JP5166045B2 - Information display system, information display terminal, information display method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display technique.

  It is possible to display information on facilities and roads on the ground surface on the display of electronic devices, including technology that provides route guidance to cars and pedestrians using computerized map data that can be used on computers. Widely done. For example, in a vehicle navigation apparatus that displays map information and landmark position information, a technique for determining the display order of detailed landmark information and sequentially displaying the detailed landmark information according to the determined order is known. (For example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-132777 JP 2003-254761 A JP-A-6-29597 JP 2000-131087 A Japanese Patent No. 3850898 Japanese Patent No. 3478674

  However, for example, the detailed information for each facility is large in an area where the facilities are dense, and there is a possibility that the user may feel complicated. For this reason, in order to provide information on facilities on the surface using electronic devices, further improvement in user convenience has been demanded.

  An object of the present invention is to improve user convenience in an information providing technique using an electronic device.

The present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples in order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems.
The system of the first form is an information display system,
Specific position acquisition means for acquiring specific position information representing the specific position;
Area specifying information storage means for storing area specifying information for specifying a plurality of geographical predetermined areas before acquisition of the specific position information ;
Area feature information storage means for storing area feature information representing characteristics of each predetermined area specified by the area specifying information in association with each predetermined area before acquisition of the specific position information ;
And feature information image display means for displaying the feature information image is a graphic before Symbol region feature information is described,
With
The feature information graphic display means is capable of recognizing a positional relationship between the predetermined area associated with the area feature information described in each feature information graphic and the specific position, and corresponds to a plurality of the predetermined areas. Display the feature information figure ,
The plurality of geographical predetermined areas are areas that are fixedly set independently of the specific position . According to this information display system, a graphic in which a plurality of area feature information relating to a plurality of predetermined areas is described is displayed in a manner in which the positional relationship with a specific position can be recognized. As a result, the user can easily know the characteristics of the region having a predetermined positional relationship with the specific position.

Application Example 1 An information display system for displaying information on a display unit,
Area specifying information storage means for storing area specifying information for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas on the ground surface;
Area feature information storage means for storing a plurality of area feature information representing the characteristics of each of the predetermined areas in association with a plurality of the predetermined areas;
Specific position acquisition means for acquiring specific position information representing a specific position on the ground surface;
Feature information graphic display means for displaying a feature information graphic, which is a predetermined graphic in which the region feature information is described, on the display unit;
With
The feature information graphic display means is capable of recognizing a positional relationship between the specific area associated with the area feature information described in each feature information graphic and the specific position, and displays a plurality of the feature information figures. Information display system to display.

  According to the map display system according to Application Example 1, a graphic in which a plurality of area feature information related to a plurality of predetermined areas is described is displayed in a manner in which the positional relationship with a specific position can be recognized. As a result, the user can easily know the characteristics of the region having a predetermined positional relationship with the specific position.

  The map display system according to Application Example 1 further includes route guidance means for guiding a route on the ground surface, and the feature information graphic display means is an area through which the route of the plurality of predetermined areas passes. A plurality of feature information figures describing the region feature information associated with a plurality of on-route regions may be displayed. In this way, the user can easily know the characteristics of the area including the guide route.

  In the map display system according to the application example 1, the feature information graphic display unit can recognize the front-rear relationship in the route of the plurality of regions on the route associated with the region feature information described in the feature information graphic. In this manner, a plurality of the feature information figures may be displayed. In this way, the user can more easily know the characteristics of the area including the guide route.

  In the map display system according to Application Example 1, the feature information graphic may include a user interface for receiving an instruction to execute a process related to the region feature information described in the feature information graphic. In this way, using the user interface, the user can instruct execution of processing related to the region feature information.

  In the map display system according to Application Example 1, the feature information graphic display unit may update the display of the feature information graphic in accordance with the movement of the specific position. In this case, the specific position may move according to a user's operation, or the specific position may move according to a position positioning result using a global positioning system. By doing so, the display of the feature information graphic is updated in accordance with the movement of the specific position, so that the user can easily know a lot of area characteristic information by moving the specific position.

In the map display system according to Application Example 1, the specific position is a current position of the user,
The feature information graphic display means further considers the possibility that the user will reach the predetermined region associated with the region feature information described in each feature information graphic from the current position. The feature information figure may be displayed. In this case, the possibility that the user will reach may be determined in consideration of the moving direction of the user, and the possibility that the user will reach may be determined in consideration of the moving means of the user. It may be decided. In this way, the user can know necessary area feature information according to the possibility of reaching.

  The map display system according to Application Example 1 further includes map image data acquisition means for acquiring map image data representing a map image, and a predetermined display range of the map image based on the map image data in the display unit. Map image display means for displaying, and the specific position may be included in the display range. By doing so, the region feature information related to the display of the map image is displayed, which is more convenient for the user.

  In the map display system according to Application Example 1, the information display system includes an information transmission server and an information reception terminal that can communicate with each other, and the information transmission server includes the region specifying information storage unit and the region feature information storage unit. The information receiving terminal may include the display unit, the specific position acquisition unit, and the feature information graphic display unit. In this way, the user can easily know the region feature information using the information receiving terminal.

Application Example 2 Stores area specifying information for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas on the ground surface, and associates area characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the predetermined areas specified by the area specifying information with the predetermined areas. An information display terminal that communicates with an information transmission server that stores information and displays information on a display unit,
Specific position acquisition means for acquiring specific position information representing a specific position on the ground surface;
A feature information graphic display means for displaying a feature information graphic, which is a graphic in which the region feature information is described, on the display unit;
With
The feature information graphic display means is capable of recognizing a positional relationship between the specific area associated with the area feature information described in each feature information graphic and the specific position, and displays a plurality of the feature information figures. Information display terminal to be displayed.

Application Example 3 An information display method for displaying information on a display unit,
Storing area specifying information for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas on the ground surface;
Storing region feature information representing features of each predetermined region specified by the region specifying information in association with each predetermined region;
Obtain multiple specific location information that represents a specific location on the surface of the earth,
A plurality of feature information figures which are figures in which the region feature information is described are displayed on the display unit,
Displaying the plurality of feature information figures is performed in a manner in which the positional relationship between the predetermined area associated with the area feature information described in each feature information figure and the specific position can be recognized. Display system.

Application Example 4 Area identification information for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas on the ground surface is stored, and area feature information representing characteristics of the predetermined areas specified by the area identification information is associated with each predetermined area. A computer program for a terminal device capable of communicating with an information transmission server stored therein and having a display unit,
A first function for acquiring specific position information representing a specific position on the ground surface;
A second function for displaying a feature information graphic, which is a graphic in which the region feature information is described, on the display unit;
Is realized in a computer included in the terminal device,
The second function displays a plurality of the feature information graphics in a manner in which a positional relationship between the predetermined region associated with the region feature information described in each of the feature information graphics and the specific position can be recognized. A computer program.

  The information display terminal according to the application example 2, the information display method according to the application example 3, and the computer program according to the application example 4 can each obtain the same effects as the information display system according to the application example 1. In addition, the information display terminal according to the application example 2, the information display method according to the application example 3, and the computer program according to the application example 4 are each in various forms in the same manner as the information display system according to the application example 1. Can be realized.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be realized in the form of a recording medium on which the computer program according to the application example 4 is recorded, a data signal that includes the computer program and is embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings.

A. Example:
・ Configuration of map display system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a map display system 10 as an embodiment. As illustrated, the map display system 10 of the embodiment includes an information providing server 100, a map server 150, a base station BS, and a mobile terminal 200. The information providing server 100, the map server 150, and the base station BS are communicably connected via the Internet INT. The portable terminal 200 can wirelessly communicate with the base station BS. As a result, the portable terminal 200 can communicate with the information providing server 100 and the map server 150 via the base station BS.

  The mobile terminal 200 of the present embodiment can function as a map display terminal. The mobile terminal 200 includes a GPS receiver 201, and has a function of performing route guidance using this and the map display function.

  The mobile terminal 200 includes a GPS receiver 201, a display panel 202, an audio output unit 204, a key input unit 205, a wireless communication circuit 206, a call control unit 207, an external storage device 208, and a main control unit 210. And.

  The GPS receiver 201 is a device that receives radio waves transmitted from artificial satellites that constitute a GPS (Global Positioning System / Global Positioning System).

  The display panel 202 includes a liquid crystal display and a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display has a resolution of, for example, 480 pixels × 640 pixels (VGA). The display panel 202 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various display devices such as an organic EL display can be employed.

  The voice output unit 204 includes a speaker for outputting voice during route guidance, a circuit for driving the speaker, and the like.

  The key input unit 205 includes a group of keys such as a direction input key 205a and other operation keys 205b. The user of the portable terminal 200 can perform various operations by using these keys.

  The wireless communication circuit 206 is a circuit for performing data communication or voice communication with the base station BS. The wireless communication circuit 206 can access the information providing server 100 and the map server 150 via the base station BS.

  The call control unit 207 is a circuit that performs incoming calls and calls for voice calls, conversion of voice signals and electric signals, and the like. By providing the call control unit 207 and the wireless communication circuit 206, the mobile terminal 200 can operate as a mobile phone.

  The external storage device 208 can be configured with a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, and the like. The external storage device 208 is used for storing various software and data.

  The main control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 is a controller for controlling the above-described units 201 to 208 of the mobile terminal 200. The main control unit 210 includes a central processing circuit (CPU) (not shown) and an internal storage device such as a ROM or a RAM.

  When the portable terminal 200 functions as a map display terminal, the internal storage device of the main control unit 210 stores a program for displaying a map. For example, this program may be distributed via the Internet INT and the base station BS by a business operator who operates the map server 150 and the information providing server 100. This program is stored in the external storage device 208 when not used, read out from the external storage device 208 and stored in the internal storage device of the main control unit 210 when used. The main control unit 210 implements various processes / functions to be described later by executing this program.

  The information providing server 100 includes a communication unit 102, a control unit 104, and a storage unit 105. The control unit 104 is a controller for controlling the communication unit 102 and the storage unit 105 of the information providing server 100 described above. The communication unit 102 can communicate with the map server 150 via the Internet INT and with the mobile terminal 200 via the Internet INT and the base station BS. The storage unit 105 stores a route database (DB) 106, a facility database 107, and an area database 108. Each database 106-108 is mentioned later.

  The map server 150 includes a communication unit 152, a control unit 154, and a storage unit 155. The storage unit 155 stores a map database 156. The control unit 154 is a controller for controlling the communication unit 152 and the storage unit 155 described above of the map server 150. The communication unit 152 can communicate with the information providing server 100 via the Internet INT and with the mobile terminal 200 via the Internet INT and the base station BS. The map database 156 will be described later.

  The control unit 104 of the information providing server 100 and the control unit 154 of the map server 150 each include a CPU (not shown) and an internal storage device such as a ROM or a RAM. The internal storage devices of the control unit 104 and the control unit 154 store a program that communicates with the mobile terminal 200 and supports the function of the mobile terminal 200 as a map display terminal. The control unit 104 and the storage unit 105 execute various programs / functions described later by executing these programs.

  The map display system 10 including the server system 1000 including the information providing server 100 and the map server 150 and the mobile terminal 200 in this embodiment corresponds to the information display system in the claims. In this embodiment, the map server 150 and the information providing server 100 are connected via the Internet, but may be connected via a LAN (local area network). Further, the information providing server 100 and the map server 150 can be configured by one server computer.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the database stored in the server system 1000. FIG. 2 conceptually shows the map database 156, the route database 106, the facility database 107, and the area database 108 described above.

  The map database 156 stores data (map image data) representing a map image transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 in a vector data format. The map image data may be stored in a raster data format such as a bitmap format or a JPEG data format instead of the vector data format. The map image data includes data representing the shape of topography, buildings, roads, and the like.

  The route database 106 stores network data representing a traffic route existing in an area corresponding to the map image represented by the map image data, and route attribute information Z1. The network data includes node information representing element points (nodes) ND in the traffic route and link data representing line segments (links) LK connecting the nodes. The node ND represents, for example, an intersection, a branch point, a station, or the like. The link LK represents a traffic route such as a road or a railway line. The route attribute information Z1 is associated with the node ND or the link LK. The route attribute information Z1 includes, for example, the name of the road represented by the associated link LK and the name of the intersection represented by the associated node ND.

  The facility database 107 includes a facility point BP representing the position of a facility existing in an area corresponding to the map image represented by the map image data, and facility attribute information Z2 associated with the facility point BP. The facility attribute information Z2 includes, for example, the name of the facility that exists at the position represented by the associated facility point BP. Further, the sub-facility attribute information Z21 may be associated with the facility attribute information Z2. The sub facility attribute information Z21 describes, for example, the classification information, type, and characteristics of the corresponding facility.

  The area database 108 includes setting area specifying information for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas (setting areas) set on an area corresponding to the map image represented by the map image data, and area attribute information respectively associated with the plurality of setting areas. Including Z3. The area attribute information Z3 is characteristic information representing the characteristics of the setting area. The area attribute information Z3 includes, for example, information indicating the degree of congestion of a specific type of facility in the associated setting area, presence / absence of the specific type of facility, objective evaluation of the setting area, and evaluation by word of mouth. Specifically, the number of gas stations, the number of public toilets, the presence or absence of a parking lot, evaluation for sightseeing, walking and driving courses. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, a square rectangular area MS obtained by dividing the map image area into a mesh shape is set as the setting area. In the rectangular area MS in the upper right corner of FIG. 2 indicated by hatching, as the area attribute information Z3 and the sub area attribute information Z31 to Z33, “there are many Italian shops”, “delicious”, “pizza”, and “pasta”, respectively. Feature information is associated.

・ Operation of the map display system:
The map display system 10 provides a route guidance service to the user of the mobile terminal 200. A user of the route guidance service operates the mobile terminal 200 to set a guidance start location and a destination. The user may further set a waypoint that passes along the way from the guidance start point to the destination. The guidance start location may be the current position measured by the GPS receiver 201. The mobile terminal 200 transmits to the information providing server 100 coordinate information (latitude and longitude) that specifies the guidance start location, the destination, and if necessary, the waypoint. The information providing server 100 collates / searches the route database 106 based on the received coordinate information, determines a guide route, and generates guide route information representing the guide route. The guide route information is, for example, information describing coordinate information of a plurality of points so that the order can be specified. A line connecting a plurality of points with line segments in order represents a guide route. The information providing server 100 transmits the generated route information to the mobile terminal 200. The mobile terminal 200 requests and acquires map image data in a necessary range based on the route information from the map server 150, and executes route guidance using the map image data and route information.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a guidance route. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a guide route RT from the vicinity of the lower left end to the vicinity of the upper right end is set. The guide route RT shown in FIG. 3 passes through the hatched areas of the rectangular area MS set in the area database 108 in the order of the numbers added together with the hatching.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display panel when route guidance is executed. In the present embodiment, a map image display unit MW and an information display unit IW are displayed on the display panel 202 when the route guidance is executed. A map image is displayed on the map image display unit MW. In the map image, the guide route RT is displayed in a color different from other roads, for example, in such a manner that it can be distinguished from other routes (roads and the like). Further, on the map image display unit MW, a current position display PP1 representing the current position of the user is superimposed and displayed based on current position information measured at predetermined intervals using the GPS receiver 201. The contents displayed on the information display unit IW will be described later.

・ Information display processing:
In this embodiment, in parallel with the execution of the route guidance, an information display process for displaying information on the information display unit IW is executed in accordance with the progress of the route guidance.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the information display processing. When the information display process is started, the main control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 acquires current position information representing the current position using the GPS receiver 201 (step S110). Here, the acquired current position information may be shared with the route guidance processing performed in parallel.

  When the current position information is acquired, the main control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 transmits the current position information to the information providing server 100 of the server system 1000 (step S120). In the server system 1000, when the information providing server 100 receives the current position information (step S210), the control unit 104 of the information providing server 100 provides feature information to the mobile terminal 200 based on the current position information. The power rectangular area MS is determined (step S220).

  Here, among the plurality of rectangular areas MS set in the area database 108, an area through which the guide route RT passes is referred to as an on-route area. For example, in FIG. 3, a rectangular area MS numbered with hatching is a path area.

  The control unit 104 determines a current area, a predetermined number of front areas, and a predetermined number of rear areas among the areas on the route as rectangular areas MS that should provide feature information to the mobile terminal 200. The current area is an area including the current position specified by the current position information. The predetermined number of front areas are areas that pass when the guide route RT is traced toward the front (destination side) of the current area, and are the areas from the first to the predetermined number in the order of passing. The predetermined number of rear areas are areas that pass when the guide route RT is traced toward the rear of the current area (the guidance start location side), and are the areas that pass from the first to the predetermined number. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of front areas is 3, and the predetermined number of rear areas is 2. For example, in the case where the No. 5 path area in FIG. 3 is the current area, the forward areas determined as the rectangular areas MS to be provided with the feature information are the No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8 path areas. The rear areas determined as the rectangular areas MS to be provided with feature information are the fourth and third areas on the path. That is, when the area on the route No. 5 in FIG. 3 is the current region, the rectangular areas MS to be provided with the feature information are determined on the six routes from No. 3 to No. 8 in FIG. It is an area.

  Next, the control unit 104 acquires, from the region database 108, the region attribute information Z3 and sub-region attribute information associated with each determined rectangular region MS as the feature information of the rectangular region MS determined in step S220. (Step S230).

  When the attribute information is acquired, the control unit 104 transmits the acquired attribute information of the rectangular area MS as feature information to the mobile terminal 200 (step S240). These pieces of feature information (attribute information) are transmitted in such a manner that the front-rear relationship between the rectangular area MS associated with the feature information and the current position can be recognized.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the feature information file 50 transmitted from the control unit 104 of the information providing server 100 to the portable terminal 200. In the feature information file 50 illustrated in FIG. 6, attribute information as feature information is associated with the numbers from −2 to +3. The attribute information of number 0 is information about the current area. The negative number attribute information is information about the rear area, and the positive number attribute information is information about the front area.

  When the feature information file 50 is received in the mobile terminal 200 (step S130), the main control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 describes the feature information (attribute information) included in the received feature information file 50. Display shapes. The information graphic is displayed on the information display section IW shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information display unit IW on which an information graphic is displayed during route guidance. In the information display section IW, a plurality of rectangular main information figures MI1 to MI6 are displayed. Among these, the main information graphic MI3 describes the feature information of the current area. Main information graphics MI1 and MI2 describe feature information of two rear regions and one rear region, respectively. In the main information figures MI4 to MI6, feature information of the front area one forward, two forwards, and three forwards is described, respectively.

  The main information graphic MI3 indicating the feature information of the current area is displayed larger than the other main information graphic. Further, the current position display PP2 is superimposed on the main information figure MI3 indicating the feature information of the current area. The main information figures MI1 and MI2 indicating the feature information of the front area are displayed below the main information figure MI3 indicating the feature information of the current area, and the information figures in the area closer to the current area are displayed closer to the main information figure MI3. The Main information figures MI3 to MI6 indicating the feature information of the rear area are displayed above the main information figure MI3 indicating the characteristic information of the current area, and closer to the main information figure MI3 as the information figure of the area closer to the current area. As a result, the user can easily recognize the front-rear relationship on the guide route RT between the area (specifically, the rectangular area MS) to which the feature information described in each of the main information figures MI1 to MI6 corresponds and the current position. It is.

  Further, around the main information figure MI3 indicating the feature information of the current area, other feature information of the current area, that is, sub-information figures MI31 to MI33 describing the feature information corresponding to the above-described sub-area attribute information are displayed. Is done. In the present embodiment, the sub information figures MI31 to MI33 are rhombuses.

  Further, the main information graphic MI3 indicating the feature information of the current area includes a user interface SB for receiving a search processing execution instruction from the user. When the user operates the user interface SB to instruct search processing, search processing related to the feature information indicated in the main information graphic MI3 is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the feature information shown in the main information figure MI3 is “region where there are many Italian restaurants”, so for example, when an instruction for search processing is accepted, the current position is included. As a search result of Italian restaurants existing in the rectangular area MS, a list of Italian restaurants is displayed on the information display section IW. Specifically, when receiving the search processing instruction, control unit 210 of portable terminal 200 transmits the search instruction to information providing server 100. In response to the search instruction, the control unit 104 of the information providing server 100 searches the facility database 107 to extract information on the Italian restaurant existing in the rectangular area MS including the current position, and extracts the extracted information. To the portable terminal 200. When the main control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 displays the returned information on the information display unit IW, for example, a list of Italian restaurants is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. When the information graphic is displayed, the main control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed (step S150). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S150: NO), the main control unit 210 waits for the elapse of the predetermined time. When the predetermined time has elapsed, main controller 210 returns to step S110 and repeats the above-described processing.

  As a result, the content of the information graphic displayed on the information display unit IW depends on the movement of the current position of the user (mobile terminal 200), that is, on the position positioning result by the GPS receiver 201 of the mobile terminal 200. Will be updated. For example, when the current position of the user moves from the state in FIG. 7 into the rectangular area MS corresponding to the main information graphic MI4, the content of the main information graphic MI4 in FIG. 7 is changed to the position of the main information graphic MI3 in FIG. If there is sub area attribute information in the rectangular area MS corresponding to the main information figure MI4, it is displayed as a sub information figure. That is, as the user moves along the guide route RT, the contents of the information graphic displayed on the information display unit IW are updated with an image that scrolls in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7 and corresponds to the current position. The information figure becomes large and detailed feature information is shown.

  According to the embodiment described above, the information representing the characteristics of the area on the route through which the guide route RT passes is displayed in a manner in which the front-rear relationship on the route with the current position can be recognized. Information can be easily obtained regardless of the area through which the guide route passes. As a result, for example, it is possible to reduce the burden for searching for a place to detour or a place to take a break. In addition, a route guidance service with higher added value can be provided to the user.

B. Variations:
・ First modification:
In the above embodiment, the information display process is performed during the route guidance process, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information display process may be performed regardless of route guidance. In the above embodiment, the information graphic is displayed on the information display unit IW so that the front-to-back relation on the route with the current position can be recognized. It is only necessary to display an information graphic so that can be recognized. An example of these will be described as a first modification with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display panel in the map browsing mode. In the map browsing mode in this modification, a map image is displayed on the map image display unit MW with the vertical direction of the display panel 202 in the north-south direction of the map and the horizontal direction of the display panel 202 in the east-west direction of the map. . In the map image that is displayed first, the center position of the map image corresponding to the center mark CM may be determined by address input or telephone number input by the user, or the current position measured using the GPS receiver 201 The center position may be used.

  In the map browsing mode, the map image displayed on the map image display unit MW scrolls in the east, west, south, and north directions as shown by the hatched arrows in FIG. 8 according to the operation of the direction input key 205a by the user. In accordance with the scroll, the center position of the map image corresponding to the center mark CM moves.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information display unit IW on which an information graphic is displayed in the map browsing mode. In the information display section IW, a plurality of rectangular information figures MI1 to MI9 are displayed. Among these, the information graphic MI3 describes the feature information of the rectangular area MS where the center position corresponding to the center mark CM exists. Information figures MI1 and MI2 describe feature information of two rectangular areas MS where the center position exists and one rectangular area MS which is one southern area, respectively. In the information figures MI4 to MI5, characteristic information of one rectangular area MS and two rectangular areas MS to the north of the rectangular area MS where the center position exists is described. In the information figures MI6 and MI7, characteristic information of the rectangular area MS that is two west and one west of the rectangular area MS in which the center position exists is described, respectively. In the information figures MI8 to MI9, characteristic information of one east and two east rectangular areas MS each having a center position is described.

  The information graphic MI3 indicating the feature information of the rectangular area MS where the central position corresponding to the central mark CM exists is displayed larger than the other information graphic. A center mark CM is superimposed on the information graphic MI3. The information figures MI1 and MI2 indicating the feature information of the rectangular area MS south of the rectangular area MS where the center position exists are located below the information figure MI3 indicating the feature information of the rectangular area MS where the center position exists. The information figure in the area closer to the rectangular area MS in which is present is displayed closer to the information figure MI3. Information figures indicating the feature information of the rectangular area MS in the north, west, and east from the rectangular area MS in which the center position exists are displayed in the same manner above, to the left, and to the right of the rectangular area MS in which the center position exists. The As a result, the user can easily recognize the east, west, north, and south positional relationship between the area corresponding to the feature information described in each of the information graphics MI1 to MI9 and the center position of the map image.

  Furthermore, the information graphic MI3 indicating the feature information of the rectangular area MS where the center position exists includes a user interface SB for receiving a search processing execution instruction from the user. When the user operates the user interface SB to instruct search processing, the search processing related to the feature information shown in the information graphic MI3 is executed as in the above embodiment.

  In addition, the contents of the information graphic displayed on the information display unit IW are updated according to the movement of the center position of the map image that moves according to the operation of the direction input key 205a by the user. For example, when the user operates the up key from the state in FIG. 9 to move the center position of the map image into the rectangular area MS corresponding to the information graphic MI4, the contents of the information graphic MI4 in FIG. 9 information figures MI3 are displayed in the position and manner. That is, when the user scrolls the map image, the content of the information graphic displayed on the information display unit IW is updated with the image scrolled in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9, and the information graphic corresponding to the center position of the map image Is displayed larger.

  According to the first modification described above, in the map browsing mode, information representing the characteristics of the area around the center position is displayed in a manner in which the positional relationship with the center position of the displayed map image can be recognized. . As a result, the user can easily scroll the map image so that the area where the user wants to view the map is displayed. As a result, the user can easily obtain information about the area around the map image that was initially displayed. Therefore, the convenience of browsing the map is improved. In addition, since a facility search process can be performed based on the feature information, a burden for searching for a desired facility can be reduced. Thereby, a map browsing service with higher added value can be provided to the user.

・ Second modification:
The rectangular area MS in which the information graphic is displayed on the information display unit IW may be determined in consideration of the possibility of arrival by the user. As a result, the feature information of the region that is more likely to be reached by the user is displayed on the information display unit IW. This example will be described as a second modification with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a rectangular area in which an information graphic is displayed when a railway is used as a guide route. In the second modified example, the display of the information display unit IW in the case of route guidance for a route using a railway will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 10, route guidance for guiding a route that sequentially passes through stations A, B, C, D, E, and F is executed as shown in the guidance route RT. The current position of the mobile terminal 200 (user) in FIG. 10 is on the track between the station B and the station C as indicated by the current position display PP in FIG.

  Under such circumstances, the user cannot usually get off the train at a position other than the station. Therefore, facilities that are likely to reach users in facilities such as canteens and sightseeing are facilities that exist around the station. On the other hand, facilities that are located far from the station are considered to be less likely to be reached by users even along the railway.

  For this reason, in the second modification, the rectangular area MS is set in a rectangular shape centered on the station. In FIG. 10, rectangular areas MS centering on the stations A to F are indicated by symbols MSA to MSF, respectively.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the information display unit IW when the position indicated by the current position display PP in FIG. 10 is the current position of the mobile terminal 200 (user). In the information display unit IW, an information graphic MIC in which feature information of the rectangular area MSC centering on the station C, which is the next stop station, is described is displayed near the center of the information display unit IW larger than other information graphics. Has been.

  Then, the information figures MIA and MIB in which the characteristic information of the rectangular areas MSA and MSB centered on the stations A and B that have already passed are described in the order of passing through the corresponding stations from the lower side below the information figure MIC. It is displayed. Information figures MID, MIE, and MIF in which feature information of rectangular areas MSD, MSE, and MSF centering on stations D, E, and F that stop after station C are described in the information figure MIC from the lower side. It is displayed in order of stopping at the corresponding station.

  That is, in consideration of the fact that the user's moving means is a railroad, the information display unit IW can recognize the positional relationship between the current position and the information related to the area that is easily accessible during the route guidance. Is displayed. Therefore, the user can easily obtain information on an area that is relatively easy to access in the guide route regardless of the map image. As a result, for example, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user to find a place to get off and eat and to find a place to rest. In addition, a route guidance service with higher added value can be provided to the user.

  In addition, you may register the area where a user has a fixed period in the route search server 100 previously. In this case, since it is free to get off halfway in the section where the regular period can be used, it is considered that the vicinity of the station in the regular period is more likely to reach the user than the vicinity of the station outside the regular period. In this case, for example, the feature information of the area including the station premises and the outside of the station premises may be displayed for the periphery of the station in the regular section, and the feature information of the station premises may be displayed for the vicinity of the station outside the regular section.

  Moreover, the example which displays characteristic information about the peripheral area | region of a specific point like this modification is not restricted to the guidance of the movement area using a railroad. For example, similar feature information display may be used for highway guidance. On highways, users are usually unable to get off the highway at locations other than interchanges. Therefore, places where there is a high possibility of stopping on the way of moving on the expressway are areas around the interchange and rest areas such as service areas. In this case, for example, the feature information of the area around the interchange and the feature information of the resting area such as the service area are displayed for the area including the inside of the station and the outside of the station. May display feature information on the station premises.

・ Third modification:
As another example of determining the rectangular area MS on which the information graphic is displayed in consideration of the possibility of arrival by the user, the rectangular area MS on which the information graphic is displayed is determined according to the moving direction of the user. This case will be described as a third modification with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a first diagram for explaining how the rectangular area MS in which the information graphic is displayed varies depending on the moving direction of the user. FIG. 13 is a second diagram for explaining how the rectangular area MS in which the information graphic is displayed varies depending on the moving direction of the user. In FIG. 12, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 200 (user) exists at the position indicated by the black circle. FIG. 13A shows the display content of the information display unit IW when the user is present at the position of the black circle in FIG. 12 and the moving direction of the user is the direction D1 in FIG. FIG. 13B shows the display contents of the information display unit IW when the user is present at the position of the black circle in FIG. 12 and the moving direction of the user is the direction D2 in FIG. FIG. 13C shows the display content of the information display unit IW when the user is present at the position of the black circle in FIG. 12 and the movement direction of the user is the direction D3 in FIG.

  When the user is moving in a predetermined movement direction, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the user will reach an area in that movement direction. The information graphic in which the feature information of the rectangular area CT including the position where the user exists is described is displayed in any of FIGS. 13 (A), (B), and (C). When the moving direction of the user is the direction D1, the rectangular areas MS1 to MS4 existing in the direction D1 when viewed from the rectangular area CT where the user exists (FIG. 12: areas with single-hatched solid lines) ) Is displayed on the information display section IW (FIG. 13A). When the moving direction of the user is the direction D2, the rectangular areas MSA to MSD (FIG. 12: areas with a single hatched line in the broken line) existing in the direction D2 when viewed from the rectangular area CT where the user exists. An information graphic in which the feature information is described is displayed on the information display unit IW (FIG. 13B). When the moving direction of the user is the direction D3, the rectangular areas MSa to MSd (FIG. 12: areas with solid cross hatching) existing in the direction D3 when viewed from the rectangular area CT where the user exists. An information graphic describing the feature information is displayed on the information display section IW (FIG. 13C).

  The moving direction of the user is determined based on the positioning result obtained by performing positioning of the current position using the GPS receiver 201 a plurality of times. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 200 may be provided with a gyro sensor, and the moving direction may be measured by the gyro sensor. When the user changes direction from the state of moving toward the direction D1 and starts moving toward the direction D2, the content of the information display unit IW is changed from the state shown in FIG. Switch to the state shown in B).

  According to the third modified example described above, the feature information of the area existing in the direction in which the user is moving is presented to the user, so the user continues to move in the direction in which he is moving. In this way, information on the area to be reached can be easily obtained. As a result, for example, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user to find a place to eat while on the move or a place to rest. Further, it is possible to provide a map browsing service with higher added value to the user.

-Fourth modification:
In the above embodiment, the square rectangular area MS divided in a mesh shape is set on the ground surface. However, the setting mode and shape of the predetermined area set in the coordinate space (latitude and longitude) on the ground surface are as follows. Not limited to. An example of another shape will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of the predetermined area set on the ground surface. Predetermined areas MS1 and MS2 in FIG. 14 have a belt-like shape set with a predetermined width along a traffic route such as a road. If the predetermined area is set in such a shape, it is possible to provide the user with characteristic information that is meaningful for the user who is moving on the traffic route in which the predetermined area is set.

  Predetermined areas MS3 to MS5 in FIG. 14 are set in an arbitrary shape. Such a predetermined area of arbitrary shape is recorded as closed polygon data which is a polygon formed by a line segment connecting a large number of element points. Further, such a predetermined area does not need to cover the entire ground surface corresponding to the map image, and there may be a portion where the predetermined area is not set. For such a region where the predetermined region is not set, only feature information cannot be obtained. In addition, the predetermined area having an arbitrary shape may include a portion where a plurality of predetermined areas overlap as shown by cross hatching in FIG. A plurality of feature information is obtained for the region where the predetermined regions overlap.

  Well, the rectangular area does not have to be a square, and may be a rectangle like the predetermined areas MS6 and MS7 in FIG.

・ Other variations:
The mobile terminal 200 may accept moving means information. For example, by displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the display panel 202 of the mobile terminal 200, the input of the user's moving means is received from the user. As a user's moving means, for example, a car, a train, a walk, a bicycle, and the like can be considered. It is good also as determining the area | region where a user can reach | attain by the moving means of a user obtained in this way, and providing the user with the characteristic information about the area | region with high reachability. Further, the size of the rectangular area MS may be changed by the user's moving means. Specifically, when the moving means has a relatively slow moving speed such as a walk or a bicycle, the size of the rectangular area MS is set small, and the moving means has a relatively fast moving speed such as a car. In this case, the size of the rectangular area MS may be set large.

  In the above embodiment, during the route guidance, the server system 1000 determines the rectangular area MS on which the feature information is to be displayed as needed, and the feature information about the determined rectangular area MS is transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 as needed. Although it is transmitting, it is not limited to this. For example, at the start of route guidance, the server system 1000 determines all the areas on the route, creates an information file describing the feature information about all the areas on the route, and creates the information file at the start of the route guidance. May be transmitted to the mobile terminal 200. For example, the above-described information file may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 at the same time as route information is sent to the mobile terminal 200 at the start of route guidance.

  The above embodiment is a portable route guidance system 10 in which the server system 1000 and the portable terminal 200 are separated, but the present invention has a configuration that the server system 1000 has such as the route database 106, the facility database 107, and the area database 108. Further, the present invention can be applied to a route guidance system in which the configuration of the mobile terminal 200 such as the display panel 202 and the key input unit 205 is integrated, for example, an in-vehicle navigation device.

  In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

  As mentioned above, although the Example and modification of this invention were demonstrated, this invention is not limited to these Example and modification at all, and implementation in a various aspect is possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary. It is.

Explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the map display system as an Example. The figure explaining the contents of the database stored in the server system. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of a guidance route. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display panel at the time of route guidance execution. The flowchart which shows the process step of an information display process. The figure which shows notionally an example of the characteristic information file transmitted with respect to the control part 104 portable terminal of an information provision server. The figure which shows an example of the information display part by which the information figure was displayed at the time of route guidance. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display panel at the time of map browsing mode. The figure which shows an example of the information display part by which the information figure was displayed at the time of map browsing mode. The figure explaining the rectangular area | region where an information figure is displayed when using a railroad as a guidance route. The figure which shows the information display part in case the position shown by the present position display in FIG. 10 is the present position of a portable terminal. The 1st figure explaining a mode that the rectangular area | region where an information figure is displayed changes according to a user's moving direction. The 2nd figure explaining a mode that rectangular area MS where an information figure is displayed changes according to a user's moving direction. The figure which shows the other example of the predetermined area | region set on the ground surface.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Map display system 50 ... Feature information file 100 ... Information provision server 102 ... Communication part 104 ... Control part 105 ... Memory | storage part 106 ... Database 106 ... Path | route database 107 ... Facility database 108 ... Area database 150 ... Map server 152 ... Communication part 154: Control unit 155 ... Storage unit 156 ... Map database 200 ... Mobile terminal 201 ... GPS receiver 202 ... Display panel 204 ... Audio output unit 205 ... Key input unit 205a ... Direction input key 205b ... Operation key 206 ... Wireless communication circuit 207 ... Call control unit 208 ... External storage device 210 ... Main control unit

Claims (11)

An information display system,
Area specifying information storage means for storing area specifying information for specifying a plurality of geographical predetermined areas;
Area feature information storage means for storing area feature information representing characteristics of each predetermined area specified by the area specifying information in association with each predetermined area;
Specific position acquisition means for acquiring specific position information representing the specific position;
A feature information figure display means for displaying a feature information figure which is a figure of a predetermined shape and in which the region feature information is described on the figure;
Route guidance means for guiding the route;
With
The feature information graphic display means can recognize a positional relationship between the specific area and the specific position associated with the area characteristic information described in each of the characteristic information graphics, and includes the inside of the predetermined area. The feature information graphics corresponding to a plurality of the predetermined regions are displayed in a form in which the plurality of feature information graphics corresponding to a plurality of regions on the route that are the regions through which the route passes are connected by lines in the order of the routes. Information display system. The information display system according to claim 1 ,
The feature information graphic display means is capable of recognizing the front-rear relationship in the route of the plurality of regions on the route associated with the region feature information described in each of the feature information graphics. An information display system that displays. In the information display system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The characteristic information graphic display means updates the display of the characteristic information graphic in accordance with the movement of the specific position. The information display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The specific position is the current position of the user,
The feature information graphic display means displays the feature information graphic associated with the predetermined area selected based on at least one of a user moving direction and a user moving means specified based on the current position. , Information display system. The information display system according to claim 4 ,
The characteristic information graphic display means displays the characteristic information graphic corresponding to the predetermined area including a plurality of specific points set in accordance with a moving means of a user. In the information display system according to claim 4 or 5 ,
The area specifying information storage means stores area specifying information for the predetermined area having a size set according to a moving means of a user. The information display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The specific position is the current position of the user,
The specific position acquisition means acquires direction information indicating the direction of the user,
The feature information graphic display means displays the feature information graphic corresponding to the predetermined area selected based on the specific position and the direction information. The information display system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further
Map image data acquisition means for acquiring map image data representing a map image;
Map image display means for displaying a predetermined display range of the map image based on the map image data;
With
The information display system, wherein the specific position is included in the display range. Information transmission for storing area specifying information for specifying a plurality of geographical predetermined areas, and storing area characteristic information representing characteristics of each of the predetermined areas specified by the area specifying information in association with each of the predetermined areas An information display terminal that communicates with a server and displays information,
Specific position acquisition means for acquiring specific position information representing the specific position;
A feature information figure display means for displaying a feature information figure which is a figure of a predetermined shape and in which the region feature information is described on the figure;
Route guidance means for guiding the route;
With
The feature information graphic display means can recognize a positional relationship between the specific area and the specific position associated with the area characteristic information described in each of the characteristic information graphics, and includes the inside of the predetermined area. The feature information graphics corresponding to a plurality of the predetermined regions are displayed in a form in which the plurality of feature information graphics corresponding to a plurality of regions on the route that are the regions through which the route passes are connected by lines in the order of the routes. Information display terminal. An information display method using a computer,
Storing area specifying information for specifying a plurality of geographical predetermined areas;
Storing region feature information representing features of each predetermined region specified by the region specifying information in association with each predetermined region;
Obtain multiple specific position information that represents a specific position,
A plurality of feature information figures which are figures of a predetermined shape and in which the region feature information is described on the figure;
Guide the route,
Displaying a plurality of the feature information figures is a mode in which a positional relationship between the predetermined area associated with the area feature information described in each feature information figure and the specific position can be recognized, and The features corresponding to a plurality of the predetermined regions in a form in which a plurality of the feature information figures corresponding to a plurality of regions on the route that are the regions through which the route passes in a predetermined region are connected by a line in the order of the routes. An information display method, which is to display an information graphic. Information transmission for storing area specifying information for specifying a plurality of geographical predetermined areas, and storing area characteristic information representing characteristics of each of the predetermined areas specified by the area specifying information in association with each of the predetermined areas A computer program for a terminal device capable of communicating with a server,
A first function for acquiring specific position information representing a specific position;
A second function of displaying a feature information figure which is a figure of a predetermined shape and in which the region feature information is described on the figure;
A third function to guide the route;
Is realized in a computer included in the terminal device,
The second function is a mode in which a positional relationship between the predetermined area associated with the area feature information described in each feature information graphic and the specific position can be recognized, and within the predetermined area The feature information graphics corresponding to a plurality of the predetermined regions are displayed in a form in which the plurality of feature information graphics corresponding to a plurality of regions on the route which are the regions through which the route passes are connected by lines in the order of the routes. A computer program that is a function.

Images