JP2011022004A - Device, method and program for updating of map data, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To precisely locate an area of which map data need to be updated, and to update map data near a number of places more rapidly, based on the comparison results between the number of information processing terminals 110 located at a number of places and a prescribed threshold. <P>SOLUTION: A map data updating device 100 acquires location information from the portable information processing terminals 110 and detects places (hereinafter, called a number of places) where the plurality of information processing terminals 110 are located within a prescribed range on map data. Then, the map data updating device 100 updates map data near a number of places, based on the comparison results between the number of information processing terminals 110 located at a number of places and a prescribed threshold. The map data updating device 100 updates map data near a number of places, for example, when there are no features at a number of places on the map data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a map data update device, a map data update method, a map data update program, and a recording medium that update map data. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described map data update device, map data update method, map data update program, and recording medium.

  Conventionally, a technique for updating map data when map data used in a navigation device or the like is different from an actual road condition is known. For example, the name of the store newly created at point A is input to the navigation device by the user's operation, and the data is transmitted to the map information server. At that time, the navigation device automatically transmits the information on the place where the user inputs and the information on the time at the same time. The map information server compares the transmitted location information of the input operation with the point A where the new store exists, and determines that the location is not far away. It is determined that the data is credible (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2004-184106 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, map data is updated by a user's operation input. For example, the map data update timing is delayed or the update timing is uncertain. Moreover, in the above-described conventional technology, there is a problem that erroneous information may be transmitted to the map information server due to a user input error or the like. Furthermore, in the above-described prior art, as an example, there is a problem that unless the user actually goes to a point where the road condition has changed, the change cannot be noticed and the update cannot be performed. It is done.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the map data update device according to the invention of claim 1 is a map data update device for updating map data, from a portable information processing terminal to the information processing terminal. And a plurality of points where the information processing terminals are located within a predetermined range on the map data based on the position information acquired by the acquiring unit (hereinafter referred to as “multiple points”). Detecting means), and updating means for updating the map data in the vicinity of the multiple points based on a comparison result between the number of information processing terminals located at the multiple points and a predetermined threshold value. It is characterized by providing.

  The map data update method according to the invention of claim 7 is a map data update method in a map data update device for updating map data, and acquires position information of the information processing terminal from a portable information processing terminal. Based on the acquisition step and the position information acquired in the acquisition step, a point where the plurality of information processing terminals are located within a predetermined range on the map data (hereinafter referred to as “multiple points”) is detected. A detection step, and an update step of updating the map data in the vicinity of the multiple points based on a comparison result between the number of the information processing terminals located at the multiple points and a predetermined threshold. To do.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a map data updating program causes a computer to execute the map data updating method according to the seventh aspect.

  A recording medium according to a ninth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the map data update program according to the eighth aspect is recorded in a computer-readable state.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the map data update apparatus concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the map data update process by a map data update apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure of the map data provision system concerning an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the map data update process by a navigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional information on a mobile terminal typically. It is explanatory drawing which shows the division | segmentation range of map data typically. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the map data update process by a navigation apparatus.

  Exemplary embodiments of a map data update device, a map data update method, a map data update program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the map data update device according to the embodiment. The map data update device 100 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101, a detection unit 102, a recording unit 103, and an update unit 104. The map data update device 100 updates map data recorded in a recording device in an information processing terminal such as a navigation device.

  The acquisition unit 101 acquires position information of the information processing terminal 110 from the portable information processing terminal 110. The portable information processing terminal 110 is, for example, a navigation device or a mobile phone terminal mounted on a mobile body. Since the information processing terminal 110 is portable, its position information changes every moment. The acquisition unit 101 continuously acquires position information from the information processing terminal 110 via, for example, a wireless communication network.

  Based on the position information acquired by the acquisition unit 101, the detection unit 102 detects a point (hereinafter referred to as “multiple points”) where a plurality of information processing terminals 110 are located within a predetermined range on the map data. For example, the detection unit 102 divides the map data into predetermined ranges (hereinafter referred to as “predetermined ranges”), and counts the number of information processing terminals 110 located in each range. And the point where the several information processing terminal 110 is located in one range is detected as many points. In addition, it is good also considering the point where the predetermined number or more of information processing terminals 110 are located as many points. The width of the predetermined range is arbitrary, but can be set to such an extent that, for example, two or more information processing terminals 110 can be located. For example, the detection unit 102 may detect a predetermined range that is a predetermined distance or more away from a road on the map data. This is because the information processing terminal 110 that has stopped on the road due to waiting for traffic lights or traffic jams is excluded from detection targets.

  The recording unit 103 continuously records the number of information processing terminals 110 within a predetermined range on the map data. For example, the recording unit 103 continuously records the number of information processing terminals 110 located in each range that is the detection target by the detection unit 102.

  The update unit 104 updates the map data in the vicinity of the multipoints based on the comparison result between the number of information processing terminals 110 located at the multipoints and a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value is, for example, the number of information processing terminals 110 located in a predetermined range at a certain time or the average number of information processing terminals 110 located in a predetermined range and the information processing terminal 110 located in a predetermined range at a certain time. The difference (number of increases, etc.) from The map data is updated by, for example, acquiring update data from a map data provider or the like and applying the update data to the currently used map data.

  For example, when there are no features at many points on the map data, the updating unit 104 updates the map data near the many points. This is because there is a low possibility that many information processing terminals 110 gather in a place where there is no feature, and there is a high possibility that the map data and the actual situation are different.

  In addition, the update unit 104 updates the map data in the vicinity of the multi-point when the number of information processing terminals 110 located at the multi-point exceeds a predetermined number (first threshold), or records it in the recording unit 103. If there is a large number of points where the number of information processing terminals 110 has changed beyond a predetermined number (second threshold) with respect to the average number of information processing terminals 110 in the past, a map in the vicinity of the large number of points Data may be updated. Note that the amount of change (second threshold) set for the average number of information processing terminals 110 in the past may be the number of information processing terminals 110 that have changed, or the rate of change from the average number ( Change rate). Moreover, you may obtain | require the average of the number of the information processing terminals 110 for every time slot | zone. Further, when there is a point where the number of information processing terminals 110 has decreased beyond the predetermined number with respect to the average number of information processing terminals 110 in the past, the map data in the vicinity of the point may be updated. . In this case, when there are features at multiple points on the map data, the map data near the multiple points may be updated. This is because there is a high possibility that the number of information processing terminals 110 has decreased due to the absence of features.

  In addition, for example, the update unit 104 may be in the vicinity of the multipoint when the number of information processing terminals 110 at the multipoint has exceeded a predetermined number (the first threshold or the second threshold) for a predetermined time or more. You may make it update map data. This is to avoid updating the map data when, for example, the number of information processing terminals 110 temporarily increases for some accidental reason despite the fact that there is no change in the actual situation. .

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of map data update processing by the map data update device. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the map data update device 100 acquires position information of the information processing terminal 110 (step S201), and detects multiple points (step S202). Next, the map data update device 100 determines whether there are features at many points on the map data (step S203). If there is no feature (step S203: No), the map data update device 100 proceeds to step S206. .

  On the other hand, when there are features at many points (step S203: Yes), the map data update device 100 determines whether or not the number of information processing terminals 110 located at the many points exceeds a first threshold ( Step S204). If the first threshold value is exceeded (step S204: Yes), the map data update device 100 proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, when the first threshold value is not exceeded (step S204: No), the map data updating apparatus 100 determines that the number of information processing terminals 110 located at multiple points is the average of the number of past information processing terminals 110. It is then determined whether or not the second threshold value has been increased (step S205).

  If it has increased beyond the second threshold (step S205: Yes), the map data update device 100 updates the map data in the vicinity of many points (step S206), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. Note that, in the determinations in step S204 and step S205, it may be determined whether or not the state in which each threshold is exceeded continues for a predetermined time or more. On the other hand, if it has not increased beyond the second threshold value in step S205 (step S205: No), the map data is not updated and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated as it is.

  As described above, the map data update device 100 according to the embodiment updates the map data based on the presence / absence of features at many points. Thereby, the update object area of map data can be narrowed down to the area where the information in map data changed, and map data can be updated efficiently. Moreover, since the map data update device 100 automatically updates the map data based on the comparison result with the predetermined threshold value, the map data is updated more quickly than when the map data is updated by a user operation. In addition to being able to be in the latest state, it is not necessary for the user to perform troublesome work, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, if the map data updating apparatus 100 updates the map data based on the difference from the average of the number of information processing terminals 110 in the past, not only when a new feature is created, The map data can be updated even if it is lost or changed to another feature. Further, in the map data updating apparatus 100, when the number of information processing terminals 110 exceeds the predetermined number continuously for a predetermined time or more, the information processing terminals 110 are gathered at a temporary event or the like by updating the map data. The area where the map data needs to be updated can be specified with higher accuracy. Similarly, by setting a range that is a predetermined distance or more away from the road on the map data as a detection target for many points, it is possible to exclude cases where the information processing terminals 110 are gathered due to traffic jams, waiting for traffic lights, etc. The area that needs to be updated can be identified with higher accuracy.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to update of map data recorded in a navigation device will be described. More specifically, the navigation device corresponding to the map data updating device 100 in the embodiment is a navigation device 310, the navigation device corresponding to the portable information processing terminal 110, a mobile phone terminal, and the like are mobile terminals 320. An example of the application will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a system configuration of the map data providing system according to the embodiment. The map data providing system 300 includes a navigation device 310 mounted on a vehicle, a mobile terminal 320 that is a portable information processing terminal such as a navigation device or a mobile phone terminal, a map data management server 330, and a network 340.

  The navigation device 310 is mounted on a vehicle and performs route search to a destination point designated by a user, route guidance to a destination point, and the like. The navigation device 310 includes a recording medium such as a magnetic disk as will be described later, and performs route search, route guidance, and the like using map data recorded on the recording medium. The map data recorded in the navigation device 310 can be updated at any time using update data provided from the map data management server 330.

  The mobile terminal 320 is a portable information processing terminal such as a navigation device, a mobile phone terminal, or a laptop computer. The mobile terminal 320 includes a position detection mechanism such as a GPS unit, and can detect the position (latitude and longitude) of its own device. The mobile terminal 320 includes a communication I / F and the like, and can communicate with the navigation device 310 (specifically, transmission of position information) via the network 340.

  The map data management server 330 is a server installed by a map data provider and manages map data used by the navigation device 310. The map data includes information on the features located on the road and its surroundings, but the features located on the actual road and its surroundings change every moment. A map data provider that provides map data appropriately updates the map data in accordance with changes in actual roads and the like. The map data management server 330 stores the latest map data, and provides update data for updating the map data recorded in the navigation device 310 to the latest contents in response to a request from the navigation device 310.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the map data managed by the map data management server 330 and the map data recorded by the navigation device 310 are divided into predetermined ranges (for example, every 100 m × 100 m). When the map data is updated by the navigation device 310, a range to be updated is designated, and update data corresponding to the range is requested to the map data management server 330. The map data management server 330 transmits update data in the designated range to the navigation device 310. And the navigation apparatus 310 updates a part (designated range) of the map data memorize | stored in the own apparatus using the received update data.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 310)
Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation device 310 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. In FIG. 4, the navigation device 310 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a magnetic disk drive 404, a magnetic disk 405, an optical disk drive 406, an optical disk 407, an audio I / F (interface) 408, and a microphone 409. A speaker 410, an input device 411, a video I / F 412, a display 413, a communication I / F 414, a GPS unit 415, various sensors 416, and a camera 417. Each component 401 to 417 is connected by a bus 420.

  First, the CPU 401 governs overall control of the navigation device 310. The ROM 402 records programs such as a boot program and a data update program. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401. That is, the CPU 401 controls the entire navigation apparatus 310 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 402 while using the RAM 403 as a work area.

  The magnetic disk drive 404 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 405 according to control of CPU401. The magnetic disk 405 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 404. As the magnetic disk 405, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disc drive 406 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disc 407 according to the control of the CPU 401. The optical disc 407 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 406. As the optical disc 407, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 407, an MO, a memory card, or the like can be used as a removable recording medium.

  Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 405 and the optical disk 407 include map data and content data. The map data is used in a car navigation system, and includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, road shape data representing road shapes, and the like. In this embodiment, the map data is updated as appropriate, and is assumed to be recorded on a writable recording medium. Further, the content data is, for example, music data, still image data, moving image data, etc. reproduced in a car AV system.

  The audio I / F 408 is connected to a microphone 409 for audio input and a speaker 410 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 409 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 408. The microphones 409 are installed, for example, in a dashboard portion of the vehicle, and the number thereof may be singular or plural. From the speaker 410, a sound obtained by D / A converting a predetermined sound signal in the sound I / F 408 is output.

  Examples of the input device 411 include a remote controller including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, and a touch panel. The input device 411 may be realized by any one form of a remote controller, a keyboard, and a touch panel, but may be realized by a plurality of forms.

  The video I / F 412 is connected to the display 413. Specifically, the video I / F 412 is output from, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 413, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. And a control IC for controlling the display 413 based on the image data to be processed.

  The display 413 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 413, for example, a TFT liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used.

  The communication I / F 414 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 310 and the CPU 401. The communication I / F 414 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 401.

  Examples of the communication network include a public line network, a mobile phone network, a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), a LAN, and a WAN. Specifically, the communication I / F 414 is, for example, a public line connection module, an ETC (non-stop automatic fee payment system) unit, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) / beacon receiver, or the like.

  The GPS unit 415 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 415 is used when the CPU 401 calculates the current position of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 416 described later. The information indicating the current position is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 416 output information for determining the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 416 are used by the CPU 401 to calculate the current position of the vehicle and the amount of change in speed and direction.

  The camera 417 captures images inside or outside the vehicle. The image may be either a still image or a moving image. For example, the outside of the vehicle is photographed by the camera 417, and the photographed image is analyzed by the CPU 401, or a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 via the image I / F 412. Or output to

  The acquisition unit 101, the detection unit 102, the recording unit 103, and the update unit 104 of the map data update device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 are programs recorded in the ROM 402, the RAM 403, the magnetic disk 405, the optical disk 407, and the like in the navigation device 310 described above. The CPU 401 executes a predetermined program using the data and data and controls each part in the navigation device 310 to realize the function.

(Map data update processing by the navigation device 310)
Next, details of the map data update process by the navigation device 310 will be described. As described above, the navigation apparatus 310 updates the map data recorded in its own apparatus using the update data provided from the map data management server 330. More specifically, the navigation device 310 receives position information from the mobile terminal 320 and detects a point (multiple point) where a large number of mobile terminals 320 are gathered. And the presence or absence of the feature in many points is judged with reference to the map data recorded in the own apparatus. If there are no features at many points, the map data may be out of date, so the navigation device 310 requests update data in the vicinity of the many points from the map data management server 330 and updates the map data.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of map data update processing by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the navigation device 310 first receives the position information of the mobile terminal 320 via the network (step S501). At this time, a predetermined area may be designated and detailed position information may be received from the mobile terminal 320 located in the area. The predetermined area may be, for example, a destination point set for the navigation device 310 or the vicinity of a road serving as a route.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 310 detects a point (multiple points) where the plurality of mobile terminals 320 are located based on the received position information (step S502). The large number of points needs to be wide enough for the plurality of mobile terminals 320 to be located, so the large number of points is actually a range having a certain size. The navigation device 310 may detect a point where a plurality of (two or more) mobile terminals 320 are located in a predetermined range as a large number of points, or detect a point where a predetermined number or more of the mobile terminals 320 are positioned as a large number of points. May be.

  Subsequently, the navigation device 310 refers to the map data recorded in the device itself, and determines whether there are many points where there are no features (step S503). In general, there are often some features at places where many mobile terminals 320 (more specifically, their owners) gather. For this reason, when the mobile terminals 320 are gathered at a place where there is no feature on the map data, there is a high possibility that the feature has been newly created at the place, and the map data may need to be updated. high.

  If there are no multiple points at the point where there is no feature (step S503: No), the process returns to step S501 and the subsequent processing is continued. On the other hand, if there are a large number of points where there is no feature (step S503: Yes), it is determined whether or not the large number of points is separated from the road by a predetermined distance or more (step S504). On the road or in the vicinity of the road, the mobile terminals 320 may be temporarily crowded due to traffic jams or the influence of waiting for traffic lights. In such a case, it is not necessary to update the map data because a new feature has not been created. However, if the movement status of the mobile terminal 320 on the road or in the vicinity of the road is remarkably different from the conventional state or a state different from the conventional state continues, new features (such as traffic lights and pedestrian crossings) can be created on the road. Map data may be updated.

  When the multiple points are not separated from the road by a predetermined distance or more (step S504: No), the navigation device 310 returns to step S501 and continues the subsequent processing. On the other hand, when the multiple points are separated from the road by a predetermined distance or more (step S504: Yes), the navigation device 310 determines whether or not the state where the plurality of mobile terminals 320 are located in the multiple points continues for a predetermined time or more. Is determined (step S505). Even if there is no feature, there are cases where the mobile terminals 320 are temporarily crowded for some reason (for example, when being used as a way out to avoid congestion). In such a case, it is not necessary to update the map data because a new feature has not been created as in step S504. The length of the predetermined time is arbitrary, but not only the length of stay of the mobile terminal 320 but also whether or not the state where the mobile terminal 320 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number at many points continues for several days. May be. This is to determine whether the mobile terminals 320 are gathered by a temporary event or the like.

  When the state in which the plurality of mobile terminals 320 are located in the multiple points has not continued for a predetermined time or longer (step S505: No), the navigation device 310 returns to step S501 and continues the subsequent processing. On the other hand, when the state in which the plurality of mobile terminals 320 are located in the multipoint continues for a predetermined time or longer (step S505: Yes), the navigation device 310 updates to update the map data in the vicinity of the multipoint. Data is acquired (step S506). More specifically, the navigation device 310 transmits a transmission request for update data near multiple points to the map data management server 330. The map data management server 330 returns update data based on the transmission request from the navigation device 310, and the navigation device 310 receives the update data returned from the map data management server 330. The update data transmission request may include information such as the version of the map data recorded by the navigation device 310 and the last update date and time. In this case, the map data management server 330 may determine the presence or absence of update data, and may not transmit update data when there is no update data.

  And the navigation apparatus 310 updates map data using the update data acquired by step S506 (step S507), and complete | finishes the process by this flowchart.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing location information of the mobile terminal. In FIG. 6, the positions of the mobile phone terminal (shaded) and the navigation device (white circle) as the mobile terminal 320 are shown on the map data M1. It can be seen that the road R is a roadway, and navigation devices mounted on the vehicle are located in some places. Further, it can be seen that the periphery of the road R is a sidewalk, and mobile phone terminals held by pedestrians are located in some places. Many mobile phone terminals are located in the facility A and the facility B, and it can be seen that the owners of these mobile phones use the facility. It can also be seen that many navigation devices are located in the parking lot C, and vehicles equipped with these navigation devices are parked.

  On the other hand, although many mobile phone terminals are located in the area D located on the left side of the facility B (a number of points), there are no features in the range of the area D on the map data M1. In such a case, the navigation device 310 requests update data for a range including the area D from the map data management server 330, assuming that there is a high possibility that a new feature has been created in the area D.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the division range of the map data. The map data M2 in FIG. 7 is a part of the map data recorded by the navigation device 310. The map data M2 is divided into 25 areas, areas a1 to e5. For example, when the area D shown in FIG. 6 is included in the area c3 (area D1 in FIG. 7), the navigation device 310 requests the map data management server 330 for update data of the area c3. Further, for example, when the area D extends over a plurality of areas (area D2 in FIG. 7), the navigation device 310 requests the map data management server 330 for update data of all areas over which the area D extends, for example. In the example of FIG. 7, since the region D2 extends over the areas b2, b3, c2, and c3, the navigation apparatus 310 requests the map data management server 330 for update data of the areas b2, b3, c2, and c3.

  In the above description, it is determined whether or not the update is performed based on the presence or absence of the feature on the map data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the update is performed based on the average value of the mobile terminal 320 located at a predetermined point. It may be determined whether or not to perform. Thereby, not only when the feature is newly made but also when the feature is lost, the map data can be updated quickly.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the map data update process by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the navigation apparatus 310 receives the position information of the mobile terminal 320 in a predetermined area (step S801), and records the received position information (step S802). As shown in steps S801 and S802, the navigation device 310 continuously receives location information of the mobile terminal 320 in a predetermined area and records the information. Then, based on the recorded position information, the average value of the mobile terminal 320 located at each point in the predetermined area is calculated. The average value may be totaled for each time zone or day of the week.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 310 obtains the number of mobile terminals 320 currently located at each point in the predetermined area based on the position information received in step S801, and averages the number of past mobile terminals 320 at the same point. (Step S803). Then, the navigation apparatus 310 determines whether or not there is a point where the difference from the average value is a predetermined value or more (hereinafter referred to as “difference point”) (step S804). The difference from the average value may be positive or negative.

  If there is a difference point (step S804: Yes), there is a high possibility that a new feature is created at that location, the original feature is lost, or the feature has changed to another feature, and the map data is updated. Most likely you need to. For this reason, the navigation apparatus 310 acquires update data for updating the map data in the vicinity of the difference point (step S805), updates the map data using the update data (step S806), and performs processing according to this flowchart. Exit. On the other hand, when there is no difference point (step S804: No), the process returns to step S801 and the subsequent processing is continued.

  Thus, by comparing the average value of the mobile terminals 320 located at a predetermined point with the current number of mobile terminals 320, not only when the features are newly created, but also when the features are gone. Even map data can be updated quickly. In addition, when a certain feature is changed to another feature or a change in business hours is performed, there is a high possibility that the time zone in which the mobile terminals 320 gather is changed. For this reason, by calculating the average value of the mobile terminal 320 by time zone or by day of the week, the map data can be updated quickly even when the feature changes. For example, if the user's attribute information and the like can be obtained together with the position information of the mobile terminal 320, the map data can be updated by estimating the change of the feature based on the change of the attribute of the person gathering at the predetermined point.

  In the present embodiment, the update of the map data recorded in the navigation device 310 has been described. However, the present invention may be applied when updating the map data recorded in the map data management server 330. Specifically, for example, in the map data management server 330, the location information of the navigation device 310 and the mobile terminal 320 is continuously acquired and collated with the map data recorded by the own device. If a large number of navigation devices 310 and mobile terminals 320 are located at a point on the map data where there is no feature, it is highly likely that some feature is newly established at that point (update candidate point). to decide. Thereafter, the map data management server 330 informs the map data management company of the update candidate point, for example, and prompts a survey for updating the map data, or sends the map data management server 330 to the navigation device 310 or the mobile terminal 320 located at the update candidate point. Or send information about the location. Thereby, the point which needs updating of map data can be extracted automatically, and the cost in map data update work can be reduced.

  As described above, the navigation apparatus 310 according to the embodiment updates the map data based on the presence / absence of the feature at many points. Thereby, the update object area of map data can be narrowed down to the area where the information in map data changed, and map data can be updated efficiently. In addition, since the navigation device 310 automatically updates the map data based on the comparison result with the predetermined threshold, the map data is updated more quickly than when the map data is updated by a user operation. Can be in a state.

  Further, in the navigation device 310, if the map data is updated based on a difference from the average of the number of past mobile terminals 320, not only when a new feature is made but also when the feature is lost. The map data can be updated even when it is changed to another feature. In the navigation device 310, when the number of mobile terminals 320 exceeds the predetermined number continuously for a predetermined time or more, the mobile terminal 320 is gathered for a temporary event or the like by updating the map data. It is possible to exclude the area, and it is possible to more accurately identify the area where the map data needs to be updated. Similarly, by setting a range that is a predetermined distance or more away from the road on the map data as a detection target for many points, it is possible to exclude the case where the mobile terminals 320 are gathered due to traffic jams or waiting for traffic lights. The area that needs to be updated can be identified more accurately.

  The map data update method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Map data update apparatus 101 Acquisition part 102 Detection part 103 Recording part 104 Update part 110 Information processing terminal

Claims (9)

A map data update device for updating map data,
Obtaining means for obtaining position information of the information processing terminal from a portable information processing terminal;
Detecting means for detecting points where the plurality of information processing terminals are located within a predetermined range on the map data (hereinafter referred to as “multiple points”) based on the position information acquired by the acquiring means;
Updating means for updating the map data in the vicinity of the multi-point based on a comparison result between the number of the information processing terminals located at the multi-point and a predetermined threshold;
A map data update device comprising:   2. The map data updating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update unit updates the map data in the vicinity of the multiple points when there are no features at the multiple points on the map data. 3.   3. The map according to claim 1, wherein the updating unit updates the map data in the vicinity of the multiple points when the number of the information processing terminals located at the multiple points exceeds a predetermined number. Data update device. A recording means for continuously recording the number of the information processing terminals within the predetermined range on the map data;
If there are the multiple points where the number of the information processing terminals has changed beyond a predetermined number with respect to the average of the number of the information processing terminals recorded in the recording unit in the past, The map data update device according to claim 1, wherein the map data in the vicinity is updated.   The update means updates the map data in the vicinity of the multiple points when the number of the information processing terminals exceeds the predetermined number continuously for a predetermined time or longer. Map data update device.   The map data updating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the predetermined range that is a predetermined distance or more away from a road on the map data. A map data update method in a map data update device for updating map data,
An acquisition step of acquiring position information of the information processing terminal from a portable information processing terminal;
Based on the position information acquired in the acquisition step, a detection step of detecting points where the plurality of information processing terminals are located within a predetermined range on the map data (hereinafter referred to as “multiple points”);
An update step of updating the map data in the vicinity of the multiple points based on a comparison result between the number of the information processing terminals located at the multiple points and a predetermined threshold value;
The map data update method characterized by including.   A map data update program for causing a computer to execute the map data update method according to claim 7.   9. A computer-readable recording medium in which the map data update program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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