JP4706783B2 - Map information update system, map information processing apparatus, and map information providing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a map information update system, a map information processing apparatus, and a map information providing apparatus, and in particular, map information handled by a map information processing apparatus used in a mobile object such as a car navigation system, a mobile phone, and a portable information terminal. It is about update.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a conventional map information processing apparatus disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-298429. In FIG. 24, 101 is a map information processing device, 102 is a map data storage device, 103 is an input device, 104 is an output device, 105 and 106 are transmission / reception devices, 107 is an information center, and 108 is a map information database. In the map data storage device 102, map data provided for each predetermined area is updated to a certain version number and stored. In addition, the map data version stored in the map data storage device 102 differs from region to region according to the update status of the map information processing device 101, and the map data storage device 102 stores the version number of each region. Stores update status information for indication. The map information database 108 stores update information necessary for updating the map data from a certain version number to a new version number, and area version information indicating to what version the map data of each area has been updated. ing.
Next, the operation will be described. The map information processing apparatus 101 periodically acquires map data update status information from the map data storage apparatus 102 and transmits the information to the information center apparatus 107 via the transmission / reception apparatus 106 by the transmission / reception apparatus 105. Based on the received update status information and the area version number information in the map information database 108, the information center apparatus 107 updates the update information in which area in order to make the map data of the area required by the map information processing apparatus 101 the latest version. Update necessary area information indicating whether or not it is necessary is generated, and the update necessary area information is transmitted to the map information processing apparatus 101 via the transmission / reception apparatuses 106 and 105. The update necessary area information includes coordinate information indicating an area, update date, version information, validity period, and the like for each area. The map information processing apparatus 101 obtains an area that needs to be updated in the area necessary for the map information processing based on the received update necessary area information, and sends update request information for requesting the update information via the transmission / reception apparatuses 105 and 106. The information center apparatus 107 transmits the update information of the area requested by the received update request information to the map information processing apparatus 101 via the transmission / reception apparatuses 106 and 105. The map information processing apparatus 101 updates the corresponding map data stored in the map data storage device 102 with the received update information, and also updates the update status information stored in the map data storage device 102, and Map data is acquired from the map data storage device 102 and the map information processing is performed.

In the conventional map information processing apparatus, it is necessary to transmit update status information in order to obtain information of an area that needs to be updated, and there has been a problem that a time delay occurs at the start of map information processing and communication cost increases. .
In addition, since information with high redundancy, such as coordinate information indicating an area for each area, update date, version information, and effective period, is transmitted as necessary update area information, the start of map information processing is delayed and the communication cost is increased. There was a problem of increasing.
In addition, since information related to the scheduled update date is not provided, it is necessary to periodically transmit update status information, and there is a delay in updating the map information on the map information processing apparatus side relative to the map information update side on the map information providing side. There is a problem that the communication cost increases as it occurs.
In addition, for the operator of the map information processing device, the update state of the map information at the provider, the response status to the update of the map information on the map information processing device side, the map of the location that is the target of the current map information processing Since there is no means for presenting the status corresponding to the update of information, there is a problem that the operator of the map information processing apparatus cannot know the status.
Furthermore, since there is no means for selecting the location desired by the operator of the map information processing apparatus, there is a problem that the map information at the location desired by the operator cannot be updated.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and prevents delays in map information processing and map information update and increase in communication cost, and updates the map information update state and map information. It is an object to be able to present a corresponding state to and to update the map information of a desired location.

In the map information update system according to the first configuration of the present invention, the map information storage device stores map information storage means for storing map information, and updated locations of map information updated from a certain version to a new version. The update location information acquisition means for acquiring the update location information shown, the update information acquisition means for acquiring update information for updating the update location data based on the update location information, and the update information acquired by the update information acquisition means Updating means for updating the map information stored in the information storage means,
The map information providing device side is provided with an update location database indicating update locations between version numbers of map data, and update location information providing means for providing update location information to the map information processing device based on the update location database It is.

  In the map information processing apparatus according to the second configuration of the present invention, the map information storage means for storing the map information and the update location information indicating the updated location of the map information updated from a certain version to a new version are acquired. Update location information acquisition means, update information acquisition means for acquiring update information for updating update location data based on update location information, and map stored in map information storage means by update information acquired by update information acquisition means Update means for updating information is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a map information processing apparatus comprising: update location information acquisition means for acquiring update location information indicating an update location for map information of a desired version number in the second configuration of the invention. It is provided.

  The map information processing apparatus according to the fourth configuration of the present invention does not include update location information in a region where there is no update location and is hierarchical update location information in either of the second and third configurations of the present invention. The update location information acquisition means configured to acquire the update location information as described above is provided.

  The map information processing apparatus according to the fifth configuration of the present invention, in any of the second to fourth configurations of the present invention, holds or updates the update information regarding the data of the update location indicated by the update location information. Update information acquisition means is provided so as not to acquire the update information when the stored data is already held.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a map information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein an update location information acquisition time designation means for determining an acquisition location of update location information based on a scheduled update date. And update location information acquisition means for acquiring the update location information at the time designated by the update location information acquisition time designation means.

  The map information processing apparatus according to the seventh configuration of the present invention detects in any one of the second to sixth configurations of the present invention that the version number of the map information stored in the map information storage means has been changed. Version number change detection means for updating, and update location information acquisition means for acquiring update location information for the changed version number when a change in the version number is detected by the version number change detection means. .

  A map information processing apparatus according to an eighth configuration of the present invention, in the seventh configuration of the present invention, has an update information for the changed version number when a change in the version number is detected by the version number change detecting means. If not, the update location information acquisition means is provided so as to acquire the update location information.

  The map information processing apparatus according to the ninth configuration of the present invention is the modified version number when the change of the version number is detected by the version number change detecting means in any of the seventh and eighth configurations of the present invention. When the update location information is held, the update location information for the changed version number is acquired at the time designated by the update location information acquisition time designation means.

  A map information processing apparatus according to a tenth configuration of the present invention is provided with a provider update state presentation means for presenting an update state of map information of a provider in any of the second to ninth configurations of the present invention. It is.

  According to an eleventh configuration of the present invention, the map information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to tenth configurations of the present invention provides an update location that indicates an update location corresponding state indicating a status of correspondence to an update location of map information. Corresponding state presenting means is provided.

  A map information processing apparatus according to a twelfth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the second to eleventh configurations of the present invention, is an update location of a location subject to map information processing in conjunction with the map information processing. Processing interlocking state presenting means for presenting the corresponding state is provided.

  A map information processing apparatus according to a thirteenth configuration of the present invention is the map information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to twelfth configurations of the present invention, provided with update information acquisition location specifying means for specifying a location where update information acquisition is desired. It is.

  In the map information processing apparatus according to the fourteenth configuration of the present invention, in the thirteenth configuration of the present invention, update information required location presenting means for presenting locations where update information needs to be obtained is provided.

  The map information processing apparatus according to the fifteenth configuration of the present invention, in any of the thirteenth and fourteenth configurations of the present invention, holds update information to the latest version at the location specified by the update information acquisition location specifying means. There is provided update information acquisition means for acquiring update information of a part that does not have data that has not been updated or updated to the latest version.

  The map information processing apparatus according to the sixteenth configuration of the present invention requires the required time presentation means for presenting the time required to acquire update information or the acquisition of update information in any of the thirteenth to fifteenth configurations of the present invention. A required fee presenting means for presenting a fee is provided.

  A map information providing apparatus according to a seventeenth configuration of the present invention has an update location database indicating update locations between version numbers of map data, and provides update location information to a map information processing apparatus based on the update location database. Information providing means is provided.

  According to an eighteenth configuration of the present invention, the map information providing apparatus according to the seventeenth configuration of the present invention is an update location information providing means for providing update location information indicating an update location for map information of a desired version number. It is provided.

  The map information providing apparatus according to the nineteenth configuration of the present invention does not include update location information in a region where no update location exists in the hierarchical update location information in either of the seventeenth and eighteenth configurations of the present invention. The update location information providing means for providing the updated location information is provided.

  A map information providing apparatus according to a twentieth configuration of the present invention is provided with update planned date providing means for providing a planned update date in any of the seventeenth to nineteenth configurations of the present invention.

  According to a twenty-first configuration of the present invention, the map information providing apparatus according to any one of the seventeenth to twentieth configurations of the present invention is provided with update information capacity providing means for providing information indicating a data capacity of update information. is there.

  According to the first configuration of the present invention, the map information storage means for storing the map information, and the update location information acquisition for acquiring the updated location information indicating the updated location of the map information updated from a certain version to the new version Update information acquisition means for acquiring update information for updating data of the update location based on the update location information, and the map information stored in the map information storage means by the update information acquired by the update information acquisition means An update location information having a map information processing device having an update means, having an update location database indicating an update location between version numbers of map data, and providing update location information to the map information processing device based on the update location database By constructing a map information update system characterized by having a map information providing device having providing means, map information processing can be started without delay. The effect of enabling the cost reduction of the cost.

  According to the second configuration of the present invention, the map information storage means for storing the map information, and the update location information acquisition for acquiring the update location information indicating the updated location of the map information updated from a certain version to the new version Update information acquisition means for acquiring update information for updating data of the update location based on the update location information, and the map information stored in the map information storage means by the update information acquired by the update information acquisition means Since the update means is provided and the update location information can be acquired without sending the information indicating the update location correspondence status to the map information providing device as before, the map information processing can be started without delay, and the communication cost is higher. There is an effect that an inexpensive map information processing apparatus can be obtained.

  According to the third configuration of the present invention, in the second configuration of the present invention, there is provided update location information acquisition means configured to acquire update location information indicating an update location for the map information of a desired version number. Since the update location information for the version number is acquired, only the update location information suitable for the version number of the map information processing device can be acquired, the map information processing can be started without delay, and the communication cost is lower. There is an effect that a map information processing apparatus can be obtained.

  According to the fourth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the second and third configurations of the present invention, the update location information is hierarchized and is not included in the update location information of an area where no update location exists. Since the update location information acquisition means configured to acquire the update location information is provided, there is an effect that a map information processing apparatus that can start map information processing without delay and has a lower communication cost can be obtained.

  According to the fifth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth configurations of the present invention, with respect to the data of the update location indicated by the update location information, the data that holds the updated information or has been updated Since the update information acquisition means is provided so as not to acquire the update information when it is already held, there is an effect that a map information processing apparatus with a lower communication cost can be obtained.

  According to a sixth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the second to fifth configurations of the present invention, an update location information acquisition timing designating means for determining an acquisition timing of update location information based on a scheduled update date, and an update Map information processing device that can update map information without delay and has a lower communication cost because it provides update location information acquisition means that acquires update location information at the time specified by the location information acquisition time specification means Is effective.

  According to the seventh configuration of the present invention, in any one of the second to sixth configurations of the present invention, the version number for detecting that the version number of the map information stored in the map information storage means has been changed. Since there is provided a change detection means and an update location information acquisition means for acquiring update location information for the changed version number when a change in the version number is detected by the version change detection means, the version of the map information Even if the number is changed, there is an effect that a map information processing apparatus that can acquire update information without delay can be obtained.

  According to the eighth configuration of the present invention, in the seventh configuration of the present invention, when the change of the version number is detected by the version number change detecting means, the update information for the changed version number must be held. For example, since the update location information acquisition means for acquiring the update location information is provided, there is an effect that a map information processing apparatus with a lower communication cost can be obtained without acquiring unnecessary update information.

  According to the ninth configuration of the present invention, in any of the seventh and eighth configurations of the present invention, when a change in the version number is detected by the version number change detecting means, an update location for the changed version number is detected. If you have the information, the update location information for the changed version number is acquired at the time specified by the update location information acquisition time specifying means, so it is updated without delay even if the version number of the map information is changed There is an effect that a map information processing apparatus capable of acquiring information is obtained.

  According to the tenth configuration of the present invention, in any of the second to ninth configurations of the present invention, the provider update state presentation means for presenting the update state of the map information of the provider is provided. There is an effect that a map information processing apparatus can be obtained in which the operator of the processing apparatus can recognize the location where the map information is updated.

  According to an eleventh configuration of the present invention, in any one of the second to tenth configurations of the present invention, an update location corresponding state presentation for presenting an update location corresponding status indicating a status of correspondence to an update location of map information Since the means is provided, there is an effect that the map information processing apparatus can be obtained in which the operator of the map information processing apparatus can recognize the location where the map information map information can be updated.

  According to the twelfth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the second to eleventh configurations of the present invention, the update location corresponding state of the location that is the target of the map information processing is linked to the map information processing. Since the processing interlocking state presenting means for presenting is provided, a map information processing apparatus is obtained in which the operator of the map information processing apparatus can immediately recognize that the update of the map information is not reflected in the currently obtained map information processing result. There is an effect.

  According to the thirteenth configuration of the present invention, in any of the second to twelfth configurations of the present invention, the update information acquisition location specifying means for specifying the location where update information acquisition is desired is provided. There is an effect that a map information processing apparatus capable of acquiring update information desired by the operator of the processing apparatus can be obtained.

  According to the fourteenth configuration of the present invention, in the thirteenth configuration of the present invention, the update information necessary location presenting means for presenting the location where update information needs to be obtained is provided. There is an effect that a map information processing apparatus in which update information at a desired location can be easily selected can be obtained.

  According to the fifteenth configuration of the present invention, in any of the thirteenth and fourteenth configurations of the present invention, the location where update information to the latest version is not held at the location designated by the update information acquisition location designation means or Map information processing apparatus with lower communication cost without acquiring unnecessary update information because update information acquisition means is provided to acquire update information of locations that do not have data updated to the latest version Is effective.

  According to the sixteenth configuration of the present invention, in any of the thirteenth to fifteenth configurations of the present invention, the required time presenting means for presenting the time required for acquiring update information or the fee required for acquiring update information is presented. Since the required fee presenting means is provided, there is an effect that a map information processing device capable of informing the required time and fee in advance when obtaining update information desired by the operator of the map information processing device is obtained.

  According to the seventeenth configuration of the present invention, the update location information providing means has an update location database indicating an update location between the version numbers of the map data, and provides the update location information to the map information processing apparatus based on the update location database. As a result, it is no longer necessary to receive information indicating the update location correspondence status from the map information processing apparatus as in the past, and map information processing without delay on the map information processing apparatus side and communication costs can be reduced. There is an effect that a map information providing device can be obtained.

  According to the eighteenth configuration of the present invention, in the seventeenth configuration of the present invention, there is provided update location information providing means for providing update location information indicating an update location for map information of a desired version number. A map information providing apparatus that can provide only update location information suitable for the number of versions of the map information processing apparatus, and can perform map information processing without delay on the map information processing apparatus side, and reduce communication costs. There is an effect to be obtained.

  According to the nineteenth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the seventeenth and eighteenth configurations of the present invention, the update is performed so as not to include update location information in a region where no update location exists in the hierarchical update location information. Since the updated location information providing means for providing the location information is provided, there is an effect that a map information providing device that enables map information processing without delay on the map information processing device side and communication cost reduction can be obtained. .

  According to the twentieth configuration of the present invention, in any of the seventeenth to nineteenth configurations of the present invention, the update scheduled date providing means for providing the update scheduled date is provided, so that the delay on the map information processing apparatus side There is an effect that a map information providing apparatus that can update the map information without any change and reduce the communication cost can be obtained.

  According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in any of the seventeenth to twentieth aspects of the present invention, the update information capacity providing means for providing information indicating the data capacity of the update information is provided. There is an effect of obtaining a map information providing apparatus that can preliminarily present the time required for the update information acquisition on the apparatus side and the required fee.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a map information update system for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, A is a map information providing device, B1 to Bn are a plurality of map information processing devices that transmit and receive updated location information to and from the shared map information providing device A, and have the same configuration. Specific configurations of the map information providing apparatuses B1 to Bn and the map information providing apparatus A are shown in FIGS.
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the map information providing apparatus B1 for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an input apparatus for operating the map information processing apparatus and the like, and 2 is a GPS receiver. A vehicle position detecting device that detects the position of the vehicle on which the map information processing device B1 is mounted using 3 or the like, 3 is a map information storage device that stores map information, and 4 is a map information providing device and data via a communication network. A transmitter / receiver using a mobile phone or the like for transmitting and receiving 5 identifies the road on which the vehicle is traveling and the position on the road from the vehicle position obtained from the vehicle position detection device 2 and the map information in the map information storage device 3. Map matching processing, route calculation for calculating the route from the departure value to the destination using the map data in the map data storage device 3, route guidance for guiding from the departure value to the destination, display of the map around the vehicle position A data processing device that performs various navigation processes such as physical processing and updates the map information in the map information storage device 3 based on the update information acquired by the transmission / reception device 4. Reference numeral 6 denotes update information acquired by the transmission / reception device 4, a map An update information storage device for storing map information and the like updated by the information processing device 5, and an output device 7 for displaying and outputting a map, vehicle position, route, guidance information, etc. under the control of the data processing device 5. is there.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the map information providing apparatus A for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 10 is a transmission / reception device that transmits and receives data to and from one or more map information processing devices via a communication network, and 11 is for updating map information for each version to newer map information for each version. An update information database storing necessary update information. Reference numeral 12 denotes an update of map information for each version that is newer for each version in order to indicate the update state of the map information at the map information provider. An update location database which stores update location information indicating locations, and 13 is an update location database 11 and an update information database 12 which are updated location information and update information requested from each map information processing device via the communication network and transmission / reception device 10. It is a distribution server that is extracted and provided to each map information processing apparatus via the transmission / reception apparatus 10 and the communication network.

  FIG. 4 is an example of map information stored in the map information storage device 3. The map information includes various data such as map management information D1, several map data D2, and guidance search data D3. Each map data D2 is provided corresponding to each divided area obtained by dividing the creation range, which is an area for which the map information is to be created, and the map data D2 represents information indicating a map of the corresponding divided area. Is stored. The map management information D1 includes version information for managing the new and old information stored therein, map data management information for managing the map data D2, information for managing various data other than the map data, and the like. As shown in the figure, the map data D2 includes road data used for map matching and road display, background data for displaying map backgrounds such as rivers and seas, name data for displaying names such as place names, and route guidance. Route guidance data, route calculation data for route calculation, peripheral facility data for searching surrounding facilities, etc., and various attributes relating to map data such as information representing the area, the location of the various data It has a header having information etc. for managing.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the creation range and area division of the map data 15 of FIG. The creation range is a rectangular area, and the area is divided into 16 parts each in the latitude direction and the longitude direction. A coordinate value of 0 to 15 is assigned to each of the divided latitude direction and longitude direction, and each unit area X The coordinates are called unit area Y coordinates. Each divided area is referred to as a unit area, and when the unit area X coordinate ux and the unit area Y coordinate u y of the section to which the unit area belongs are referred to as unit area coordinates of the unit area. FIG. 5 shows an example of the unit area coordinates (10, 5).

  FIG. 6 shows a map data management method. FIG. 6A is an example of a management unit area provided to manage each unit area in a hierarchy, and the created range of FIG. 5 is divided into four in the latitude direction and the longitude direction, respectively, and the divided latitude A coordinate value of 0 to 3 is assigned to each section in the direction and the longitude direction, and these are referred to as a management unit region X coordinate and a management unit region Y coordinate, respectively. Also, this divided area is called a management unit area, and when the management unit area X coordinate mx and the management unit area Y coordinate my of the partition to which the management unit area belongs are (mx, my), the management unit area coordinates of the management unit area Call it. FIG. 6A shows an example of the unit region coordinates (2, 1). The number of divisions in the latitude direction and longitude direction of the creation range is referred to as a division management number. The unit area coordinates included in the management unit area are given unit area coordinates with the origin of the unit area coordinates of the unit area at the lower left corner in the management unit area, and this is referred to as relative unit area coordinates. 6B is an example in which relative unit area coordinates are assigned, U (ux, ui) indicates a unit area whose unit area coordinates are (ux, ui), and the management unit area in FIG. 6A. The relative unit area coordinates of the unit area whose unit area coordinates included in the coordinates (2, 1) are (10, 5) are (2, 1).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of map data management information included in the map management information of FIG. 4 when the creation range, unit area, and management unit area are as shown in FIGS. The map data of the unit area within the creation range is managed in two layers of the management unit area layer and the unit area layer using the coordinates. 7A shows the configuration of the map data management information. The creation range information indicating the latitudes at the upper and lower ends of the creation range, the longitudes at the left end and the right end, the latitude direction of the creation range, and the number of divisions in the longitude direction are shown. Creation range division information shown, management unit information showing the division management number in the latitude direction and longitude direction, a management unit reference table, and a unit area reference table UT (mx, my) provided corresponding to the management unit area Has a line. The unit area reference table UT (mx, my) corresponds to a management unit area whose management unit area coordinates are (mx, my). (B) shows the configuration of the management unit reference table. The management unit reference table is an array of management unit area records MR (mx, my) provided corresponding to the management unit areas, and the management unit area record MR (mx, my my) corresponds to the management unit area whose management unit area coordinates are (mx, my), and indicates the location of the unit area reference table UT (mx, my). (C) shows the structure of the unit area reference table. The unit area reference table is an array of unit area records UR (ux, ui) provided corresponding to the unit areas in the corresponding management unit area. UR (ux, ui) corresponds to a unit area whose relative unit area coordinate is (ux, ui) in the management unit area, and indicates the presence / absence, location, and data size of the corresponding unit area. When acquiring map data of a desired unit area, the management unit area coordinates and relative unit area coordinates of the management unit area to which the unit area belongs are obtained from the creation range information, creation range division information, and management unit information. The location of the corresponding unit area reference table is obtained from the management unit area record corresponding to the area coordinates, and the location of the desired map data is obtained from the unit area record corresponding to the relative unit area coordinates in the unit area reference table. For example, when acquiring the map data of the unit area whose unit area coordinates are (10, 5) in FIG. 5, the unit area belongs to the management unit area whose management unit area coordinates are (2, 1), and its relative unit. Since the region coordinates are (2, 1), the location of the unit region reference table UT (2, 1) is obtained from the management unit region record MR (2, 1), and the unit region of the unit region reference table UT (2, 1) is obtained. The location of the map data is obtained from the record UR (2, 1).

FIG. 8 shows an example of the update information database 11. FIG. 8A shows the configuration of the update information database 11. The inter-version update information management information manages the inter-version update information such as the location of each inter-version update information. Ver0, Ver1, VerN-1, VerN, Ver1, Ver2, Ver3,..., VerN-2, VerN-1, VerN from the oldest version of the map information created so far. For each, the inter-version update information UI (VerA, VerN) (A = 0, 1, 2,..., N−1) is arranged as shown in (a), and the inter-version update information UI (VerA , VerN) has update information necessary for updating the map information from the VerA version to the latest version VerN. When the map information is updated from the VerA version to another newer version VerB, VerA is called the update source version number and VerB is called the update destination version number.
(B) is an example of inter-version update information UI (VerA, VerN), update information provided for each unit area, and update for managing these update information in the same manner as the map data management information of FIG. Has information management information.
(C) is update information for updating the update source version number and the update destination version number, the management unit area coordinates and relative unit area coordinates of the unit area, and the map data of the unit area from the VerA version to the VerN version. Has difference data storing necessary information.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the update location database 11 in the map information providing apparatus. FIG. 9A shows the configuration of the update location database 11, and the inter-version update location management information for managing each version update location information. , Ver0 to VerN−1 have inter-version update location information UP (VerA, VerN) (A = 0, 1, 2,..., N−1). Inter-version update location information UP (VerA, VerN) indicates the location where the map information has been updated from the VerA version to the VerN version. (B) and (c) are examples of inter-version update location information UP (VerA, VerN) when the creation range, unit region, and management unit region are as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, and the update location management information is updated. The original version number (= VerA), the update destination version number (= VerN), and information for indicating the location of each unit area update location information are included. The management unit area update location information is obtained from the version of each management unit area VerA. Indicates whether or not the version has been updated to the version of VerN, that is, whether or not there is an updated version from the version of VerA to the version of VerN in the corresponding type of map data of the unit area belonging to each management unit area. (Latitude direction division management number (= 4) × longitude direction division management number (= 4)) Information consisting of bits, and the order of bit arrangement is longitude direction division management number (= 4) × my + mx (mx = 0-3, my = 0-3) Regarding the management unit area whose area coordinates are (mx, my), if the value is 0, it indicates that the update is not performed, and if it is 1, it indicates that the update is performed. The unit area update location information is The management unit area provided corresponding to the management unit area, and the unit area update location information UU (mx, my) (mx = 0-3, my = 0-3) has the management unit area coordinate (mx, my) Indicates whether or not the corresponding type of map data of each unit area belonging to is updated from the VerA version to the VerN version (number of divisions in the latitude direction (= 4) × number of divisions in the longitude direction (= 4) ) Bit information in which the bit order is the number of divisions in the longitude direction (= 4) × uy + ux (ux = 0 to 3, uy = 0 to 3) has a relative unit area coordinate (ux, uy) ) Is 0 for the unit area It indicates that the update has not been performed, and 1 indicates that the update has been performed. The unit area update location information is arranged only for the management unit area being updated. When the unit area update location information is arranged only for the management unit area where the bit of the management unit area update location information is 1, and when all the management unit areas are updated, the management unit area update is performed as shown in (c). All bits of the location information become 1, all unit region update location information is arranged, and only the management unit region whose management unit region coordinates are (0, 0), (2, 0), (3, 3) is updated. In this case, only the 0th, 2nd and 15th bits of the management unit area update location information are 1 and the others are 0, so that the unit area update location information UU (0,0), UU (2,0), UU (3, 3) There are located.
As described above, the update location information is hierarchized by two hierarchies of the management unit region update location information and the unit region update location information to indicate whether or not there is an update, and the unit region update location information of the management unit region that has not been updated is not arranged. Therefore, the data size can be reduced, and the transmission time can be shortened in the transmission of the inter-version update location information described later from the distribution server 13 to the data processing device 5.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of request information for designating information that the map information processing device requests to provide to the map information providing device, and provided information that is returned. (A) is request information for requesting update location information, a request identification code indicating what the request information requires, and a retained version number indicating the version number of map information held by the map information processing apparatus. Have information. (B) is request information for requesting update location information, a request identification code indicating what the request information requires, the number of unit areas designating the number of desired unit areas, the desired unit It has unit area designation information for designating an area, and the unit area designation information has the number of unit areas. (C) is unit area designation information having version number information indicating the version number, management unit area coordinates for designating the unit area, and relative unit area coordinates. (D) is an example of the update location information returned from the map information providing device to the map information processing device. A return identification code indicating the content of the return, the version number currently being provided, the version number to be updated next time, the next time Version information indicating the update date information of the update version information. (E) is an example of an update information return sent by the map information providing device to the map information processing device. The return identification code indicating the content of the return, the number of update information indicating the number of update information to be transmitted, and the update information to be transmitted. It consists of a line.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the distribution server 13 in the map information providing apparatus. When the map information providing apparatus is activated, in step 14, the transmitting / receiving apparatus 4 on the map information providing apparatus side is transmitted by the transmitting / receiving apparatus 4 on the map information providing apparatus side. The request information transmitted to 10 is waited for to be received. If the request information is received, the request information is acquired from the transmitting / receiving device 10 and whether the request information is an update location information request by the request identification code included in the request information. It is determined whether the request is an update information request. If an update location information request is made, the process goes to step 15, and if an update information request is made, the process goes to step 16.
In step 15, from the distribution location database 12 according to the request information acquired in step 14, the version number VerR (R = 0, 1, 2,..., N−1) indicated by the retained version number information of the request information is changed to VerN. The inter-version update location information UP (VerR, VerN) related to the update of. In step 17, the return identification code indicating the update location information, the version update location information acquired in step 15, the version number currently provided (= VerN), the version number scheduled for the next update, and the next update scheduled date are displayed. The update location information return is set, the update location information return is transmitted to the transmission / reception device 4 of the map information processing apparatus requested by the transmission / reception device 10, and the process returns to step 14.
In step 16, the version number VerR (R = 0, 1, 2,..., N−1) indicated by the version number information of the unit area designation information of the update information is retrieved from the update information database 15 according to the update information acquired in step 14. ) To VerN, the update information of the unit area designated by the unit area designation information of the update information in the inter-version update information UI (VerR, VerN) is acquired.
In step 18, the return identification code indicating the update information, the update information acquired in step 16 and the number of update information indicating the number thereof are set in the update information return, and the map information processing apparatus that requested the update information return by the transmission / reception device 14 Are transmitted to the transmission / reception apparatus 4 and the process returns to step 14.
As described above, the map information providing apparatus provides the map information processing apparatus with the update location information, the update information, and the provided version number information desired by the map information processing apparatus through Steps 14 to 18.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information storage in the update information storage device 6. FIG. 12A is an overall configuration, provided version number information area for storing provided version number information acquired from the information providing device, current map Retained version number information area for storing the version number of the map information stored in the information storage device 3, update information provided corresponding to the retained version number which is the version number of the map information stored in the map information storage device 3 The block has update information block management information for managing these update information blocks, and the update information block management information has the number of update information blocks, the corresponding version number of the update block, the location, and the data size. (B) shows an update information block, the update location information area is an area for storing version update location information acquired from the information providing station, and the update information area is an area for storing update information acquired from the information providing station. Yes, the update information area management information is information for managing these update information, and the update information area management information is for managing update information in the same way as in FIG. The presence / absence, location, and data size of update information are stored. Further, when referring to or storing the update information block, the update information block corresponding to the version number indicated by the retained version number information area is referred to or stored, and the update information block to be referenced or stored is stored in the retained version number. This is called a corresponding update information block.
The provided version number information area, the retained version number information area, and the update information block management information are initialized when the map information processing apparatus is first activated.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the data processing device 5 in the map information processing apparatus. When the data processing device 5 is activated, first, in step 20, the possessed version number which is the version number of the map information stored in the map information storage device 3 is acquired, and the retained version number information in the update information storage device 6 is acquired. Store in the area.
In step 21, inter-version update location information from the possessed version number acquired in step 20 to the latest version number is acquired. FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart of step 21. In step 100, it is checked whether or not the provided version number information is already stored in the provided version number information area of the update information storage device 6. If it is not stored, the inter-version update location information is not acquired and the process goes to step 102.
In step 101, the update date indicated by the provided version number information stored in the provided version number information area of the update information storage device 6 is compared with the current date, and if the current date has passed the scheduled update date, step 102 is performed. If it has not elapsed, the process of acquiring the inter-version update location information is terminated, and the process goes to Step 22.
In step 102, the request identification code is used as a code indicating an update location information request, and the request information in which the stored version number information is stored version number information in the stored version number information area of the update information storage device 6 is transmitted to the map information providing device by the transmitting / receiving device 4. Send to.
In step 103, the transmission / reception device 4 receives the update location information returned from the map information providing device in response to the request information transmitted in step 102, and the received provided version number information is provided to the provided version of the update information storage device 6. Update the contents of the update location information area of the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 to the received version update location information, and end the process of acquiring the version update location information. Go to step 22.

In step 22 of FIG. 13, processing is performed when the version number of the map information stored in the map information storage device 3 is changed. FIG. 15 is a detailed flowchart of step 22. In step 110, the retained version number that is the version number of the map information stored in the map information storage device 3 is acquired, and the acquired retained version number and the update information storage device 6 are acquired. Compared with the stored version number stored in the stored version number information area, the version number changing process is terminated if they match, and the process proceeds to step 23, and if they do not match, the version number information stored in the update information storage device 6 The contents of the area are updated to the acquired version number and the process goes to step 111.
In step 111, the update information block management information in the update information storage device 6 is referred to check whether there is a version number-corresponding update information block, and if there is, go to step 112, otherwise go to step 114.
In step 112, the update destination version number of the update location information area of the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 is out of date with respect to the version number being provided in the provided version number information area of the update information storage device 6. If yes, go to Step 114;
In step 113, the update date in the provided version number information area of the update information storage device 6 is compared with the current date. If the current date has passed the update date, the process proceeds to step 114. The change process ends and the process goes to step 23.
In step 114, the inter-version update location information is acquired and stored in the update location information area of the version information update information block of the update information storage device 6 in the same manner as in steps 102 and 103 of FIG. End and go to step 23.

In step 23 of FIG. 13, operation information for operating the map information processing apparatus such as a map display scale, a display map scroll instruction, a destination selection, and a route calculation instruction is input from the input device 1.
In step 24, the current position of the vehicle is acquired by the vehicle position detection device 2.
In step 25, a processing target unit area, which is a unit area necessary for navigation processing, is determined from the operation information obtained in step 23, the current position of the vehicle obtained in step 24, etc., and their management unit area coordinates, Find the relative unit area coordinates.
In step 26, it is checked whether or not each processing target unit area obtained in step 25 is updated by referring to the inter-version update location information of the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6. The processing target unit area is set as the primary request unit area, and its management unit area coordinates and relative unit area coordinates are obtained. The primary request unit area obtained here is a processing target unit area and indicates a location where the latest version of the map information of the provider is updated with respect to the number of owned versions.
In step 27, the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 is referred to, the presence / absence of update information of each primary request unit area obtained in step 26 and the update destination version number are checked, and no update information exists. The unit area or the update destination version number is a unit area that is older than the update destination version number of the inter-version update location information, and the number of these unit areas, the management unit area coordinates, and the relative unit area coordinates are obtained. As a result of the above steps, it is possible to obtain a unit area that has no update information or that has an old version number of update information as new update information to be acquired in the primary request unit area.
In step 28, the update identification code is a code indicating an update information request, the number of unit areas obtained in step 27 is the unit area designation information, and the unit area number is the management unit area coordinates obtained in step 27. Then, request information in which the relative unit area coordinates are set to the retained version number in the retained version number information area of the update information storage device 6 is transmitted by the transmission / reception device 4 to the map information providing device.
In step 29, the transmission / reception device 4 receives an update information return sent from the map information providing apparatus in response to the request information transmitted in step 28, and the received update information is stored in the update information storage device 6 corresponding to the retained version number. The update information area management information is updated while being stored in the update information area of the block. If the update information cannot be acquired due to a communication failure or the like, the output device 7 presents the unit area to the operator of the map information processing apparatus.
In step 30, the map data of the processing target unit area obtained in step 26 is acquired from the map information storage device 3.
In step 31, among the map data acquired in step 30, the update information of the unit area that is present in the update information block corresponding to the version number stored in the update information storage device 6 is obtained from the map data by the difference data of the update information. Update.
In step 32, a predetermined navigation process is performed using the map data obtained in step 30 and not updated in step 31 and the map data updated in step 31.
In step 33, an instruction from the operator of the map information processing apparatus is obtained from the input device 1, and it is determined whether or not an update status presentation is necessary. If not necessary, the process returns to step 20 and the above processing is repeated.
In step 34, the output device 7 presents whether or not there is an update in each unit area based on the inter-version update location information in the update location information area of the version information update information block in the update information storage device 6. Thereby, the provider update state can be presented to the operator of the map information processing apparatus. FIG. 16 is an example of presentation of the provider update state, indicating that the unit area indicated by the dotted line as in a is not updated, and the unit area indicated by the bold line as in b and c is updated. It shows that.
In step 35, in the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6, a unit area is found in which update information exists and the update destination version number matches the update destination version number of the inter-version update location information. The unit area is presented by the output device 7. In this way, it is possible to present to the operator of the map information processing apparatus an update location correspondence state indicating how much the update location can be handled, that is, at which location map information processing based on newly updated map information is possible. it can. FIG. 16 is an example of the update state presentation, and shows that the unit area presented in a manner superimposed on the provider update state presented in step 34 and filled in as indicated by c corresponds to the degree update part.

Next, the process returns to step 20, and the above processing is repeated thereafter.
As described above, the steps 100 to 103 shown in FIG. 14 enable the acquisition of the inter-version update location information without transmitting the update location correspondence state to the map information providing apparatus, and the inter-version update location information with respect to the version number of possession is retained. The update location information and the version information provided can be acquired only when the update date has not passed or the update date has passed, and the occurrence of communication with the map information providing device can be suppressed. It can be done without delay. Further, when the entire map information stored in the map information storage device 3 is changed to a new version in steps 110 to 114, the inter-version update location information corresponding to the version can be acquired, and the previous version map is again obtained. Only when the scheduled update date has passed after returning to the information, the new inter-version update location information for the version can be acquired, the occurrence of communication with the map information providing device can be suppressed, and the map information processing can be performed. It can be done without delay. Moreover, the update information of the location updated by the location required for map information processing by steps 25-31 is acquired, map information is updated, and map information processing by the newest map information is enabled. Moreover, it can be shown that update information was not able to be acquired by step 29, and the operator of the said map information processing apparatus can be notified that map information processing is performed using the map information before update. Also, in steps 33 to 35, the operator of the map information processing apparatus is presented with the provider update state and the update location correspondence state, and how the map information processing apparatus can respond to the latest update of the map information. Can tell you.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
17A is a configuration diagram showing an update information block used in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, update map data is stored in the update information block shown in FIG. 12B. An update map data area is added, and the update information area management information is information for managing the update map data in addition to the update information. The update information area management information manages the update information in the same way as in FIG. 6, and the unit area record includes the presence / absence, location, data size, presence / absence, location, and data size of the update map data of the corresponding unit area. I am trying to store it. FIG. 17B is an example of update map data, which is obtained by updating the update source version number and the update destination version number, the management unit area coordinates and relative unit area coordinates of the unit area, and the update information of the unit area. Have map data.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the data processing apparatus 5 according to the second embodiment. Steps 27, 30, 31, 32, and 35 of the flowchart of FIG. In this case, step 43 is added.
In step 40, the update information and update map data in the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 are referred to, and the update information and update map data in each primary request unit area obtained in step 26 are updated. Check the previous version number, and the unit area where both update information and update map data do not exist, or the unit area that is update information or the update destination version of the update map data is older than the update destination version number of the inter-version update location information The number of unit areas, management unit area coordinates, and relative unit area coordinates are obtained as areas. As a result of the above steps, it is assumed that new update information should be acquired in the primary request unit area, a unit area that has neither update information nor update map data, a unit area that has update information of an outdated version number, and is out of date A unit area having updated map data of the same version is obtained.

In step 41, the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 is referenced, and the update destination version number of the update map data of each processing target unit area obtained in step 25 is the update destination of the inter-version update location information. Unit areas other than those corresponding to the version numbers are obtained, and map data of those unit areas is acquired from the map information storage device 3. Through the above steps, the map data of the unit area that has not been updated or whose version number of the updated map data has become old can be obtained.
In step 42, the update information area management information of the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 is referred to. Among the map data acquired in step 41, the update information of the unit area exists. Update the map data with the difference data of the update information, store the updated map data in the update map data area of the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6, update the update map data area, The update information used for the update in the update information area is deleted from the update information area, and the update information area management information is updated.
In step 43, the update information corresponding to the version number stored in the update information storage device 6 is referred to, and the update destination version number of each processing target unit area update map data obtained in step 25 is the update destination version of the inter-version update location information. Update map data matching the number is obtained, and those map data are acquired. By the above steps, updated map data updated to the latest version in the processing target unit area is obtained.
In step 44, predetermined navigation processing is performed using the map data obtained in step 41 and not updated in step 42, the map data updated in step 42, and the map data obtained in step 43.
In step 45, in the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6, the update destination version number of the update area information is a unit area or update map data whose update destination version number matches the update destination version number of the inter-version update location information. A unit area whose number matches the update destination version number of the inter-version update location information is obtained and presented by the obtained unit area output device 7. Thereby, the update part corresponding | compatible state can be shown to the operator of the said map information processing apparatus.
As described above, the update information of the location updated at the location where the map information processing is necessary is acquired by steps 25 to 44, the map information is updated, and the updated map information is stored in the update information storage device 6 and becomes unnecessary. The update information is deleted from the update information storage device 6 so that the update processing when reusing the map information at the update location is unnecessary, and the map information processing is performed quickly.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the distribution server 13 in the map information providing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In response to the request information in which the request identification in FIG. It is intended to be provided. The determination in the case where the request identification is an update information capacity request is added to the process of step 10 in the flowchart of FIG. 11, and if the request identification is an update information capacity request, the process goes to step 15. It is added. In step 15, the version number VerR (R = 0, 1, 2,..., N−1) indicated by the version number information of the unit area designation information of the update information is retrieved from the update information database 11 according to the request information acquired in step 10. ) To VerN, the data size of the update information of the unit area specified by the unit area specification information of the update information in the inter-version update information UI (VerR, VerN) is acquired and specified by the update information acquired in step 10 The sum of the data sizes of the update information in all the unit areas thus obtained is obtained.
In step 16, the return identification code of the update information capacity return illustrated in FIG. 20 is used as a code indicating the update information capacity, the sum of the data sizes obtained in step 15 is used as the update information capacity, and this update information capacity return is sent to the transmission / reception device 10. Is transmitted to the transmission / reception device 4 of the map information processing device requested by the above, and the process returns to step 10.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the data processing apparatus 5 according to the third embodiment. Step 50 is added to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 22 is a detailed flowchart of step 50. In step 120, using the output device 7 and the input device 1, it is confirmed whether or not the operator of the map information processing apparatus desires to obtain update information in a batch. If the batch acquisition is to be performed, the process goes to step 121. If the batch acquisition is not to be performed, the update information batch acquisition process is terminated and the process goes to step 22.
In step 121, the output unit 7 presents the updated unit area to the operator of the map information processing apparatus by referring to the inter-version update location information of the version information update information block in the update information storage device 6.
In step 122, the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 is referred to, and the unit area in which the update destination version number of the update information matches the update destination version number of the inter-version update location information is output to the output device 7. To the operator of the map information processing apparatus.
In step 123, the operator of the map information processing apparatus obtains unit areas included in an area desired by the operator of the map information processing apparatus from the input device 1, and obtains management area unit coordinates and unit area coordinates thereof. .
In step 124, in the unit area obtained in step 123, the update destination version number of the update information block corresponding to the version number update information block of the update information storage device 6 matches the update destination version number of the inter-version update location information. The obtained unit areas are obtained, and their number, management area unit coordinates, and unit area coordinates are obtained.
In step 125, the update identification code is a code indicating an update information capacity request, the number of unit areas obtained in step 124 is the unit area designation information, and the unit area number is the unit area designation information, and the management unit area obtained in step 124 is the unit area designation information. Request information in which the coordinates, the relative unit area coordinates, and the version number in the version number information area of the update information storage device 6 are set is transmitted to the map information providing device by the transmission / reception device 4.
In step 126, the transmission / reception device 4 receives an update information capacity return returned from the map information providing apparatus in response to the request information transmitted in step 125, and acquires the update information capacity in the update information capacity return.
In step 127, the time and fee required to acquire update information from the information providing station based on the update information capacity obtained in step 126 are calculated and presented to the operator of the map information processing apparatus by the output device 7.
In step 128, whether or not to confirm the region selected in step 123 as a region desired by the operator of the map information processing apparatus is input from the input device 1, and if confirmed, go to step 129, otherwise. If so, go to Step 123.
In step 129, the update identification is used as an update information request, the number of unit areas obtained in step 124 is set as unit area designation information, the number of unit areas is set, and the management unit area coordinates obtained in step 124 and relative unit areas are obtained in unit area designation information. The request information in which the retained version number in the retained version number information area of the coordinate and update information storage device 6 is set is transmitted to the map information providing device by the transmitting / receiving device 4.
In step 130, the update information returned from the map information providing apparatus in response to the request information transmitted in step 125 is received by the transmission / reception apparatus 4, and the received update information is stored in the update information storage apparatus 6 corresponding to the retained version number. The update information area management information is updated while being stored in the update information area of the block, the update information batch acquisition process is terminated, and the process goes to step 22.
In this way, the operator of the map information processing apparatus is presented with the provider update status, the update location correspondence status, the time required to obtain the update information of the selected location, and the fee, and the operator displays these presented information. It is possible to obtain update information of a desired location with reference.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the data processing apparatus 5 according to the fourth embodiment, and the processing of steps 121 and 122 in the flowchart of FIG.
In step 140, the update information block corresponding to the version number held in the update information storage device 6 is referred to, and the update is performed in the update information area in the updated unit area indicated by the inter-version update location information in the update location information area. A unit area that does not hold information, or a unit area in which the update destination version number of update information in the update information area is older than the update destination information of the inter-version update part information in the update part information area is obtained, and these unit areas are obtained by the output device 7 Presented to the operator of the map information processing apparatus. In this way, the location where update information is required is presented to the operator of the map information processing apparatus.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the map information storage device 3 and the update information storage device 6 are separate storage devices, but may be the same storage device as long as they are writable storage devices.
In Embodiments 1 to 4, difference data is used as update information. However, data obtained as a result of updating may be used.
In Embodiments 1 to 4, the map data is not hierarchized, but may be map data hierarchized into a plurality of hierarchies.
In the first to fourth embodiments, the map data is managed and updated in units of maps. However, the map data is divided into some parts according to various data and managed and updated independently. Also good.
In the first to fourth embodiments, the unit area and the management unit area are rectangular, but may be any shape.
In the first to fourth embodiments, the inter-version update information has two layers, but may have three or more layers.
In the first to fourth embodiments, the inter-version update information is acquired when the scheduled update date has passed, but may be acquired after the update scheduled date is approached.
In Embodiments 1 to 4, the required information is specified for each unit area in the request for update information, but the specification information related to the area that is specified hierarchically in the same way as the inter-version update location information and is not required May not be included.
Also, in Embodiments 1 to 4, the required information is specified for each unit area in the update information request, but specified information related to areas that are specified hierarchically in the same way as the inter-version update location information and are not required May not be included.
In the third to fourth embodiments, the required area is specified for each unit area in the request for the update information capacity, but it is specified hierarchically by the same method as the inter-version update location information and specified for the unnecessary area. Information may not be included.
In the first to fourth embodiments, a fee required for acquiring update information may be presented when the update information is acquired.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a map information update system in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows a map information processing apparatus in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows a map information provision apparatus in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows map information in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the preparation range and area division | segmentation of map data in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the method of map data management in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows map data management information, a management unit reference table, and a unit area | region reference table in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the update information database, version update information, and update information for demonstrating Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the update location information database for demonstrating Embodiment 1-4 of this invention, and a version update location information. It is a block diagram which shows the request information, unit area designation | designated information, update location information return, and update information return for demonstrating Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the delivery server for demonstrating Embodiment 1-2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the storage information and update information block in an update information storage device in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a data processor in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a data processor in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a data processor in order to demonstrate Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of presentation by the output device of the provider update state for demonstrating Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an update information block and update map data in order to demonstrate Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a data processor in order to demonstrate Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a delivery server in order to demonstrate Embodiment 3, 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows update information capacity | capacitance return in order to demonstrate Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the data processor for demonstrating Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a data processor in order to demonstrate Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the data processor for demonstrating Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the conventional map information processing apparatus.

  A map information providing device, B1 to Bn map information processing device, 1 input device, 2 vehicle position detection device, 3 map information storage device, 4 transmission / reception device, 5 data processing device, 6 update information storage device, 7 output device, 10 Transmission / reception device, 11 update information database, 12 update location database, 13 distribution server.

Claims (16)

Map information storage means for storing map information divided into a plurality of locations;
Transmitting means for transmitting version information indicating the version number of the stored map information to the map information providing device;
Update information reception location designation means for designating a location where it is desired to receive update information;
Each location of the map information returned by the map information providing device to the version number information is divided into the plurality of locations for updating from the version held by the map information storage means to the latest version. Receiving means for receiving the update information based on the update location information about the update location in the map information;
Updating means for updating the map information stored in the map information storage means with the update information received by the receiving means;
A map information processing apparatus comprising:
After the receiving means receives the update location information, the transmission means transmits an update information request for the location specified by the update information reception location specifying means to the map information providing device, and the receiving means A map information processing apparatus for receiving update information returned from the map information providing apparatus in response to a request for the update information. The map information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives update location information that is hierarchical update location information and does not include update location information in an area where no update location exists. The receiving means is characterized in that, with respect to the data of the update location indicated by the update location information, the update information is not received when the update information is held or the updated data is already held. The map information processing apparatus according to claim 1. An update location information reception time designation means for determining the update location information reception time based on the scheduled update date,
The map information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving means receives the update location information at a time designated by the update location information reception time designation means. A version number change detecting means for detecting that the version number of the map information stored in the map information storage means is changed;
5. The receiving unit according to claim 1, wherein when the change of the version number is detected by the version number change detection unit, the update part information for the changed version number is received. Map information processing device.   The receiving means is characterized in that when the change of the version number is detected by the version number change detecting means, the update location information is received if the update location information for the changed version number is not held. The map information processing apparatus according to claim 5.   The map information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a provider update state presentation unit that presents an update state of map information of a provider.   The map information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an update location corresponding state presentation unit that presents an update location correspondence status indicating a status of correspondence to an update location of map information.   The map according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a process interlocking state presenting means for presenting an updated part correspondence state of a part that is a target of the map information processing in conjunction with the map information processing. Information processing device.   The map information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising update information required location presenting means for presenting a location where update information needs to be received.   Receiving means to receive update information at locations specified by the update information receiving location specification means that do not have update information for the latest version or locations that do not have data updated to the latest version The map information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map information processing apparatus is a map information processing apparatus.   The map information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising required time presenting means for presenting a time required for receiving update information or required charge presenting means for presenting a charge required for receiving update information. apparatus. An update information database for storing update information for updating map information from each version to the latest version;
Receiving means for receiving, from the map information processing apparatus, version number information indicating the version number of map information divided into a plurality of locations held by the map information storage means of the map information processing apparatus; and the map Based on a request for update information transmitted from the information processing device, the update information is extracted from the update information database and transmitted to the map information processing device, and an update location between the map data version numbers is indicated. Update location database,
A map information providing device comprising:
When the transmission means receives version number information from the map information processing apparatus, the transmission means is divided into the plurality of locations for updating from the version held by the map information storage means of the map information processing apparatus to the latest version. A map information providing device, wherein update location information for an update location in the map information is extracted from the update location database and transmitted to the map information processing device.   14. The map information provision according to claim 13, wherein the transmitting means transmits the update location information in which the update location information is not included in the hierarchical update location information where no update location exists. apparatus.   The map information providing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the transmission unit transmits the scheduled update date. Map information storage means for storing map information divided into a plurality of locations;
Transmitting means for transmitting version information indicating the version number of the stored map information to the map information providing device;
Update information reception location designation means for designating a location where it is desired to receive update information;
Each location of the map information returned by the map information providing device to the version number information is divided into the plurality of locations for updating from the version held by the map information storage means to the latest version. Receiving means for receiving the update information based on the update location information about the update location in the map information;
Updating means for updating the map information stored in the map information storage means with the update information received by the receiving means;
A map information processing apparatus comprising:
After the receiving means receives the update location information, the transmission means transmits an update information request for the location specified by the update information reception location specifying means to the map information providing device, and the receiving means A map information processing device receiving update information returned from the map information providing device in response to the request for the update information;
An update information database for storing update information for updating map information from each version to the latest version;
Receiving means for receiving version number information transmitted from the map information processing apparatus and indicating the version number of the map information divided into a plurality of locations held by the map information storage means of the map information processing apparatus;
Based on the update information request transmitted from the map information processing apparatus, the update information is extracted from the update information database and transmitted to the map information processing apparatus, and the update location between the map data version numbers Update location database showing
A map information providing device comprising:
When the transmission means receives version number information from the map information processing apparatus, the transmission means is divided into the plurality of locations for updating from the version held by the map information storage means of the map information processing apparatus to the latest version. Map information providing device, wherein the update location information about the update location of the map information is extracted from the update location database and transmitted to the map information processing device;
A map information update system.

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