JP5322913B2 - Navigation system, navigation device, navigation server, and map data update method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation system, device, and server, suppressing an update data amount to the minimum level by updating map data or the like by limiting an update object of the map data or the like to the surroundings of the current position of the user, not updating the map data or the like of the entire area, and updating the map or the like even while a route guidance or the like is being performed, and also provide a map data updating method. <P>SOLUTION: In the navigation server, the map data of a map including a prescribed range from the current position are extracted from a storage part. In the navigation device, the map data and the update information of the map data are received; the received update information and the update information of the map data of a storage part corresponding to the map data are compared; the map data of the storage part corresponding to the received map data are discarded when it is determined that there is the difference; and the received map data are stored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation system, a navigation device, a navigation server, and a map data update method.

  Conventionally, a technique for performing update processing according to the use of map data has been disclosed.

  For example, in the map data processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, update processing that replaces all data at once according to the type of map data such as map display, location, route search, and route guidance Or a map stored in the storage means to minimize the time during which the navigation function cannot be used, by selecting whether to perform update processing that partially replaces data in response to a map data request from an application, etc. A technique for updating data to the latest map data is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 4307121

  However, the map data processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that when all the data is replaced at once, the map update target is the entire area, so that it takes a long time to update the map data. Even if the system is partially replaced, it is assumed that the map data is updated before the start of route guidance by the application, so the navigation function can be used according to the processing capacity and communication environment of the device when updating the map. There was also a problem that time to disappear occurred. In addition, it is desirable that all types of map data are the latest for route guidance. However, in the map data processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when performing route guidance, all types of map data including guidance routes are used. When updating to the latest data, the update processing is performed by combining the batch update and the partial update in accordance with the type of the map data, so that a huge amount of time is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and does not target the update of map data or the like to map data or the like of all areas, but limits map data and the like to the vicinity of the current position of the user. Provides a navigation system, navigation device, navigation server, and map data update method that can update the map etc. while updating route, etc. while minimizing the amount of update data The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve such an object, the navigation system of the present invention connects a navigation server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a navigation device including at least the control unit and the storage unit so that they can communicate with each other. In the navigation system, the storage unit of the navigation server includes map data of a map and server side map data storage means for storing update information of the map data, and the control unit of the navigation server includes: Extraction means for extracting the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device from the server-side map data storage means; the map data extracted by the extraction means; and The above update of the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means. Data transmitting means for transmitting information to the navigation device, and the storage unit of the navigation device includes map data and map data storage means for storing the update information of the map data, The control unit of the navigation device includes the map data transmitted from the navigation server, the data receiving means for receiving the update information of the map data, and the update of the map data received by the data receiving means. Comparing means for comparing the information with the update information of the map data stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving means, and determining whether there is a difference; If the comparison means determines that there is the difference, it is received by the data receiving means. A part or all of the map data stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the map data is discarded, and a part or all of the map data received by the data receiving means is stored in the map data storage means. And a data storage means for storing.

  In the navigation system of the present invention, in the navigation system described above, the navigation device further includes an output unit, and the storage unit of the navigation server stores at least road network data. The road network stored in the server-side road network data storage means includes a guide route that satisfies the route search condition including at least the destination transmitted from the navigation device. A route search means for searching using the data to generate guide route data; and the navigation information for the guide route data generated by the route search means and included in the predetermined range at least from the current position. apparatus Guidance route data transmitting means for transmitting, wherein the control unit of the navigation device is based on at least the guide route data and guide route data receiving means for receiving the guide route data transmitted from the navigation server. It further comprises route guidance means for executing route guidance by outputting route guidance information via the output unit.

  The navigation device of the present invention is a navigation device that includes at least a control unit and a storage unit that are communicably connected to a navigation server, and the storage unit includes map data of the map and the map data. Map data storage means for storing the update information of the map, the control unit is transmitted from the navigation server, the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device, and Data receiving means for receiving the update information of the map data, the update information of the map data received by the data receiving means, and the map data corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving means It is determined whether there is a difference by comparing with the update information of the map data stored in the storage means A part or all of the map data stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving means. And a data storage means for storing a part or all of the map data received by the data receiving means in the map data storage means.

  Further, the navigation server of the present invention is a navigation server including at least a control unit and a storage unit that are communicably connected to the navigation device, and the storage unit includes map data of the map and the map data. Server-side map data storage means for storing the update information, and the control unit stores the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device as the server-side map data storage means. Extraction means for extracting from the map, the map data extracted by the extraction means, and data transmission means for transmitting the update information of the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means to the navigation device; It is provided with.

  Further, the map data update method of the present invention is executed in a navigation system in which a navigation server having at least a control unit and a storage unit and a navigation device having at least a control unit and a storage unit are communicably connected. In the map data update method, the storage unit of the navigation server includes map data of a map and server-side map data storage means for storing update information of the map data, and the storage of the navigation device A map data storage means for storing the map data and the update information of the map data, and executed from the current position of the user of the navigation device, executed in the control unit of the navigation server; The map data of the map including the predetermined range is converted to the server-side map data. An extraction step of extracting from the data storage means, the map data extracted in the extraction step executed in the control unit of the navigation server, and the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means A data transmission step of transmitting the update information to the navigation device, the map data transmitted from the navigation server, and the update information of the map data executed in the control unit of the navigation device Corresponding to the update information of the map data received in the data reception step and the map data received in the data reception step, which is executed in the control unit of the navigation device. Stored in the map data storage means When it is determined that there is the difference in the comparison step for determining whether there is a difference by comparing the update information of the map data and the control step of the navigation device. A part or all of the map data stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received in the data receiving step is discarded, and the map data received in the data receiving step A data storage step of storing a part or all of the data in the map data storage means.

  The map data update method of the present invention is a map data update method that is executed in a navigation device that is connected to a navigation server in a communicable manner and includes at least a control unit and a storage unit, and the storage unit includes: Map data of the map, and map data storage means for storing update information of the map data, transmitted from the navigation server, executed by the control unit, from the current position of the user of the navigation device A data receiving step for receiving the map data of the map including the predetermined range and the update information of the map data, the update information of the map data received in the data receiving step, and the data reception Stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received in the step A comparison step for determining whether or not there is a difference by comparing the update information of the map data, and the map received in the data reception step when it is determined in the comparison step that the difference exists. Discard part or all of the map data stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the data, and store part or all of the map data received in the data reception step in the map data storage means And a data storing step.

  Further, the map data update method of the present invention is a map data update method executed in a navigation server having at least a control unit and a storage unit, which is communicably connected to the navigation device, and the storage unit includes: The map data of the map, and server-side map data storage means for storing update information of the map data, including the predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device, executed in the control unit An extraction step for extracting the map data of the map from the server-side map data storage means, the map data extracted in the extraction step, and the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means And a data transmission step of transmitting update information to the navigation device.

  The navigation system of the present invention is a navigation system in which a navigation server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a navigation device including at least the control unit and a storage unit are connected to be communicable, The storage unit of the navigation server includes road network data and server-side road network data storage means for storing update information of the road network data, and the control unit of the navigation server is a user of the navigation device. Extraction means for extracting the road network data within a predetermined range from the current position from the server-side road network data storage means, the road network data extracted by the extraction means, and the server-side road network Data transmission means for transmitting the update information of the road network data stored in the data storage means to the navigation device, and the storage unit of the navigation device includes the road network data and the road network. Road network data storage means for storing the update information of the data, and the control unit of the navigation device receives the road network data transmitted from the navigation server and the update information of the road network data. Stored in the road network data storage means corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving means, the update information of the road network data received by the data receiving means, and the road network data received by the data receiving means. Comparing means for determining whether or not there is a difference by comparing the update information of the road network data and the road network data received by the data receiving means when the comparing means determines that there is the difference A part or all of the road network data stored in the road network data storage means corresponding to the above, and a part or all of the road network data received by the data receiving means is deleted from the road network data storage means And a data storage means for storing the data.

  In the navigation system of the present invention, in the above navigation system, the navigation device further includes an output unit, and the control unit of the navigation device selects a guide route that satisfies a route search condition including at least a destination, A route search unit that searches using the road network data stored in the road network data storage unit and generates guide route data, and outputs route guidance information based on at least the guide route data via the output unit. Accordingly, route guidance means for performing route guidance is further provided.

  Further, according to the present invention, the map data of a map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device is extracted from the storage unit by the navigation server, and the extracted map data is stored in the storage unit. The map data update information is transmitted to the navigation device, and the navigation device receives the map data transmitted from the navigation server and the map data update information, and receives the received map data update information and The update information of the map data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the map data is compared to determine whether there is a difference, and if it is determined that there is a difference, the storage corresponding to the received map data A part or all of the map data stored in the unit can be discarded, and a part or all of the received map data can be stored in the storage unitAs a result, the present invention can suppress the communication load by limiting the map data transmitted from the server side to the vicinity of the current position, and also shortens the update time of the map data held in the navigation device because the data amount is small. There is an effect that can be done. In addition, the present invention has an effect that the update time of the map data held in the navigation device can be further shortened by using a part of the difference data updated on the server side for updating the map data.

  Further, according to the present invention, the navigation server searches for a guidance route that satisfies the route search condition including at least the destination transmitted from the navigation device, using the road network data stored in the storage unit. Generating data, transmitting the generated guide route data of the guide route included in at least the predetermined range from the current position to the navigation device, and receiving the guide route data transmitted from the navigation server in the navigation device; Route guidance can be executed by outputting route guidance information based on at least the received guidance route data via the output unit. As a result, the present invention can suppress the communication load by limiting the guide route data transmitted from the server side to the vicinity of the current position. There is an effect that the map data held in the can be updated.

  According to the present invention, the navigation server extracts road network data within a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device from the storage unit, and stores the extracted road network data and the storage unit. The updated road network data update information is transmitted to the navigation device, the navigation device receives the road network data transmitted from the navigation server, and the road network data update information, and the received road network data. And the update information of the road network data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the received road network data is compared to determine whether there is a difference. Stored in the storage unit corresponding to the road network data Has been discarded some or all of the road network data, it can store a part or all of the received road network data in the storage unit. As a result, the present invention can suppress the communication load by limiting the road network data transmitted from the server side to the vicinity of the current position, and since the amount of data is small, the update time of the road network data held in the navigation device Can also be shortened. In addition, the present invention has an effect that the update time of the road network data held in the navigation device can be further shortened by using a part of the difference data updated on the server side for the update of the road network data.

  Further, according to the present invention, the navigation device searches for a guide route satisfying a route search condition including at least the destination using the road network data stored in the storage unit, generates guide route data, Route guidance can be executed by outputting route guidance information based on the guidance route data via the output unit. Accordingly, the present invention has an effect that a route search can be performed on the navigation device side using the latest road network data transmitted from the server side.

  In the above description, the navigation system of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the navigation apparatus, the navigation server, and the map data update method also have the same effect.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the navigation system in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the navigation system in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of map data extraction processing in the present embodiment.

  Embodiments of a navigation system, a navigation device, a navigation server, a map data update method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[Navigation system configuration]
First, an example of the configuration of the navigation system in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the navigation system in the present embodiment, and conceptually shows only the portion related to the present invention in the configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system according to the present embodiment schematically includes a navigation server 200 including at least a control unit 202 and a storage unit 206, a position acquisition unit 112, and an output unit (display unit 114 and audio). The navigation device 100 including at least the output unit 118), the input unit 116, the control unit 102, and the storage unit 106 is communicably connected. As an example, the communication includes remote communication such as wired / wireless communication via the network 300. Each part of these navigation systems is communicably connected via an arbitrary communication path.

[Configuration of Navigation Server 200]
Here, in FIG. 1, the navigation server 200 extracts map data of a map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 from the storage unit 206 and stores the map data and the storage unit 206 in the map data. A function of transmitting the update information of the map data to the navigation device 100. The navigation server 200 is connected to the navigation apparatus 100 through the communication control interface unit 204 via the network 300 so as to be communicable with each other, and includes a control unit 202 and a storage unit 206. The control unit 202 is a control unit that performs various processes, and performs route search and the like. The communication control interface unit 204 is an interface connected to a communication device (not shown) such as an antenna or a router connected to a communication line, a telephone line, etc., and performs communication control between the navigation server 200 and the network 300. Has the function to perform. That is, the communication control interface unit 204 has a function of communicating data with the navigation device 100 or the like via a communication line. The storage unit 206 is a storage unit such as a fixed disk device such as an HD (Hard Disk) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and various databases and tables (a server-side road network database 206a, a server-side map database 206b, a route, etc. Search information database 206c, guidance database 206d, etc.).

  Among these components of the storage unit 206, the server-side road network database 206a is road network data storage means for storing road network data and update information of the road network data. Here, the road network data stored in the server-side road network database 206a is network data that defines a traffic network such as a road network. And network data expressed by a combination of link data of links that are road sections between nodes. The node data may include a node number, position coordinates such as latitude and longitude, a node type, the number of links to be connected, a connection node number, an intersection name, and the like. The link data includes link number, type of road to be connected, route number of national road, prefectural road, city road, etc., important route information, attribute information of administrative area where link exists, link length, road service status, abnormal Traffic restrictions such as traffic restrictions, vehicle weight restrictions, vehicle height restrictions, width, road width classification, number of lanes, speed limit, in-link attributes such as overpasses, tunnels and bridges, and names etc. Good. These road network data are stored in advance in the server-side road network database 206a, and the control unit 202 of the navigation server 200 periodically provides the latest data via an external device (for example, map data) via the network 300. The road network data downloaded from the map providing server or the like and stored in the server-side road network database 206a may be updated.

  The server-side map database 206b is map data storage means for storing map map data and update information of the map data. Here, the map data stored in the server-side map database 206b in the present invention is, for example, map data meshed according to a scale (for example, JIS standard first to third regional division mesh data, 100m mesh data, etc. ) Or other outdoor map data. Here, the meshed map data stored in the server-side map database 206b may be mesh data having a region where adjacent meshes partially overlap each other. The server-side map database 206b may store outdoor map data such as road maps and route maps in the whole country and each region. Further, the server-side map database 206b further stores indoor map data such as a floor guide map relating to a building having height information (for example, a multilevel parking lot) and an underground structure (for example, an underground parking lot). May be. The map data stored in the server-side map database 206b includes features displayed on the map (for example, buildings such as buildings, houses and stations, roads, railroads, bridges, tunnels, contour lines, coast lines, lake shore lines, etc. Shape data of the water line, sea, rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, parks and outdoor facilities, administrative boundaries, administrative districts, districts, etc.), notes displayed on the map (for example, location names, Address, phone number, facility name such as shop, park, station, name including famous name such as famous place, historic site, river, lake, bay, mountain, forest, name of road, bridge, tunnel, route name, point information, Note data such as word-of-mouth information, and symbols displayed on the map (for example, map symbols such as mountains, historic sites, temples, schools, hospitals, factories, cemeteries, gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, banks, etc. post office Store signs, road signals, toll road entrances, toll gates, service areas, parking areas, interchanges, parking lots, stations, hotels, museums, museums, etc. Data such as data may be included. The map data stored in the server-side map database 206b may be map drawing image data in a raster format, a vector format, or the like. These outdoor map data and indoor map data are stored in advance in the server-side map database 206b, and the control unit 202 of the navigation server 200 periodically downloads the latest data from an external device or the like via the network 300. The outdoor map data and indoor map data stored in the server-side map database 206b may be updated.

  The route search information database 206c includes route search information including traffic regulation data, timetable data of transportation facilities, and usage fee data used by the control unit 202 when creating a guide route, and the route search information. Route search information storage means for storing the update information. Here, the traffic regulation data stored in the route search information database 206c is data that defines various traffic regulations. For example, in order to ensure road safety, traffic closure, road traffic, etc. Information such as prohibition of entry of ordinary vehicles by a community zone or the like, or prohibition of entry of ordinary vehicles due to a connection path to private land may be included. In addition, the timetable data stored in the route search information database 206c may be information representing timetables of transportation facilities such as trains, airplanes, buses, streetcars, ropeways, monorails, cable cars, and ships. Good. In addition, the usage fee data stored in the route search information database 206c includes, for example, usage fees, automobiles, etc. that are generated when using each transportation such as trains, airplanes, buses, streetcars, ropeways, monorails, cable cars, and ships. Information such as fuel charges consumed when traveling by motorcycles and tolls of toll roads such as national highways and automobile roads, etc., even when the control unit 202 calculates transportation expenses Good. Further, the route search information database 206c may store position information such as latitude and longitude information of facilities and the like existing on a map used for route creation when traveling by car, motorcycle, bicycle, walking, or the like. These traffic regulation data, timetable data, and usage fee data are stored in advance in the route search information database 206c, and the control unit 202 of the navigation server 200 periodically sends the latest data to the outside via the network 300. The route search information downloaded from the device or the like and stored in the route search information database 206c may be updated.

  The guidance database 206d is guidance data storage means for storing guidance data (voice guidance data, display guidance data, etc.) output on the guidance route. Here, the guidance database 206d is associated with “turning to the left at the next intersection” associated with the direction of travel at a branching point or the like on the guidance route, or “when the current position approaches the destination” Voice guidance data such as “Nearly around the destination” is stored, and this voice guidance data is used when the control unit 102 of the navigation device 100 executes voice guidance as will be described later. The guidance database 206d stores display guidance data such as a turn-by-turn (TBT) associated with the traveling direction at a branch point on the guidance route, a guidance that the current position is close to the selected facility, and the like. The display guidance data is used when the control unit 102 of the navigation device 100 executes the display guidance as will be described later. Here, the TBT is an arrow navigation that displays guidance such as a right or left turn on the screen.

  The control unit 202 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data. And the control part 202 performs the information processing for performing various processes with these programs. The control unit 202 includes a route search condition reception unit 202a, a route search unit 202b, an extraction unit 202c, a guide route data transmission unit 202d, and a data transmission unit 202e in terms of functional concept.

  Among these, the route search condition receiving unit 202a is a route search condition receiving unit that receives the route search condition including at least the destination transmitted from the navigation device 100 and the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100. Here, the route search condition may include a departure place, a waypoint, and the like.

  Further, the route search unit 202b searches for a guide route satisfying the route search condition including at least the destination using the road network data stored in the server-side road network database 206a, and generates route search data. It is. Here, the route search condition may be input by the user of the navigation device 100 via the input unit 116. Further, the route search unit 202b may further search for a guide route satisfying the route search condition including at least the destination using the route search information stored in the route search information database 206c. Further, the route search unit 202b may search for a guide route from the departure point to the destination that satisfies the route search condition including the departure point and the destination. In addition, the route search unit 202b satisfies the route search condition including at least the destination, and the guide route from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 to the destination based on the current position information received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a. May be searched. In addition, when the route search condition further includes a transit point, the route search unit 202b may search for a guide route that passes through the transit point.

  The extraction unit 202c is an extraction unit that extracts map data of a map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 from the server-side map database 206b. Here, the extraction unit 202c may further extract road network data within a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 from the server-side road network database 206a. Further, the extraction unit 202c may further extract route search information within a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 from the route search information database 206c.

  The guidance route data transmission unit 202d transmits the guidance route data generated by the route search unit 202b and included in at least a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 to the navigation device 100. This is route data transmission means. Here, the guide route data transmitting unit 202d may further transmit guide data output on the guide route stored in the guide database 206d.

  The data transmission unit 202e is data transmission means for transmitting the map data extracted by the extraction unit 202c and the update information of the map data stored in the server-side map database 206b to the navigation device 100. Here, the data transmission unit 202e may further transmit the road network data extracted by the extraction unit 202c and the update information of the road network data stored in the server-side road network database 206a to the navigation device 100. Good. The data transmission unit 202e may further transmit the route search information extracted by the extraction unit 202c and the update information of the route search information stored in the route search information database 206c to the navigation device 100.

[Configuration of Navigation Device 100]
In FIG. 1, the navigation apparatus 100 receives map data transmitted from the navigation server 200 and update information of the map data, and stores the update information and the storage unit 106 corresponding to the received map data. The update information of the stored map data is compared to determine whether there is a difference. If it is determined that there is a difference, one of the map data stored in the storage unit 106 corresponding to the received map data is determined. Or a part of the received map data is stored in the storage unit 106. The navigation device 100 is, for example, a commercially available information processing device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer, a portable navigation device such as a mobile phone, PHS, or PDA. In the present embodiment, the navigation device 100 may be an in-vehicle information processing terminal that performs car navigation. Here, for example, the navigation device 100 is supplied with electric power from the vehicle, is detachably fixed to the vehicle main body such as a dashboard by an attachment or the like, and does not have a large-capacity storage in the device main body (local). Signals (for example, vehicle speed pulse, fuel consumption, etc.) can also be acquired, a communication module is built in, and communication is possible with the navigation server 200 and the like via the network 300 within the communication range. It may be a device that can be downloaded from the navigation server 200 and updated. In addition, the navigation device 100 includes a position acquisition unit 112 having a GPS function, an IMES function, and the like so that the current position can be acquired in real time. In addition, the navigation device 100 includes an output unit including at least a display unit 114 and an audio output unit 118. Here, the display unit 114 is a display unit (for example, a display or a monitor including a liquid crystal or an organic EL) that displays a display screen such as map data received from the navigation server 200. The voice output unit 118 is voice output means (for example, a speaker) that outputs voice guidance data received from the navigation server 200 as voice. In addition, the navigation device 100 includes an input unit 116 (for example, a key input unit, a touch panel, a keyboard, a microphone, etc.) for inputting route search conditions. The input / output control interface unit 108 controls the position acquisition unit 112, the display unit 114, the input unit 116, the audio output unit 118, and the like.

  Here, the position acquisition unit 112 may be, for example, a position acquisition unit that receives a position information signal transmitted from the position transmission device 500. Here, the position transmitting device 500 may be a GPS device that transmits a position information signal (GPS signal), and IMES that enables indoor positioning using a position information signal having characteristics similar to those of the GPS signal. It may be an IMES device that implements (Indoor Message System) technology. The IMES technology is a system developed from the framework of the quasi-zenith satellite, which is a positioning satellite system. Further, the position transmission device 500 may be a GPS repeater that transmits a GPS signal received outdoors indoors. Further, the position transmission device 500 may be a small transmission device that is arbitrarily installed on each floor of a building (for example, a multilevel parking lot) or an underground structure (for example, a tunnel, an underground parking lot). Good. In addition, self-position information (position ID etc.) according to an installation place is allocated to this small transmitter. When the navigation device 100 enters the communicable range, the navigation device 100 receives the self-position information transmitted from the small transmitter as a position information signal. The communication method at this time may be, for example, various short-range wireless methods such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag system and Bluetooth (registered trademark), an infrared communication method, and the like. Further, the position transmission device 500 may be a wireless LAN access point. In the present embodiment, the control unit 102 may calculate position information including latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal acquired by the position acquisition unit 112. Further, the position acquisition unit 112 may acquire access point identification information by receiving a wireless LAN signal or the like. In the present embodiment, the control unit 102 may acquire the position information by specifying the position of the access point from the identification information unique to the access point acquired by the position acquisition unit 112.

  In addition, the position acquisition unit 112, for example, based on the direction information such as the traveling direction of the navigation device 100 detected by the direction sensor, the distance information detected by the distance sensor, and the map data, the user of the navigation device 100 You may acquire the positional information which shows a present position. Here, a geomagnetic sensor that detects the absolute traveling direction of the navigation device 100 and an optical gyro that detects the relative traveling direction of the navigation device 100 may be used as the direction sensor. In addition, the direction sensor may be an electronic compass that can acquire information on the direction and inclination by combining a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor. Further, when the navigation device 100 is an in-vehicle information processing terminal, the distance sensor may generate a pulse signal in proportion to the number of rotations of the axle and detect a movement distance in proportion to the number of pulse signals. Further, when the navigation device 100 is an in-vehicle information processing terminal, the position acquisition unit 112 may acquire position information indicating the own vehicle position from inter-vehicle communication of a communication device mounted on each vehicle.

  The communication control interface unit 104 is an interface connected to a communication device (not shown) such as an antenna or a router connected to a communication line, a telephone line, etc., and communicates between the navigation device 100 and the network 300. It has a function to perform control. That is, the communication control interface unit 104 has a function of communicating data with the navigation server 200 or the like via a communication line. The network 300 has a function of mutually connecting the navigation device 100 and an external device (for example, the navigation server 200 or an external map providing server), for example, the Internet, a telephone line network (portable terminal line network), and the like. Or a general telephone line network), an intranet, power line communication (PLC), or the like.

  The storage unit 106 is also a small-capacity high-speed memory (for example, a small-capacity high-speed memory (for example, a static random access memory) such as a large-capacity storage unit such as HD or SSD and / or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) A storage means such as a cache memory may be provided, and various databases, files and tables (guide route data file 106a, map data file 106b, guide data file 106c, road network data file 106d, and route search information file) 106e, etc.) may be stored. Here, the storage unit 106 may temporarily store various files and the like.

  Among these, the guide route data file 106a is guide route data storage means for storing guide route data.

  The map data file 106b is map data storage means for storing map data and update information of the map data.

  The guidance data file 106c is guidance data storage means for storing guidance data (voice guidance data, display guidance data, etc.) output on the guidance route.

  The road network data file 106d is road network data storage means for storing road network data and update information of the road network data.

  The route search information file 106e is route search information storage means for storing route search information including traffic regulation data, transportation timetable data, and usage fee data, and update information of the route search information.

  The control unit 102 includes an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS, a program defining various processing procedures, and necessary data. And the control part 102 performs the information processing for performing various processes by these programs. In terms of functional concept, the control unit 102 has a current position information acquisition unit 102a, a route search condition transmission unit 102b, a guidance route data reception unit 102c, a data reception unit 102d, a route guidance unit 102e, a comparison unit 102f, a data storage unit 102g, The route search unit 102h is provided.

  The current position information acquisition unit 102a is current position information acquisition means for acquiring the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100. Here, the current position information acquisition unit 102a may acquire the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 every predetermined period (for example, every second). In addition, the current position information acquisition unit 102a may be the position information calculated from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112 and / or the traveling direction detected by the direction sensor of the position acquisition unit 112, or the like. May be acquired as the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100. Further, the current position information acquisition unit 102a may acquire the position coordinates and the like of the current position input by the user via the input unit 116 as the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100. Here, the current position input by the user via the input unit 116 may be a position where the user actually exists, and a virtual current position arbitrarily selected by the user (for example, Tokyo It may be an arbitrary point such as a station or an airport in Osaka selected by a user in the area. For example, the current position information acquisition unit 102a is designated on the display screen of the map data displayed on the display unit 114 by the user via the input unit 116 (for example, designation operation on the touch panel type display unit 114). You may acquire the coordinate and / or direction information which were made as the present position information of the user of the navigation apparatus 100. The current position information acquisition unit 102a may acquire the position information of the vehicle as the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100.

  In addition, the route search condition transmission unit 102b transmits a route search condition including at least the destination and the current location information of the user of the navigation device 100 acquired by the current location information acquisition unit 102a to the navigation server 200. Condition transmitting means.

  The guide route data receiving unit 102 c is a guide route data receiving unit that receives guide route data transmitted from the navigation server 200. Further, the guide route data receiving unit 102c may further receive guide data output on the guide route transmitted from the navigation server 200. The guide route data receiving unit 102c may further store the received guide route data in the guide route data file 106a. The guide route data receiving unit 102c may further store the received guide data in the guide data file 106c.

  The data receiving unit 102d is a data receiving unit that receives map data transmitted from the navigation server 200 and update information of the map data. Here, the data receiving unit 102d may further receive road network data and update information of the road network data transmitted from the navigation server 200. The data receiving unit 102d may further receive route search information and update information of the route search information transmitted from the navigation server 200.

  The route guidance unit 102e is route guidance means for executing route guidance by outputting route guidance information based on at least guidance route data via an output unit. Here, the route guidance unit 102e causes the route guidance information based on the map data, the guidance route data, and the current location information of the user of the navigation device 100 acquired by the current location information acquisition unit 102a to be output via the output unit. Thus, route guidance may be executed. Here, the route guidance unit 102e executes route guidance by causing the display unit 114 to display route guidance information including a display screen in which the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 is superimposed on the guidance route data. Also good. Further, the route guidance unit 102e causes the display unit 114 to display route guidance information including a display screen in which the guidance route data and / or the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 is superimposed on the map data. Route guidance may be executed. Further, the route guidance unit 102e may output the guidance data via the output unit. For example, the route guidance unit 102e outputs the voice guidance data associated with the traveling direction at the guidance point such as a branch point on the guidance route included in the guidance data via the voice output unit 118, thereby providing the route guidance. The route guidance may be executed by causing the display unit 114 to display a display screen of display guidance data such as TBT included in the guidance data.

  Further, the comparison unit 102f receives the update information of the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d and the update information of the map data stored in the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d. It is a comparison means for determining whether there is a difference in comparison. Here, the comparison unit 102f further updates the road network data update information received by the data reception unit 102d and the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data reception unit 102d. The network data update information may be compared to determine whether there is a difference. Further, the comparison unit 102f further updates the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d and the route search stored in the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d. It may be determined whether or not there is a difference by comparing the update information.

  Further, the data storage unit 102g has the map data stored in the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data update information received by the data receiving unit 102d and the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d by the comparing unit 102f. When it is determined that there is a difference from the data update information, a part or all of the map data stored in the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d is discarded, and the data receiving unit Data storage means for storing a part or all of the map data received by 102d in the map data file 106b. Here, a part of the map data is, for example, difference data that is changed (that is, updated) in the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d as compared with the map data stored in the map data file 106b. It is. The data storage unit 102g is further stored in the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data update information received by the data receiving unit 102d and the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d by the comparing unit 102f. When it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the map data, the map data update information stored in the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d is discarded, and the data receiving unit The update information of the map data received by 102d may be stored in the map data file 106b. Further, the data storage unit 102g further updates the road network data update information received by the data receiving unit 102d by the comparing unit 102f and the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d. Part of the road network data stored in the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d when it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the road network data stored in Alternatively, all or all of the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d may be stored in the road network data file 106d. Further, the data storage unit 102g further updates the road network data update information received by the data receiving unit 102d by the comparing unit 102f and the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d. When it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the road network data stored in the road network data update information of the road network data stored in the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d. And the update information of the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d may be stored in the road network data file 106d. Further, the data storage unit 102g further updates the route search information received by the data reception unit 102d by the comparison unit 102f and the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data reception unit 102d. Part of the route search information stored in the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d when it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the route search information stored in Alternatively, all or part of the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d may be discarded in the route search information file 106e. Further, the data storage unit 102g further updates the route search information received by the data reception unit 102d by the comparison unit 102f and the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data reception unit 102d. Update information of the route search information stored in the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d when it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the route search information stored in The route search information update information received by the data receiving unit 102d may be stored in the route search information file 106e.

  The route search unit 102h is a route search unit that searches for a guide route satisfying a route search condition including at least the destination using the road network data stored in the road network data file 106d and generates guide route data. is there. Here, the route search condition may be input by the user of the navigation device 100 via the input unit 116. Further, the route search unit 102h may further search for a guide route satisfying the route search condition including at least the destination using the route search information stored in the route search information file 106e. Further, the route search unit 102h may search for a guide route from the departure point to the destination that satisfies the route search condition including the departure point and the destination. Further, the route search unit 102h guides the route from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 to the destination based on the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a, which satisfies the route search condition including at least the destination. May be searched. When the route search condition further includes a transit point, the route search unit 102h may search for a guide route that passes through the transit point. The route search unit 102h may further store the generated guide route data in the guide route data file 106a.

  Above, description of an example of a structure of the navigation system in this embodiment is finished.

[Navigation system processing]
Next, an example of processing of the navigation system according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the navigation system in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, first, the current position information acquisition unit 102a of the navigation device 100 is configured to acquire the position information calculated from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112 and / or the position acquisition unit. Direction information of the traveling direction detected by the direction sensor 112 is acquired as current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 (step SA-1). Here, the current position information acquisition unit 102a acquires the current position input by the user via the input unit 116 and / or information on the traveling direction, etc. as the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100. May be.

  Then, the route search condition transmission unit 102b of the navigation device 100 uses the route search condition including at least the destination input by the user via the input unit 116, and the current position information acquisition unit 102a in step SA-1. The acquired current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 is transmitted to the navigation server 200 (step SA-2). Here, the route search condition may include a departure place, a waypoint, and the like.

  The route search condition receiving unit 202a of the navigation server 200 receives the route search condition including at least the destination transmitted from the navigation device 100 and the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 (step SA-3). ).

  Then, the route search unit 202b of the navigation server 200 is based on the current position information received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a that satisfies the route search condition including at least the destination received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a. 100 guide routes from the current position of the user to the destination are searched using the road network data stored in the server side road network database 206a and the route search information stored in the route search information database 206c. Guide route data is generated (step SA-4). Here, the route search unit 202b may search for a guide route from the departure point to the destination that satisfies the route search condition including the departure point and the destination received by the route search condition reception unit 202a. In addition, the route search unit 202b is a user of the navigation device 100 based on the current position information received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a that satisfies the route search condition including at least the destination received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a. A guide route from the current position to the destination may be searched. In addition, when the route search condition further includes a transit point, the route search unit 202b may search for a guide route that passes through the transit point.

  Then, the extraction unit 202c of the navigation server 200 includes a map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 based on the current position information received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a in Step SA-3. Data is extracted from the server-side map database 206b (step SA-5). Here, the extracting unit 202c further stores road network data within a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 based on the current position information received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a in Step SA-3. You may extract from the side road network database 206a. Further, the extraction unit 202c further searches for route search information within a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 based on the current position information received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a in step SA-3. You may extract from the information database 206c.

  Here, an example of the map data extraction process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of map data extraction processing in the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the extraction unit 202 c of the navigation server 200 determines the forward direction of the user of the navigation device 100 (for example, the guidance route) from the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 existing on the guidance route. Map data (for example, 100 m mesh data, etc.) of a map including a predetermined range such as forward is extracted from the server side map database 206b.

  Returning to FIG. 2 again, the guide route data transmitting unit 202d of the navigation server 200 generates the guide route data of the guide route included in the predetermined range from at least the current position of the user of the navigation device 100, generated by the route search unit 202b. And guidance data output on the guidance route stored in the guidance database 206d is transmitted (step SA-6).

  The guide route data receiving unit 102c of the navigation device 100 receives the guide route data transmitted from the navigation server 200, stores it in the guide route data file 106a, and outputs it on the guide route transmitted from the navigation server 200. Guidance data is received and stored in the guidance data file 106c (step SA-7).

  Then, the data transmission unit 202e of the navigation server 200 transmits the map data extracted by the extraction unit 202c and the update information of the map data stored in the server-side map database 206b to the navigation device 100 (Step SA- 8). Here, the data transmission unit 202e may further transmit the road network data extracted by the extraction unit 202c and the update information of the road network data stored in the server-side road network database 206a to the navigation device 100. Good. The data transmission unit 202e may further transmit the route search information extracted by the extraction unit 202c and the update information of the route search information stored in the route search information database 206c to the navigation device 100.

  Then, the data receiving unit 102d of the navigation device 100 receives the map data transmitted from the navigation server 200 and the update information of the map data (Step SA-9). Here, the data receiving unit 102d may further receive road network data and update information of the road network data transmitted from the navigation server 200. The data receiving unit 102d may further receive route search information and update information of the route search information transmitted from the navigation server 200.

  The current position information acquisition unit 102a of the navigation device 100 is detected by the position information calculated from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112 and / or the direction sensor of the position acquisition unit 112. The direction information and the like in the traveling direction is acquired as the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 (step SA-10). Here, the current position information acquisition unit 102a may acquire information on the current position input by the user via the input unit 116 as the current position information of the user of the navigation device 100.

  Then, the control unit 102 of the navigation device 100 determines whether or not the destination input by the user via the input unit 116 in step SA-2 matches the current position (step SA-11). .

  Then, the control unit 102 of the navigation device 100 determines that the destination input by the user via the input unit 116 in step SA-11 matches the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 (step S11). SA-11: Yes), the process is terminated.

  Then, the route guidance unit 102e of the navigation device 100 matches the destination input by the user via the input unit 116 by the control unit 102 in step SA-11 and the current position of the user of the navigation device 100. If it is determined not to do so (step SA-11: No), the guide route data received by the guide route data receiving unit 102c and stored in the guide route data file 106a on the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d. By displaying on the display unit 114 route guidance information including a display screen on which the current location information of the user of the navigation device 100 acquired by the current location information acquisition unit 102a in step SA-10 is displayed, the route is displayed. Guidance is executed (step SA-12). Here, the route guidance unit 102e may execute route guidance by causing the output unit to output route guidance information based on at least the guidance route data generated by the route search unit 102h. In addition, the route guidance unit 102e uses the guidance route data generated by the route search unit 102h and the navigation device 100 acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a on the map data stored in the map data file 106b. The route guidance may be executed by causing the display unit 114 to display route guidance information including a display screen on which the current position information of the person is superimposed. In addition, the route guidance unit 102e displays guidance route data when the current position of the user of the navigation device 100 based on the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a matches a guide point such as a branch point. The voice guidance data associated with the traveling direction at the guidance point such as a branch point on the guidance route included in the guidance data received by the receiving unit 102c and stored in the guidance data file 106c is sent via the voice output unit 118. By outputting, route guidance may be executed, or route guidance may be executed by causing the display unit 114 to display a display screen of display guidance data such as TBT included in the guidance data. Note that the route guidance execution processing by the route guidance unit 102e may be continuously performed when the processing from step SA-10 to step SA-14 is repeatedly performed after the start of the route guidance (for example, continuously). The display screen may be displayed on the display unit 114, and voice guidance may be given by the voice output unit 118). Further, the route guidance unit 102e provides the map data and the update information by the data receiving unit 102d when the map data after starting the route guidance, the guidance route data, and the guidance data output on the guidance route are further required. The route data receiving unit 102c appropriately receives the guidance route data and the guidance data from the navigation server 200, and executes the route guidance to the destination input by the user via the input unit 116 in step SA-2. Also good.

  The comparison unit 102f of the navigation device 100 then updates the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d and the map data stored in the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d. It is determined whether there is a difference by comparing with the update information (step SA-13). Here, the comparison unit 102f further updates the road network data update information received by the data reception unit 102d and the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data reception unit 102d. The network data update information may be compared to determine whether there is a difference. Further, the comparison unit 102f further updates the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d and the route search stored in the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d. It may be determined whether or not there is a difference by comparing the update information.

  Then, the data storage unit 102g of the navigation device 100 corresponds to the update information of the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d and the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d by the comparing unit 102f in step SA-13. When it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the map data stored in the map data file 106b (step SA-13: Yes), the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d A part or all of the map data stored in the map and the update information of the map data are discarded, and a part or all of the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d and the update information of the map data are Store in data file 106b and move to step SA-10 Thereby (step SA-14). Here, a part of the map data is, for example, difference data that is changed (that is, updated) in the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d as compared with the map data stored in the map data file 106b. (For example, shape data, annotation data, symbol data, etc.). Further, the data storage unit 102g further updates the road network data update information received by the data receiving unit 102d by the comparing unit 102f and the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d. Part of the road network data stored in the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d when it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the road network data stored in Alternatively, all or all of the road network data update information is discarded, and some or all of the road network data received by the data receiving unit 102d and the road network data update information are updated to the road network data. It may be stored in a file 106d. Further, the data storage unit 102g further updates the route search information received by the data reception unit 102d by the comparison unit 102f and the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data reception unit 102d. Part of the route search information stored in the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d when it is determined that there is a difference from the update information of the route search information stored in Alternatively, all or the update information of the route search information is discarded, and part or all of the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d and the update information of the route search information are stored in the route search information file 106e. May be. Note that the data storage processing by the data storage unit 102g may be performed in parallel with other processing, or the processing may be shifted to step SA-10 before the completion of the data storage processing.

  On the other hand, the comparison unit 102f of the navigation device 100 stores the update information of the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d in step SA-13 and the map data file 106b corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving unit 102d. If it is determined that there is no difference from the update information of the stored map data (step SA-13: No), the process proceeds to step SA-10. Here, the comparison unit 102f stores the update information of the road network data received by the data reception unit 102d in Step SA-13 and the road network data file 106d corresponding to the road network data received by the data reception unit 102d. When it is determined that there is no difference from the update information of the stored road network data (step SA-13: No), the process may be shifted to step SA-10. The comparison unit 102f stores the update information of the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d in step SA-13 and the route search information file 106e corresponding to the route search information received by the data receiving unit 102d. If it is determined that there is no difference from the updated route search information (step SA-13: No), the process may be shifted to step SA-10.

  Above, description of an example of the process of the navigation system in this embodiment is finished.

[Other embodiments]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention can be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims other than the above-described embodiments. It may be done.

  In addition, among the processes described in the embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method.

  In addition, unless otherwise specified, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including registration data for each processing, parameters such as search conditions, screen examples, and database configurations shown in the above documents and drawings Can be changed arbitrarily.

  Further, regarding the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200, each illustrated component is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated.

  For example, the processing functions provided in each device of the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200, in particular, the processing functions performed by the control unit 102 and the control unit 202 are all or any part of the processing functions. (Central Processing Unit) and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware by wired logic. The program is recorded on a recording medium to be described later, and is mechanically read by the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200 as necessary. That is, the storage unit 106 such as the ROM or the HD, the storage unit 206, and the like store computer programs for giving instructions to the CPU in cooperation with the OS and performing various processes. This computer program is executed by being loaded into the RAM, and constitutes a control unit in cooperation with the CPU.

  The computer program may be stored in the navigation apparatus 100 and an application program server connected to the navigation server 200 via an arbitrary network 300, and the computer program may be wholly or partially stored as necessary. It can also be downloaded.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium, and may be configured as a program product. Here, the “recording medium” is an arbitrary “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc, or the like. It includes a “communication medium” that holds a program in a short period of time, such as a communication line or a carrier wave in the case of transmitting a program via a network 300 typified by a LAN, WAN, or the Internet.

  The “program” is a data processing method described in an arbitrary language or description method, and may be in any format such as source code or binary code. Note that the “program” is not necessarily limited to a single configuration, and functions are achieved in cooperation with a separate configuration such as a plurality of modules and libraries or a separate program represented by the OS. Including things. Note that a well-known configuration and procedure can be used for a specific configuration for reading a recording medium, a reading procedure, an installation procedure after reading, and the like in each device described in the embodiment.

  Storage unit 106 and various databases stored in storage unit 206 (guide route data file 106a, map data file 106b, guide data file 106c, road network data file 106d, route search information file 106e, server side road network Database 206a, server-side map database 206b, route search information database 206c, guidance database 206d, etc.) are storage means such as memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as HD, flexible disks, optical disks, etc. And various programs, tables, databases, web page files, etc. used for providing websites.

  Further, the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, and may be configured by connecting any peripheral device to the information processing device. Also good. The navigation apparatus 100 and the navigation server 200 may be realized by installing software (including programs, data, and the like) that causes the information processing apparatus to realize the method of the present invention.

  Furthermore, the specific form of distribution / integration of the devices is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part of them may be functional or physical in arbitrary units according to various additions or according to functional loads. Can be distributed and integrated.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the update of the map data or the like is limited not to the map data or the like of the entire area but to the vicinity of the current position of the user. To provide a navigation system, a navigation device, a navigation server, and a map data update method capable of updating a map or the like while performing route guidance or the like while minimizing the amount of update data Therefore, it is extremely useful in various fields such as information devices that support navigation and information processing fields.

100 Navigation device 102 Control unit
102a Current position information acquisition unit
102b Route search condition transmitter
102c Guide route data receiver
102d data receiver
102e Route guide
102f comparator
102g data storage
102h Route search unit 104 Communication control interface unit 106 Storage unit
106a Guide route data file
106b Map data file
106c Guidance data file
106d Road network data file
106e route search information file 108 input / output control interface unit 112 position acquisition unit 114 display unit 116 input unit 118 voice output unit 200 navigation server 202 control unit
202a Route search condition receiver
202b Route search unit
202c extraction unit
202d Guide route data transmission unit
202e Data transmission unit 204 Communication control interface unit 206 Storage unit
206a Server-side road network database
206b Server-side map database
206c route search information database
206d Guide database 300 Network 500 Position transmitter

Claims (7)

A navigation system in which a navigation server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a navigation device including at least an output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit are communicably connected,
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Map of the map data, and a server side map data storing means for storing the update information of the map data,
Server-side road network data storage means for storing at least road network data;
With
The control unit of the navigation server is
A route for searching for a guide route satisfying a route search condition including at least a destination transmitted from the navigation device, using the road network data stored in the server-side road network data storage means, and generating guide route data Search means;
Extraction means for extracting the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device from the server-side map data storage means;
Guidance route data transmission means for transmitting the guidance route data of the guidance route included in the predetermined range at least from the current position, generated by the route search means, to the navigation device;
Data transmission means for transmitting the map data extracted by the extraction means and the update information of the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means to the navigation device;
With
The storage unit of the navigation device includes:
Map data storage means for storing the map data and the update information of the map data;
With
The control unit of the navigation device includes:
Guide route data receiving means for receiving the guide route data transmitted from the navigation server;
Data receiving means for receiving the map data transmitted from the navigation server, and the update information of the map data;
Route guidance means for executing route guidance by outputting route guidance information based on at least the guidance route data via the output unit;
After the start of the route guidance by the route guidance means, the update information of the map data received by the data receiving means and the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving means Comparing means for comparing the updated information of the map data and determining whether there is a difference;
When it is determined by the comparing means that the difference exists, a part or all of the map data stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving means is discarded, Data storage means for storing a part or all of the map data received by the data receiving means in the map data storage means;
A navigation system characterized by comprising: A navigation device including at least an output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, connected to a navigation server so as to communicate with each other,
The storage unit
Map data storage means for storing map map data and update information of the map data;
With
The control unit
Guide route data receiving means for receiving the guide route data transmitted from the navigation server;
Data receiving means for receiving the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device and the update information of the map data transmitted from the navigation server;
Route guidance means for executing route guidance by outputting route guidance information based on at least the guidance route data via the output unit;
After the start of the route guidance by the route guidance means, the update information of the map data received by the data receiving means and the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving means Comparing means for comparing the updated information of the map data and determining whether there is a difference;
When it is determined by the comparing means that the difference exists, a part or all of the map data stored in the map data storage means corresponding to the map data received by the data receiving means is discarded, Data storage means for storing a part or all of the map data received by the data receiving means in the map data storage means;
A navigation device comprising: A navigation server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, connected to a navigation device so as to be communicable,
The storage unit
Map of the map data, and a server side map data storing means for storing the update information of the map data,
Server-side road network data storage means for storing at least road network data;
With
The control unit
A route for searching for a guide route satisfying a route search condition including at least a destination transmitted from the navigation device, using the road network data stored in the server-side road network data storage means, and generating guide route data Search means;
Extraction means for extracting the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device from the server-side map data storage means;
Guidance route data transmission means for transmitting the guidance route data of the guidance route included in the predetermined range at least from the current position, generated by the route search means, to the navigation device;
Data transmission means for transmitting the map data extracted by the extraction means and the update information of the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means to the navigation device;
A navigation server comprising: A map data update method executed in a navigation system in which a navigation server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a navigation device including at least an output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit are connected to be communicable. ,
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Map of the map data, and a server side map data storing means for storing the update information of the map data,
Server-side road network data storage means for storing at least road network data;
With
The storage unit of the navigation device includes:
Comprising map data storage means for storing the map data and the update information of the map data;
A guide route, which is executed in the control unit of the navigation server and is transmitted from the navigation device and satisfies a route search condition including at least a destination, the road network data stored in the server-side road network data storage means is used. A route search step for searching using and generating guide route data;
An extraction step executed by the control unit of the navigation server to extract the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device from the server-side map data storage unit;
A guide for transmitting the guide route data of the guide route included in the predetermined range at least from the current position, which is generated in the route search step, executed in the control unit of the navigation server, to the navigation device. Route data transmission step;
A guide route data receiving step for receiving the guide route data transmitted from the navigation server, executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
The map data extracted in the extraction step executed in the control unit of the navigation server and the update information of the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means are transmitted to the navigation device. A data transmission step to perform,
A data receiving step for receiving the map data transmitted from the navigation server and the update information of the map data, which is executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
A route guidance step for executing route guidance by outputting route guidance information based on at least the guidance route data via the output unit, which is executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
The update information of the map data received in the data receiving step and received in the data receiving step after the start of the route guidance in the route guiding step , which is executed in the control unit of the navigation device. A comparison step of comparing the update information of the map data stored in the map data storage unit corresponding to the map data and determining whether there is a difference;
When it is determined in the comparison step that is executed in the control unit of the navigation device that the difference is present, the difference is stored in the map data storage unit corresponding to the map data received in the data reception step. A data storing step of discarding a part or all of the map data and storing a part or all of the map data received in the data receiving step in the map data storage means;
The map data update method characterized by including. A map data update method that is executed in a navigation device that includes at least an output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit that are communicably connected to a navigation server,
The storage unit
Map data storage means for storing map map data and update information of the map data;
With
Executed in the control unit,
A guide route data receiving step for receiving the guide route data transmitted from the navigation server;
A data receiving step for receiving the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device, and the update information of the map data, transmitted from the navigation server;
A route guidance step for performing route guidance by outputting route guidance information based on at least the guidance route data via the output unit;
After the start of the route guidance in the route guidance step, the update information of the map data received in the data reception step, and the map data storage corresponding to the map data received in the data reception step A comparison step of comparing the update information of the map data stored in the means to determine whether there is a difference;
When it is determined that there is the difference in the comparison step, a part or all of the map data stored in the map data storage unit corresponding to the map data received in the data reception step is discarded. A data storage step of storing a part or all of the map data received in the data reception step in the map data storage means;
The map data update method characterized by including. A map data update method executed in a navigation server that is connected to a navigation device so as to be communicable and includes at least a control unit and a storage unit,
The storage unit
Map of the map data, and a server side map data storing means for storing the update information of the map data,
Server-side road network data storage means for storing at least road network data;
With
Executed in the control unit,
A route for searching for a guide route satisfying a route search condition including at least a destination transmitted from the navigation device, using the road network data stored in the server-side road network data storage means, and generating guide route data A search step;
An extraction step of extracting the map data of the map including a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device from the server-side map data storage means;
A guide route data transmitting step for transmitting the guide route data of the guide route included in the predetermined range at least from the current position, generated in the route search step, to the navigation device;
A data transmission step of transmitting the map data extracted in the extraction step and the update information of the map data stored in the server-side map data storage means to the navigation device;
The map data update method characterized by including. A navigation system in which a navigation server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a navigation device including at least an output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit are communicably connected,
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Server-side road network data storage means for storing road network data and update information of the road network data;
With
The control unit of the navigation server is
Extraction means for extracting the road network data within a predetermined range from the current position of the user of the navigation device from the server-side road network data storage means;
Data transmission means for transmitting the road network data extracted by the extraction means and the update information of the road network data stored in the server-side road network data storage means to the navigation device;
With
The storage unit of the navigation device includes:
Road network data storage means for storing the road network data and the update information of the road network data;
With
The control unit of the navigation device includes:
Data receiving means for receiving the road network data transmitted from the navigation server and the update information of the road network data;
A route search means for searching for a guide route satisfying a route search condition including at least a destination using the road network data received by the data receiving means, and generating guide route data;
Route guidance means for executing route guidance by outputting route guidance information based on at least the guidance route data via the output unit;
After the start of the route guidance by the route guidance means, the update information of the road network data received by the data receiving means, and the road network data storage corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving means Comparing means for comparing the updated information of the road network data stored in the means to determine whether there is a difference;
If the comparison means determines that there is the difference, a part or all of the road network data stored in the road network data storage means corresponding to the road network data received by the data receiving means is discarded. Data storage means for storing part or all of the road network data received by the data receiving means in the road network data storage means;
A navigation system characterized by comprising:

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