JP6507488B2 - Image display system and image generation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display system and an image generation method. In particular, the present invention relates to an image display system of a map image and an image generation method.

  With the development of information processing technology and communication technology, digital maps are actively used in various fields. For example, digital maps are used in public areas such as management of infrastructure facilities such as roads and disaster prevention plans. Alternatively, many companies use digital maps to provide services that are convenient for users. Thus, digital maps are used in various social activities.

  In recent years, a free map providing service on the Internet has been provided from an organization or company having information on infrastructure and map content. In such a map providing service, an API (Application Programming Interface) is provided to a user who wants to use the map providing service. By using the API, each user can easily utilize the digital map on their own web (web site) or the like.

  Here, when providing a digital map to a user, various methods exist regarding how to generate a map image.

  One of the methods is a method of generating a map image each time in response to a request from the user using map data prepared in advance, and providing the visualized map to the user. Map data is graphic information and attribute information represented on a map. For example, map data (digital map data) relating to roads includes "nodes" indicating the positions of intersections and nodes, and "links" indicating connections between nodes. When visualizing map data, a map image is generated based on the design (the size, shape, color, etc. of a point indicating a node or a line indicating a link) of a predetermined configuration of map data.

  For example, it is assumed that the user is requested to provide a map regarding road information of a certain area (see FIG. 14). In this case, it is assumed that the map data of the requested area includes information on the road, information on the traffic light, and information on the road number. The map server generates an image visualizing a component (a road, a traffic light, etc.) based on the map data, and provides a digital map by transmitting it to the user. Every time the map server receives a map display request from the user, the map server needs to execute a series of visualization processing on each component (road, traffic light, road number in FIG. 14), and visualization is performed as the number of components increases. Processing also increases.

  However, sufficient response speed (response) can not be secured if such map data visualization processing is performed each time a display request from the user is made. Therefore, a method of tiling map data and preparing a digital map in advance is often used.

  The tiling of map data is to divide a map image drawn from the map data according to a predetermined design into a predetermined size and save it. The map image divided into the predetermined size is prepared for each scale, and the map image can be constructed by arranging these in a tile form.

  For example, referring to FIG. 15, a map image in a format that can be provided to the user can be created in advance by visualizing each of the components (road, traffic light, road number) of a specific area. The previously created map image is a tiled map image, and when the user requests to provide a map, the tiled data is returned to the user. Also, if the request from the user can not be handled with one tile (a tiled map image), a plurality of map images are combined and handled.

  The advantage of tiling map data is that a map image (a tiled map image) created in advance is output as it is, so that a digital map can be provided to the user at high speed. That is, generation of a tiled map image is sufficient if processing for visualizing each component is performed once, and a map image is not generated each time a user request is made, so the response performance is excellent. In the map providing service published on the Internet, such tiling technology seamlessly realizes scale change and movement.

  On the other hand, there is a disadvantage in tiled map data. The problem with tiled map data is that tiled map data requires a significant amount of time. Since it depends on the amount of map data and the performance of the computer, it can not be said in general, but tiling of the world map is considered to take several weeks to several months. Moreover, since the map image is required for each scale, the size of the tiled map image is much larger than the size of a single map data. Note that tiled map data may also be referred to as "cached map data".

  Patent Document 1 discloses that, on the display of map information including information on landmarks such as landmarks and temples, information change instruction relating to display / non-display of landmarks is performed.

JP 2012-189370 A

  The disclosure of the above prior art documents is incorporated herein by reference. The following analysis is done by the present inventors.

  As described above, the map providing service is often realized on a Web site using the map providing service published on the Internet. On the other hand, depending on the company or organization, a system that handles digital maps in a closed network environment (for example, an intranet) may be constructed if the information to be handled is highly confidential or because of security concerns.

  In such a closed network environment, the map providing service provided free of charge as described above can not be used. Therefore, it is necessary to construct an equivalent system (a system for providing digital maps) by each company / organization or the like. Even in an intranet environment, system responsiveness is a high priority consideration. Therefore, tiled map data is often prepared even in the map providing service used in the intranet environment.

  Map images used in an intranet environment are often used for special applications, and a uniform design may not meet the needs of users. For example, user A thinks that "the color of the road is gray and the color of the sea is blue" is the best for carrying out his duties, and the user B is "the color of the road is blue and the sea is green" I have something to think about. In other words, in a company or organization that carries out work using a map image, disagreement is likely to occur because the places and areas of interest differ depending on individuals and groups of several people. If the number of people using map images is small, it may be possible to reconcile opinions, but it becomes more difficult to agree on the opinions as the number of people increases.

  As a solution, it is conceivable to recreate tiled images (caches) each time, or to prepare tiled images corresponding to a plurality of designs in advance. However, preparation of tiled images as described above requires a lot of work time and effort, and neither solution is practical.

  Patent Document 1 also discloses a technology that enables the design change of the map image. However, in patent document 1, it is not a premise to tile and display map data, and the technique of patent document 1 can not be applied when displaying a tiled map image. That is, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to generate data each time a map image is displayed without performing mapping of map data, and in such a configuration, a map customized at a realistic response speed Images can not be provided.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image display system and an image generation method which contribute to changing the design of a tiled map image to provide a map image.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size, a customized pixel forming a component whose design can be changed is specified in a predetermined format. A first map image generating device that generates a first map image, and a user that specifies a pixel value of the customization pixel according to the attribute value of the customization pixel, and generates a second map image seen including a second map image generating apparatus, the map image storage device for storing a plurality of the first map image, wherein the first map image generating apparatus was produced in response to the request of the generation of the map image The first map image is stored in the map image storage device, and the second map image generation device is adapted to the request from the user among the plurality of first map images stored in the map image storage device. 1st map To get the image display system is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the respective components constituting the map image, a pixel value set in advance for each of the components, from the determination pixel value that defines the hierarchical relationship between the components, Setting information is input, and for each of a plurality of pixels constituting the map image divided into a predetermined size, the determined pixel values corresponding to the constituent elements A second map image is generated by determining the pixel value of each pixel constituting the first map image according to the first map image generating device to be generated and the customization information provided by the user. The map image generation device, wherein the determined pixel value is composed of a bit string including a plurality of bits, the bit position of the bit string indicates the upper / lower relation between the components, and the bit value of the bit string indicates the component Indicates whether or not The customization information includes display determination information on display / non-display of components constituting a map image, and information on adjustment pixel values for specifying pixel values of pixels forming each component. The map image generation device 2 generates a layer display bit string in which the display determination information is reflected at the bit position indicating the upper / lower relation of each component, which has the same format as the bit string of the determination pixel value . The component to be displayed is extracted by the logical operation of the added determination pixel value and the layer display bit string, and the pixel value of the pixel constituting the highest positioned component among the extracted components is corresponded An image display system is provided, which generates the second map image by replacing the adjustment pixel value.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size, a customized pixel forming a component whose design can be changed is specified in a predetermined format. A step of generating a first map image, a step of converting a pixel value of the customization pixel according to an attribute value of the customization pixel specified by a user, and generating a second map image; generation of a map image Storing the first map image generated in response to the request according to claim in the map image storage device, and meeting the request from the user among the plurality of first map images stored in the map image storage device Obtaining a first map image .

  According to each viewpoint of the present invention, an image display system and an image generation method are provided which contribute to changing the design of a tiled map image to provide a map image.

It is a figure for explaining an outline of one embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the example of composition of the map image display system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the information set to a map conversion server from an administrator terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information and customization information which are set to a map provision server. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of a map conversion server. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a map conversion server. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of a map provision server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a map provision server. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement of the map image display system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the map conversion server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the map provision server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for explanation concerning generation of a map picture. It is a figure for demonstrating the tiling of map data.

  First, an outline of one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The reference symbols of the drawings appended to this summary are added for convenience to each element as an example for aiding understanding, and the description of the summary is not intended to be limiting in any way.

  As described above, an image display system is desired that can change the design of the tiled map image to provide the map image.

  Therefore, an image display system shown in FIG. 1 is provided as an example. The image display system includes a first map image generating device 100 and a second map image generating device 101. The first map image generating apparatus 100 specifies, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel forming a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size. 1 Generate a map image. The second map image generating apparatus 101 converts the pixel value of the customization pixel according to the attribute value of the customization pixel specified by the user, and generates a second map image.

  In the image display system according to an embodiment, a user designs a component (eg, sea, land, road, etc.) included in a tiled map image (map image divided into a predetermined size). The pixel value of the component is changed to a predetermined pixel value (for example, a determination pixel value to be described later) so that the component that can be changed can be identified. The map image created in this manner is the first map image.

  Then, when making a request for providing a map image, the user transmits, as customization information, an attribute value (for example, an adjustment pixel value described later) of a component whose design is configured to be changeable. In the second map image generating apparatus 101, when a customized pixel is found in the pixels constituting the first map image, the pixel value of the customized pixel is replaced with the pixel value provided by the user. Generate a second map image that reflects the user's customization request. As a result, the user can arbitrarily change the design of the tiled map image.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
The first embodiment will be described in more detail using the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration example of the map image display system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the map image display system according to the first embodiment includes an administrator terminal 10, a map conversion server 20 (corresponding to the first map image generating apparatus 100 described above), and a map storage server 30. , And a map providing server 40 (corresponding to the second map image generating device 101 described above) and a user terminal 50. Each terminal and each server are mutually connected via networks 61 and 62.

  In the map image display system of FIG. 2, the user terminal 50 sends a request for providing a map image (hereinafter referred to as a map image provision request) to the map providing server 40. The map providing server 40 which has received the request reads the tiled map image (the map image divided into a predetermined size) stored in the map storage server 30 and responds to the request of the user terminal 50.

  The map image stored in the map storage server 30 is configured such that design changes can be made for some components. For example, when the component of the map image is "sea", "road", or "land", the map storage server 30 stores a map image that can change the design of "sea" at the map providing server 40. ing.

  The user uses the user terminal 50 to transmit, to the map providing server 40, customization information specifying how to display the component whose design can be changed, together with the map image provision request.

  The map providing server 40 generates a map image reflecting the user's design change request based on the map image providing request and the customization information, and responds to the user terminal 50 (provides the map image). In the map providing server 40, setting information is set in advance by an administrator of the system. The setting information will be described later.

  The map conversion server 20 is a device that generates in advance a map image in which the map providing server 40 can change all or part of the components of the map image. When receiving a request for generating a map image from the administrator terminal 10, the map conversion server 20 creates a tiled map image based on the setting information set from the administrator terminal 10. The map conversion server 20 creates a tiled map image at each scale required for the system, and stores the map image in the map storage server 30.

  The map storage server 30 stores a plurality of tiled map images. The map storage server 30 outputs the map image requested by the map providing server 40 to the map providing server 40. In other words, the map providing server 40 acquires, from the map storage server 30, a map image suitable for the map image input through the user terminal 50.

  The system configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and various configurations can be considered. Although the map conversion server 20, the map storage server 30, and the map providing server 40 are described as independent devices in FIG. 2, a server in which these are integrated or partially integrated may be used. Although one user terminal 50 is illustrated in FIG. 2 for convenience, a map image provision request is actually transmitted from many user terminals 50 via the network 61.

  As described above, the system administrator performs necessary settings on the map conversion server 20 and the map providing server 40 using the administrator terminal 10.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information set from the administrator terminal 10 to the map conversion server 20. As shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 3, the information set in the map conversion server 20 includes at least the “modifiable data type”, the “determination pixel value”, and the “correction pixel value”.

  The changeable data type is information for specifying a component that allows a design change in the tiled map image. In the example shown in FIG. 3, at least “sea” and “road” are designated as changeable data types.

  The determination pixel value is a pixel value reserved to determine a pixel (corresponding to the above-mentioned customized pixel) that constitutes the changeable data type included in the tiled map image generated by the map conversion server 20. . In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the RGB (red, green, blue) format, a pixel value (1, 0, 0) is assigned to the customized pixel forming the changeable data type “sea”, and the changeable data type “road A pixel value (0, 1, 0) is assigned to the customized pixel making the “.”

  The corrected pixel value is a pixel value provided in consideration of the case where the pixel values of other components coincide with the determination pixel value when drawing other than the component designated by the changeable data type. In the example of FIG. 3, (0, 0, 0) is designated as the corrected pixel value. Note that various methods can be considered to determine the corrected pixel value. As one example, the corrected pixel value can be determined based on the determined pixel value. For example, values after statistical processing on a plurality of determined pixel values (for example, a median or an average value calculated from a plurality of determined pixel values) may be used as a corrected pixel value. By setting the correction pixel value to a value close to the determination pixel value as described above, the map image made up of the correction pixel value does not make the user feel uncomfortable.

  The administrator also sets setting information from the administrator terminal 10 to the map providing server 40. The information set from the administrator terminal 10 to the map providing server 40 is the changeable data type and the discrimination pixel value. That is, in the map providing server 40, information excluding the setting information related to the correction pixel value among the information set in the map conversion server 20 is set from the administrator terminal 10.

  The administrator creates a setting file, and transmits the setting file to the map conversion server 20 or the map providing server 40. In addition, said structure is not the meaning which limits the setting method of setting information and customization information which are used by map conversion server 20 grade | etc.,. For example, a server for storing the setting file may be separately provided, and the administrator may register the setting file in the server, and the map conversion server 20 or the like may appropriately access the server.

  Further, the customization information is transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the map providing server 40. The customization information transmitted from the user terminal 50 includes an attribute value (for example, color or the like) of the customization pixel. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that pixel values for each changeable data type are transmitted as attribute values of customized pixels. This pixel value is referred to as "adjusted pixel value".

  The adjustment pixel value is a pixel value to be replaced with the discrimination pixel value when the map providing server 40 finds the discrimination pixel value in the tiled map image. The design of the changeable data type can be arbitrarily changed by setting the color desired by the user as the adjustment pixel value by replacing the determined pixel value with the adjustment pixel value.

  For example, if the user wants to set the sea color to red and the road color to gray, then the sea adjustment pixel value (255, 0, 0) and the road adjustment pixel value (128, 128, 128) is sent to the map providing server 40.

  The map providing server 40 provides the map image according to the user's request by replacing the determination pixel value of the changeable data type with the adjustment pixel value.

  It is FIG. 4 which put together the setting information and customization information which are set to the map provision server 40. FIG. The setting information and the customization information set in the map providing server 40 are stored in the internal storage unit as a setting file having the information shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the map conversion server 20. As shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, the map conversion server 20 is configured to include a communication unit 201, a map image generation unit 202, and a storage unit 203.

  The communication unit 201 is a means for communicating with the administrator terminal 10 and the map storage server 30 via the network 62.

  The map image generation unit 202 is a means for generating a tiled map image according to the setting file described above.

  The storage unit 203 is means for storing at least the setting file transmitted from the administrator terminal 10.

  The map image generation unit 202 can also be realized by a computer program that causes a computer mounted on the map conversion server 20 to execute the processing described in detail later using the hardware.

  Next, the operation of the map conversion server 20 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map conversion server 20.

  First, when receiving a request for generating a map image from the administrator terminal 10, the map image generation unit 202 reads the setting file stored in the storage unit 203 (step S101). Here, it is assumed that the setting file shown in FIG. 3 is read.

  The map image generation unit 202 executes loop processing (steps S102 to S106) of generating a map image (drawing a map) for each data type included in the requested map image. The map image generation unit 202 repeats loop processing until there is no data type to be drawn.

  In step S102, the map image generation unit 202 confirms whether or not the data type of the drawing target is the changeable data type designated in the setting file.

  If the data type of the drawing target is the changeable data type (step S102, Yes branch), the discrimination pixel value designated in the setting file is set as the pixel value of the pixel (customize pixel) of the changeable data type ( Step S103).

  If the data type of the drawing target is not the changeable data type (No in step S102), the map image generation unit 202 executes the process according to steps S104 to S106.

  In step S104, the map image generation unit 202 confirms whether a pixel value belonging to a data type other than the changeable data type matches the determined pixel value. Here, (1, 0, 0) of “sea” and (0, 1, 0) of “road” are designated as discrimination pixel values, and therefore pixels constituting these values and the data type of the drawing target Are compared with the pixel value of.

  If the pixel value is the determined pixel value (Yes in step S104), the map image generation unit 202 replaces the pixel value with the corrected pixel value (step S105). Here, since (0, 0, 0) is designated as the correction pixel value, the pixel values of (1, 0, 0) and (0, 1, 0) are replaced with (0, 0, 0).

  If the pixel value is not the determination pixel value (No in step S104), the map image generation unit 202 draws using the original pixel value of the data type to be drawn (step S106).

  When the loop processing according to steps S102 to S106 ends, the map image generation unit 202 stores the generated map image in the map storage server 30 via the communication unit 201.

  As described above, the map conversion server 20 generates a map image in which customization pixels forming a component whose design can be changed among the plurality of pixels constituting the tiled map image are specified in RGB format. . In other words, the map conversion server 20 generates a map image in which customization pixels are embedded, which are components capable of changing the design.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the map providing server 40. As shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, the map providing server 40 is configured to include a communication unit 301, a map image generation unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

  The communication unit 301 is a means for communicating with the user terminal 50 and the map storage server 30 via the networks 61 and 62.

  The map image generation unit 302 is a unit that generates a map image in which the design of the tiled map image is changed according to the setting file including the above-described customization information. The map image generation unit 302 provides the user terminal 50 with a map image by transmitting the generated map image to the user terminal 50 via the communication unit 301.

  The storage unit 303 is means for storing at least a setting file including setting information and customization information.

  The map image generation unit 302 can also be realized by a computer program that causes a computer mounted on the map providing server 40 to execute the processing described in detail later using the hardware.

  Next, the operation of the map providing server 40 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map providing server 40.

  First, when receiving a map image provision request from the user terminal 50, the map image generation unit 302 reads the setting file stored in the storage unit 303 (step S201). Here, it is assumed that the setting file shown in FIG. 4 is read.

  The map image generation unit 302 acquires the requested map image from the map storage server 30 (step S202).

  The map image generation unit 302 executes, for each pixel included in the map image displayed on the user terminal 50, a loop process (step S203) related to pixel value conversion.

  In step S203, the map image generation unit 302 changes the determination pixel value to the corresponding adjustment pixel value. For example, if the pixel value is (1, 0, 0), the map image generation unit 302 replaces the pixel value with the adjustment pixel value (255, 0, 0) corresponding to the changeable data type “sea”.

  When the loop processing according to step S203 is completed, the map image generation unit 302 transmits the map image displayed on the user terminal 50 to the user terminal 50 (step S204).

  As described above, the map providing server 40 converts the pixel value of the customization pixel using the adjustment pixel value provided from the user terminal 50 as the attribute value of the customization pixel, and generates a map image to be provided to the user. . More specifically, the map providing server 40 extracts the customization pixels from the pixels constituting the map image stored in the map storage server 30, and replaces the extracted customization pixel pixel values with the adjustment pixel values. Realize the request for the design change of.

  Next, the operation of the map image display system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The original map image is as shown in FIG. 9 (a). Among the components (land, sea, road) shown in FIG. 9A, when the sea and the road are designated as modifiable data types, the map conversion server 20 is as shown in FIG. 9B. A map image (a tiled map image) is generated in advance. In the image shown in FIG. 9B, the pixel values relating to land can not be changed, but the pixel values of the sea and the road are replaced with the determination pixel values, so that the pixel values can be changed (change in design).

  The map providing server 40 that has received the map image provision request from the user replaces the determined pixel value in FIG. 9B with the adjustment pixel value and provides the user with the map image as shown in FIG. 9C. Do.

  As described above, in the map image display system according to the first embodiment, when generating a tiled map image from map data, a predetermined format in which the pixel value (discriminated pixel value) that can be adjusted later is RGB format Embedded in the map image in advance. Then, when the user actually requests the provision of the map, the embedded determination pixel value is replaced with the pixel value (adjustment pixel value) set by the user. As a result, while using the tiled map image, the user terminal 50 can display the map image on which the customization information including the request of the user is reflected. In addition, since a tiled map image is not created each time a user requests a map image to be provided, a map image that satisfies the user's customization request can be generated while securing a realistic response speed.

  The design change of the map image can be realized by a simple method in which both the map conversion server 20 and the map providing server 40 replace pixel values with preset pixel values (determination pixel values, adjustment pixel values). Furthermore, the size of the map image in which the discrimination pixel value is embedded and the size of the map image displayed on the terminal of the user are the same as the size of the original map image.

  Furthermore, with regard to the speed (the response speed of the map providing server 40) at the time of generating the map image to be displayed on the user terminal 50, there are some additional processes, but the pixel value confirmation process and the replacement process are added. Yes, the impact of additional processing can be almost ignored.

[Modification]
The configuration and operation of the map image display system described in the first embodiment are examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, the map image display system may have the following configuration or operation.

  In the first embodiment, one discrimination pixel value and one adjustment pixel value are set for one changeable data type, but a plurality of discrimination pixel values correspond to one changeable data type. The adjusted pixel value may be set. By setting a plurality of determination pixel values and the like, it is possible to draw and adjust one data type in multiple colors instead of single colors.

  Also, it is often desirable to draw in two or more colors for most data types. For example, in the case of a road, it is desirable to use a drawing method that selectively uses the color of the outer line and the color of the solid fill. Alternatively, the center line may also be drawn in another color.

  When the multi-color can be changed as described above, the degree of freedom for the user is increased, but there is also an aspect that setting becomes complicated. Therefore, even if the color can be adjusted, the number of colors that open the adjustment to the user is limited to one or two, and it is possible to introduce a mechanism that automatically determines the other colors from these colors. It is. Specifically, when the adjusted pixel value corresponding to each determined pixel value is not provided, the map providing server 40 replaces the pixel value generated based on the provided adjusted pixel value with the determined pixel value.

  For example, using gradations to determine other colors is a convenient method. In the case where the pixel values of the pixels a, b, c and d are sequentially shaded, the user designates the pixel value a (50, 50, 50) and the pixel value d (200, 200, 200) Do. In this case, the system side can calculate results such as the pixel value b (100, 100, 100) and the pixel value c (150, 150, 150).

Second Embodiment
Subsequently, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the second embodiment, information other than the information related to color is given to the pixel values of the pixels constituting the map image. In the second embodiment, the number of display colors of the map image is limited to, for example, 24 colors. Then, information on the vertical relationship for each data type and display / non-display for each data type is included in the pixel value.

  Specifically, the pixel value is expressed by a bit string consisting of 8 bits × 3 and 24 bits, and the data type is set at each bit position. Further, display of the data type is assigned to data “1” at each bit position, and non-display of the data type is assigned to data “0”. Furthermore, the bit position defines the vertical relationship between data types.

  The configuration of the map image display system according to the second embodiment and the configuration of each server device are the same as the configurations described in the first embodiment, and therefore, the configuration shown in FIGS. The corresponding description is omitted.

  The administrator of the system uses the administrator terminal 10 to set the determination pixel values for all the target data types. The discrimination pixel value is such that data relating to one bit position in the 24-bit string is “1”, and data relating to another bit position is “0”. Therefore, when the pixel value is represented by a 24-bit bit string, the maximum value of the data type is 24.

  Further, the bit position having data “1” designates the upper and lower sides when the map providing server 40 generates a map image (displays at the user terminal 50). For example, the administrator sets the data type and the determination pixel value as shown in FIG. 10 in the map conversion server 20.

  In FIG. 10, the data type is "sea", "land", and "road", and discrimination pixel values are set for each. The determination pixel value shown in FIG. 10 indicates that the road is at a higher position than the land and the sea, and the sea is at a lower position than the road and the land.

  The administrator of the system transmits a setting file including setting information as shown in FIG. 10 to the map conversion server 20 and the map providing server 40 using the administrator terminal 10.

  The user uses the user terminal 50 to set adjustment pixel values for each data type. For example, it is assumed that the user has set the data type as shown in FIG. Further, the user uses the user terminal 50 to set display / non-display for each data type. In addition, the following description is given by setting the presence or absence of display for each data type as a data display determination value. The user terminal 50 transmits customization information as shown in FIG. 11 to the map providing server 40. The customization information transmitted from the user terminal 50 is combined with the setting information transmitted from the administrator terminal 10, and stored in the storage unit 303 as a setting file.

  Next, the operation of the map conversion server 20 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map conversion server 20.

  First, when receiving a request for generating a map image from the administrator terminal 10, the map image generation unit 202 reads the setting file stored in the storage unit 203 (step S301). Here, it is assumed that the setting file shown in FIG. 10 is read.

  In step S302, the map image generation unit 202 initializes the map image to be created. Specifically, the map image generation unit 202 initializes all pixel values of the map image to be created to (0, 0, 0). That is, the map image generation unit 202 generates a bit string in which 24 pieces of data “0” are arranged in the 24-bit bit string.

  The map image generation unit 202 executes loop processing (step S303) of updating pixel values (drawing a map) for each data type included in the map image. The map image generation unit 202 repeats loop processing until there is no data type to be drawn.

  In step S303, at the time of drawing for each data type, the pixel value is updated by adding the determined pixel value to each pixel value. For example, when “sea” is drawn first, since the pixel value is initialized in step S302, the pixel value after updating is (0... 0001). Next, when “land” is drawn in the pixel where “sea” is drawn, the pixel value after updating becomes (0... 0011). Furthermore, when “road” is drawn in the pixels where “sea” and “land” are drawn, the pixel values after updating become (0... 0111). Thus, the pixel values of the pixels in which “sea”, “land” and “road” are drawn are updated to (0... 0111). Alternatively, the pixel value of the sea road where the “road” is on the “sea” is updated to (0... 0101).

  When the loop processing according to step S303 is completed, the map image generation unit 202 stores the generated map image in the map storage server 30 via the communication unit 201.

  Next, the operation of the map providing server 40 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the map providing server 40.

  First, when receiving a request for providing a map image from the user terminal 50, the map image generation unit 302 reads the setting file stored in the storage unit 303 (step S401).

  The setting information read by the map image generation unit 302 includes at least the determined pixel value received from the administrator terminal 10, the adjusted pixel value received from the user terminal 50, and the data display determination value.

  The map image generation unit 302 acquires the requested map image from the map storage server 30 (step S402).

  In step S403, the map image generation unit 302 generates a layer display bit string using the data display determination value. The layer display bit string is a 24-bit bit string in which the data display determination value is set at the bit position of “1” of each data type. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, if “data” is a data display determination value that displays “sea” and “land” and hides “road”, (0... 0011) is a layer display bit string.

  The map image generation unit 302 executes, for each of the pixels included in the map image displayed on the user terminal 50, a loop process (steps S404 and S405) related to the pixel calculation.

  In step S404, the map image generation unit 302 performs an AND operation of the pixel value and the layer display bit string to update the pixel value. For example, as described above, in the case of pixel values (0... 0111) that display all the "road", "land" and "sea", the pixel value is the result of AND operation (0 ... 0011) Updated to). As a result of this AND operation, the setting for hiding "road" is applied.

  In step S405, the map image generation unit 302 determines that the pixel value after the AND operation is performed is the data “1” located at the position closest to the most significant bit (MSB; Most Significant Bit). To the adjusted pixel value corresponding to the determined pixel value corresponding to. For example, if the pixel value after the AND operation is (0... 0011), the adjustment pixel value (153, 76, 0) of “land” is set as the pixel value. Alternatively, if the pixel value after the AND operation is (0... 0001), the sea adjustment pixel value (255, 0, 0) is set as the pixel value.

  When the loop processing according to steps S404 and S405 ends, the map image generation unit 302 transmits the map image displayed on the user terminal 50 to the user terminal 50.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, when creating a tiled map image, the determination pixel value is embedded in the map image. The determination pixel value includes information on the types of components of the map image and their vertical relationship. Therefore, the user can designate the design (color) of the component with respect to the map providing server 40 and obtain a map image including the necessary component.

  The map image display system according to the first and second embodiments is suitable when analyzing a map image or the like using a map image or a satellite image.

Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following appendices, but are not limited to the following.
[Supplementary Note 1]
A first map generating a first map image for designating, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel forming a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size An image generation device,
A second map image generating device that converts a pixel value of the customization pixel according to an attribute value of the customization pixel specified by a user, and generates a second map image;
Image display system including.
[Supplementary Note 2]
Further including a map image storage device for storing a plurality of the first map images;
The first map image generating device stores the first map image generated in response to a request for generating a map image in the map image storage device.
The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the second map image generating device acquires a first map image conforming to a request from a user among a plurality of first map images stored in the map image storage device.
[Supplementary Note 3]
And a user terminal for transmitting customization information including an attribute value of the customization pixel to the second map image generation device together with a request for providing a map image,
The second map image generation device transmits the second map image on which the customization information is reflected to the user terminal,
The image display system according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the user terminal displays the received second map image.
[Supplementary Note 4]
The first map image generation device is configured to set a pixel value of a pixel constituting a component set to be able to change a design among a plurality of components constituting a map image to a first predetermined pixel. Specify the customized pixel by replacing it with a value,
The second map image generating device extracts the customization pixel by comparing the pixel value of the pixel forming the first map image with the first pixel value, and the extracted customization pixel The image display system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the second map image is generated by replacing the pixel value of the pixel with the adjustment pixel value specified as the attribute value of the customized pixel.
[Supplementary Note 5]
The first map image generation device is configured to predetermine pixel values of pixels constituting a component different from a component set to be able to change a design among a plurality of components constituting a map image. The image display system according to appendix 4, wherein the second pixel value is substituted.
[Supplementary Note 6]
The first map image generating device replaces pixel values of a plurality of pixels constituting a component set so as to be able to change design with any pixel value among a plurality of predetermined pixel values. Specify the customized pixel by
The image display system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second map image generating device replaces the pixel value of the extracted customization pixel with the adjustment pixel value corresponding to each of the plurality of pixel values.
[Supplementary Note 7]
The image display system according to claim 6, wherein the second map image generating device replaces the pixel value of the extracted customization pixel with a pixel value generated based on a plurality of the adjustment pixel values.
[Supplementary Note 8]
The image display system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the first map image generating device uses an RGB (red, green, blue) format as the predetermined format.
[Supplementary Note 9]
For each of a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size, a first map image is generated by giving a type of a component constituting each pixel and a pixel value defining an upper / lower relationship between the components. A first map image generating device,
A second map image generating device that determines the pixel value of each pixel making up the first map image according to the customization information provided by the user, and generates a second map image;
Image display system including.
[Supplementary Note 10]
The first map image generating device
A pixel value that defines the type of the component and the vertical relationship between the components by adding the discrimination pixel value predetermined for each component that each pixel constitutes for each component that constitutes each pixel The image display system according to appendix 9, which generates.
[Supplementary Note 11]
The customization information includes display determination information on display / non-display of components constituting a map image, and information on adjustment pixel values for specifying pixel values of pixels forming each component.
The second map image generation apparatus extracts the component to be displayed by the logical operation using the display determination information for the type of the component and the pixel value that defines the vertical relationship between the components. The image display according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, wherein the second map image is generated by replacing the pixel value of the pixel constituting the highest positioned component among the extracted components with the corresponding adjusted pixel value. system.
[Supplementary Note 12]
Generating a first map image for designating, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel forming a component whose design can be changed among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size;
Converting a pixel value of the customization pixel according to an attribute value of the customization pixel specified by a user to generate a second map image;
Image generation method including:
[Supplementary Note 13]
A map image generating device for generating a map image for designating, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel forming a component capable of changing design among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size.
[Supplementary Note 14]
A computer that controls a map image generation device to specify, in a predetermined format, a customized pixel forming a component capable of changing a design among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image divided into a predetermined size The program to be run on
[Supplementary Note 15]
A map image generating apparatus, which converts a pixel value of the customization pixel according to an attribute value of a customization pixel which is a component capable of changing a design among a plurality of pixels constituting a map image, and generates a map image.
[Supplementary Note 16]
The process of converting the pixel value of the customized pixel according to the attribute value of the customized pixel forming the component whose design can be changed among the plurality of pixels constituting the map image, and generating a map image, map image generation A program that is run on a computer that controls the device.
The programs of Supplementary Notes 14 and 16 can be recorded on a storage medium readable by a computer. The storage medium can be non-transient such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, and the like.
Further, the forms of Supplementary Notes 12 to 16 can be expanded to the forms of Supplementary Notes 2 to 8 as in the form of Supplementary Note 1.

  The disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents cited above is incorporated herein by reference. Within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the scope of the claims), modifications and adjustments of the embodiments or examples are possible based on the basic technical concept of the invention. Further, various combinations of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, and the like) within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention Is possible. That is, the present invention of course includes the entire disclosure including the scope of the claims, and various modifications and alterations that can be made by those skilled in the art according to the technical concept. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described herein, it should be understood that any numerical value or small range falling within the relevant range is specifically described even if it is not otherwise described.

Reference Signs List 10 administrator terminal 20 map conversion server 30 map storage server 40 map providing server 50 user terminal 61, 62 network 100 first map image generation device 101 second map image generation device 201, 301 communication unit 202, 302 map image Generation unit 203, 303 storage unit

Claims (1)

And the components constituting the map image, a predetermined pixel value for each of the components, inputs the determined pixel value that defines the hierarchical relationship between the components, the configuration information composed of,
A first map image for generating a first map image by adding the discrimination pixel values corresponding to the constituent elements of each pixel to each of a plurality of pixels constituting the map image divided into a predetermined size A generator,
A second map image generating device that determines the pixel value of each pixel making up the first map image according to the customization information provided by the user, and generates a second map image;
Including
The discrimination pixel value is composed of a bit string including a plurality of bits, the bit position of the bit string indicates the vertical relation between components, and indicates whether the bit value of the bit string indicates a component or not.
The customization information includes display determination information on display / non-display of components constituting a map image, and information on adjustment pixel values for specifying pixel values of pixels forming each component.
The second map image generation device generates a layer display bit string in which the display determination information is reflected at bit positions indicating the upper / lower relation of each component in the same format as the bit string of the determination pixel value. A component to be displayed is extracted by the logical operation of the added display pixel value in the pixel and the layer display bit string, and the pixel value of the pixel constituting the highest positioned component of the extracted components is selected. The image display system which produces | generates a said 2nd map image by substituting to the said corresponding adjustment pixel value.

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