JP4900335B2 - Map information generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a map information generation device that generates map information representing an image in which icon images are arranged at predetermined positions on a map.

  There is known a map information generation device that generates map information representing an image in which an icon image is arranged at a predetermined position on a map. As one of this type of map information generation device, the map information generation device described in Patent Document 1 represents an icon image representing a store, position information representing the position of the store, and the type of the store, etc. The type information is stored in association with each other.

  And this map information generation apparatus receives the positional information and scale information input by the user. Next, the map information generation device includes type information determined according to the received scale information, of the icon images associated with the position information representing the position in the display area including the position represented by the received position information. Map information representing an image in which the associated icon image is arranged at the position is generated. That is, the map information generation device determines whether or not the icon image can be displayed for each type information.

By the way, the following technique is known as a technique (related technique) related to the map information generation apparatus described above.
The car navigation system described in Patent Literature 2 obtains a moving direction from a user's current position and destination, and preferentially displays an icon image representing a facility existing in the obtained moving direction.

  In addition, on the website 1 ([Search June 25, 2008], Internet <URL: http://map.gnavi.co.jp/>), the location information is entered by inputting the location information. An image in which an icon image representing a restaurant that exists in the vicinity of the position to be represented is arranged on the map is displayed.

In addition, on the website 2 ([Search June 25, 2008], Internet <URL: http://waiwai.map.yahoo.co.jp/>) An image in which an icon image representing content information associated with a position in the vicinity of the position represented by the information is arranged on the map is displayed. This content information is information registered when another user inputs position information and content information representing content (for example, text).
JP 2006-155603 A JP 2008-82733 A

  However, the map information generating apparatus described above can determine whether or not to display an icon image only for each type information. Therefore, when there are a relatively large number of icon images associated with positions in a certain area among icon images associated with one type of information, the map information generating apparatus has Map information representing an image in which these icon images are arranged is generated.

  Therefore, when the user browses the image represented by the map information, the icon image overlaps within the region, and thus there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to browse the icon image. This problem similarly occurs even when the related technology described above is used.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a map information generation device that can solve the above-mentioned problem “difficulty of browsing icon images by a user”.

In order to achieve such an object, a map information generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is
Content storage means for storing position information representing a position and content information representing a content in association with each other;
Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Means,
Is provided.

Moreover, the map information generation method which is the other form of this invention is the following.
A content storage step of storing the position information representing the position and the content information representing the content in association with each other;
A map information request receiving step for receiving a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. A content selection step of selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Process,
including.

Moreover, the map information generation program which is the other form of this invention is the following.
In the map information generation device equipped with a storage device,
Content storage means for associating position information representing a position with content information representing a content and storing them in the storage device;
Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Means,
It is a program for realizing.

Moreover, the map information generation system which is the other form of this invention,
The system includes a server device and a client device that are communicably connected to each other.

Furthermore,
The client device
Map information request transmitting means for transmitting a map information request including position information representing a position to the server device;
Map information receiving means for receiving map information representing an image for display from the server device;
Image display means for displaying a display image represented by the received map information;
Is provided.
In addition, the server device
Content storage means for storing location information and content information representing content in association with each other;
A map information request receiving means for receiving the map information request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received map information request;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Means,
Map information transmitting means for transmitting the generated map information to the client device;
Is provided.

  The present invention configured as described above can prevent a user from easily viewing an icon image.

A map information generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is
Content storage means for storing position information representing a position and content information representing a content in association with each other;
Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Means,
Is provided.

  According to this, when the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing the position in the determination area is larger than the threshold number, the map information generation device selects only a part of the content information. Then, the map information generation device generates map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the selected content information is arranged on the map. Thereby, since the number of icon images arranged in the determination area can be reduced, it is possible to prevent the user from easily viewing the icon image.

in this case,
The content selection means, when a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination area overlap each other, content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination area among the extracted content information Is preferably configured to be determined to be greater than the threshold number.

  According to this, when a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination area overlap with each other, the map information generation device only extracts a part of the content information associated with the position information indicating the position in the determination area. select. Then, the map information generation device generates map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the selected content information is arranged on the map. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination region from overlapping each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from easily browsing the icon image.

in this case,
It is preferable that the content selection unit is configured so that the selected content information includes content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination region by a number equal to or less than the threshold number. .

  According to this, it is possible to prevent the number of icon images arranged in the determination area from becoming excessive. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from easily viewing the icon image.

in this case,
The content selection means extracts the extracted content information when it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information indicating the position in the determination area is equal to or less than the threshold number. It is preferred to be configured to select all of the content information.

in this case,
The content selection means is preferably configured to select the content information by a number equal to or less than a preset maximum display number.

  According to this, it is possible to prevent the number of icon images included in the display image from becoming excessive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from easily browsing the icon image.

in this case,
The content selection means calculates a priority for each of the extracted content information based on the first priority basic information associated with the content information, and sets the calculated content information with a higher priority to the content information. It is preferable that the content information with a low calculated priority is selected with priority.

  According to this, the first priority basic information can be set so that an icon image representing content information that is likely to be recognized as useful by the user is included in the display image. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

in this case,
The content selection means is configured to calculate the priority based on the first priority basic information and the second priority basic information associated with the map information request. Is preferred.

in this case,
The map information generation device
Content registration request accepting means for accepting a content registration request including content information and position information;
Registration request time information acquisition means for acquiring, as the first priority basic information, registration request time information indicating a time at which a content registration request is received;
Map request time information acquisition means for acquiring map request time information representing the time at which the map information request is received as the second priority basic information;
With
The content storage means is configured to store the location information and content information included in the received content registration request in association with the acquired registration time information,
The content selection means calculates the priority calculated for the content information as the time indicated by the registration request time information associated with the content information becomes closer to the time indicated by the acquired map request time information. It is preferable to be configured to increase the degree.

  According to this, the map information generating device uses the content information received at a time close to the time when the map information request is received from the content information received at a time far from the time when the map information request is received. Also give priority to selection. Then, the map information generation device generates map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the selected content information is arranged on the map.

  By the way, the user who sent the map information request to the map information generation device can recognize the content information received by the map information generation device at a time relatively close to the time when the map information request was sent as more useful information. High nature. For example, a user who has sent a map information request to a map information generation device at lunch time is likely to recognize content information received by the map information generation device at lunch time as more useful information.

  Therefore, according to the configuration described above, an icon image representing content information that is likely to be recognized by the user is included in the display image without separately inputting information for the user to select content information. Can do. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

Moreover, the map information generation device which concerns on the other aspect of this invention,
Attribute information storage means for storing a user identifier for identifying a user and attribute information representing the attribute of the user in association with each other;
Content registration request accepting means for accepting a content registration request including content information, position information, and a user identifier;
With
The map information request includes a user identifier,
The content storage means is configured to store the location information, the content information, and the user identifier included in the received content registration request in association with each other,
The content selection means includes the attribute information as the first priority basic information associated with the user identifier associated with the content information, and the user identifier associated with the user identifier included in the map information request. It is preferable that the higher the degree of similarity with the attribute information as the second priority basic information, the higher the priority calculated for the content information.

  According to this, the map information generation device receives the content information received from the user having an attribute similar to the user who sent the map information request to the map information generation device, and the user who sent the map information request to the map information generation device. Selection is given priority over content information received from users having dissimilar attributes. Then, the map information generation device generates map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the selected content information is arranged on the map.

  By the way, a user who has sent a map information request to the map information generation device is likely to recognize content information sent by a user having an attribute similar to that user's attribute as more useful information. For example, a user who has sent a map information request to a map information generation device is likely to recognize content information sent by a user whose gender, age, etc. match that user as more useful information.

  Therefore, according to the configuration described above, an icon image representing content information that is likely to be recognized by the user is included in the display image without separately inputting information for the user to select content information. Can do. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

Moreover, the map information generation method which is the other form of this invention is the following.
A content storage step of storing the position information representing the position and the content information representing the content in association with each other;
A map information request receiving step for receiving a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. A content selection step of selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Process,
including.

in this case,
In the content selection step, when a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination area overlap each other, content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination area among the extracted content information Is preferably configured to be determined to be greater than the threshold number.

Moreover, the map information generation program which is the other form of this invention is the following.
In the map information generation device equipped with a storage device,
Content storage means for associating position information representing a position with content information representing a content and storing them in the storage device;
Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Means,
It is a program for realizing.

in this case,
The content selection means, when a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination area overlap each other, content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination area among the extracted content information Is preferably configured to be determined to be greater than the threshold number.

Moreover, the map information generation system which is the other form of this invention,
The system includes a server device and a client device that are communicably connected to each other.

Furthermore, the client device
Map information request transmitting means for transmitting a map information request including position information representing a position to the server device;
Map information receiving means for receiving map information representing an image for display from the server device;
Image display means for displaying a display image represented by the received map information;
Is provided.

In addition, the server device
Content storage means for storing location information and content information representing content in association with each other;
A map information request receiving means for receiving the map information request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received map information request;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information on the map in the display area Means,
Map information transmitting means for transmitting the generated map information to the client device;
Is provided.

in this case,
The content selection means, when a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination area overlap each other, content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination area among the extracted content information Is preferably configured to be determined to be greater than the threshold number.

in this case,
The client device
Content registration request transmission means for transmitting a content registration request including content information and position information to the server device,
The server device is
A content registration request receiving means for receiving the content registration request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received content registration request;
Registration request time information acquisition means for acquiring registration request time information indicating a time at which a content registration request is received;
Map request time information acquisition means for acquiring map request time information representing the time at which the map information request is received;
With
The content storage means is configured to store the location information and content information included in the received content registration request in association with the acquired registration time information,
The content selection means calculates the priority calculated for the content information as the time indicated by the registration request time information associated with the content information becomes closer to the time indicated by the acquired map request time information. It is preferable to be configured to increase the degree.

In another aspect of the map information generation system,
The client device
Content registration request transmitting means for transmitting a content registration request including a user identifier for identifying a user, content information, and position information to the server device;
The server device is
Attribute information storage means for storing a user identifier and attribute information representing the attribute of the user in association with each other;
A content registration request receiving means for receiving the content registration request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received content registration request;
With
The map information request includes a user identifier,
The content storage means is configured to store the location information, the content information, and the user identifier included in the received content registration request in association with each other,
The content selection means has a degree of similarity between the attribute information associated with the user identifier associated with the content information and the attribute information associated with the user identifier included in the map information request. It is preferable that the higher the priority calculated for the content information, the higher the priority.

  Even if it is invention of the map information generation method, map information generation program, or map information generation system which has the structure mentioned above, in order to have an effect | action similar to the said map information generation apparatus, the objective of this invention mentioned above Can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a map information generation device, a map information generation method, a map information generation program, and a map information generation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Embodiment>
Referring to FIG. 1, a map information generation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an information terminal (client device) 100 and a server (server device, map information generation device) 200. The information terminal 100 and the server 200 are connected so that they can communicate with each other.

  The information terminal 100 is used for a user (user) to post content and to browse the content.

  The information terminal 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU; Central Processing Unit), a storage device (memory), an input device (keyboard), and an output device (display and speaker) (not shown). The information terminal 100 is configured to realize functions to be described later when the CPU executes a program stored (stored) in a storage device.

  The functions of the information terminal 100 are a posted content input unit 101, a location information acquisition unit 102, a user identifier storage unit 103, a posted content transmission unit (content registration request transmission unit) 104, and a browsing request transmission unit (map information request). Transmission means) 105 and an information display unit (map information receiving means and image display means) 106.

  Posted content input unit 101 receives content information input by a user using an input device. The content information is information representing content (in this example, a character string).

  The position information acquisition unit 102 has a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna. The position information acquisition unit 102 receives GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites (not shown) via a GPS antenna. The position information acquisition unit 102 generates (acquires) position information representing the position of the information terminal 100 based on the received GPS signal. In this example, the position information includes latitude information indicating latitude and longitude information indicating longitude. The position information may be information including a character string representing an address, or information for identifying each area when a certain area is divided into a plurality of areas.

  When the information terminal 100 is a mobile phone terminal, the location information acquisition unit 102 may acquire location information from the base station. When the information terminal 100 is connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), the location information acquisition unit 102 may acquire location information from an access point. Further, the position information acquisition unit 102 may acquire position information by receiving position information input by the user.

  The user identifier storage unit 103 stores a user identifier unique to the user of the information terminal 100 in the storage device. The user identifier is information for identifying the user of the information terminal 100. In this example, the user identifier is a terminal identifier unique to the information terminal 100. The user identifier may be a character string that is different for each user, and may be, for example, an e-mail address or a user ID.

  The posted content transmission unit 104 receives a content registration request transmission instruction input by the user using the input device. When the posted content transmission unit 104 receives the content registration request transmission instruction, the posted content input unit 101 receives the content information received by the posted content input unit 101, the latest location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 102, and the user identifier storage unit 103. A content registration request including the stored user identifier is transmitted to the server 200. The posted content transmission unit 104 may transmit each piece of information included in the content registration request at different timings.

  The browsing request transmission part 105 receives the browsing request transmission instruction | indication which the user input using the input device. When the browsing request transmission unit 105 receives the browsing request transmission instruction, the browsing request transmission unit 105 includes the latest positional information acquired by the positional information acquisition unit 102 and the user identifier stored by the user identifier storage unit 103 (map). Information request) is transmitted to the server 200. Note that the browsing request transmission unit 105 may transmit each piece of information included in the browsing request at different timings.

  The information display unit 106 receives the map information transmitted from the server 200 in response to the browsing request transmitted by the browsing request transmission unit 105, and displays the display image represented by the received map information on the display of the output device.

  As with the information terminal 100, the server 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device (memory and hard disk device (HDD)), an input device (keyboard), and an output device (display) (not shown). The server 200 is configured to realize functions to be described later when the CPU executes a program stored in the storage device.

  The functions of the server 200 are a posted content receiving unit (content registration request receiving unit) 201, a time information acquisition unit (registration request time information acquisition unit, map request time information acquisition unit) 202, and a posted content storage unit (content storage unit). ) 203, a browsing request receiving unit (map information request receiving unit) 204, a user attribute information storage unit (attribute information storage unit) 205, a content display priority calculation unit (part of the content selection unit) 206, a display A content selection unit (a part of the content selection unit) 207, a map information generation unit (map information generation unit) 208, and a map information transmission unit (map information transmission unit) 209 are included.

  The posted content receiving unit 201 receives the content registration request transmitted from the information terminal 100 and accepts the received content registration request.

  The time information acquisition unit 202 acquires registration request time information (first priority basic information) indicating the time when the content registration request is received by the posted content reception unit 201. In this example, the registration request time information includes date information indicating a date.

  The posted content storage unit 203 receives the content information, position information, and user identifier included in the content registration request received by the posted content receiving unit 201, the registration request time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit 202, and the content information. The content identifier for identification is correlated and stored in the storage device of the server 200 (see FIG. 2).

  The browsing request receiving unit 204 receives the browsing request transmitted by the information terminal 100 and accepts the received browsing request.

  Further, the time information acquisition unit 202 acquires browsing request time information (map request time information, second priority basic information) indicating the time when the browsing request is received by the browsing request reception unit 204. In this example, the browsing request time information also includes date information indicating a date.

  The user attribute information storage unit 205 stores a user identifier and attribute information representing the attribute of the user identified by the user identifier in association with each other in advance (see FIG. 3). In this example, the attribute information includes the date of birth, sex, and residence. The attribute information may be part of the date of birth, sex, and residence, and may include information other than these (for example, family structure, occupation, or preference information).

  The content display priority calculation unit 206 is associated with the position information indicating the position in the display area including the position represented by the position information included in the browsing request received by the browsing request receiving unit 204, and the posted content storage unit 203 Extract stored content information.

Furthermore, the content display priority calculation unit 206 calculates a priority for each piece of extracted content information.
Specifically, the content display priority calculation unit 206 displays the time indicated by the registration request time information (first priority basic information) associated with the content information, and the map request acquired by the time information acquisition unit 202. The closer the time represented by the time information (second priority basic information) is, the higher the priority calculated for the content information is.

  In this example, the content display priority calculation unit 206 determines that “two times are closer” as “the times in one day are closer regardless of the date or day of the week” (that is, two times based on only the time) It is determined that the time is close.) The content display priority calculation unit 206 may determine that “the two times are closer” as “the dates are closer” represented by the date information included in the time information, or is calculated based on the date information. It may be determined that “the two times are closer” as “the days of the week are closer”. Further, the content display priority calculation unit 206 may determine that “two times are close” based on any combination of date, day of the week, and time.

  Further, the content display priority calculation unit 206 associates the attribute information (first priority basic information) associated with the user identifier associated with the content information and the user identifier included in the browsing request. The higher the degree of similarity between the attribute information (second priority basic information), the higher the priority calculated for the content information.

  The display content selection unit 207 is stored in the posted content storage unit 203 in association with the position information indicating the position in the display area including the position represented by the position information included in the browsing request received by the browsing request receiving unit 204. Content information is extracted.

  The display content selection unit 207 determines that the number of pieces of content information (number of pieces of information in the determination area) associated with the position information indicating the position in the determination area that is a part of the display area is extracted in advance. It is determined whether or not it is larger than the set threshold number. When the display content selection unit 207 determines that the number of information in the determination area is greater than the threshold number, the display content selection unit 207 represents the position in the determination area from the extracted content information so that the number of information in the determination area becomes the threshold number. The remaining content information excluding a part of the content information associated with the position information is selected as content information to be displayed.

  At this time, the display content selection unit 207 gives priority to content information having a high priority calculated by the content display priority calculation unit 206 over content information having a low priority calculated by the content display priority calculation unit 206. To select.

  Specifically, first, the display content selection unit 207 selects the extracted content information one by one in descending order of priority calculated by the content display priority calculation unit 206.

  Then, the display content selection unit 207 displays an icon image representing the content information at a position represented by the position information associated with the selected content information, and an icon image representing other content information that has already been determined to be displayed. When at least one of the following first condition and second condition is satisfied, it is determined that the selected content information is not displayed, and both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. If not, it is determined to display the selected content information.

  The first condition is a condition that a plurality of icon images overlap each other. That is, the determination area is an area including a position represented by position information associated with any one of other pieces of content information that has already been determined to be displayed, and an icon image is arranged at that position. In addition, when another icon image is arranged at an arbitrary position in the area, it can be said that the area is formed so that at least a part of the two icon images overlap. Note that the number of thresholds used together with this determination region is 1.

  Further, the second condition is a condition that icon images larger than the threshold number are present in a region in a circle having a center at an arbitrary position and having a predetermined radius. That is, it can be said that the determination area is an area in a circle having a center at an arbitrary position and having a predetermined radius. Note that the threshold number used together with the determination region is an arbitrary number of 1 or more and a predetermined value.

  In this way, the display content selection unit 207 selects content information to be displayed from the extracted content information.

  The map information generation unit 208 stores in advance a basic map information representing a map in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the position information included in the browsing request received by the browsing request receiving unit 204 in a storage device. Generate based on map data.

  Further, the map information generation unit 208 displays the content information at the position represented by the position information associated with the content information selected for display by the display content selection unit 207 on the map represented by the generated basic map information. Map information representing an image for display in which an icon image representing the position is arranged is generated.

  The map information transmission unit 209 transmits the map information generated by the map information generation unit 208 to the information terminal 100.

Next, the operation of the map information generation system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information terminal 100 when the user of the information terminal 100 posts content.

  First, the information terminal 100 receives content information input by the user (step S301). Next, the information terminal 100 acquires position information (step S302). Then, the information terminal 100 acquires a user identifier (Step S303).

Next, when a content registration request transmission instruction is input by the user, the information terminal 100 receives the content information received in step S301, the position information acquired in step S302, the user identifier acquired in step S303, Is sent to the server 200 (step S304).
Note that the order in which the processes in steps S301 to S303 are executed may be any order.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 200 when the server 200 receives a content registration request from the information terminal 100.

  The server 200 receives the content registration request transmitted from the information terminal 100 (step S401). Next, the server 200 acquires registration request time information indicating the time when the content registration request is received (step S402).

  The server 200 stores the content information, the position information, and the user identifier included in the content registration request received in step S401, the registration request time information acquired in step S402, and the content identifier in association with each other. (Step S403, content storage step).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the server 200 when the server 200 that has received the browsing request generates map information and transmits the generated map information to the information terminal 100.

  The server 200 receives the browsing request transmitted by the information terminal 100 (step S501, map information request receiving step). Next, the server 200 acquires map request time information indicating the time when the browsing request is received (step S502).

  Then, the server 200 acquires attribute information (gender, date of birth, and place of residence) stored in the storage device in association with the user identifier included in the browse request received in step S501 (step S503).

  Next, the server 200 stores the content information associated with the position information representing the position in the display area including the position represented by the position information included in the browsing request received in step S501 in the storage device. Extract from the information (step S504, part of the content selection process).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the content information extracted by the process of step S504.
A circular icon image arranged at the center of the map indicates the position represented by the position information included in the browsing request. That is, it can be said that the user of the information terminal 100 that transmitted this browsing request is requesting information in the vicinity of this position.

A square area surrounded by a dotted line in the map indicates a display area.
Furthermore, the plurality of heart-shaped icon images arranged on the map represent the positions represented by the position information associated with the content information stored by the posted content storage unit 203.
Therefore, only the content information corresponding to the icon image arranged in the area (display area) surrounded by the dotted line is extracted by the process in step S504.

  Then, the server 200 calculates a time priority based on the time information for each piece of content information extracted in step S504 (step S505, part of the content selection step). Specifically, the server 200 compares the time indicated by the registration request time information associated with the content information with the time indicated by the map request time information acquired in step S502. The time priority is calculated so that the degree is given.

  The server 200 may calculate the time priority based on the date information included in the time information, or may calculate the time priority based on the day of the week information indicating the day of the week obtained based on the date information. Good. The server 200 may calculate the time priority based on any combination of time information, date information, and day information. In this case, the server 200 may calculate the time priority by weighting each piece of information.

  Next, the server 200 calculates an attribute priority based on the attribute information for each piece of content information extracted in step S504 (step S506, part of the content selection process). Specifically, the server 200 includes the attribute information associated with the user identifier associated with the content information (that is, the attribute information of the user who has input the content information), and the attribute information acquired at step S503. , And the attribute priority is calculated so that the higher the degree of similarity between the two, the higher the priority.

  In this example, the server 200 calculates the attribute priority for each piece of information included in the attribute information. Note that the server 200 may calculate one attribute priority based on all information included in the attribute information. In this case, the server 200 may obtain the number of pieces of matching information among pieces of information included in the attribute information as the degree to which the attribute information is similar.

  Then, the server 200 calculates, as the priority, a value obtained by weighted averaging the time priority calculated in step S505 and the attribute priority calculated in step S506 according to a preset ratio (step S507, content Part of the selection process). In this example, the server 200 calculates a value obtained by adding the attribute priority for each information included in the attribute information and the time priority.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the priorities calculated by the processes in steps S505 to S507. As shown in FIG. 8, by the processing of step S505 and step S506, for each content information, time priority, attribute priority based on gender, attribute priority based on date of birth, and attribute priority based on residence The degree is calculated. Furthermore, the priority is calculated from the attribute priority and the time priority by the processing in step S507. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, when content identifiers are arranged in descending order of priority, the content identifiers are arranged in the order of 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, and 2.

  Next, the server 200 displays the content information extracted in step S504 based on the priority calculated in step S507 and the position represented by the position information associated with the content information. Content information is selected (step S508, part of the content selection step). Details of this process will be described later.

  Then, the server 200 displays the icon image representing the content information at the position represented by the position information associated with the content information selected in step S508 on the map (image) in the display area. Map information representing an image (an image for the user to browse) is generated (step S509, map information generation step).

  Next, the server 200 transmits the map information generated in step S509 to the information terminal 100 (step S510). As a result, the information terminal 100 receives the map information and displays the display image represented by the received map information on the display of the output device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S508.
First, the server 200 selects content information having the highest priority calculated in step S507 from among the content information not yet selected from the content information extracted in step S504 (step S601). Accordingly, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, content information whose content identifier is 3 is selected.

  Next, the server 200 displays the icon image representing the content information at the position represented by the position information associated with the content information selected in step S601, and the icon representing the other content information that has already been determined to be displayed. When the images are arranged together with the images, it is determined whether or not those icon images overlap each other. At this time, the server 200 performs this determination based on the position where the icon image is arranged and the shape of the icon image. Note that the server 200 may make the determination based only on the position where the icon image is arranged (that is, the distance between the icon images).

  If the server 200 determines that the icon images overlap each other, the server 200 determines “Yes” in step S602, returns to step S601, and executes the processing from step S601.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which icon images overlap each other. Note that a region surrounded by a dotted line is also referred to as a determination region in this specification. As described above, when the icon images overlap with each other, it is difficult for the user to browse the icon images. Therefore, the server 200 does not select the content information selected in step S601 as the content information to be displayed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination region from overlapping each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from easily browsing the icon image.

  On the other hand, if the server 200 determines that the icon images do not overlap with each other, the server 200 determines “No” in step S602 and proceeds to step S603. Then, the server 200 displays an icon representing other content information that has already been determined to display an icon image representing the content information at the position represented by the position information associated with the content information selected in step S601. When arranged together with an image, an icon image larger than a preset threshold number (three in this example) has an area within a circle (circular) having a center at an arbitrary position and having a predetermined radius. It is determined whether or not it exists in the area (determination area).

  If the server 200 determines that there are more icon images than the threshold number in the determination area (ie, there are icon images greater than the threshold number in the vicinity), the server 200 determines “Yes” in step S603. Then, the process returns to step S601, and the processes after step S601 are executed.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which icon images larger than the threshold number exist in a circular area. Note that a region surrounded by a dotted line is also referred to as a determination region in this specification. As described above, when there are more icon images in the determination region than the threshold number, it is difficult for the user to view the icon images, and thus the server 200 displays the content information selected in step S601. Do not select as content information. According to this, it is possible to prevent the number of icon images arranged in the determination area from becoming excessive. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from easily viewing the icon image.

  On the other hand, if the server 200 determines that there are no more icon images in the determination area than the threshold number, it determines “No” in step S603 and proceeds to step S604. Then, the server 200 determines (selects) the content information selected in step S601 as content information to be displayed.

  Next, the server 200 proceeds to step S605, and determines whether or not the number of content information selected as content information to be displayed (display selection number) is equal to or greater than a preset maximum display number.

  If the server 200 determines that the display selection number is equal to or greater than the maximum display number, the server 200 determines “Yes” in step S605 and ends this process (the process in step S508). On the other hand, if the server 200 determines that the display selection number is smaller than the maximum display number, it determines “No” in step S605, returns to step S601, and executes the processing from step S601. According to this, it is possible to prevent the number of icon images included in the display image from becoming excessive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from easily browsing the icon image.

  Note that the server 200 also ends this process (the process of step S508) when the content information to be selected does not exist in step S601 before determining “Yes” in step S605. Note that the server 200 may be configured to execute only one of steps S602 and S603.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the effect of executing the processing of steps S601 to S605.
FIG. 12A shows a display image represented by map information generated by a conventional server (a server that does not execute the processes in steps S601 to S605). In this display image, a plurality of icon images overlap each other, and an excessively large number of icon images are arranged in a relatively narrow area. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to browse the icon image.

  On the other hand, FIG. 12B shows a display image represented by the map information generated by the server 200 according to the present invention (the server that executes the processes of steps S601 to S605). In this display image, the same number of icon images as the number of icon images arranged in the display image shown in FIG. However, in this display image, there are no overlapping icon images. Furthermore, an excessively large number of icon images are not arranged in a relatively narrow area. Therefore, the user can easily browse the icon image.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the map information generation system according to the present invention, when the number of pieces of content information associated with the position information indicating the position in the determination area is larger than the threshold number, the server 200 , Only a part of the content information is selected. Then, the server 200 generates map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the selected content information is arranged on the map, and transmits the generated map information to the information terminal 100.

  Then, the information terminal 100 displays a display image representing the received map information on the display. Thereby, since the number of icon images arranged in the determination area can be reduced, it is possible to prevent the user from easily viewing the icon image.

  Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the server 200 receives content information received at a time close to the time when the browsing request (map information request) is received at a time far from the time when the browsing request is received. The content information is selected as content information to be displayed with priority over the content information. Then, the server 200 generates map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the selected content information is arranged on the map.

  By the way, the user who sent the browsing request to the server 200 is highly likely to recognize the content information received by the server 200 at a time relatively close to the time when the browsing request was sent as more useful information. For example, a user who has sent a browsing request to the server 200 at lunch time has a high possibility of recognizing that the content information received by the server 200 at lunch time is more useful information.

  Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, an icon image representing content information that is likely to be recognized as useful by the user is included in the display image without separately inputting information for the user to select content information. be able to. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, the server 200 is similar to the user who has sent the browsing request to the server 200 for the content information received from the user having an attribute similar to the user who has sent the browsing request to the server 200. It is selected as content information to be displayed with priority over content information received from a user having no attribute. Then, the server 200 generates map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the selected content information is arranged on the map.

  By the way, the user who sent the browsing request to the server 200 has a high possibility of recognizing that the content information sent by the user having an attribute similar to the attribute of the user is more useful information. For example, a user who has sent a browsing request to the server 200 is likely to recognize content information sent by a user whose gender, age, etc. match that user as more useful information.

  Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, an icon image representing content information that is likely to be recognized as useful by the user is included in the display image without separately inputting information for the user to select content information. be able to. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various modification can be employ | adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the information terminal 100 has both a function for the user to post content and a function for the user to browse the content (display image). By the way, in the modification of the said embodiment, the map information generation system 1 may include the information terminal 100A and the information terminal 100B instead of the information terminal 100 as shown in FIG.

  The information terminal 100 </ b> A includes a posted content input unit 101, a position information acquisition unit 102, a user identifier storage unit 103, and a posted content transmission unit 104 among the functions of the information terminal 100. On the other hand, the information terminal 100B includes a position information acquisition unit 102, a user identifier storage unit 103, a browsing request transmission unit 105, and an information display unit 106 among the functions of the information terminal 100.

  Further, in this case, the map information generation system 1 may not include the information terminal 100A as shown in FIG. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the server 200 does not include the posted content receiving unit 201. In this case, it is preferable that the server 200 stores content information in a storage device in advance.

  In the above embodiment, the information terminal 100 has a function of acquiring position information indicating the position of the information terminal 100. Incidentally, in another modification of the above embodiment, the function of the server 200 may include a position information acquisition unit 210 that acquires position information indicating the position of the information terminal 100 as illustrated in FIG. 15. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the information terminal 100 does not include the position information acquisition unit 102.

  In another modification of the above embodiment, the map information generation system 1 may include a position information acquisition server 300 as shown in FIG. The function of the position information acquisition server 300 includes a position information acquisition unit 301 that acquires position information indicating the position of the information terminal 100 and transmits the acquired position information to the server 200. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the information terminal 100 does not include the position information acquisition unit 102.

  Furthermore, in another modification of the above embodiment, the server 200 may be configured to select content information to be displayed without being based on the priority. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the server 200 does not include the time information acquisition unit 202, the user attribute information storage unit 205, and the content display priority calculation unit 206 as illustrated in FIG.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the server 200 has an upper limit (maximum display number) for the number of content information to be selected for display, but may be configured not to provide an upper limit. In this case, when the number of pieces of content information associated with the position information indicating the position in the determination area among the pieces of content information extracted by the server 200 is equal to or less than the threshold number, the server 200 All of the information is selected as content information to be displayed.

  Moreover, although the map in the said embodiment was a figure showing a road, the figure (floor map) showing the inside of a building may be sufficient, and the figure (circuit arrangement | positioning figure) showing an electric circuit may be sufficient. . Furthermore, although the icon image in the said embodiment was comprised only from the figure, you may include a part or all of the character string (content) which content information represents.

  In another modification of the above embodiment, the server 200 stores content information and type information (first priority basic information) indicating the type of content in association with each other and stores them in the content information. Based on the associated type information, the priority for each of the extracted content information is calculated, and the content information with the calculated high priority is selected in preference to the content information with the low calculated priority. It may be configured.

  According to this, type information can be set so that an icon image representing content information that is likely to be recognized as useful by the user is included in the display image. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  The present invention is applicable to a map information providing system including a mobile phone terminal and a web server that are communicably connected via the Internet. In this case, the user of the mobile phone terminal can input information and browse the display image using a web browser installed in the mobile phone terminal.

It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the map information generation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the table which showed the data which are stored in the memory | storage device of a server and which consist of a user identifier, position information, registration request time information, and content information. It is the table which showed the data which consist of a user identifier, a date of birth, sex, and a residence stored in the memory | storage device of a server. It is the flowchart which showed the action | operation of the information terminal at the time of the user of an information terminal posting content. It is the flowchart which showed the action | operation of the server when a server receives a content registration request from an information terminal. It is the flowchart which showed the action | operation of the server when the server which received the browsing request produces | generates map information, and transmits the produced | generated map information to an information terminal. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the content information extracted by the process of step S504 shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the priority calculated by the process of step S505-step S507 shown in FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of processing in step S508 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example in which an icon image mutually overlaps. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example in which the icon image more than a threshold number exists in a circular area | region. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the effect by performing the process of step S601-step S605 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the map information generation system which concerns on the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the map information generation system which concerns on the other modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the map information generation system which concerns on the other modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the map information generation system which concerns on the other modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the map information generation system which concerns on the other modification of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Map information generation system 100, 100A, 100B Information terminal 101 Posted content input unit 102 Location information acquisition unit 103 User identifier storage unit 104 Posted content transmission unit 105 Browsing request transmission unit 106 Information display unit 200 Server 201 Posted content reception unit 202 Time Information acquisition unit 203 Posted content storage unit 204 Browsing request reception unit 205 User attribute information storage unit 206 Content display priority calculation unit 207 Display content selection unit 208 Map information generation unit 209 Map information transmission unit 210 Location information acquisition unit 300 Location information acquisition Server 301 Location information acquisition unit

Claims (13)

A map information generating device,
Content storage means for storing position information representing a position and content information representing a content in association with each other;
Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Means,
Equipped with a,
The content selecting means extracts the extracted content information based on the first priority basic information associated with the content information and the second priority basic information associated with the map information request. And calculating the priority for each of the content information, and selecting the content information with the high priority calculated in preference to the content information with the low priority calculated,
The map information generation device includes:
Content registration request accepting means for accepting a content registration request including content information and position information;
Registration request time information acquisition means for acquiring, as the first priority basic information, registration request time information indicating a time at which a content registration request is received;
Map request time information acquisition means for acquiring map request time information representing the time at which the map information request was received as the second priority basic information;
With
The content storage means is configured to store the location information and content information included in the received content registration request in association with the acquired registration time information,
The content selection means calculates the priority calculated for the content information as the time indicated by the registration request time information associated with the content information becomes closer to the time indicated by the acquired map request time information. A map information generating device configured to increase the degree .   A map information generating device,
  Content storage means for storing position information representing a position and content information representing a content in association with each other;
  Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
  The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
  Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Means,
  With
  The content selecting means extracts the extracted content information based on the first priority basic information associated with the content information and the second priority basic information associated with the map information request. And calculating the priority for each of the content information, and selecting the content information with the high priority calculated in preference to the content information with the low priority calculated,
  The map information generation device includes:
  Attribute information storage means for storing a user identifier for identifying a user and attribute information representing the attribute of the user in association with each other;
  Content registration request accepting means for accepting a content registration request including content information, position information, and a user identifier;
  With
  The map information request includes a user identifier,
  The content storage means is configured to store location information, content information, and a user identifier included in the received content registration request in association with each other,
  The content selection means includes the attribute information as the first priority basic information associated with the user identifier associated with the content information, and the user identifier associated with the user identifier included in the map information request. A map information generation device configured to increase the priority calculated for the content information as the degree of similarity with the attribute information as the second priority basic information increases. The map information generating device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The content selection means, when a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination area overlap each other, content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination area among the extracted content information A map information generating device configured to determine that the number of the images is greater than the threshold number. The map information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The map information generating apparatus configured to include the content selection unit so that the selected content information includes content information associated with position information indicating a position in the determination area, which is equal to or less than the threshold number. The map information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The content selection means extracts the extracted content information when it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination area is equal to or less than the threshold number. A map information generation device configured to select all of content information. A map information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The map information generating apparatus configured to select the content information by a number equal to or less than a preset maximum display number. Map information generator
A content storage step of storing the position information representing the position and the content information representing the content in association with each other;
A map information request receiving step for receiving a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. A content selection step of selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Process,
Run
In the content selection step, the extracted content information based on the first priority basic information associated with the content information and the second priority basic information associated with the map information request And calculating the priority for each of the content information, and selecting the content information with the high priority calculated in preference to the content information with the low priority calculated,
The map information generating device is
A content registration request receiving step for receiving a content registration request including content information and position information;
A registration request time information acquisition step of acquiring, as the first priority basic information, registration request time information indicating a time at which a content registration request is received;
A map request time information acquisition step of acquiring map request time information representing a time at which the map information request is received as the second priority basic information;
Run
The content storage step is configured to store the location information and content information included in the received content registration request in association with the acquired registration time information,
In the content selection step, the priority calculated for the content information becomes closer to the time represented by the registration request time information associated with the content information and the time represented by the acquired map request time information. Map information generation method configured to increase the degree .   Map information generator
  A content storage step of storing the position information representing the position and the content information representing the content in association with each other;
  A map information request receiving step for receiving a map information request including position information;
  The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. A content selection step of selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
  Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Process,
  Run
  In the content selection step, the extracted content information based on the first priority basic information associated with the content information and the second priority basic information associated with the map information request And calculating the priority for each of the content information, and selecting the content information with the high priority calculated in preference to the content information with the low priority calculated,
  The map information generating device is
  An attribute information storage step of storing a user identifier for identifying the user and attribute information representing the attribute of the user in association with each other;
  A content registration request receiving step for receiving a content registration request including content information, location information, and a user identifier;
  Run
  The map information request includes a user identifier,
  The content storage step is configured to store location information, content information, and a user identifier included in the received content registration request in association with each other,
  The content selection step includes the attribute information as the first priority basic information associated with the user identifier associated with the content information, and the user identifier associated with the user identifier included in the map information request. The map information generation method comprised so that the priority calculated with respect to the said content information might become high, so that the grade with the attribute information as 2nd priority basic information becomes high. In the map information generation device equipped with a storage device,
Content storage means for associating position information representing a position with content information representing a content and storing the content information in the storage device;
Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Means,
Realized ,
The content selecting means extracts the extracted content information based on the first priority basic information associated with the content information and the second priority basic information associated with the map information request. And calculating the priority for each of the content information, and selecting the content information with the high priority calculated in preference to the content information with the low priority calculated,
In the map information generating device,
Content registration request accepting means for accepting a content registration request including content information and position information;
Registration request time information acquisition means for acquiring, as the first priority basic information, registration request time information indicating a time at which a content registration request is received;
Map request time information acquisition means for acquiring map request time information representing the time at which the map information request was received as the second priority basic information;
Realized,
The content storage means is configured to store the location information and content information included in the received content registration request in association with the acquired registration time information in the storage device,
The content selection means calculates the priority calculated for the content information as the time indicated by the registration request time information associated with the content information becomes closer to the time indicated by the acquired map request time information. Map information generation program configured to increase the degree .   In the map information generation device equipped with a storage device,
  Content storage means for associating position information representing a position with content information representing a content and storing the content information in the storage device;
  Map information request accepting means for accepting a map information request including position information;
  The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
  Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Means,
  Realized,
  The content selecting means extracts the extracted content information based on the first priority basic information associated with the content information and the second priority basic information associated with the map information request. And calculating the priority for each of the content information, and selecting the content information with the high priority calculated in preference to the content information with the low priority calculated,
  In the map information generating device,
  Attribute information storage means for associating a user identifier for identifying a user and attribute information representing the attribute of the user in the storage device;
  Content registration request accepting means for accepting a content registration request including content information, position information, and a user identifier;
  Realized,
  The map information request includes a user identifier,
  The content storage means is configured to store the location information, content information, and user identifier included in the received content registration request in association with each other in the storage device,
  The content selection means includes the attribute information as the first priority basic information associated with the user identifier associated with the content information, and the user identifier associated with the user identifier included in the map information request. A map information generation program configured to increase the priority calculated for the content information as the degree of similarity with the attribute information as the second priority basic information increases.
A map information generation system including a server device and a client device that are communicably connected to each other,
The client device is
Map information request transmitting means for transmitting a map information request including position information representing a position to the server device;
Map information receiving means for receiving map information representing a display image from the server device;
Image display means for displaying a display image represented by the received map information;
With
The server device
Content storage means for storing location information and content information representing content in association with each other;
A map information request receiving means for receiving a map information request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received map information request;
The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Means,
Map information transmitting means for transmitting the generated map information to the client device;
Equipped with a,
The client device is
Content registration request transmitting means for transmitting a content registration request including content information and position information to the server device;
The server device
A content registration request receiving means for receiving the content registration request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received content registration request;
Registration request time information acquisition means for acquiring registration request time information indicating a time at which a content registration request is received;
Map request time information acquisition means for acquiring map request time information representing the time at which the map information request was received;
With
The content storage means is configured to store the location information and content information included in the received content registration request in association with the acquired registration time information,
The content selection means assigns a priority to the content information that increases as the time indicated by the registration request time information associated with the content information and the time indicated by the acquired map request time information become closer. And a map information generating system configured to select content information with a high calculated priority in preference to content information with a low calculated priority .   A map information generation system including a server device and a client device that are communicably connected to each other,
  The client device is
  Map information request transmitting means for transmitting a map information request including position information representing a position to the server device;
  Map information receiving means for receiving map information representing a display image from the server device;
  Image display means for displaying a display image represented by the received map information;
  With
  The server device
  Content storage means for storing location information and content information representing content in association with each other;
  A map information request receiving means for receiving a map information request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received map information request;
  The content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined display area including the position represented by the received position information is extracted, and a part of the display area of the extracted content information is extracted. When it is determined that the number of pieces of content information associated with position information representing a position in a predetermined determination area is greater than a preset threshold number, the position in the determination area is determined from the extracted content information. Content selection means for selecting remaining content information excluding at least one content information associated with the position information to be represented;
  Map information generation for generating map information representing a display image in which an icon image representing the content information is arranged at a position represented by position information associated with the selected content information on a map in the display area Means,
  Map information transmitting means for transmitting the generated map information to the client device;
  With
  The client device is
  Content registration request transmitting means for transmitting to the server device a content registration request including a user identifier for identifying a user, content information, and position information;
  The server device
  Attribute information storage means for storing a user identifier and attribute information representing the attribute of the user in association with each other;
  A content registration request receiving means for receiving the content registration request transmitted by the client device and receiving the received content registration request;
  With
  The map information request includes a user identifier,
  The content storage means is configured to store location information, content information, and a user identifier included in the received content registration request in association with each other,
  The content selection means has a degree of similarity between the attribute information associated with the user identifier associated with the content information and the attribute information associated with the user identifier included in the map information request. The higher priority is configured to be calculated for the content information, and the content information with the higher calculated priority is selected in preference to the content information with the lower calculated priority. Configured map information generation system. The map information generation system according to claim 11 or 12 ,
The content selection means, when a plurality of icon images arranged in the determination area overlap each other, content information associated with position information representing a position in the determination area among the extracted content information A map information generation system configured to determine that the number of is greater than the threshold number.

Images