JP6086697B2 - Navigation system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to navigation.

  A terminal that downloads map data indicating a map (detailed map) of a narrow area from a server each time and performs route guidance using the map data is known. In this method, when the terminal moves to an incommunicable area where downloading is not possible, distribution of map data cannot be received, and route guidance may have to be interrupted. In preparation for this, the server distributes all area map data including from the departure place to the destination in advance to the terminal. When the terminal moves to the incommunicable area, the terminal performs route guidance using the entire area map data (Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-328598 A

  Examples of the problems of the above-described prior art documents include the following. The user is informed of the route using the detailed diagram in the communicable region, and suddenly feels uncomfortable because the route guidance using the entire region map is suddenly performed in the incommunicable region. Another problem is that it is impossible to provide guidance using various facilities and narrow roads that can be used with a detailed map. For example, it is not possible to provide a service such as searching for and displaying a facility where meals can be taken in the vicinity, or guiding a way out in a traffic jam. Another problem is that map matching to areas other than large roads cannot be executed, so that the route cannot be re-searched when the route deviates from the guide route. Another problem is that the map of the communicable area is not used among all area map data, so the storage capacity allocated for the map is wasted and the server cannot accurately grasp the communication status. In other words, it is impossible to memorize the communication status in line with the actual situation.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms.

(1) According to one form of this invention, a navigation system provided with a server and a portable terminal is provided. The server includes: a map data storage unit that stores map data; a communication incommunicable region storage unit that stores an incommunicable region incapable of communication with the mobile terminal in association with the map data; a departure received from the mobile terminal A route search unit that searches for a route based on information including a place and a destination, and distributes route information indicating the route to the mobile terminal; a map including the route, at a current position of the mobile terminal A first map data distribution unit for distributing first map data indicating a map within a predetermined range from a certain self-location to the portable terminal; a map including the route, and a map associated with the incommunicable region A second map data distribution unit that distributes the second map data shown to the portable terminal; the portable terminal; a self-positioning unit that measures the self-position; the self-position, the departure location, and the purpose A transmitting unit that transmits information on the server to the server; a receiving unit that receives the first map data, the second map data, and the route information from the server; and the first map received by the receiving unit A route guidance unit that guides the route using the map data of 1, the second map data, and the route information; and the second map data distribution unit is configured such that the self-position of the portable terminal is the communication The second map data is distributed before being located in the incapable area; the transmitting unit transmits information related to the communication status with the server to the server in association with the self-location; the server is unable to communicate An incommunicable area updating unit is provided that updates the storage contents of the area storage unit based on the communication status received from the mobile terminal and the self-location. According to this embodiment, route guidance using a detailed map can be performed even in a communication incompetent area. Moreover, according to this form, the server can grasp the information regarding the communication status together with the positional relationship. Moreover, according to this form, the server can update the storage content of the communication impossible area to the content that matches the actual situation, based on the communication status received from the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal's own position.

(2) In the above aspect, the incommunicable area update unit updates the storage content of the incommunicable area storage unit based on statistics of the communication status and the self-location received from the plurality of mobile terminals. According to this aspect, since the information received from the plurality of portable terminals is statistically processed, the update of the stored contents of the incommunicable area becomes more realistic.

(3) In the above aspect, the mobile terminal includes a second map data storage unit that holds the received second map after the end of the route guidance by the route guidance unit. According to this aspect, the mobile terminal can use the received second map data once for route guidance without receiving again.

(4) In the above embodiment, the server specifies map data that need not be distributed to the mobile terminal based on the map data stored in the second map data storage unit, and the map data is stored in the second map data distribution unit. A distribution map data specifying unit for excluding the map data from the distribution target; the distribution map data specifying unit does not need to distribute map data other than the map data corresponding to the region including the destination in the second map data. Identify as a thing. According to this aspect, the server distributes the map data of the area including the destination because it is particularly important for route guidance, and stores the map data in the area not including the destination in the portable terminal by omitting the distribution. Data capacity can be reduced.

(5) In the above aspect, the second map data distribution unit distributes information indicating the route searched by the route search unit to the mobile terminal; the mobile terminal includes information indicating the transmitted route; A map data specifying unit that specifies map data that does not need to be distributed based on the storage content of the second map data storage unit, and that transmits the specified information to the server; Map data indicated by the information specifying the distribution-unnecessary map data is excluded from distribution targets. According to this embodiment, map data that does not need to be distributed can be specified in accordance with the searched route.

(6) In the above aspect, the portable terminal transmits the second map data to the in-vehicle device in order to store the second map data in the in-vehicle device. According to this aspect, the second map data can be stored in the in-vehicle device. If the in-vehicle device stores the second map data, the second map data can be used even if a separate portable terminal is used.

(7) In the above embodiment, when the vicinity of the destination is an incommunicable area, the second map data distribution unit is map data indicating a map of the area including the destination, and guides a pedestrian To deliver map data. According to this aspect, when the user walks near the destination, a map suitable for walking can be displayed.

(8) In the above embodiment, when the vicinity of the destination is an incommunicable area, the route guidance unit guides a reverse route obtained by switching the destination and the departure point after reaching the destination. According to this embodiment, route guidance can be performed even when the vehicle is in the communication incompetent area when departing from the destination.

(9) In the above embodiment, the second map data includes information about communication facilities. According to this form, the server can provide information related to the communication facility to the user. The information regarding the communication facility is, for example, position information of a wireless LAN spot that can be used by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like. The user can confirm the location of the facility where communication is possible in the communication disabled area.

(10) In the above embodiment, the map data is distributed for each distribution unit, and includes data indicating whether or not communication is possible in the area indicated by the map data of each distribution unit. . According to this aspect, the server can provide the user with detailed information about the incommunicable area included in the distribution unit map.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms other than the above. For example, the present invention can be realized in the form of a navigation method, a map data distribution method, a program for realizing these methods, a storage medium storing these programs, a server or a portable terminal as a part of the navigation system, and the like.

The block diagram which shows a navigation system. Example of map display for route guidance. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a starting process (Embodiment 1). The functional block diagram of the smart phone by departure processing (Embodiment 1). The functional block diagram of the server by departure processing (Embodiment 1). The sequence diagram which shows route guidance processing. The functional block diagram of the smart phone and server by route guidance processing. The sequence diagram which shows a starting process (Embodiment 2). The functional block diagram of the smart phone by departure processing (Embodiment 2). The functional block diagram of the server by departure processing (2nd Embodiment).

  Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a navigation system 10. The navigation system 10 includes a plurality of smartphones 20 and a server 50. The navigation system 10 can perform route guidance for pedestrians and route guidance for automobiles. The route guidance for automobiles may be in the form of being executed by the in-vehicle device 70 in cooperation with the in-vehicle device 70, or may be in the aspect of not linking with the in-vehicle device 70. This cooperation is realized by transmitting and receiving map data, route guidance information, position information, and the like by wireless communication or wired communication between the in-vehicle device 70 and the smartphone 20. The in-vehicle device 70 includes an input / output interface (such as a liquid crystal screen and a speaker) and a storage medium. With this configuration, the in-vehicle device 70 can store route guidance information and map data.

  The smartphone 20 is a multifunctional mobile phone that can be connected to the Internet. The smartphone 20 and the server 50 can be connected to each other via the Internet INT. The smartphone 20 is wirelessly connected to the Internet INT via the base station BS. In practice, the smartphone 20 is connected to the Internet INT via a transmission / reception antenna, a radio base station, and an exchange. The base station BS shown in FIG. 1 includes these antennas, radio base stations, and exchanges.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the server 50 includes a communication unit 52, a control unit 54, and a map database 56. The control unit 54 acquires map data corresponding to the request from the smartphone 20 received by the communication unit 52 from the map database 56, and the communication unit 52 distributes the map data to the smartphone 20 via the Internet INT and the base station BS. Further, the control unit 54 performs route search in response to the request from the smartphone 20 received by the communication unit 52, and the communication unit 52 distributes the searched route information to the smartphone 20 via the Internet INT and the base station BS.

  The smartphone 20 includes a main control unit 22, a communication unit 32, a communication control unit 34, a touch panel 36, a display unit 38, an audio output unit 40, and a GPS receiver 42. The main control unit 22 includes a CPU 24, a RAM 26, and a ROM 28. The main control unit 22 controls other devices provided in the smartphone 20. In the RAM 26, the communication unit 32 receives map data and route information distributed from the server 50 and temporarily stores them. The ROM 28 stores a program executed by the CPU 24. This program is for realizing departure processing, route guidance processing (described later), and the like. The ROM 28 is a flash ROM, and can store map data and route information distributed from the server 50 even when the power is turned off. The communication unit 32 is a circuit for performing data communication or voice communication by the base station BS or by wireless LAN connection. The communication unit 32 operates to access the server 50 via the Internet INT and the base station BS and acquire map data and route information. The communication unit 32 communicates map data and route information with the in-vehicle device 70 by wireless or wired connection. The communication control unit 34 is a circuit that performs incoming calls and calls for voice calls, conversion between voice signals and electrical signals, and the like. The smartphone 20 functions as a telephone by including the communication unit 32 and the communication control unit 34.

  The audio output unit 40 is a speaker that outputs audio. The GPS receiver 42 is a device for acquiring information indicating the self-position of the smartphone 20 by receiving GPS signals transmitted from a GPS satellite and an indoor GPS transmitter. The touch panel 36 functions as an input / output interface using a liquid crystal screen. The touch panel 36 supports multi-touch input, and acquires the position coordinates at which the user's finger, a dedicated pen, or the like touches the liquid crystal screen and inputs the position coordinates to the main control unit 22. The main control unit 22 determines a user instruction based on the input position coordinates, and executes processing corresponding to the determined instruction.

  The map database 56 stores map data, wireless LAN spot information, and incommunicable area information. Map data consists of feature data, which is data representing features such as roads and facilities that are the background of the map, network information that consists of nodes and links, and is used for route search, and version information that indicates the version of the map data Including. The wireless LAN spot information is information indicating a position where a wireless LAN connection by Wi-Fi or the like can be used. The incommunicable area information is information indicating an area in which a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 20 cannot perform communication connection using the base station BS. The incommunicable area information is shown for each communication carrier, and the stability of the communication state is shown. The communication carrier is a company that provides a telecommunication service that can be used by the smartphone 20. The stability of the communication state indicates a connection state at the time of communication, the stable state indicates a state where the connection is not disconnected, and the unstable state indicates a state where the connection is easily disconnected.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a map display for route guidance. The position of the wireless LAN spot is indicated by an asterisk. The previously described incommunicable area is indicated by dots. The incommunicable area shown in FIG. 2 occupies a part of the displayed map area. In order to enable such display, the map database 56 does not have a structure in which the entire map data area of each distribution unit is communicable or incapable of communication, and any area in the map data of the distribution unit is not communicable. Data of a structure that can identify whether it exists is stored. Specifically, absolute or relative coordinates are given to each vertex of the map data of the distribution unit. The incommunicable area is stored in association with the map data of this distribution unit, and its shape is constituted by point information constituting the polygon of the incommunicable area. In addition, the position of the point information constituting the polygon in the incommunicable area is indicated by the relative coordinates with respect to each vertex of the map data of the distribution unit.

  FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the departure process. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions that are exhibited when the smartphone 20 executes the departure process. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating functions that are exhibited when the server 50 executes the departure process. Each function is exhibited by any one component provided in the smartphone 20 and the server 50 described with reference to FIG. 1 or by the cooperation of a plurality of components. Each function will be described together with the description of the sequence diagram of FIG.

  The trigger for starting the departure process is that a route guidance start instruction for an automobile is input via the touch panel 36 of the smartphone 20. The route guidance start instruction includes at least input of information indicating the destination. In addition to the destination, an input of information indicating a route search condition may be included. The route search condition is, for example, a route condition to be preferentially searched such as distance priority or high speed priority, or information indicating a waypoint. After the route guidance start instruction is input, the transmission unit 220 of the smartphone 20 transmits the route search information and the distribution unnecessary map data information to the server 50 (step S112). The route search information is information indicating a departure point, a destination, the above route search conditions, and the like. The departure place is, for example, the self-position of the smartphone 20. This self-position is acquired by the self-position positioning unit 210. The self-position positioning unit 210 measures the current position of the smartphone 20 from the GPS signal received by the GPS receiver 42. In the first embodiment, the distribution unnecessary map data information is stored map data information stored in at least one of the second map data storage unit 250 and the in-vehicle device 70 of the smartphone 20, and a version of the stored map data. Information and information for specifying a communication carrier are included. Note that if the stored map data is not stored in either the second map data storage unit 250 or the in-vehicle device 70, the version information is not included in the distribution unnecessary map data information. When the stored map data is stored in both the second map data storage unit 250 and the in-vehicle device 70, if the version information is different from each other, the newer version information is used as the distribution unnecessary map data information. Adopted.

  When receiving the route search information, the route search unit 520 of the server 50 executes the route search using the route search information (step S125). Specifically, the route search unit 520 searches for a route from the departure point to the destination using the network information in the map data storage unit 530. The map data storage unit 530 includes road map data mainly used for route guidance of vehicles, pedestrian map data mainly used for route guidance of pedestrians, an incommunicable area including communication strength information, and a wireless LAN spot. Information is stored. The road map data includes feature data suitable for vehicle movement guidance, vehicle network data, and version information. The pedestrian map data includes feature data suitable for pedestrian movement guidance, pedestrian network data, and version information.

  Next, when the distribution of map data is necessary (step S130), the second map data distribution unit 510 receives the map data from the map data storage unit 530 and distributes the map data to the smartphone 20 as the second map data. Then, the searched route information is distributed (step S135). The second map data is map data that is scheduled to be used for route guidance in the incommunicable area, and is map data distributed before the smartphone 20 is located in the incommunicable area.

  In step S <b> 130, the server side distribution map data specifying unit 550 of the server 50 determines whether or not the distribution of the second map data is necessary based on the distribution unnecessary map data information transmitted from the smartphone 20. The server-side distribution map data identification unit 550 refers to the map data storage unit 530, and identifies map data in which the route searched by the route search unit 520 is included in the incommunicable region (step 127). And the map data which remove | eliminated the distribution unnecessary map data received from the smart phone 20 from this specified map data is specified as delivery map data. In addition, the server side delivery map data specific | specification part 550, when the map data which the path | route searched by the route search part 520 contains in the communication impossible area | region and the map data of distribution unnecessary map data information show the same place, With reference to the version information, if the version of the map data not required for distribution is old, it is determined that this map data is the distribution map data that needs to be distributed.

  When the area including the destination is an incommunicable area, the second map data distribution unit 510 refers to the map data storage unit 530 and converts the pedestrian map data together with the road map data of the corresponding area to the second map data. To the smartphone 20 (step S145). The server side distribution map data specifying unit 550 determines whether or not the area including the destination is an incommunicable area. The criterion for this decision is that the principle is necessary and not necessary only in specific cases. This is because the user usually walks and moves to the destination after getting off the car. For example, walking from a parking lot where a car is parked to a destination facility or walking around a destination is considered. As a specific case, when the user walks but route guidance is unnecessary (when the destination is at home, for example), or when the user does not walk after arriving at the destination (the destination is shopping through drive-through) In the case of facilities for the like). When the area including the destination is an incommunicable area, the second map data distribution unit 510 may distribute only the pedestrian map data as the second map data to the smartphone 20 for the corresponding area. In addition, when the area including the destination is an incommunicable area, the second map data distribution unit 510 distributes the second map data to the corresponding area, and distributes the second map data to the other areas. May be omitted. Areas that require guidance based on detailed map data are often around the destination, and by omitting map distribution in other areas, the storage capacity of the second map data in the smartphone 20 can be reduced.

  When the reception unit 230 of the smartphone 20 receives the second map data distributed from the server 50, the second map data update unit 240 of the smartphone 20 uses the second map data to generate a second map data storage unit. The stored contents of 250 and the in-vehicle device 70 are updated (step S152). The reason for storing the second map data also in the in-vehicle device 70 is that the smartphones 20 that execute the route guidance process are not always the same individual. The smartphone 20 can accumulate the second map data by executing the departure process for each route guidance. However, when the separate smartphone 20 executes the departure process, the smartphone 20 does not always store the second map data. Therefore, if the second map data is stored in the in-vehicle device 70, the second map data stored in the in-vehicle device 70 can be used even by the separate smartphone 20. Further, the second map data update unit 240 of the smartphone 20 may store the second map data distributed from the server 50 only in the in-vehicle device 70. Thereby, for example, the storage capacity of the second map data storage unit 250 of the smartphone 20 having a smaller storage capacity than the in-vehicle device 70 can be reduced.

  When the area including the destination is an incommunicable area, the desire acquisition unit 260 of the smartphone 20 outputs a request for the return route so that the user can select it (step S160). The return route referred to here is a route having the destination on the outbound route as a new departure point, and any other conditions (such as the destination) may be used. The hope acquisition unit 260 outputs a reverse route that travels backward as a hope of the return route and a route that passes through a point different from the forward route. The reverse route may be a search route acquired from the server 50 on the touch panel 36. When the user selects a retrograde route via the touch panel 36, the desire acquisition unit 260 stores the second map data and route information received from the server 50 in the second map data storage unit 250. On the other hand, when the desire acquisition unit 260 recognizes that the user has selected a route via the touch panel 36, the desire acquisition unit 260 outputs a screen for inputting a route search condition for the return path to the touch panel 36. Information such as a departure date and a waypoint is input as a route search condition. The hope acquisition unit 260 identifies information such as a departure date and a route point input by the user via the touch panel 36 as route search information for the return route. The transmission unit 220 transmits the route search information for the return path specified by the desire acquisition unit 260 to the server 50 (step S162).

  When the route search unit 520 of the server 50 receives the route search information for the return route from the smartphone 20, the route search unit 520 searches for a route using the information (step S175). The second map data distribution unit 510 distributes the searched search route to the smartphone 20 (step S185). The reason for searching the guidance route for the return route at the departure stage is that the departure process cannot be executed at the destination because the destination is a non-communication area. With this distribution as a trigger, the server 50 ends the departure process and proceeds to the next route guidance process. If the server 50 determines in step S130 that the distribution of the map data of the area including the destination is unnecessary, the server 50 ends the departure process without executing step S135 and the subsequent steps, and proceeds to the next route guidance process.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing route guidance processing. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating functions that are exhibited when the smartphone 20 and the server 50 execute route guidance processing. When the route guidance process is started, the first map data distribution unit 560 of the server 50 distributes the first map data and the route information in the area of the map data to the smartphone 20 (step S315). The first map data is map data that includes a search route from the departure point to the destination, and the search route is not included in the incommunicable region, and is the map data of the region including the self-location of the smartphone 20. That is. Immediately after the departure process is completed, since the self-position of the smartphone 20 is the departure place, the first map data is map data of an area including the departure place. The route information distributed by the server 50 is a part of the route information searched by the route search unit 520 in the departure process. Hereinafter, the first map data and the route information in the area are collectively referred to as “guide map information”.

  When the receiving unit 230 of the smartphone 20 receives the guide map information from the server 50, the route guide unit 270 of the smartphone 20 executes route guidance using the guide map information (step S322). In the present embodiment, the route guidance unit 270 of the smartphone 20 transmits the guidance map information and the information indicating the self position to the in-vehicle device 70, thereby causing the in-vehicle device 70 to perform route guidance. When communication with the server 50 is possible (step S330, YES), the transmission unit 220 of the smartphone 20 receives information indicating its own position, information indicating a communication status, and information for specifying a communication carrier. (Step S332). The communication status refers to the availability and stability of communication at each point. As information indicating the communication status, for example, the intensity value of the radio wave for each point can be cited. In addition, since information indicating that communication is not possible cannot be transmitted while communication is not possible, after communication becomes possible, information indicating that communication was impossible and information indicating a point where communication was impossible were displayed. Send.

  When the first map data distribution unit 560 of the server 50 receives the information indicating the self position from the smartphone 20, the first map data distribution unit 560 acquires the map data corresponding to the self position of the smartphone 20 from the map data storage unit 530, and obtains the guide map information from the smartphone 20. (Step S345). The first map data included in the guide map information is acquired from the map data storage unit 530 by the first map data distribution unit 560 of the server 50 according to information indicating the self-location of the smartphone 20. When the receiving unit 230 of the smartphone 20 receives the guide map information, the route guide unit 270 performs route guidance in the same manner as in step S322 (step S352).

  On the other hand, the incommunicable area update unit 570 of the server 50 updates the storage content of the incommunicable area of the map data storage unit 530 based on the information related to the communication status transmitted from the smartphone 20 (step S365). The update of the stored content means that the incommunicable area update unit 570 replaces the communicability associated with each area with the incommunicable or the incommunicable with communicable. The update by the incommunicable area update unit 570 is performed based on statistical processing of information regarding the communication status collected from the plurality of smartphones 20. The reason based on the statistical processing is that it is not appropriate to determine the incommunicable area information only by the information collected from one smartphone 20 because it has a structure arranged for each communication carrier, not for each individual smartphone. Because. As a specific method of statistical processing, the incommunicable area update unit 570 is incapable of communication from a point belonging to each divided area in order to assign communicable or incommunicable for each area divided more finely than the map data of the distribution unit. A method of classifying that communication is impossible if the ratio of the smartphone 20 that has transmitted the information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 30%), and communication is possible if the ratio is less than the predetermined value. Furthermore, you may consider the communication carrier and the intensity | strength of an electromagnetic wave.

  On the other hand, when communication is impossible (step S330, NO), when the second map data storage unit 250 of the smartphone 20 or the in-vehicle device 70 stores map data of an area including its own position (YES in step S370), The route guidance unit 270 performs route guidance using the map data (step S372), and when neither the second map data storage unit of the smartphone 20 nor the in-vehicle device 70 is stored (step S370, NO) ) The route guidance is interrupted (step S382). The smartphone 20 and the server 50 repeat Step S330 to Step S382 until the route guidance ends.

  According to the navigation system 10 of the first embodiment, at least the following effects can be obtained. (A) Even when the vicinity of the destination is an incommunicable area, route guidance using a detailed map can be performed near the destination. As a result, guidance using various facilities and narrow roads can be performed, and re-search by map matching to other than large roads can be performed. (B) The server 50 can update the information on the incommunicable area based on the information from the smartphone 20. Since there are a large number of smartphones 20, this update uses collective intelligence and can be said to reflect useful information according to the actual situation. (C) Since the smartphone 20 stores the second map data received once, the server 50 does not need to distribute the same map data again. However, since the distribution is performed when the latest version of the map data is changed, the smartphone 20 can be prevented from continuing to use the old map data. (D) Since it is considered that there are many users who do not need to provide detailed map guidance for places other than the destination, the time required for the departure process is omitted by distributing the second map data not including the destination. And the amount of communication data is saved. This further saves the storage area of the smartphone 20.

  (E) When the vicinity of the destination is an incommunicable area, pedestrian map data near the destination may be distributed. This makes it possible to execute easy-to-understand guidance when, for example, walking around a destination for sightseeing after getting off. (F) When the vicinity of the destination is an incommunicable region, a reverse route or another route may be distributed as route guidance for the return route according to the user's request. As a result, route guidance can be performed from the departure point of the return route. (G) The map data to be distributed may indicate a point where wireless LAN connection is possible. As a result, the user can be notified of the point where the Internet connection can be made even in the area where communication is impossible. (H) By storing the second map data in the in-vehicle device 70, the second map data can be continuously utilized even if the individual smartphone 20 is replaced. This is an idea that pays attention to the fact that an automobile often uses a plurality of people instead of each other, whereas each smartphone 20 is always used by the same person. (I) Information on the incommunicable area accumulated by the route guidance process can be used for grasping and improving the radio wave condition of the communication carrier.

  The main hardware configuration corresponding to each functional block is shown. The self-positioning unit 210 includes the CPU 24 and the GPS receiver 42, the transmission unit 220 and the reception unit 230 include the CPU 24 and the communication unit 32, the second map data update unit 240, the route guide unit 270, and the terminal-side distribution map data identification unit 280. Is the CPU 24, the second map data storage unit 250 is the RAM 26, the second map data distribution unit 510 and the first map data distribution unit 560 are the communication unit 52 and the control unit 54, the route search unit 520, the server-side distribution map data. The specifying unit 550 and the incommunicable area update unit 570 correspond to the control unit 54, and the map data storage unit 530 and the incommunicable region storage unit 540 correspond to the map database 56.

  A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the hardware configuration and the route guidance process are the same as those in the first embodiment, whereas the departure process is different from that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, items that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the starting process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating functions that are exhibited when the smartphone 20 executes the departure process of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating functions that are exhibited when the server 50 executes the departure process of the second embodiment.

  After the route guidance instruction is input, the transmission unit 220 of the smartphone 20 transmits route search information (departure point, destination, etc.) to the server 50 (step S612). When receiving the route search information, the route search unit 520 of the server 50 executes the route search using the route search information (step S625). Next, the second map data distribution unit 510 distributes the searched route information to the smartphone 20 (step S635). Upon receiving the route information from the server 50, the terminal-side distribution map data specifying unit 280 specifies the distribution-unnecessary map data (Step S642). Specifically, among the map data stored in the second map data storage unit 250, the map data of the area including the searched route is specified as the distribution unnecessary map data. Subsequently, the terminal-side distribution map data specifying unit 280 transmits distribution-unnecessary map data information to the server 50 (step S652). The distribution unnecessary map data information is information for specifying the distribution unnecessary map data. This information indicates, for example, the latitude / longitude and the scale of the four corners of the area corresponding to the distribution unnecessary map data. If no distribution-unnecessary map data is identified in step S642, that fact is transmitted to the server 50 instead of the distribution-unnecessary map data information.

  Upon receiving the distribution-unnecessary map data information, the second map data distribution unit 510 distributes the second map data to the smartphone 20 if there is second map data that needs to be distributed (step S660) (step S665). ). The case where there is map data that needs to be distributed is a case where any map data is specified by map data information that does not require distribution.

  When step S665 is executed, second map data distribution unit 510 distributes the data to smartphone 20 when it is necessary to distribute map data for pedestrians in a region including the destination (step S670) (step S670). S675). When the receiving unit 230 of the smartphone 20 receives the second map data distributed from the server 50, the second map data update unit 240 of the smartphone 20 uses the second map data to convert the second map data storage unit. The stored contents of 250 and the in-vehicle device 70 are updated (step S682).

  Next, when the vicinity of the destination is an incommunicable area and the user desires a route (a route other than the reverse route) as a return route guidance route (step S690), the transmission unit 220 uses a route search route search. Information is transmitted to the server 50 (step S692). When the route search information for the return route is transmitted from the smartphone 20, the route search unit 520 searches for a route using the information (step S705). The second map data distribution unit 510 distributes the searched route to the smartphone 20 by the second map data distribution unit 510 (step S715), ends the departure process, and executes the route guidance process. On the other hand, if there is no second map data that needs to be distributed, after step S652, the departure process is terminated and the route guidance process is executed.

  According to the second embodiment, detailed map guidance can be performed even in an incommunicable area other than the vicinity of the destination. In addition, since map data that does not need to be distributed is determined using the search route, it is possible to prevent unnecessary distribution of map data.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the above-described effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. If the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

  For example, the moving means targeted for navigation may not be an automobile, but may be walking, bicycle, public transportation, or the like. The mobile terminal may not be a smartphone, but may be a mobile phone that is not a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like. The second map data need not be distributed at the time of departure. For example, when the mobile terminal approaches the incommunicable area, map data in the incommunicable area may be distributed. The identification of the incommunicable area may not be based on the probe information, and for example, information may be received from a communication carrier.

  In the above embodiment, the distribution of the second map data is performed in the departure process, but the distribution timing is not limited to the departure process. For example, it is good also as a form distributed timely from the departure place until it reaches an incommunicable area.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Navigation system 20 ... Smartphone 22 ... Main control part 24 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 32 ... Communication part 34 ... Communication control part 36 ... Touch panel 38 ... Display part 40 ... Audio | voice output part 50 ... Server 52 ... Communication part 54 ... Control part 56 ... Map database 70 ... In-vehicle apparatus 210 ... Self-position positioning part 220 ... Transmission part 230 ... Reception unit 240 ... Second map data update unit 250 ... Second map data storage unit 270 ... Route guide unit 280 ... Terminal side distribution map data identification unit 510 ... Second map data distribution unit 520 ... Route search unit 530 ... Map Data storage unit 540 ... Incommunicable area storage unit 550 ... Server-side distribution map data specifying unit 560 ... First map data distribution unit 570 ... Incommunicable area update unit BS ... Base station INT ... Internet

Claims (8)

A navigation system comprising a server and a mobile terminal,
The server
A map data storage unit for storing map data;
An incommunicable area storage unit that stores an incommunicable area incapable of communication with the mobile terminal in association with the map data;
A route searching unit you search probe path based on the information including the starting point and destination received from the mobile terminal,
A map including the route, a first map data distribution unit for distributing first map data indicating a map in a predetermined range from a self-position that is a current position of the mobile terminal to the mobile terminal;
Information indicating a route searched by the route search unit, a map including the route, first to distribute the second map data representing a map marked with relation to the incommunicable region, the to the mobile terminal 2 map data distribution unit,
The portable terminal is
A self-positioning unit for positioning the self-position;
A transmission unit that transmits information about the self-location, the departure place, and the destination to the server;
A receiving unit that receives the first map data, the second map data, and information indicating the route from the server;
A route guidance unit that guides the route using the first map data, the second map data, and information indicating the route received by the reception unit ;
A second map data storage unit for holding the received second map data even after the end of the route guidance by the route guidance unit;
A distribution map data specifying unit that specifies map data that does not require distribution based on the information indicating the transmitted route and the stored contents of the second map data storage unit, and that transmits the specified information to the server. ,
The second map data distribution unit excludes the map data indicated by the information specifying the distribution-unnecessary map data from the second map data, and before the mobile terminal's own position is located in the incommunicable region and delivery to,
The transmitting unit transmits information related to a communication status with the server to the server in association with the self-location,
The said server is provided with the communication impossible area update part which updates the memory content of the said communication impossible area memory | storage part based on the said communication condition received from the said portable terminal, and the said self-position. The navigation system characterized by the above-mentioned. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the incommunicable area update unit updates the storage contents of the incommunicable area storage unit based on statistics of the communication status and the self-location received from a plurality of the mobile terminals. The server specifies map data that need not be distributed to the mobile terminal based on the map data stored in the second map data storage unit, and excludes the map data from the distribution target by the second map data distribution unit It has a map data identification part,
The distribution map data specifying unit specifies map data other than the map data corresponding to the area including the destination among the second map data as the distribution unnecessary . navigation system according to one. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the portable terminal transmits the second map data to the in-vehicle device in order to store the second map data in the in-vehicle device. . When the vicinity of the destination is an incommunicable area, the second map data distribution unit distributes map data indicating a map of the area including the destination and guiding the pedestrian The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The route guidance unit, when the vicinity of the destination is a incommunicable region, any of claims 1 to 5 for guiding a retrograde route interchanged with the departure and the destination after reaching the destination The navigation system according to any one of the above. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second map data includes information related to communication facilities. The map data, as well is adapted to be delivered to each delivery unit, in the area indicated by the map data of each delivery unit, according claim 1 comprising a data indicating whether incommunicable region claim 7
The navigation system according to any one of the above.

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