JP2015215461A - Image display system and image creating method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display system that can change the design of a tiled map image to provide a map image.SOLUTION: An image display system includes a first map image creating device and a second map image creating device. The first map image creating device creates a first map image that specifies, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel serving as a constituent that can be changed in design from among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size. The second map image creating device converts a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of the customized pixel specified by a user to create a second map image.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display system and an image generation method. In particular, the present invention relates to a map image display system and an image generation method.

  With the development of information processing technology and communication technology, digital maps have been actively used in various fields. For example, digital maps are used in public fields such as management of infrastructure facilities such as roads and disaster prevention plans. Alternatively, many companies use digital maps to provide services that are convenient for users. In this way, digital maps are used in various social activities.

  In recent years, free map providing services on the Internet have been provided by organizations, companies, and the like that have information on infrastructure and map content. In such a map providing service, an API (Application Programming Interface) is provided to a user who wants to use the map providing service. Each user can easily use the digital map on his / her Web site by using the API.

  Here, when providing a digital map to a user, various methods exist regarding how to generate a map image.

  One of them is a method of generating a map image each time according to a request from a user using map data prepared in advance, and providing a visualized map to the user. Map data is graphic information and attribute information expressed on a map. For example, road map data (digital map data) includes “nodes” indicating the positions of intersections and nodes, “links” indicating connections between nodes, and the like. When the map data is visualized, a map image is generated based on a predetermined design of each component of the map data (a size indicating a node, a size of a line indicating a link, a shape, a color, etc.).

  For example, it is assumed that a user has requested to provide a map regarding road information in a certain area (see FIG. 14). In this case, it is assumed that the map data of the requested area includes information regarding roads, information regarding traffic lights, and information regarding road numbers. Based on these map data, the map server generates an image that visualizes components (roads, traffic lights, etc.) and provides the digital map by transmitting it to the user. Each time the map server receives a map display request from a user, it is necessary to execute a series of visualization processes for each component (in FIG. 14, roads, traffic lights, road numbers). Processing also increases.

  However, if such a map data visualization process is performed for each display request from the user, a sufficient response speed (response) cannot be ensured. Therefore, a technique is often used in which the map data is tiled and a digital map is prepared in advance.

  Tiling of map data means that a map image drawn from map data according to a predetermined design is divided and stored in a predetermined size. Map images divided into a predetermined size are prepared for each scale, and a map image can be configured by arranging them in a tile shape.

  For example, referring to FIG. 15, a map image in a format that can be visualized and provided to the user is prepared in advance for each component (road, traffic light, road number) in a specific area. The map image created in advance is a tiled map image. When a request for provision of a map is received from the user, the tiled data is returned to the user. In addition, if a single tile (tiled map image) cannot cope with a request from a user, a plurality of map images are combined and dealt with.

  The advantage of tiling map data is that a map image (tiled map image) prepared in advance is output as it is, and therefore a digital map can be provided to the user at high speed. In other words, the generation of the tiled map image only needs to be performed once to visualize each component, and the map image is not generated every time the user requests, so that the response performance is excellent. The map providing service released on the Internet seamlessly realizes scale change and movement using such a tiling technique.

  On the other hand, there is a disadvantage in tiled map data. The problem with map data tiling is that it takes an enormous amount of time to tile map data. Since it depends on the amount of map data and the performance of the computer, it cannot be generally stated, but it may take several weeks to several months to tile the world map. In addition, since a map image is necessary for each scale, the size of the tiled map image is much larger than the size of the map data alone. Note that map data tiling may also be referred to as “map data cache”.

  Patent Document 1 discloses that an instruction to change information relating to display / non-display of landmarks is performed in display of map information including information about landmarks such as sights and temples.

JP 2012-189370 A

  The disclosure of the above prior art document is incorporated herein by reference. The following analysis was made by the present inventors.

  As described above, the map providing service is often realized on the Web site by using the map providing service published on the Internet. On the other hand, depending on the company or organization, a system that handles a digital map in a closed network environment (for example, an intranet) may be constructed when the information to be handled is highly confidential or due to security concerns.

  In such a closed network environment, the map providing service provided free of charge as described above cannot be used. Therefore, it is necessary for each company / organization to build its own equivalent system (digital map providing system). Even in an intranet environment, system response performance is a high-priority consideration. Therefore, even in a map providing service used in an intranet environment, tiled map data is often prepared.

  Map images used in an intranet environment are often used for special purposes, and a uniform design may not meet the needs of users. For example, user A thinks that “the road color is gray and the sea color is blue” is optimal for his / her business, and that user B is “road color is blue and sea color is green”. There is something to think about. In other words, in companies / organizations that operate using map images, disagreements are likely to occur because the locations and areas of interest differ for each individual or group of several people. If the number of people using the map image is small, it may be possible to match opinions, but as the number of people increases, it becomes more difficult to agree on opinions.

  As a solution, it is conceivable to recreate a tiled image (cache) each time, or to prepare tiled images corresponding to a plurality of designs in advance. However, preparing a tiled image as described above requires a lot of work time and labor, and neither solution is practical.

  Patent Document 1 also discloses a technique that enables a design change of a map image. However, in Patent Document 1, it is not premised that tiled map data is displayed, and the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot be applied when displaying a tiled map image. In other words, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a configuration in which data is generated every time a map image is displayed without tiled map data. In such a configuration, a map customized at a realistic response speed is used. Images cannot be provided.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an image display system and an image generation method that contribute to changing the design of a tiled map image so that the map image can be provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a customized pixel constituting a component whose design can be changed is specified in a predetermined format among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size. A first map image generating device that generates a first map image; and a second map image that generates a second map image by converting a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of the customized pixel specified by a user. And an image display system including two map image generation apparatuses.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, for each of a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size, pixels that define the type of component that each pixel constitutes and the vertical relationship between the components A first map image generating device for generating a first map image and determining a pixel value of each pixel constituting the first map image according to customization information provided by a user; An image display system including a second map image generation device that generates two map images is provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, a customized pixel constituting a component whose design can be changed is specified in a predetermined format among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size. Image generation comprising: generating a first map image; and converting a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of the customized pixel specified by a user to generate a second map image A method is provided.

  According to each aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display system and an image generation method that contribute to changing the design of a tiled map image to provide the map image.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structural example of the map image display system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the information set to a map conversion server from an administrator terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information and customization information which are set to a map provision server. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of a map conversion server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a map conversion server. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of a map provision server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a map provision server. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the map image display system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the map conversion server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the map provision server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for explanation about generation of a map image. It is a figure for demonstrating tiling of map data.

  First, an outline of an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the reference numerals of the drawings attached to the outline are attached to the respective elements for convenience as an example for facilitating understanding, and the description of the outline is not intended to be any limitation.

  As described above, an image display system that can provide a map image by changing the design of a tiled map image is desired.

  Therefore, the image display system shown in FIG. 1 is provided as an example. The image display system includes a first map image generation device 100 and a second map image generation device 101. The first map image generation device 100 designates, in a predetermined format, customized pixels that constitute a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size. One map image is generated. The second map image generation device 101 converts the pixel value of the customized pixel according to the attribute value of the customized pixel specified by the user, and generates a second map image.

  In the image display system according to an embodiment, among the constituent elements (for example, sea, land, road, etc.) included in the tiled map image (map image divided into a predetermined size), the design is performed by the user. The pixel value of the component is changed to a predetermined pixel value (for example, a discrimination pixel value described later) so that the component that can be changed can be identified. The map image created in this way is the first map image.

  Then, when making a request for providing a map image, the user transmits, as customization information, attribute values (for example, adjusted pixel values to be described later) of the constituent elements configured so that the design can be changed. In the second map image generation device 101, when a customized pixel is found among the pixels constituting the first map image, the pixel value of the customized pixel is replaced with a pixel value provided by the user. A second map image reflecting the user's customization request is generated. As a result, the user can arbitrarily change the design of the tiled map image.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration example of the map image display system according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, the map image display system according to the first embodiment includes an administrator terminal 10, a map conversion server 20 (corresponding to the first map image generation device 100 described above), a map storage server 30, and The map providing server 40 (corresponding to the second map image generating apparatus 101 described above) and the user terminal 50 are configured. Each terminal and each server are connected to each other via networks 61 and 62.

  In the map image display system of FIG. 2, a request for providing a map image (hereinafter referred to as a map image providing request) is made from the user terminal 50 to the map providing server 40. Upon receiving the request, the map providing server 40 reads the tiled map image (map image divided into a predetermined size) stored in the map storage server 30 and responds to the request from the user terminal 50.

  The map image stored in the map storage server 30 is configured so that the design of some components can be changed. For example, when the constituent elements of the map image are “sea”, “road”, and “land”, a map image whose design of “sea” can be changed by the map providing server 40 is stored in the map storage server 30. ing.

  Using the user terminal 50, the user transmits customization information that specifies how to display a component whose design can be changed, together with the map image provision request, to the map provision server 40.

  The map providing server 40 generates a map image reflecting the user's design change request based on the map image providing request and the customization information, and responds to the user terminal 50 (provides the map image). In the map providing server 40, setting information is set in advance by a system administrator. The setting information will be described later.

  The map conversion server 20 is an apparatus that generates in advance a map image in which all or some of the map image components can be changed by the map providing server 40. Upon receiving a request for generating a map image from the administrator terminal 10, the map conversion server 20 creates a tiled map image based on setting information set from the administrator terminal 10. The map conversion server 20 creates a map image tiled at each scale required by the system and stores the map image in the map storage server 30.

  The map storage server 30 stores a plurality of tiled map images. The map storage server 30 outputs the map image requested by the map providing server 40 to the map providing server 40. In other words, the map providing server 40 acquires a map image suitable for the map image input via the user terminal 50 from the map storage server 30.

  The system configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and various configurations can be considered. In FIG. 2, the map conversion server 20, the map storage server 30, and the map providing server 40 are described as independent devices, but a server in which these are integrated or partially integrated may be used. In FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, one user terminal 50 is illustrated, but actually, a map image provision request is transmitted from a large number of user terminals 50 via the network 61.

  As described above, the system administrator makes necessary settings to the map conversion server 20 and the map providing server 40 using the administrator terminal 10.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information set in the map conversion server 20 from the administrator terminal 10. Referring to FIG. 3, the information set in the map conversion server 20 includes at least “changeable data type”, “discrimination pixel value”, and “correction pixel value”.

  The changeable data type is information for designating a component that allows a design change in the tiled map image. In the example shown in FIG. 3, at least “sea” and “road” are designated as the changeable data types.

  The discriminating pixel value is a pixel value reserved for discriminating pixels (corresponding to the above-mentioned customized pixels) constituting the changeable data type included in the tiled map image generated by the map conversion server 20. . In the example shown in FIG. 3, a pixel value (1, 0, 0) is assigned to a customized pixel having the changeable data type “sea” in the RGB (red, green, blue) format, and the changeable data type “road” The pixel values (0, 1, 0) are assigned to the customized pixels forming “

  The corrected pixel value is a pixel value provided in consideration of the case where the pixel values of other components coincide with the determination pixel value when drawing other than the components specified by the changeable data type. In the example of FIG. 3, (0, 0, 0) is designated as the corrected pixel value. Various methods are conceivable for determining the corrected pixel value. As one example, the corrected pixel value can be determined based on the discrimination pixel value. For example, a value (for example, a median value or an average value calculated from a plurality of discrimination pixel values) after statistical processing on a plurality of discrimination pixel values can be used as the correction pixel value. By setting the corrected pixel value to a value close to the discrimination pixel value in this way, the map image composed of the corrected pixel value does not feel strange to the user.

  The administrator also sets setting information on the map providing server 40 from the administrator terminal 10. Information set in the map providing server 40 from the administrator terminal 10 is a changeable data type and a discrimination pixel value. That is, in the map providing server 40, information excluding setting information related to the corrected pixel value among information set in the map conversion server 20 is set from the administrator terminal 10.

  Note that the administrator creates a setting file and transmits the setting file to the map conversion server 20 and the map providing server 40. In addition, said structure is not the meaning which limits the setting method of the setting information used in the map conversion server 20 grade | etc., Or customization information. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a server for storing the setting file is separately provided, the administrator registers the setting file in the server, and the map conversion server 20 and the like appropriately access the server.

  In addition, customization information is transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the map providing server 40. The customization information transmitted from the user terminal 50 includes an attribute value (for example, color) of the customized pixel. In the first embodiment, the pixel value for each changeable data type is transmitted as the attribute value of the customized pixel. This pixel value is referred to as “adjusted pixel value”.

  The adjustment pixel value is a pixel value that is replaced with the discrimination pixel value when the map providing server 40 finds the discrimination pixel value in the tiled map image. By replacing the discrimination pixel value with the adjustment pixel value, the design of the changeable data type can be arbitrarily changed by setting the color desired by the user as the adjustment pixel value.

  For example, if the user wants to set the sea color to red and the road color to gray, the sea adjustment pixel value (255, 0, 0) and the road adjustment pixel value (128, 128, 128) is transmitted to the map providing server 40.

  The map providing server 40 replaces the discrimination pixel value of the changeable data type with the adjustment pixel value, thereby providing a map image that meets the user's request.

  FIG. 4 summarizes the setting information and customization information set in the map providing server 40. The setting information and customization information set in the map providing server 40 are stored in the internal storage unit as a setting file having the information shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the map conversion server 20. Referring to FIG. 5, the map conversion server 20 includes a communication unit 201, a map image generation unit 202, and a storage unit 203.

  The communication unit 201 is means for communicating with the administrator terminal 10 and the map storage server 30 via the network 62.

  The map image generation unit 202 is a means for generating a tiled map image in accordance with the above setting file.

  The storage unit 203 is a unit that stores at least the setting file transmitted from the administrator terminal 10.

  The map image generation unit 202 can also be realized by a computer program that causes a computer mounted on the map conversion server 20 to execute processing that will be described in detail later using the hardware thereof.

  Next, the operation of the map conversion server 20 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map conversion server 20.

  First, when receiving a request for map image generation from the administrator terminal 10, the map image generation unit 202 reads the setting file stored in the storage unit 203 (step S101). Here, it is assumed that the setting file shown in FIG. 3 is read.

  The map image generation unit 202 executes a loop process (steps S102 to S106) for generating a map image (drawing a map) for each data type included in the requested map image. The map image generation unit 202 repeats the loop process until there is no data type to be drawn.

  In step S102, the map image generation unit 202 confirms whether or not the data type to be drawn is the changeable data type specified in the setting file.

  If the data type to be rendered is a changeable data type (step S102, Yes branch), the discrimination pixel value specified in the setting file is set as the pixel value of the pixel of the changeable data type (customized pixel) ( Step S103).

  If the data type of the drawing target is not a changeable data type (No in step S102), the map image generation unit 202 executes the processes related to steps S104 to S106.

  In step S104, the map image generation unit 202 confirms whether or not the pixel value belonging to a data type other than the changeable data type matches the discrimination pixel value. Here, since (1, 0, 0) of “sea” and (0, 1, 0) of “road” are designated as the discrimination pixel values, these values and pixels constituting the data type to be drawn Are compared with each other.

  If the pixel value is a discrimination pixel value (step S104, Yes branch), the map image generation unit 202 replaces the pixel value with a corrected pixel value (step S105). Here, since (0, 0, 0) is designated as the corrected pixel value, the pixel values of (1, 0, 0) and (0, 1, 0) are replaced with (0, 0, 0).

  If the pixel value is not the discrimination pixel value (step S104, No branch), the map image generation unit 202 draws using the original pixel value of the data type to be drawn (step S106).

  When the loop processing according to steps S102 to S106 ends, the map image generation unit 202 stores the generated map image in the map storage server 30 via the communication unit 201.

  As described above, the map conversion server 20 generates a map image in which customized pixels that constitute a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting the tiled map image are specified in the RGB format. . In other words, the map conversion server 20 generates a map image in which customized pixels constituting constituent elements whose design can be changed are embedded.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the map providing server 40. Referring to FIG. 7, the map providing server 40 includes a communication unit 301, a map image generation unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

  The communication unit 301 is means for communicating with the user terminal 50 and the map storage server 30 via the networks 61 and 62.

  The map image generation unit 302 is a unit that generates a map image in which the design of the tiled map image is changed according to the setting file including the customization information. The map image generation unit 302 provides the map image to the user terminal 50 by transmitting the generated map image to the user terminal 50 via the communication unit 301.

  The storage unit 303 is means for storing at least a setting file including setting information and customization information.

  Note that the map image generation unit 302 can also be realized by a computer program that causes a computer mounted on the map providing server 40 to execute processing that will be described in detail later, using the hardware thereof.

  Next, the operation of the map providing server 40 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map providing server 40.

  First, when receiving a map image provision request from the user terminal 50, the map image generation unit 302 reads a setting file stored in the storage unit 303 (step S201). Here, it is assumed that the setting file shown in FIG. 4 is read.

  The map image generation unit 302 acquires the requested map image from the map storage server 30 (step S202).

  The map image generation unit 302 executes a loop process related to pixel value conversion (step S203) for each pixel included in the map image displayed on the user terminal 50.

  In step S203, the map image generation unit 302 changes the discrimination pixel value to the corresponding adjustment pixel value. For example, if the pixel value is (1, 0, 0), the map image generation unit 302 replaces the pixel value with an adjustment pixel value (255, 0, 0) corresponding to the changeable data type “sea”.

  When the loop process according to step S203 ends, the map image generation unit 302 transmits a map image to be displayed on the user terminal 50 to the user terminal 50 (step S204).

  As described above, the map providing server 40 converts the pixel value of the customized pixel using the adjustment pixel value provided from the user terminal 50 as the attribute value of the customized pixel, and generates a map image to be provided to the user. . More specifically, the map providing server 40 extracts the customized pixels from the pixels constituting the map image stored in the map storage server 30 and replaces the pixel values of the extracted customized pixels with the adjustment pixel values. Realize the demand for design changes.

  Next, the operation of the map image display system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The original map image is as shown in the image of FIG. Of the components (land, sea, road) shown in FIG. 9A, when the sea and the road are designated as the changeable data type, the map conversion server 20 is as shown in FIG. 9B. A map image (tiled map image) is generated in advance. In the image shown in FIG. 9B, the pixel values relating to land cannot be changed, but the pixel values of the sea and the road are replaced with the discrimination pixel values, so that the pixel values can be changed (design changes).

  Upon receiving a map image provision request from the user, the map providing server 40 replaces the discrimination pixel value in FIG. 9B with the adjustment pixel value, and provides the map image as shown in FIG. 9C to the user. To do.

  As described above, in the map image display system according to the first embodiment, when generating a tiled map image from map data, pixel values (discrimination pixel values) that can be adjusted later are defined in a predetermined format called RGB format. Is embedded in the map image in advance. In addition, when the user actually requests to provide a map, the embedded discrimination pixel value is replaced with a pixel value (adjustment pixel value) set by the user. As a result, it is possible to display the map image reflecting the customization information including the user's request on the user terminal 50 while using the tiled map image. Further, since a tiled map image is not created every time a user requests a map image provision, a map image that satisfies the user's customization request can be generated while ensuring a realistic response speed.

  The design change of the map image can be realized by a simple method in which both the map conversion server 20 and the map providing server 40 replace the pixel value with a preset pixel value (discrimination pixel value, adjustment pixel value). Further, the size of the map image in which the discrimination pixel value is embedded and the map image displayed on the user terminal are the same as the size of the original map image.

  Furthermore, although there is some additional processing regarding the speed at which a map image to be displayed on the user terminal 50 is generated (response speed of the map providing server 40), it is possible to add pixel value confirmation processing and replacement processing. Yes, the effects of additional processing can be ignored.

[Modification]
The configuration and operation of the map image display system described in the first embodiment are examples, and various modifications can be made. For example, the map image display system may have the following configuration or operation.

  In the first embodiment, one discrimination pixel value and one adjustment pixel value are set for one changeable data type, but a plurality of discrimination pixel values are associated with one changeable data type. The adjustment pixel value to be set may be set. By setting a plurality of discriminating pixel values and the like, one data type can be drawn and adjusted in multiple colors instead of a single color.

  Also, it is often desirable to draw most data types with two or more colors. For example, in the case of a road, a drawing method that uses two colors of an outer line color and an intermediate fill color is desirable. Alternatively, the center line may be drawn with a different color.

  When the multi-color is configured to be changeable as described above, the degree of freedom increases for the user, but there is also an aspect that the setting becomes complicated. Therefore, even if multiple colors can be adjusted, it is possible to introduce a mechanism in which the number of colors that can be adjusted to the user is limited to one or two colors, and other colors are automatically determined from these colors. It is. Specifically, the map providing server 40 replaces the pixel value generated based on the provided adjustment pixel value with the discrimination pixel value when the adjustment pixel value corresponding to each discrimination pixel value is not provided.

  For example, it is a simple method to determine other colors using gradation. In this case, the pixel values of the pixels a, b, c, and d are shaded in order, and the pixel value a (50, 50, 50) and the pixel value d (200, 200, 200) are specified by the user. To do. In this case, the system side can also calculate results such as the pixel value b (100, 100, 100) and the pixel value c (150, 150, 150).

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the second embodiment, information other than information relating to color is given to the pixel values of the pixels constituting the map image. In the second embodiment, the number of display colors of the map image is limited to 24 colors, for example. In addition, information regarding the vertical relationship for each data type and display / non-display for each data type is included in the pixel value.

  Specifically, the pixel value is expressed by a bit string of 8 bits × 3 24 bits, and the data type is set at each bit position. Further, the display of the data type is assigned to data “1” at each bit position, and the non-display of the data type is assigned to data “0”. Furthermore, the bit position defines the vertical relationship between data types.

  The configuration of the map image display system according to the second embodiment and the configuration of each server device are not different from the configurations described in the first embodiment, so that FIG. 1, FIG. 5, and FIG. The corresponding explanation is omitted.

  The system administrator uses the administrator terminal 10 to set discrimination pixel values for all target data types. In the discrimination pixel value, data relating to one bit position in the 24-bit string is set to “1”, and data relating to another bit position is set to “0”. Therefore, when the pixel value is expressed by a 24-bit bit string, the maximum value of the data type is 24.

  Further, the bit position having data “1” designates the upper and lower sides when the map providing server 40 generates a map image (displays on the user terminal 50). For example, it is assumed that the administrator sets the data type and the discrimination pixel value as illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the data type is “sea”, “land”, and “road”, and the discrimination pixel value is set for each. The discrimination pixel value shown in FIG. 10 indicates that the road is at a higher position than the land and the sea, and the sea is at a lower position than the road and the land.

  The system administrator transmits a setting file including setting information as shown in FIG. 10 to the map conversion server 20 and the map providing server 40 using the administrator terminal 10.

  The user uses the user terminal 50 to set an adjustment pixel value for each data type. For example, it is assumed that the user has set the data type as shown in FIG. In addition, the user uses the user terminal 50 to set presence / absence of display for each data type. The following description will be made with the presence or absence of display for each data type as a data display determination value. The user terminal 50 transmits customization information as shown in FIG. 11 to the map providing server 40. The customization information transmitted from the user terminal 50 is combined with the setting information transmitted from the administrator terminal 10 and stored in the storage unit 303 as a setting file.

  Next, the operation of the map conversion server 20 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map conversion server 20.

  First, when receiving a request for map image generation from the administrator terminal 10, the map image generation unit 202 reads a setting file stored in the storage unit 203 (step S301). Here, it is assumed that the setting file shown in FIG. 10 is read.

  In step S302, the map image generation unit 202 initializes a map image to be created. Specifically, the map image generation unit 202 initializes all pixel values of the map image to be created to (0, 0, 0). That is, the map image generation unit 202 generates a bit string in which 24 pieces of data “0” are arranged in a 24-bit bit string.

  The map image generation unit 202 executes a loop process (step S303) for updating pixel values (drawing a map) for each data type included in the map image. The map image generation unit 202 repeats the loop process until there is no data type to be drawn.

  In step S303, the pixel value is updated by adding the discrimination pixel value to each pixel value at the time of rendering for each data type. For example, when “sea” is first drawn, since the pixel value is initialized in step S302, the updated pixel value is (0... 0001). Next, when “land” is drawn on the pixel where “sea” is drawn, the updated pixel value is (0... 0011). Further, when “road” is drawn on the pixels on which “sea” and “land” are drawn, the updated pixel value is (0... 0111). As described above, the pixel value of the pixel in which “sea”, “land”, and “road” are drawn is updated to (0... 0111). Alternatively, the pixel value of a maritime road where “road” is above “sea” is updated to (0... 0101).

  When the loop processing according to step S303 ends, the map image generation unit 202 stores the generated map image in the map storage server 30 via the communication unit 201.

  Next, the operation of the map providing server 40 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map providing server 40.

  First, when receiving a request for providing a map image from the user terminal 50, the map image generation unit 302 reads a setting file stored in the storage unit 303 (step S401).

  The setting information read by the map image generation unit 302 includes at least the determination pixel value received from the administrator terminal 10, the adjustment pixel value received from the user terminal 50, and the data display determination value.

  The map image generation unit 302 acquires the requested map image from the map storage server 30 (step S402).

  In step S403, the map image generation unit 302 creates a layer display bit string using the data display determination value. The layer display bit string is a 24-bit bit string in which a data display determination value is set at the bit position “1” of each data type. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, if the data display determination value displays “Sea” and “Land” and hides “Road”, (0 ... 0011) is the layer display bit string.

  The map image generation unit 302 executes loop processing (steps S404 and S405) related to pixel calculation for each pixel included in the map image displayed on the user terminal 50.

  In step S404, the map image generation unit 302 performs a logical product operation of the pixel value and the layer display bit string, and updates the pixel value. For example, as described above, in the case of a pixel value (0 ... 0111) that displays all “road”, “land”, and “sea”, the pixel value is (0 ... 0011) as a result of the logical product operation. ) Is updated. As a result of the logical product operation, a setting to hide “road” is applied.

  In step S <b> 405, the map image generation unit 302 sets the pixel value after the logical product operation to data “1” at the position closest to the most significant bit (MSB) (most left). To the adjusted pixel value corresponding to the discrimination pixel value corresponding to For example, if the pixel value after the AND operation is (0 ... 0011), the adjustment pixel value (153, 76, 0) of “land” is set as the pixel value. Alternatively, if the pixel value after the AND operation is (0... 0001), the sea adjustment pixel value (255, 0, 0) is set as the pixel value.

  When the loop processing according to steps S <b> 404 and S <b> 405 ends, the map image generation unit 302 transmits a map image to be displayed on the user terminal 50 to the user terminal 50.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, when creating a tiled map image, the discrimination pixel value is embedded in the map image. The discriminating pixel value includes information on the type of component of the map image and its vertical relationship. Therefore, the user can specify the design (color) of the component to the map providing server 40 and obtain a map image including the necessary component.

  The map image display system according to the first and second embodiments is suitable when a map image or a satellite image is used to analyze the map image or the like.

A part or all of the above embodiments can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.
[Appendix 1]
A first map that generates a first map image that specifies, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel that constitutes a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size An image generating device;
A second map image generation device that converts a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of the customized pixel specified by a user and generates a second map image;
Including image display system.
[Appendix 2]
A map image storage device for storing a plurality of the first map images;
The first map image generation device stores the first map image generated in response to a request relating to generation of a map image in the map image storage device,
The image display system according to appendix 1, wherein the second map image generation device acquires a first map image that meets a request from a user among a plurality of first map images stored in the map image storage device.
[Appendix 3]
A user terminal that transmits customization information including an attribute value of the customized pixel to the second map image generation device together with a request related to providing a map image,
The second map image generation device transmits the second map image in which the customization information is reflected to the user terminal,
The image display system according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the user terminal displays the received second map image.
[Appendix 4]
The first map image generation device uses a predetermined first pixel value as a pixel value of a pixel that configures a component that can be changed in design among a plurality of components that configure the map image. Specify the customized pixel by replacing it with a value,
The second map image generation device extracts the customized pixel by comparing a pixel value of a pixel constituting the first map image with the first pixel value, and the extracted customized pixel The image display system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the pixel value is replaced with an adjustment pixel value specified as an attribute value of the customized pixel to generate the second map image.
[Appendix 5]
The first map image generation device has predetermined pixel values of pixels constituting constituent elements different from the constituent elements set to be able to change the design among a plurality of constituent elements constituting the map image. The image display system according to appendix 4, wherein the second pixel value is replaced.
[Appendix 6]
The first map image generation device replaces pixel values of a plurality of pixels constituting a component that is set to be changeable in design with any one of a plurality of predetermined pixel values. To specify the customized pixel,
The image display system according to appendix 4 or 5, wherein the second map image generation device replaces the extracted pixel value of the customized pixel with the adjustment pixel value corresponding to each of the plurality of pixel values.
[Appendix 7]
The image display system according to appendix 6, wherein the second map image generation device replaces the extracted pixel value of the customized pixel with a pixel value generated based on the plurality of adjustment pixel values.
[Appendix 8]
The image display system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the first map image generation device uses an RGB (red, green, blue) format as the predetermined format.
[Appendix 9]
For each of a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size, a pixel value that defines the type of component that each pixel constitutes and the vertical relationship between the components is given, and a first map image is generated A first map image generating device;
A second map image generating device for determining a pixel value of each pixel constituting the first map image according to customization information provided by a user and generating a second map image;
Including image display system.
[Appendix 10]
The first map image generation device includes:
A pixel value that defines the type of the component and the vertical relationship between the components is added by adding a discrimination pixel value predetermined for each component that each pixel configures to each component that configures each pixel. The image display system according to appendix 9, which is generated.
[Appendix 11]
The customization information includes display determination information related to display / non-display of the components constituting the map image, and information related to the adjustment pixel value that specifies the pixel value of the pixels constituting each component,
The second map image generation device extracts a component to be displayed by a logical operation using the display determination information for a pixel value that defines a type of the component and a vertical relationship between the components, and The image display according to appendix 9 or 10, wherein the second map image is generated by replacing a pixel value of a pixel constituting the highest-order component among the extracted component elements with the corresponding adjustment pixel value. system.
[Appendix 12]
A step of generating a first map image for designating a customized pixel constituting a component capable of changing a design among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size in a predetermined format;
Converting a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of the customized pixel specified by a user, and generating a second map image;
An image generation method including:
[Appendix 13]
A map image generation device that generates a map image that specifies, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel that constitutes a component that can be changed in design among a plurality of pixels that constitute a map image divided into a predetermined size.
[Appendix 14]
A computer that controls the map image generation device to specify, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel that constitutes a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size A program to be executed.
[Appendix 15]
A map image generating device that generates a map image by converting a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of a customized pixel that constitutes a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting the map image.
[Appendix 16]
Map image generation is a process of converting the pixel value of the customized pixel according to the attribute value of the customized pixel that constitutes a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting the map image, and generating the map image A program that is executed by a computer that controls the apparatus.
The programs of Supplementary Note 14 and Supplementary Note 16 can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be non-transient such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like.
Further, the form of Supplementary Note 12 to Supplementary Note 16 can be expanded to the form of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 8, similarly to the form of Supplementary Note 1.

  The disclosure of the cited patent document is incorporated herein by reference. Within the scope of the entire disclosure (including claims) of the present invention, the embodiments and examples can be changed and adjusted based on the basic technical concept. In addition, various combinations or selections of various disclosed elements (including each element in each claim, each element in each embodiment or example, each element in each drawing, etc.) within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention. Is possible. That is, the present invention of course includes various variations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the technical idea. In particular, with respect to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included in the range should be construed as being specifically described even if there is no specific description.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Administrator terminal 20 Map conversion server 30 Map storage server 40 Map provision server 50 User terminal 61, 62 Network 100 1st map image generation apparatus 101 2nd map image generation apparatus 201, 301 Communication part 202, 302 Map image Generation unit 203, 303 Storage unit

Claims (10)

A first map that generates a first map image that specifies, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel that constitutes a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size An image generating device;
A second map image generation device that converts a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of the customized pixel specified by a user and generates a second map image;
Including image display system. A map image storage device for storing a plurality of the first map images;
The first map image generation device stores the first map image generated in response to a request relating to generation of a map image in the map image storage device,
2. The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the second map image generation device acquires a first map image that meets a request from a user among a plurality of first map images stored in the map image storage device. . A user terminal that transmits customization information including an attribute value of the customized pixel to the second map image generation device together with a request related to providing a map image,
The second map image generation device transmits the second map image in which the customization information is reflected to the user terminal,
The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal displays the received second map image. The first map image generation device uses a predetermined first pixel value as a pixel value of a pixel that configures a component that can be changed in design among a plurality of components that configure the map image. Specify the customized pixel by replacing it with a value,
The second map image generation device extracts the customized pixel by comparing a pixel value of a pixel constituting the first map image with the first pixel value, and the extracted customized pixel 4. The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the second map image is generated by replacing the pixel value with an adjustment pixel value specified as an attribute value of the customized pixel. 5.   The first map image generation device has predetermined pixel values of pixels constituting constituent elements different from the constituent elements set to be able to change the design among a plurality of constituent elements constituting the map image. The image display system according to claim 4, wherein the second pixel value is substituted. The first map image generation device replaces pixel values of a plurality of pixels constituting a component that is set to be changeable in design with any one of a plurality of predetermined pixel values. To specify the customized pixel,
The image display system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second map image generation device replaces the extracted pixel value of the customized pixel with the adjustment pixel value corresponding to each of the plurality of pixel values.   The image display system according to claim 6, wherein the second map image generation device replaces the pixel value of the extracted customized pixel with a pixel value generated based on the plurality of adjustment pixel values.   The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the first map image generation device uses an RGB (red, green, blue) format as the predetermined format. For each of a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size, a pixel value that defines the type of component that each pixel constitutes and the vertical relationship between the components is given, and a first map image is generated A first map image generating device;
A second map image generating device for determining a pixel value of each pixel constituting the first map image according to customization information provided by a user and generating a second map image;
Including image display system. A step of generating a first map image for designating a customized pixel constituting a component capable of changing a design among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size in a predetermined format;
Converting a pixel value of the customized pixel according to an attribute value of the customized pixel specified by a user, and generating a second map image;
An image generation method including:

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