JP2012113668A - Map information providing device, map information providing system, map information providing method, and map information providing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an easy search for a map without troubling a user.SOLUTION: A search request for a map including map image information obtained by, for example, photographing a map is accepted via a communication I/F 102. A search feature point extraction unit 103 analyzes the accepted map image information to form search feature point information indicating a position of a prescribed feature point on the photographed map. A feature point matching unit 5 performs matching processing between the search feature point information and map feature point information in a map feature point DB 113 to specify a candidate of a place on a prescribed map matching the search feature point information. A map information candidate extraction unit 106 acquires map information of a part including the specified candidate of the place and provides this map information to a search request source via the communication I/F 102.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a program used for providing target map information in response to a request from a user.

  Map information that can be used as digital data has been developed, and an accurate and detailed map has been used in various situations. For example, car navigation systems using GPS (Global Positioning System) are widely used, but in car navigation systems, accurate and detailed map information is used to provide easy-to-understand route guidance to the user. Things have been done. In recent years, a mobile phone terminal is equipped with a GPS function, and a pedestrian navigation service for guiding a pedestrian through the mobile phone terminal has also been provided.

  In this way, it can be said that the use of map information such as acquiring the current position using the GPS function, acquiring a map to which the current position belongs, and performing a peripheral search is becoming common. However, there are cases where positioning information from an artificial satellite cannot be properly received and the current position cannot be determined using the GPS function.

  As a method for acquiring a map including the current position in such a case, Patent Document 1 described later obtains position information by photographing a house display and performing image recognition, and based on this, a map database An invention for obtaining a corresponding map from the above is disclosed. In this case, it is a portable terminal that performs photographing, and a server device that receives a photographed image from the portable terminal performs image recognition and map acquisition processing. In the case of the invention described in Patent Document 1, in order to improve the accuracy of image recognition in the server device, the server device also includes meta information indicating the type of the image information together with image information obtained by photographing from the mobile terminal. To offer to.

  In addition, when a user does not exist at a target location (local site), a keyword search based on a location name or the like is often performed as a method of acquiring a map of the target location. However, even if it is a place that has been visited once, there are many cases where the place name is not accurately remembered. However, there are cases where the approximate surrounding environment (relative positional relationship of shops, facilities, etc.) of the target place is remembered. In such a case, as a method for searching a map, Patent Document 2 described later inputs the information about the surrounding environment (relative positional relationship of shops, facilities, etc.) of the target location, An invention for searching a map of a place to perform is disclosed.

JP 2007-11607 A JP 2010-72822 A

  By the way, in the conventional map search method described above, there is a case where a map of a target place cannot be acquired quickly. For example, there is a case where the user does not exist at the target place, and the user has not been to the place, and the place name is not accurately known. However, when trying to search for a map, there should be a motive and there should be some information available for the map search. For example, a tourist information brochure or an accommodation pamphlet has been obtained, but it is often the case that a detailed map of the place is to be confirmed because the posted map is simplified.

  In such a case, a map search using a conventional keyword can be performed based on the place name (address) or the like described in the obtained tourist information brochure or accommodation brochure. Moreover, it is also possible to use the method of the above-mentioned patent document 2 which searches the map by inputting information about the surrounding environment based on the simplified map. However, it may be troublesome to search a map by inputting information about keywords and surrounding environment. In particular, in the case of a user who is unfamiliar with an information processing terminal such as a portable terminal, it may not be easy to input information about keywords and the surrounding environment into the information processing terminal.

  In addition, there is a case where an old map is at hand and a new map of a place indicated by the old map is desired. In this case, the older the map is at hand, the more likely it is that the place name has changed, and the more likely the surrounding environment has changed. Therefore, it may be difficult to search for the latest map from the information such as the place name described in the old map and the information such as the surrounding environment according to the conventional method described above.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily search and acquire a map of a target location without bothering the user.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the map information providing device of the invention according to claim 1
Receiving means for receiving a search request for a map including search feature point information indicating a position on the map image information of a predetermined feature point extracted by analyzing map image information;
A candidate for a location that matches the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information included in the search request with map feature point information indicating a position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map A feature point matching means for identifying
Obtaining means for obtaining map information of a part including the identified candidate for the place;
Providing means for providing the acquired map information.

  According to the map information providing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the search request for the map including the feature point information for search is received by the receiving means. The feature point information for search is, for example, the map of a predetermined feature point extracted by analyzing map image information obtained by photographing a map, map image information posted on a site on a network, and the like. It shows the position on the image information.

  The received feature point information for search and the map feature point information indicating the position of the predetermined feature point on the predetermined map are subjected to matching processing by the feature point matching means, and the predetermined feature point information matching the search feature point information is matched. Candidate locations on the map are identified. Thereafter, the acquisition unit acquires map information of a portion including the candidate for the location specified by the feature point matching unit, and the map information is provided by the providing unit.

  As a result, the search request source simply provides a search request including the feature point information for search formed by analyzing the map image information, and can obtain a detailed map corresponding to the map image information from which the search was made. Be able to get. More specifically, the user of the search request source is indicated by, for example, map image information obtained by photographing a simplified map posted in a pamphlet or the like, or map image information posted on a network site. It is possible to easily obtain detailed maps etc.

Moreover, the map information providing device of the invention described in claim 2 is:
Receiving means for receiving a search request for a map including map image information;
A feature point information extraction unit for search for analyzing the map image information included in the search request and extracting feature point information for search indicating a position of a predetermined feature point on the map image information;
Feature point matching for identifying candidate locations that match the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information with map feature point information indicating the position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining map information of a part including the identified candidate for the place;
Providing means for providing the acquired map information to a search request source.

  According to the map information providing apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the accepting unit can retrieve, for example, map image information obtained by photographing a map or map image information posted on a site on a network. A request for providing a map including original map image information is accepted. The map image information included in the accepted search request is analyzed by search feature point information extraction means, and search feature point information indicating the position of a predetermined feature point on the map image information is extracted.

  Then, the extracted feature point information for search and the map feature point information indicating the position of the predetermined feature point on the predetermined map are subjected to matching processing by the feature point matching means, and match the feature point information for search A candidate for a place on a predetermined map is identified. Thereafter, the acquisition unit acquires map information of a portion including the candidate for the location specified by the feature point matching unit, and the map information is provided by the providing unit.

  Thereby, the search request source can obtain a detailed map corresponding to the map image information that is the source of the search only by providing a search request including the map image information. More specifically, the user of the search request source is indicated by, for example, map image information obtained by photographing a simplified map posted in a pamphlet or the like, or map image information posted on a network site. It is possible to easily obtain detailed maps etc.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily search and acquire a map of a target location without bothering the user.

It is a figure for demonstrating the map information provision system with which one Embodiment of the apparatus, system, method, and program of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structural example of the map information provision server 1. FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structural example of the mobile telephone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2), ... with a camera. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the map image information obtained by imaging | photography. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of search feature point information formed in a feature point memory 104 from the map image information (search map image information) shown in FIG. 4. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the detailed map obtained as a result of pattern matching using the feature point information for a search shown in FIG. 5 as a search key. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the list of the candidates of the place provided to the mobile telephone terminal 4 with a camera from the map information provision server 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4; It is a flowchart following FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the map information providing server 1.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an apparatus, system, method, and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of Map Information Providing System]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a map information providing system to which an embodiment of the apparatus, system, method and program of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the map information providing system of this embodiment is connected to a map information providing server 1 through a network 2 with camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),. (1), etc. are formed by connecting communication terminals. Each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Is connected to the network 2 through neighboring base stations 3 (1), 3 (2),. The

  As will be described in detail later, the map information providing server 1 includes a map database and the like, and searches and extracts a map corresponding to a map search request transmitted through the network 2 from the map database. It can be provided to a communication terminal.

  The network 2 has various wide areas such as a mobile telephone network including base stations 3 (1), 3 (2), etc., a public switched telephone network to which a fixed telephone terminal installed in each home is connected, and the Internet. Includes a network. The network 2 may be connected to a user's communication device through a local area network (LAN) or an intranet formed in a home or company. Thus, in this embodiment, the network 2 includes the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),..., The personal computers 5 (1),. Are composed of various communication networks.

  Each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Can perform voice telephone communication (call) by a mobile phone function. Each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Can also transmit and receive various types of information through the network 2. Specifically, each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Can access a server device on the network 2 to browse a web page and download and upload various information. . Each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Can also send and receive e-mails via the network 2 and a predetermined mail server.

  Further, each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Shoots a still image or a moving image by the camera function of the own device, and automatically captures captured image information obtained by the shooting. It can also be stored in a memory provided in the machine.

  Further, the personal computer 5 (1),... Can perform various information processing as is well known. The personal computer 5 (1),... Of this embodiment has a communication function, and can access a server device on the network 2 to browse a web page and download and upload various information. Is. In addition, the personal computer 5 (1),... Can also send and receive electronic mail via the network 2 and a predetermined mail server.

  Since various personal computers are connected to the network 2, the personal computer 5 (1) is shown as a representative example, but the basic configuration of the personal computer is the same. Therefore, in the following, personal computers connected to the network 2 are collectively referred to as personal computers 5.

  In the map information providing system of this embodiment, each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... And the personal computer 5 (1),. You can receive the map information. Each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... And the personal computer 5 (1),... Is sent to the map information providing server 1 using keywords such as place names, addresses, and landmark names as search conditions. It is also possible to request a map search and provision. But that is not all.

  In the map information providing system of this embodiment, for example, it is posted on map image information obtained by photographing a simplified map as posted in a brochure of a hotel or on a network site. A map search can be performed using various map image information such as map image information representing a simplified map.

  Specifically, as will be described later, the map of a predetermined feature point obtained by analyzing map image information such as map image information obtained by photographing or map image information posted on a site on a network. Search feature point information indicating the position on the image information is used as search key information in the map information providing server 1 so that a map can be searched.

  As the map image information obtained by photographing, for example, various kinds of information such as those photographed using the camera function of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal and those photographed using a digital camera may be used. it can. Further, as described above, various map image information made available by the user as digital data, such as map image information posted on a site on a network, can be used.

  For this reason, the map information providing server 1 not only includes a map database but also a map feature point indicating a position of a predetermined feature point obtained by analyzing a predetermined map stored in the map database. A map feature point database that holds information is also provided. Then, in the map information providing server 1, search features obtained by analyzing map image information from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... And the personal computer 5 (1),. Matching of the point information with the map feature point information in the map feature point database is performed.

  As a result, the map information providing server 1 identifies candidate locations corresponding to the map image information from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... And the personal computer 5 (1),. The location map can be extracted and provided. There may be a plurality of similar places. In this case, there may be a plurality of place candidates obtained as a result of matching. For this reason, the candidate of the place where the user aims is selected from the plurality of candidates of the place obtained by the matching so that the user can obtain the map information of the desired place.

  In the map information providing system, the map information providing server 1 receives map image information from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... It can also be configured to form key feature point information for search. In addition, the map information providing system is searched by the mobile phone terminals with camera 4 (1), 4 (2),... And the personal computer 5 (1),. It is also possible to obtain the feature point information for search as a key and provide it to the map information providing server 1.

  However, in the following, in order to simplify the explanation, the map information providing server 1 is a map obtained by photographing from a communication terminal such as a camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 (1), 4 (2),. A case will be described as an example in which image information (map image information that is the basis of the search) is provided and analyzed to generate and use search feature point information that serves as a search key.

[Configuration Example of Map Information Providing Server 1]
Next, an outline of the configuration of the map information providing server 1 used in the map information providing system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the map information providing server 1 of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the map information providing server 1 includes a connection terminal 101 to the network 2, a communication I / F 102, a search feature point extraction unit 103, a feature point memory 104, a feature point matching unit 105, and map information candidate extraction. Part 106 is provided. Further, the map information providing server 1 includes a search map image information file (described as search map image information F in FIG. 2) 111, a map database (hereinafter abbreviated as map DB) 112, and a map feature point database. (Hereinafter, abbreviated as map feature point DB.) 113, a control unit 120 is provided.

  In the map information providing server 1 of this embodiment, the search feature point extraction unit 103, the feature point memory 104, the feature point matching unit 105, and the map information candidate extraction unit 106 mainly realize the important functions. To become the main part. First, before describing the main part, the configuration of the peripheral part will be described.

  The control unit 120 controls each unit of the map information providing server 1, and as shown in FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, An EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 124 is a microcomputer configured by being connected through a CPU bus 125. The CPU 121 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 122 or the EEPROM 124, forms a control signal for each part, supplies it to each related part, or receives data from each part and processes it To do. The ROM 112 stores various processing programs executed by the CPU 121 and data necessary for processing in advance.

  The RAM 123 is used mainly as a work area in various processes, such as temporarily storing intermediate results of the processes. The EEPROM 124 is a rewritable so-called nonvolatile memory, and stores and holds data that should be held even when the power is turned off. Specifically, the EEPROM 124 stores and holds various information such as a new program for adding a function, various setting parameters, and the like, for example, an IP address assigned to the own device.

  The search map image information file 111 captures a simplified map or the like included in a map search request transmitted from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),. The map image information for search obtained in this way is stored. By analyzing the map image information for search stored in the map image information file for search 111, search feature point information serving as a map search key is formed.

  In addition, the map DB 112 accurately represents the position, width, size, etc. of various landmarks such as mountains, rivers, towns, administrative boundaries, roads, railway lines, schools, police stations, fire stations, shrines and temples. For example, detailed map information in Japan is stored and held.

  The map feature point DB 113 stores and holds map feature point information obtained by analyzing the map information stored and held in the map DB 112. Specifically, the map feature point information has a plurality of predetermined target items such as mountains, rivers, towns, administrative boundaries, roads, railway lines, schools, police stations, fire departments, shrines and temples as feature points. In addition to being able to distinguish, the positional relationship between the feature points is also accurately represented by accurately representing the positions of these feature points. That is, the map feature point information indicates a position on the map for each predetermined feature point.

  Note that the map feature point information is in a list format in which each feature point is associated with the position information of the feature point, or each feature point and its positional relationship are represented in a predetermined area like image information. It is possible to adopt various formats such as a pattern information format. In this embodiment, as will be described later, a target location is detected by pattern matching of map feature points.

  Therefore, in the map feature point DB 113, the map feature point information indicates the positional relationship between the feature points by representing the type (attribute) of each feature point and the position of each feature point within a predetermined area. It is stored and held in the form of pattern information that can be clearly shown, and also has position information (latitude and longitude) of each feature point. Of course, a plurality of types of map feature point information having different formats can be prepared in the map feature point DB 113 and used separately.

[Operation of main part]
Then, a map search request including map image information from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Transmitted through the network 2 is received through the connection terminal 101 and the communication I / F 102. This is supplied to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 extracts map image information from the received map search request and stores it in the search map image information file 111. Then, the control unit 120 controls the search feature point extraction unit 103 to perform processing for extracting the feature points of the map image information stored in the search map image information file 111.

  The search feature point extraction unit 103 analyzes the map image information stored in the search map image information file 111 according to the control of the control unit 120, thereby obtaining a predetermined feature point included in the map image information. The feature point information for search is extracted and stored in the feature point memory 104. This feature point information for search is also in the form of pattern information in which the position of each extracted feature point is represented within a predetermined area. That is, the feature point information for search indicates a position on the map image information for each predetermined feature point. Then, the control unit 120 controls the feature point matching unit 105 to execute the matching process.

  The feature point matching processing unit 105 matches the search feature point information stored in the feature point memory 104 and the map feature point information stored in the map feature point DB 113 under the control of the control unit 120. I do. Then, the feature point matching processing unit 105 detects a location candidate on the map that matches the search feature point information, and acquires position information of the detected location. When there are a plurality of locations on the map that match the search feature point information, each location is detected as a location candidate, and the location information of each location candidate is acquired.

  Thereafter, the control unit 120 forms a list of candidates for the specified location, sends this to the network 2 through the communication I / F 102 and the connection terminal 101, and the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 (1 ), 4 (2),... And the control part 120 receives the selection instruction | indication of the candidate of a location from the mobile telephone terminal 4 (1) with a camera of request | requirement, 4 (2), ..., etc. through the connection terminal 101 and communication I / F102.

  Thereafter, the control unit 120 controls the map information candidate detection unit 106 to display a map of a location selected by the user such as the requesting camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 (1), 4 (2),. To get from. The map information candidate detection unit 106 extracts map information of a corresponding part from the map DB 112 based on the position information acquired by the feature point matching processing unit 105 under the control of the control unit 120. The extracted map information is transmitted to the network 2 through the communication I / F 102 and the connection terminal 101 under the control of the control unit 120, and is transmitted to the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal that is the search request source.

  As described above, the map information providing server 1 according to this embodiment receives a search request for a map including map image information, and uses search feature point information extracted (formed) from the map image information as search key information. It can be used to search for maps and provide the results.

  Note that the functions of the search feature point extraction unit 103, the feature point matching unit 105, and the map information candidate extraction unit 106 indicated by double lines in FIG. 2 are controlled by the program executed by the control unit 120. It can also be realized as a function. Further, in the map information providing server 1 of this embodiment, the feature point memory 104 is used to simplify the explanation. However, the RAM 123 or the EEPROM 124 of the control unit 120 can be used as the feature point memory 104 without providing the feature point memory 104 separately.

[Configuration example of camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),...]
Next, an outline of the configuration of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Used in the map information providing system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... According to this embodiment. In this embodiment, each of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Has the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, the camera-equipped mobile phone terminals 4 (1), 4 (2),... Are collectively referred to as the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the camera-equipped cellular phone terminal 4 according to this embodiment includes a transmission / reception antenna 401, a transmission / reception processing unit 402, a receiver (speaker) 403, and a transmitter (microphone) as parts that perform communication through the network 2. 404 is provided. In addition, as a part for providing a user interface, a key operation unit 411, a display control unit 412, a display unit 413, an audio processing unit 414, a speaker 415, and a vibrator 416 are provided.

  As the display unit 413, for example, a so-called thin display element such as an organic electroluminescence display (LCD) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used. The voice processing unit 414 and the speaker 415 output a ring tone, a warning sound, and other voice messages. The vibrator 416 is mainly for generating a vibration when receiving an incoming call and notifying the user of the incoming call.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 has an external memory 421 such as a so-called IC memory card that can be attached and detached. In addition, the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 includes a camera unit 422 as a part that realizes a camera function of capturing a subject image as still image information or moving image information by photographing the subject. Specifically, the camera unit 422 includes an imaging lens, an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, a camera signal processing circuit, and the like.

  Further, the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 includes a control unit 420 that controls each unit of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. The control unit 420 is a microcomputer formed by connecting a CPU 421, ROM 422, RAM 423, and EEPROM 424 through a CPU bus 425. Here, the CPU 421 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 422 or the EEPROM 424, forms a control signal to be supplied to each part, and supplies this to each part or accepts data transmitted from each part. Then, processing corresponding to this is executed. The ROM 422 is a program in which various data necessary for programs executed in the CPU 421 and processing are recorded in advance.

  The RAM 423 is mainly used as a work area, such as temporarily storing intermediate results of processing. The EEPROM 424 is a so-called nonvolatile memory, and stores and holds data and the like that should be retained even when the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 is turned off. The EEPROM 424 stores, for example, a new program for adding functions, various setting parameters, telephone directory data, application programs, additional programs for improving functions, and the like.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 having such a configuration transmits information to the network 2 through the transmission / reception processing unit 402 and the transmission / reception antenna 401 under the control of the control unit 420, or is addressed to its own device transmitted through the network 2. By receiving this information, various communication processes can be performed.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 includes a menu in which various application programs that can be executed are registered. The menu is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 413 through the display control unit 412 by performing a predetermined operation such as pressing a menu key provided in the key operation unit 411, for example. Can do. Then, the control unit 420 can receive a selection input of an item included in the menu from the user through the key operation unit 411, and can execute a program corresponding to the item selected by the user.

  The menu in which various application programs that can be executed by the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 are registered also includes an item for executing a map search based on map image information, as will be described later. . Therefore, by selecting an item for executing a map search based on the map image information of the menu, the user of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 can perform a map search based on the map image information obtained through the camera unit 422. Will be easy to use.

[Process when performing map search based on map image information]
Next, the map search process based on the map image information performed in the map information providing system of this embodiment will be specifically described. As described above, the map search process based on the map image information is realized by the cooperation of the map information providing server 1 and the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. Is provided.

  For the user of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4, for example, since the location is not well understood in a simplified map published in a certain pamphlet, the detailed latest information of the location shown in the simplified map is provided. Suppose you need to get a map. In this case, the user operates, for example, a menu key of the operation unit 411 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4, and a predetermined menu in which a program executable in the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 is registered as a selection item. Is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 413.

  Then, the user selects an item corresponding to “map search processing based on map image information” from the executable applications registered in the menu through the key operation unit 411 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. To perform the operation. In the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4, “map search processing based on map image information” is executed, and first, the simplified map posted in the pamphlet is photographed through the camera unit 422. Thereby, the map image information of the simplified map image | photographed by the external memory 421 of the mobile telephone terminal 4 with a camera is recorded.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of map image information obtained by performing a “map search process based on map image information” and photographing. FIG. 4 shows a case where an image corresponding to the map image information obtained by shooting is displayed on the display screen 413G of the display unit 413 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4.

  In the map image information shown in FIG. 4, the location that is the destination is indicated by an arrow at the upper right corner, and the nearest station of the destination and the landmark on the route to the destination are the fire department, school, It is shown that there is a post office and temple. In FIG. 4, the symbol similar to the alphabet “Y” in the lower left corner is the map symbol of the fire department, the letter “sentence” is the map symbol of the school, and the symbol “〒” is the map symbol of the post office. The symbol “卍” is the map symbol of the temple.

  In this manner, the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 that has obtained map image information by shooting a simplified map accepts a transmission operation such as pressing a predetermined transmission key of the key operation unit 411. To. When the transmission operation is performed, the control unit 420 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 forms a map search request including the map image information and having the map information providing server 1 as a transmission destination, and transmits the map search request to the transmission / reception processing unit 402, The data is transmitted to the network 2 through the transmission / reception antenna 401. In this way, a map search request including map image information obtained by photographing is transmitted to the map information providing server 1.

  In the map information providing server 1 that has received the map search request including the map image information, the control unit 120 extracts the map image information from the map search request and stores it in the search map image information file 111. To do. Then, the control unit 120 analyzes the map image information stored in the search map image information file 111 by the function of the search feature point extraction unit 103, and forms the search feature point information in the feature point memory 104.

  As described above, the map image information provided from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 and stored in the search map image information file 111 of the map information providing server 1 forms the image shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the predetermined characteristic points are, for example, mountains, rivers, towns, administrative boundaries, roads, railway lines, schools, police stations, fire departments, shrines and temples as described above. Then, the feature point extraction unit 103 for search can recognize and recognize the above feature points by analyzing the map image information that forms the image shown in FIG. 4, for example. ) Search feature point information indicating the position of the feature point is formed in the feature point memory 104.

  It should be noted that when there is only one type of feature point information for search, it is difficult to search a map by matching. However, when there are a plurality of one type of feature points on the map image information or when there are a plurality of types of feature points, the map by matching performed based on the search feature point information extracted from the map image information Can improve the accuracy of searches. In general, map image information often includes a plurality of types of feature points including roads as shown in FIG. Therefore, as described below, a map can be searched with high precision based on the search feature point information.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of search feature point information extracted (formed) in the feature point memory 104 from the map image information (search map image information) forming the image shown in FIG. is there. By analyzing the map image information forming the image shown in FIG. 4, railway lines including the station, roads, fire stations, schools, post offices, and temples are recognized as feature points to be recognized in advance. The search feature point information shown in FIG. 5 is formed and stored in the feature point memory 104.

  Thereafter, the feature point matching unit 105 executes a matching process between the search feature point information shown in FIG. 5 stored in the feature point memory 104 and the map feature point information stored in the map feature point DB 113. . Then, the feature point matching unit 105 searches the map feature point information for a place that matches the search feature point information, and acquires the position information of the feature point of the found place as the position information of the place.

  In the case of the search feature point information shown in FIG. 5, the fire station, the school, the post office, and the temple are arranged on the same road, the temple is located at the end of the road, and indicates that there is a station near the fire station. It has become. Thus, the location where each feature point is located is detected from the pattern information indicated by the map feature point information in the map feature point DB 113.

  In general, the map is often represented such that the upper side is north and the lower side is south. However, in the case of a simplified map described in a pamphlet or the like, priority is often given to easy understanding, and the orientation relationship is often different. Therefore, as one method of pattern matching, the feature point matching unit 105 uses, for example, the feature point on the upper end side or the lower end in the feature point information for search formed in the feature point memory 104 as shown in FIG. A predetermined feature point is used as a reference, such as a side feature point. Assume that the search feature point information shown in FIG. 5 is based on the lower fire department, for example.

  In this case, the feature point matching unit 105 uses each fire station on the map feature point information (pattern information) in the map feature point DB 113 as a reference, and feature points exist in various directions so as to match the search feature point information. Search for a place to go. Note that the range for matching processing is also automatically determined by taking into account the positional relationship such as the road.

  In addition, in map image information obtained by photographing a simplified map, in order to give priority to easy understanding, the map scale is appropriate, and the position of each feature point may not be accurate. For example, in the search feature point information shown in FIG. 5, the school “sentence” and the post office “〒” may actually be farther away, or the fire department and school may be closer. For this reason, the feature point matching unit 105 gives priority to the arrangement of so-called landmarks such as schools, police stations, fire stations, shrines and temples, and adjusts the distance between the landmarks in the search feature point information. To be able to search.

  In this way, as a result of the matching processing in the feature point matching unit 105, it is assumed that a location that matches the search feature point information (FIG. 5) stored in the feature point memory 104 can be searched. In this case, the location is specified by the position information of the fire department, for example, as a reference. Of course, the location may be specified by the position information of other feature points.

  And the control part 120 controls the map information candidate extraction part 106, and extracts the map of the specified place from map DB112 based on the positional information on the place specified by the feature point matching part 105. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed map obtained as a result of pattern matching using the feature point information for search shown in FIG. 5 as a search key. The detailed map shown in Fig. 6 shows that XX fire station, XX elementary school, post office, and □□ temple are lined up along the same road, □□ temple is located at the end of the road, , Is a map of the contents where XX station is located. That is, it can be seen that the detailed map shown in FIG. 6 is a detailed map of a location that matches the search feature point information shown in FIG.

  In this way, the user of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 takes a simplified map on a pamphlet or the like using the camera function, and requests for a map search including map image information obtained by taking the photograph. You can get a detailed map of the destination location just by sending.

  Then, by referring to the detailed map shown in FIG. 6, it can be seen that the destination is a theater located on the upper left side of the detailed map. And if you go to the theater, you can see that you can go straight on the road on the left side of the XX station, as well as go on the road lined with the fire station, elementary school, post office, temple on the right side of the XX station, ○○ You can see that the person walking on the road on the left side of the station is slightly closer although there is no sign. Thus, by acquiring a detailed map with a simple operation, it is possible to obtain information that cannot be understood only by a simplified map.

  As described above, when there are a plurality of locations that match the search feature point information stored in the feature point memory 104, a list of the plurality of locations is displayed in the control unit 120 of the map information providing server 1. It is formed by. This list includes names of places indicated by the position information acquired by referring to the map DB 112 based on the specified position information. This list is transmitted to the network 2 through the communication I / F 102 and the connection terminal 101, and is transmitted to the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 as the search request source.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 that is the search request source, a list of map location candidates to be displayed is received through the transmission / reception antenna 401 and the transmission / reception processing unit 402 and supplied to the control unit 420. The control unit 420 displays the received list on the display screen of the display unit 413 through the display control unit 412.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a list of place candidates formed in the map information providing server 1 and provided to the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 and displayed on the display screen 413G of the display unit 413 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. It is a figure for demonstrating. As shown in FIG. 7, the list includes a list of searched places and a message prompting the user of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 to select a place of the map to be acquired. You will be able to choose one.

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, a case where the cursor CS is positioned at the first selection item “1. The user of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 uses the arrow keys of the key operation unit 411 to select an item corresponding to the target location and presses a predetermined confirmation key. As a result, information corresponding to the item selected by the user is transmitted to the network 2 through the control unit 420, the transmission / reception processing unit 402, and the transmission / reception antenna 401, and transmitted to the map information providing server 1.

  In the map information providing server 1, a location selection instruction from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 as a search request source is received by the control unit 120 through the connection terminal 101 and the communication I / F 102. In this case, the control unit 120 controls the map information candidate extraction unit 106 to extract, from the map DB 113, map information of a location corresponding to the selection instruction from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. Then, the extracted map information is transmitted to the network 2 through the communication I / F 102 and the connection terminal 101 and transmitted to the requesting camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4, the map information is received through the transmission / reception antenna 401 and the transmission / reception processing unit 402. Then, the map information is supplied from the control unit 420 to the display control unit 412, and in response, the display processing unit 412 displays a map corresponding to the map information on the display screen of the display unit 413. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, a map of the target location is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 413 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4.

[Summary of operations of camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 and map information providing server 1]
Next, the operations (processes) of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 and the map information providing server 1 constituting the map information providing system of this embodiment will be summarized with reference to flowcharts.

[Operation (Processing) of Camera-equipped Mobile Phone Terminal 4]
First, the operation of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 will be described. 8 and 9 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 of this embodiment. The processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is performed by selecting an item corresponding to “map search processing based on map image information” from a predetermined menu prepared in the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 as described above. When executed, it is mainly executed by the control unit 420.

  First, the control unit 420 controls the display control unit 412 to display on the display screen of the display unit 413 a message that prompts the user to shoot a simplified map or the like (the map that is the basis of the map search key) The camera unit 422 is put into an operating state (step S101). In this case, an image captured by the camera unit 422 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 413 through the control unit 420 and the display control unit 412 together with the message prompting the photographing.

  Thereafter, the control unit 420 receives an operation input from the user through the key operation unit 411 (step S102), and determines whether or not a shutter key pressing operation (shooting operation) has been received (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the photographing operation is not accepted, it is determined whether or not the accepted operation input is an instruction operation to end the map search (step S104).

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S104 that the operation is not an instruction to end the map search, the control unit 420 determines that a valid operation input is not accepted in step S102, and repeats the process from step S102. To do. If it is determined in the determination process of step S104 that an instruction operation for ending the map search has been received, the control unit 420 controls the display control unit 412 to return the display screen of the display unit 413 to the menu display. A predetermined end process such as this is performed (step S105), the processes of FIGS. 8 and 9 are ended, and the process returns to the main routine for selecting an item from the menu.

  If it is determined in step S103 that a shutter key pressing operation (photographing operation) has been received, the control unit 420 captures a map image through the camera unit 422 and displays it on the display screen of the display unit 413 ( Step S106). Specifically, in step S104, the map image information captured through the camera unit 422) is recorded in, for example, the external memory 421 and the captured image corresponding to the map image information is displayed through the display control unit 412. On the display screen.

  Thereafter, the control unit 420 receives an operation input from the user through the key operation unit 411 (step S107). Then, control unit 420 determines whether or not the operation input received in step S107 is a map search request transmission instruction (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that a map search request transmission instruction has not been received, it is determined whether the received operation input is an operation input instructing to return to map shooting (step S109). ).

  When it is determined in step S109 that an operation input for instructing to return to map shooting is accepted, the control unit 420 performs the process from step S102, and again takes a simplified map or the like. To be able to do. If it is determined in step S109 that an operation input for returning to map photography is not accepted, it is determined in step S107 that a valid operation input is not accepted, and the processing from step S107 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S108 that a map search request transmission instruction has been received, the control unit 420 forms a map search request including the map image information captured in the external memory 421, and the map search request is transmitted to the map information. It transmits to the providing server 1 (step S110). The map search request is transmitted to the network 2 through the transmission / reception processing unit 402 and the transmission / reception antenna 401 and transmitted to the map information providing server 1.

  Thereafter, the control unit 420 proceeds to the process of FIG. 9, receives a list showing the candidate location of the map transmitted from the map information providing server 1, and takes it into, for example, the EEPROM 424 (step S <b> 111). Then, the control unit 420 displays the list taken in, for example, the EEPROM 424 on the display screen of the display unit 413 through the display control unit 412 (step S112).

  Then, the control unit 420 receives an operation input such as a selection input of a target location from the list displayed on the display screen of the display unit 413 through the key operation unit 411 (step S113). Control unit 420 determines whether or not the operation input received in step S113 is a place selection input (step S114). If it is determined in the determination process of step S114 that no place selection input has been received, it is determined whether or not the operation input received in step S113 instructs the end of the map search (step S115).

  If it is determined in step S115 that the operation input for instructing the end of the map search is not accepted, the control unit 420 determines that a valid operation input is not accepted in step S113, and the processing from step S113 is performed. To repeat. If it is determined in the determination process in step S115 that an operation input for instructing termination has been received, the control unit 420 returns the display on the display screen of the display unit 413 to the menu display as in the case of step S105. A predetermined end process such as performing is performed (step S116), the processes shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are ended, and the process returns to the main routine.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S114 that a place selection input has been received, the control unit 420 forms a place selection instruction according to the received selection input, and transmits this to the map information providing server 1 ( Step S117). Thereafter, a detailed map of the location selected by the user of the camera-equipped cellular phone terminal 4 is transmitted from the map information providing server 1. For this reason, the control unit 420 receives the map information through the transmission / reception antenna 401 and the transmission / reception processing unit 402, and displays a map corresponding to the map information on the display screen of the display unit 413 through the display control unit 412 (step S118). ).

  Then, the control unit 420 accepts an operation input through the key operation unit 411 (step S119), and determines whether or not a map search end instruction has been accepted (step S120). If it is determined in the determination process of step S120 that an instruction to end map search has not been received, it is determined whether an operation input instructing to return to the display of the list of places is received (step S121).

  If it is determined in step S121 that an operation input instructing to return to the display of the place list is received, the control unit 420 performs the processing from step S112. As a result, the user of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 can again select a target location from the list of locations.

  If it is determined in step S121 that the operation input for instructing to return to the display of the list of places is not accepted, the control unit 420 executes processing corresponding to the operation input accepted in step S119 (step S119). S122). Thereafter, the control unit 420 repeats the processing from step S119. In step S122, the map displayed in step S118 is subjected to processing such as enlarging / reducing, scrolling up / down / left / right, etc., and performing processing for searching around the map.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S120 that a map search end instruction has been received, a predetermined end process such as returning to a predetermined menu display is performed as in the above-described step S116. (Step S123), the processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is terminated.

  As described above, the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 of this embodiment forms a map search request including map image information obtained by photographing a simplified map, for example, to the map information providing server 1. By simply sending, a detailed map corresponding to the simplified map can be provided and used.

[Operation (Process) of Map Information Providing Server 1]
Next, the operation of the map information providing server 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the map information providing server 1 of this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 10 is a process that is always executed in the control unit 120 of the map information providing server 1.

  That is, the control unit 120 of the map information providing server 1 always receives a request addressed to itself (step S201), and upon receiving a request addressed to itself, the control unit 120 maps the map using the map image information. It is determined whether or not it is a search request (step S202). When it is determined in the determination process of step S202 that the received request is not a map search request using map image information, the control unit 120 executes a process according to the request (step S203), and step S201. Repeat the process from.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S202 that the received request is a map search request using map image information, the control unit 120 includes the map image information included in the received request (map search request). Is stored in the search map image information file 111 (step S204). Thereafter, the control unit 120 controls the search feature point extraction unit 103 to analyze the map image information stored in the search map image information file 111, thereby forming search feature point information. Is extracted in the feature point memory 114 (step S205).

  Then, the control unit 120 controls the feature point matching unit 105 to execute a matching process between the search feature point information stored in the feature point memory 104 and the map feature point information stored in the map feature point DB 113. (Step S206). Through the processing in step S206, one or more locations on the map that match the search feature point information are specified (extracted).

  Thereafter, the control unit 120 creates a list of one or more locations specified in step S206 (step S207). The control unit 120 controls the communication I / F 102 to provide (send) the list of candidate locations created in step S207 to the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 that is the transmission source of the map search request. (Step S208).

  Then, the control unit 120 of the map information providing server 1 receives a request from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 (step S209), and determines whether or not the received request instructs the end of the map search. Judgment is made (step S210). If it is determined in step S210 that the received request does not instruct the end of the map search, the control unit 120 executes processing according to the received request (step S211), and step S209. Repeat the process from.

  In step S211, in response to a request from the camera-equipped cellular phone terminal 4, the selected map is provided, the map is enlarged, the map is provided in response to a reduction request, and the surrounding search using the map is supported. Various processes are performed in response to a request from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 such as providing a map to be performed.

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S210 that the received request is an instruction to end the search for the map, the control unit 120 performs a predetermined end process (step S212), and the process from step S201 is started. Repeat the process. In step S212, for example, the map image information used for the current search stored in the search map image information file 111 is cleared, or the feature point information for search used this time in the feature point memory 104 is cleared. Or other processing is performed.

  As described above, the map information providing server 1 according to this embodiment searches for a detailed map of a target location in response to a search request for a map including map image information from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. Can be provided to the requesting camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4.

[Effect of the embodiment]
As described above, the user of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 or the like simply captures a simplified map or the like, and uses the map image information as information for search to obtain a detailed map of the corresponding location. can do. Thereby, it is possible to realize an unprecedented map information search tool for searching a map from a map without performing a troublesome operation such as inputting a search condition.

  Therefore, a detailed map of the location indicated by the simplified map can be obtained from the simplified map described in various pamphlets or the like, and the old map can be obtained from the old map. You can easily get the latest map of the location. It is also possible to search for an elucidated map such as a detailed map of the location from a map that does not know where it is.

  That is, even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of a terminal such as a mobile phone terminal or a personal computer can easily search and acquire a target detailed map, the latest map, an elucidated map, etc. from a map at hand. Be made possible. As described above, the present invention can be realized based on an unprecedented new idea that a corresponding map can be searched and acquired from a map.

[Modification of Embodiment]
[Example of forming search feature point information on the communication terminal side]
In the embodiment described above, the map information providing server 1 forms the search feature point information by analyzing the map image information from the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 by the function of the search feature point extraction unit 103. I tried to do it. However, it is not limited to this. For example, search feature point information is formed by analyzing map image information on the side of a communication terminal (user terminal) such as a mobile phone terminal or personal computer called a so-called smart phone having high processing capability. Then, a map search request including search feature point information is formed from a mobile phone terminal or a personal computer and transmitted to the map information providing server 1.

  In this case, since the feature point information for search is provided from the communication terminal (user terminal), it is not necessary to provide the map information providing server 1 with the function of the feature point extraction unit 103 for search. The map information providing server 1 includes a feature point matching unit 105 that performs a matching process between the search feature point information included in the received map search request and the map feature point information in the map feature point DB 113, and a result of the matching process. And a map information candidate extraction unit 106 that extracts a detailed map from the map. Thereby, a map information provision system can be constructed in a form in which the addition of the map information provision server 1 is reduced.

[Search request from an information terminal such as the personal computer 5 (1)]
Personal computers usually do not have a camera function. For this reason, when searching for a map using map image information from the personal computer 5 (1) shown in FIG. 1, map image information photographed with a digital camera or the like is taken into the personal computer 5 (1), and A map is searched using this as map image information for search.

  Of course, some notebook personal computers are equipped with a camera function, and there are cases where a camera module can be added later to an information terminal such as a personal computer. Thus, in the case of a personal computer equipped with a camera function or a personal computer retrofitted with a camera module, map image information obtained by photographing using the camera function of the own device is used as map image information for search. It can be used to search for a map. The operation of the personal computer provided with the camera function in this case performs the same processing as that of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 described with reference to FIGS.

  Also, some digital cameras are provided with a communication function. Specifically, a digital camera having a function connectable to a wireless local area network (LAN) such as a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication function has been provided. For this reason, map image information obtained by photographing a map with a digital camera having a communication function is directly transmitted from the digital camera to the map information providing server 1 through the wireless LAN, and the map image information is used. You can also search for maps.

  The operation of the digital camera in this case performs the same processing as that of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 described with reference to FIGS. Further, the map information provided from the map information providing server 1 to the digital camera can be used by being displayed on a display screen of a display element such as an LCD of the digital camera.

[Other examples of information terminals that output map search requests]
In the embodiment described above, the map information search request source has been described as being the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. Furthermore, it has been explained that the personal computer 5 (1), the personal computer with camera, and the digital camera having the communication function can also be the information terminal of the search request source. However, it is not limited to this.

  For example, an information terminal called a pad-type information terminal or a tablet-type information terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a relatively large display screen that has been rapidly spreading in recent years and having a thin configuration. Various information processing terminals capable of capturing map image information by providing a camera function, such as an information processing terminal and an electronic notebook, are used as information terminals that issue a search request for a map including map image information. Is possible.

[Other examples of map image information for search]
In the above-described embodiment, the map image information (map image information for search) as a search source is obtained by shooting a simplified map or the like using the camera function provided in the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4. It was explained that it can be obtained. However, the map image information for search is not limited to the image captured using the camera function provided in the terminal device that is the map search request source.

  For example, like the personal computer 5 (1) described above, map image information taken through another external device (electronic device having a camera function) such as a digital camera is taken into the own device, and this is used as a search map. It can be used as image information. Also, map information posted on various sites on the network 2 is copied and pasted into the memory of the own device (information terminal) and used as map image information for search. You can also.

  That is, in various information terminals that transmit a map search request to the map information providing server 1, externally through a camera function, a communication function, a connection function with an external device, a connection function with an external memory, etc. Various types of map image information to be acquired can be used as map image information for search. As a result, maps that can be acquired through various routes by information terminals that output search requests, such as map image information posted on various sites on the network 2 as well as map image information that is captured by photographing. A map search can be performed using the image information as map image information for search.

  In addition, in the case of using map image information acquired using a function other than the camera function installed in the own device as map image information for search, in the processing of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 shown in FIGS. The processes in steps S101 to S106 are different. For example, when the map image information acquired using a function other than the camera function is used as the map image information for search, instead of the processing of steps S101 to S106 in FIGS. Processing for specifically specifying map image information for search, such as designation of a storage destination and designation of target map image information, is performed. Processing after transmission of a map search request including map image information is the same processing as described with reference to FIGS.

  Further, for example, the functions of the search feature point extraction unit 103, the feature point matching unit 105, and the map information candidate extraction unit 106 provided in the map information providing server 1 described with reference to FIG. You can also In the personal computer, a map search process using map image information taken through a digital camera or the like can be performed. In this case, as the map DB and the map feature point DB, those provided in a predetermined server device on the network 2 can be used, and the map DB and the map feature point DB are provided in the personal computer. You can also

  In the above-described embodiment, the feature point information for search formed in the feature point memory 104 is matched with the map feature point information in the map feature point DB. At this time, if the location of the target detailed map is known to some extent, for example, in Hokkaido or Tohoku region, or in Tokyo or Kanagawa Prefecture, the range to be matched is determined by the region or prefecture. You may make it designate.

[Method and program of the present invention]
As can be seen from the above-described embodiments, the map information providing server 1 mainly corresponds to the apparatus of the present invention, and a system comprising the map information providing server 1, the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 and the personal computer 5 is this. It corresponds to the system of the invention. The processing described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10 mainly corresponds to the method and program of the present invention. That is, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the method of the present invention, is formed to perform the process of the flowchart of FIG. 10, and is executed by the control unit 120 of the map information providing server 1. Such a program is an embodiment of the program of the present invention.

  The method of forming the search feature point information from the map image information (the process performed by the search feature point extraction unit 103) is not performed by the map information providing server 1 but by the search request source. It is another embodiment of the method of the invention, and a program corresponding thereto is another embodiment of the program of the present invention.

[Others]
In the above-described embodiment, the connection terminal 101 and the communication I / F 102 of the map information providing server 1 realize the functions as the accepting unit and the providing unit. Further, the search feature point information extraction unit 103 realizes the function of the search feature point information forming unit, the feature point matching unit 105 realizes the function of the feature point matching unit, and the map information candidate extraction unit 106 serves as the acquisition unit. The function is realized. Furthermore, the control unit 120 of the map information providing server 1 mainly realizes the function of the list forming unit, and the connection terminal 101 and the communication I / F 102 of the map information providing server 1 serve as the list list providing unit and the instruction information receiving unit. The function is realized.

  When the map information providing server 1 does not have the function of search feature point information forming means (the function of the search feature point information extraction unit 103), the control unit 420 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 uses the search feature. The function of the point information extraction means is realized. Of course, the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 may be provided with a circuit unit corresponding to the search feature point information extraction unit 103.

  Similarly, when the map information providing server 1 is not provided with the function of search feature point information extraction means (the function of the search feature point information extraction unit 103), the search request source is the personal computer 5 (1) or the like. In some cases, a control unit having a CPU such as the personal computer 5 (1) implements the function of the search feature point information extraction unit. Of course, a circuit unit corresponding to the search feature point information extraction unit 103 can be provided in the terminal such as a personal computer.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 420 and the transmission / reception processing unit 402 of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4 cooperate to realize a function as a search request providing unit and a function as a map information receiving unit. The unit 420 and the display control unit 412 cooperate to realize a function as a display control unit. In the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4, the transmission / reception antenna 401 and the transmission / reception processing unit 402 realize a function as a list receiving unit and a function as an instruction information providing unit. In the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal 4, the control unit 420 and the display control unit 412 cooperate to realize a function as a list display control unit, and the key operation unit 411 and the control unit 420 cooperate. Thus, a function as an instruction input receiving means is realized.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Map information provision server, 101 ... Connection terminal, 102 ... Communication I / F, 103 ... Search feature point extraction part, 104 ... Feature point memory, 105 ... Feature point matching part, 106 ... Map information candidate extraction part, 111 ... Map image information file for search, 112 ... Map DB, 113 ... Map feature point DB, 120 ... Control unit, 121 ... CPU, 122 ... ROM, 123 ... RAM, 124 ... EEPROM, 125 ... CPU bus, 3 (1) 3 (2) ... base station, 4 (1), 4 (2) ... mobile phone terminal with camera, 5 (1) ... personal computer

Claims (10)

Receiving means for receiving a search request for a map including search feature point information indicating a position on the map image information of a predetermined feature point extracted by analyzing map image information;
A candidate for a location that matches the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information included in the search request with map feature point information indicating a position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map A feature point matching means for identifying
Obtaining means for obtaining map information of a part including the identified candidate for the place;
Providing means for providing the acquired map information. A map information providing apparatus comprising: Receiving means for receiving a search request for a map including map image information;
A feature point information extraction unit for search for analyzing the map image information included in the search request and extracting feature point information for search indicating a position of a predetermined feature point on the map image information;
Feature point matching for identifying candidate locations that match the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information with map feature point information indicating the position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining map information of a part including the identified candidate for the place;
Providing means for providing the acquired map information to a search request source. Map information providing apparatus, comprising: The map information providing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
A list forming unit that forms a list of candidates for a plurality of locations when the feature point matching unit identifies a plurality of location candidates;
List list providing means for providing the formed list to a search request source;
Instruction information accepting means for accepting instruction information for instructing a candidate for a place selected from the list, wherein the acquisition means includes a candidate for a place indicated by the instruction information received through the instruction information accepting means A map information providing device characterized by acquiring map information of the map. A map information providing system formed by connecting a map information providing device and a terminal device through a network,
The map information providing device includes:
Receiving means for receiving a search request for a map including search feature point information indicating a position on the map image information of a predetermined feature point extracted by analyzing map image information;
A candidate for a location that matches the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information included in the search request with map feature point information indicating a position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map A feature point matching means for identifying
Obtaining means for obtaining map information of a part including the identified candidate for the place;
Providing means for providing the obtained map information to a search request source;
The terminal device
Search feature point information extracting means for analyzing map image information and forming search feature point information indicating a position of a predetermined feature point on the map image information;
A search request providing means for forming a search request for a map including the search feature point information and providing the map information providing device;
Map information receiving means for receiving map information provided from the map information providing device;
Display control means for controlling to display a map based on the map information on a display screen. A map information providing system formed by connecting a map information providing device and a terminal device through a network,
The map information providing device includes:
Receiving means for receiving a search request for a map including map image information;
A feature point information extraction unit for search for analyzing the map image information included in the search request and extracting feature point information for search indicating a position of a predetermined feature point on the map image information;
Feature point matching for identifying candidate locations that match the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information with map feature point information indicating the position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining map information of a part including the identified candidate for the place;
Providing means for providing the obtained map information to a search request source;
The terminal device
A search request providing means for forming a search request for a map including map image information and providing the map request to the map information providing device;
Map information receiving means for receiving map information provided from the map information providing device;
Display control means for controlling to display a map based on the map information on a display screen. The map information providing system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
The map information providing device
A list forming unit that forms a list of candidates for a plurality of locations when the feature point matching unit identifies a plurality of location candidates;
List list providing means for providing the formed list to a search request source;
Instruction information accepting means for accepting instruction information for instructing a candidate for a place selected from the list, wherein the acquisition means includes a candidate for a place indicated by the instruction information received through the instruction information accepting means Map information can be obtained,
The terminal device
List list accepting means for accepting provision of the list;
A list display control means for controlling to display the received list on a display screen;
An instruction input receiving means for receiving an instruction input of a target location from the list displayed on the display screen;
A map information providing system comprising: instruction information providing means for providing the map information providing apparatus with instruction information for instructing a location according to the instruction input. An accepting step of accepting a search request for a map including feature point information for search indicating a position on the map image information of a predetermined feature point extracted by analyzing map image information through an accepting unit;
A feature point matching unit performs matching between the search feature point information included in the search request and map feature point information indicating a position of a predetermined feature point on a predetermined map, and the search feature point information is obtained. A feature point matching process that identifies candidate locations for matching;
An acquisition step of acquiring map information of a portion including the identified candidate for the place through an acquisition unit;
A map information providing method, comprising: a providing step in which a providing unit provides the acquired map information to a search request source. An accepting step of accepting a map search request including map image information through accepting means;
Search feature point information for analyzing the map image information included in the search request and extracting search feature point information indicating a position of a predetermined feature point on the map image information by a search feature point information extracting unit An extraction process;
The feature point matching means performs matching between the search feature point information and the map feature point information indicating the position of the predetermined feature point on the predetermined map, and selects a candidate for a location that matches the search feature point information. A feature point matching process to be identified;
An acquisition step of acquiring map information of a portion including the identified candidate for the place through an acquisition unit;
A map information providing method, comprising: a providing step in which a providing unit provides the acquired map information to a search request source. A program executed on a computer mounted on a map information providing device that provides map information,
An accepting step of accepting a search request for a map including feature point information for search indicating a position on the map image information of a predetermined feature point extracted by analyzing map image information through an accepting unit;
A candidate for a location that matches the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information included in the search request with map feature point information indicating a position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map A feature point matching step for identifying
An acquisition step of acquiring the map information of the portion including the identified candidate for the place through an acquisition unit;
A map information providing program that executes a providing step in which a providing means provides the acquired map information to a search request source. An accepting step of accepting a map search request including map image information through accepting means;
Analyzing the map image information included in the search request, and extracting feature point information for search that extracts feature point information for search indicating a position of a predetermined feature point on the map image information;
Feature point matching for identifying candidate locations that match the search feature point information by matching the search feature point information with map feature point information indicating the position of the predetermined feature point on a predetermined map Steps,
An acquisition step of acquiring the map information of the portion including the identified candidate for the place through an acquisition unit;
A map information providing program that executes a providing step in which a providing means provides the acquired map information to a search request source.

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