necessary to update the map data of the new map area in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying function, the map data stored in the terminal specified by the terminal specifying means A map update data generation function for generating map update data for updating the map data of the update target area including the new map area and the reference update area;
Program data generation function for generating program data for updating the program when the terminal specified by the terminal specification function needs to be updated in order to update the map data of the new map area When,
A distribution data creation function for creating distribution data including the map update data generated by the map update data generation function and the program data generated by the program data generation function;
A data storage function for storing the distribution data created by the distribution data creation function;
The distribution stored by the data storage means when there is a map update data distribution request for updating the map data of the reference update area including the registration point of the terminal from the terminal specified by the terminal specifying function A computer program for executing a data distribution function for distributing business data to the terminal.

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