JP6746191B2 - Map information system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a map information processing device or the like that performs map difference update processing.

In the conventional map information processing device, there is a technique for updating the difference of map information (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-181040 (page 1, FIG. 1, etc.)

However, in the conventional map information processing device that performs the difference update process of the map information, the difference update cannot be performed safely.

Further, conventionally, when the difference update of the map information is normally interrupted, the difference update process is performed from the beginning.

This first disclosure of the map information processing apparatus, the map information processing apparatus for performing a difference update processing of the map information, when the navigation-related functions associated with navigation of those該地view the information processing apparatus is not operating, the map information Is a map information processing device that does not perform the difference update process of the map information when the navigation related function is operating.

With this configuration, the difference update can be safely performed in the map information processing device that performs the difference update process of the map information.

In addition, the map information processing apparatus according to the second disclosure has two or more map components that are map information of a part of the area and components that form a part of the entire map information as compared with the first disclosure . A storage unit capable of storing map information having the following information, a receiving unit that receives one or more difference maps that are map components of the updated area, and a storage unit that stores one or more difference maps received by the receiving unit in the storage unit. Section, and a processing section that executes navigation-related functions using the map information stored in the storage section. If the processing section executes navigation-related functions, the receiving section performs one or more. Update process including the process of receiving the differential map and the process of storing the one or more difference maps performed by the storage unit, or the difference update process including the process of receiving the one or more difference maps performed by the receiving unit, or the storage unit The difference information update process including the process of accumulating one or more difference maps performed by the above is a map information processing device that is not performed.

With this configuration, the difference update can be safely performed in the map information processing device that performs the difference update process of the map information.

The map information processing apparatus of the present third disclosure, to the first or second disclosure, when the processing unit is not performing a navigation-related feature, in situations where differential update processing of the map information can be executed The map information processing apparatus is the case where the map information processing apparatus is present and is not operating.

With this configuration, the difference update can be safely performed in the map information processing device that performs the difference update process of the map information.

Further, the map information processing apparatus according to the fourth disclosure , in the case where the processing unit is not executing the navigation-related function with respect to any one of the disclosures from the first to the third, is when the accessory power supply is off. A certain map information processing device.

With this configuration, the difference update can be safely performed in the map information processing device that performs the difference update process of the map information.

In addition, the map information processing device according to the fifth disclosure is different from the disclosure of any one of the first to fourth disclosures in that the receiving unit receives one or more difference maps or the accumulation unit includes one or more difference maps. A storage unit, or a determination unit that determines whether the difference update process, which is a process of receiving one or more difference maps in the receiving unit and a process of storing one or more difference maps in the storage unit, has succeeded or failed. The determination unit further includes a transmission unit that transmits notification information indicating the failure to the server device when the determination unit determines that the reception unit has failed, and the reception unit is a difference map of at least a part of one or more difference maps. Is again received.

With this configuration, the difference update can be safely performed in the map information processing device that performs the difference update process of the map information.

The map information processing apparatus of the present sixth disclosure for the fifth disclosure, transmission unit, the notification information corresponding to a version of one or more differential map does not transmit a predetermined number of times or more Alternatively, when the transmitting unit transmits the notification information corresponding to the one or more difference maps of one version a predetermined number of times, the receiving unit displays at least a part of the one or more difference maps. The map information processing device does not receive again.

With such a configuration, unnecessary processing need not be executed in an environment where the difference map cannot be received.

The map information processing apparatus of the present seventh disclosure for the sixth one of the disclosed from the first, during the execution of the difference update process, or when the navigation-related function execution of the navigation-related functions is started The map information processing apparatus further includes an interrupting unit that performs a process for interrupting the difference update process when the execution of the.

With this configuration, the map information processing apparatus that performs the difference update process of the map information can perform the difference update safely and efficiently.

The map information processing apparatus of the present eighth disclosure against seventh disclosure, interruptions accumulates one or more status information is information necessary for the resumption of the difference update processing in the storage unit , The receiving unit, the accumulating unit, or the receiving unit and the accumulating unit is a map information processing apparatus that restarts the difference update process using one or more pieces of state information.

With this configuration, the map information processing apparatus that performs the difference update process of the map information can perform the difference update safely and efficiently.

The map information server device of the ninth disclosure includes a server storage unit that can store one or more difference maps and a server transmission unit that transmits one or more difference maps to the map information processing device. If the number of failures of the difference update process in one map information processing device is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, the transmission unit does not retransmit one or more difference maps to the one map information processing device. This is an information server device.

With such a configuration, unnecessary processing need not be executed in an environment where the difference map cannot be received.

Further, the map information server device according to the tenth disclosure is different from the ninth disclosure in that the map information server device receives the notification information from the map information processing device, and at least temporarily stores the number of times the notification information is received. And a server transmitting unit, the server transmitting unit, if the number of times corresponding to one map information processing device stored in the number storage unit is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, one or more difference maps It is a map information server device that is not transmitted again to the information processing device.

With such a configuration, unnecessary processing need not be executed in an environment where the difference map cannot be received.

According to the map information processing device of the present invention, the difference information can be safely updated in the map information processing device that performs the difference update process of the map information.

Conceptual diagram of the map information system according to the first embodiment Block diagram of the map information system Flowchart explaining the operation of the map information processing apparatus 1 Flowchart explaining the operation of the map information processing apparatus 1 Flowchart explaining the operation of the map information server device 2 Diagram showing the update trial count management table Overview of the computer system Block diagram of the computer system

Hereinafter, embodiments of a map information processing apparatus and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that, in the embodiments, the components denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operation, and thus the repetitive description may be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, it is a block diagram of a map information system that performs a map difference update process when the map information processing device is not operating.

In the present embodiment, a map information system including a map information processing device that notifies the map information server device of the failure when the process related to the map update fails will be described.

In the present embodiment, a map information system including a map information server device that is not downloaded when the number of failures related to the update of one version of map information has reached a predetermined number will be described.

In the present embodiment, a map information system including a map information processing device that interrupts the map difference updating process when the map information processing device operates during the map difference updating process will be described.

In the present embodiment, a map information system including a map information processing device that remembers the state when the map difference update process is interrupted and performs the update process from the interrupted state during the next map update operation will be described. ..

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the map information system in this embodiment. The map information system includes one or more map information processing devices 1 and a map information server device 2.

The map information processing device 1 is, for example, a vehicle navigation device. The term “vehicle” includes automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, etc., and is broadly understood. The map information processing device 1 is, for example, a so-called smartphone, tablet terminal, notebook computer, or the like in which navigation software, software for providing a map information service, and the like are installed. It should be noted that the map information processing apparatus 1 is widely understood regardless of the type.

The map information server device 2 is a so-called server device, and may be a so-called cloud server or the like. It is widely understood regardless of the type of the map information server device 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the map information system in this embodiment.

The map information processing apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 10, receiving unit 11, receiving unit 12, a processing unit 13, output unit 14, signal unit 15 feeding beauty Oyo.

The processing unit 13 includes a storage unit 131, a determination unit 132, an interruption unit 133, and a route search unit 134.

The map information server device 2 includes a server storage unit 21, a server reception unit 22, a server transmission unit 23, a server reception unit 24, and a server processing unit 25. The server processing unit 25 includes a frequency storage unit 251.

The storage unit 10 can store map information having two or more map parts. The map component is the information of the map of a part of the area, and is a component forming a part of the information of the entire map. The data structure of map parts and map information and the contents thereof do not matter.

The type of map indicated by the map information and the data format of the map information do not matter. The type of the map is, for example, a topographic map, a topographic map, a geological map, a land use map, a residential map, a route map, a road map, a guide map, an aerial photograph, a satellite photograph, or the like. The data format is, for example, raster data, vector data, KIWI format, or the like.

The map information usually has one or more pieces of road information indicating roads. The road information has, for example, information indicating the name of the road, the type of the road, the positions of both ends of the road, and the like. The road information has, for example, a road score, information for identifying the road, and the like. The score is usually a cost used for route search. Further, the road information may be associated with information for identifying the road information.

Further, the map information may include one or more point information, for example. The point information is information indicating a point on the map. It should be noted that the type of point does not matter. The point is, for example, an intersection, a rest point, a tourist attraction, a station, or the like.

It is preferable that the storage unit 10 stores the map information in association with the version identifier. The storage unit 10 may store only one or more difference maps in association with the version identifier. The version identifier is information that identifies the version of the map information. The difference map is a map component different from the reference map information. The reference map information is, for example, the map information of the immediately previous version, the original map information, or the like. The original map information is the map information of the first version (version 1). Original map information is usually map information originally stored in the map information processing apparatus 1. The original map information has two or more map parts. The original map information is, for example, map information stored when the map information processing apparatus 1 is shipped.

The storage unit 10 may store two or more versions of map information. The map information of each version may include a map component that covers the entire area, or may include only a map component that is a difference from the map information of the immediately previous version or the first version (version 1). In other words, the way of holding the map information of each version does not matter.

The storage unit 10 may store the map information of each version by dividing the folder according to the version. In such a case, for example, the folder name is the version identifier. The version identifier is information that identifies the version.

The map information may be managed so that the version identifier of the map information can be acquired.

In addition, it is preferable that the map information of each version has two or more map parts that cover the entire area. In such a case, usually, at least part of the versions have the same map parts.

The storage unit 10 can store original map information.

It is preferable that the storage unit 10 stores two versions of the map information, the original map information and the latest version of the map information. The latest version of map information is map information including the latest updated map parts.

The storage unit 10 may store map information of two versions, that is, map information of a version immediately before the latest version and map information of the latest version. In this case, it is preferable that the map information of versions other than the two versions be deleted and not stored.

The storage unit 10 may store the original map information, the map information of the version immediately before the latest version, and the map information of three versions, the map information of the latest version. In such a case, it is preferable that the map information of versions other than the three versions be deleted and not stored.

The reception unit 11 receives instructions, information, and the like. The instructions and information are, for example, map information update instructions, map information output instructions, destination inputs, route search instructions, and the like. The map information update instruction is an instruction to prompt the map information server device 2 to transmit a difference map described later. The input of the destination may be an instruction for a route search from the current location to the destination. The output instruction of the map information may be received from the user, may be received by detecting that the engine of the vehicle in which the map information processing apparatus 1 is mounted is turned on, or the vehicle device. May be received from. That is, the input method of the map information output instruction does not matter.

Any means such as a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse or a menu screen may be used as the input means for the instructions and information. The reception unit 11 can be realized by a device driver of input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, or the like.

The receiving unit 12 receives one or more difference maps. The difference map is a map component of the updated area. The receiving unit 12 receives one or more difference maps from the map information server device 2. The receiver 12 may receive one or more difference maps together with one or more difference map version identifiers. When the receiving unit 12 receives one or more difference maps, the processing unit 13 described below may generate the version identifier of the latest version. The version of the differential map of 1 or more is the version of the map information. Further, the receiving unit 12 may receive the latest version of the map information having all the latest version of the map parts. Further, it is preferable that the receiving unit 12 receives the version identifier and one or more difference maps.

The receiving unit 12 receives at least a part of the difference maps of the one or more difference maps again. The reception here is usually the reception of one or more difference maps in response to the transmission of the notification information.

The processing unit 13 uses the map information stored in the storage unit 10 to execute a navigation-related function. The navigation-related function is a function related to navigation, and is a process for activating the map information processing device, a process for outputting map information, a route search function, a route guidance function, or the like.

The processing unit 13 performs a difference update process of map information when the navigation-related function is not operating. On the other hand, the processing unit 13 does not perform the difference update process of the map information when the navigation-related function is operating. This is for safely performing the difference update process or for safely operating the navigation-related function. It should be noted that if the navigation-related function does not operate properly, the driving of the user may be hindered and safe driving of the vehicle may be hindered.

It may be considered that the case where the navigation-related function is not executed is, for example, the case where the map information processing device 1 is not operating. The case where the navigation-related function is not executed may be, for example, the case where the accessory power supply (ACC) is off. The case where the navigation-related function is not executed may be the case where an instruction to stop the execution of the navigation-related function is received. The case where the instruction to stop the execution of the navigation-related function is received is a case where the instruction to turn off the engine is received, the case where the instruction to turn off the ACC is received, and the like. The accepting unit 11 accepts such an instruction.

Further, the case where the navigation-related function is not executed may be the case where the map information processing device 1 is not operating, and may be the time when a predetermined time is reached. The predetermined time is preferably a time when the vehicle is difficult to use, for example, 3:00 am.

In addition, the case where the navigation-related function is not executed may be, for example, the case where the navigation application of the smartphone is not activated, the case where the power of the smartphone is OFF, or the like.

However, even if the navigation-related function is not executed, the difference update processing of the map information can be executed. Even if the map information processing apparatus 1 is not operating, the map information difference update process can be executed.

Further, the processing unit 13 performs various kinds of processing. The various processes are processes performed by the accumulation unit 131, the determination unit 132, the interruption unit 133, the route search unit 134, and the like.

For example, the processing unit 13 deletes map information other than the map information of a predetermined version before or after the storage unit 131 stores the latest version of map information. The predetermined version of the map information is, for example, the original map information (version 1 map information) and the latest version of the map information. The map information of the predetermined version is, for example, the map information of the version immediately before the latest version and the map information of the latest version. The map information of the predetermined version is, for example, the original map information, the map information of the version immediately before the latest version, and the map information of the latest version.

The processing unit 13 determines, for example, whether any of the map parts included in the latest version of the map information has a defect. The defect of the map component is any cause that determines that the map component cannot be used or should not be used, and is, for example, file destruction or partial information loss. Note that, due to a defect in the map part, for example, the display of the map part becomes impossible. Further, due to a defect in the map parts, information processing of the map such as route search and route guidance becomes impossible.

The storage unit 131 stores one or more difference maps received by the reception unit 12 in the storage unit 10. The difference map is a map component that constitutes map information.

The storage unit 131 uses the one or more difference maps received by the reception unit 12 to store the latest version of the map information in the storage unit 10. The accumulated latest version of the map information is accumulated in the storage unit 10 in a manner distinguishable from the other versions of the map information. That is, the storage unit 131 stores the latest version of the map information in the folder having the name of the version identifier of the latest version, for example. Further, the storage unit 131 stores the latest version of the map information, for example, paired with the latest version of the version identifier.

The storage unit 131 may store the latest version of the map information using the one or more difference maps received by the reception unit 12 and the one or more map components that have not been updated in the storage unit 10. Note that the one or more map components that have not been updated are usually one or more map components that form the map information of the version immediately before the latest version.

The storage unit 131 may store only one or more difference maps received by the reception unit 12 in the storage unit 10. In such a case, the map component of the area other than the area corresponding to the one or more difference maps received by the receiving unit 12 is the map component included in the map information of the version immediately before the latest version, or the map component of the area, or It is a map part included in the original map information and is a map part of the area. Then, the navigation-related functions operate by using the map parts of other areas of other versions.

Further, the storage unit 131 may store the latest version of the map information received by the reception unit 12 in the storage unit 10.

It is preferable that the storage unit 131 stores the latest version of the map information in the storage unit 10 so that the original map information or the map information of the version immediately before the latest version is left. In such a case, as a result, the original map information or the map information of the version immediately before the latest version and the map information of the latest version may be left in the storage unit 10. Further, in such a case, the processing unit 13 may delete the map information of another version.

It is preferable that the storage unit 131 stores the map information of the latest version in the storage unit 10 so that the original map information and the map information of the version immediately before the latest version are left. In such a case, as a result, the original map information, the map information of the version immediately before the latest version, and the map information of the latest version may be left in the storage unit 10. Further, in such a case, the processing unit 13 may delete the map information of another version.

The determination unit 132 determines whether the difference update processing has succeeded or failed. The difference update process is any process related to the update of the map difference. The difference update process is, for example, a process of receiving one or more difference maps in the receiving unit 12. Further, the difference update process is, for example, a process of accumulating one or more difference maps in the accumulation unit 131. The difference update process is, for example, a process of receiving one or more difference maps in the receiving unit 12 and a process of accumulating one or more difference maps in the accumulating unit 131.

The determination unit 132 may determine whether the difference update processing has succeeded or failed, for example, by CHKDSK that checks an error in the file system. Further, the determination unit 132 may determine whether the difference update processing has succeeded or failed by detecting whether or not the latest version of the map information has the map parts of all the areas, for example. ..

The suspending unit 133 performs a process for suspending the difference updating process when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the difference updating process. The case where the predetermined condition is satisfied is the case where the interruption unit 133 detects that the difference map update processing is not successful. The case where the predetermined condition is satisfied is, for example, the case where the execution of the navigation-related function is started or the case where the execution of the navigation-related function is started. The case where the predetermined condition is satisfied is, for example, the case where the intensity of the radio wave for communication becomes equal to or less than the threshold value.

For example, when the execution of the navigation-related function is started or the execution of the navigation-related function is started during the execution of the difference update process, the interrupting unit 133 performs a process for interrupting the difference update process.

Here, the process for interrupting is, for example, a process of accumulating information identifying the completed work in the buffer. Further, the process for interrupting is, for example, a process of accumulating in the buffer information identifying the unfinished work. The processing for interrupting is, for example, processing for deleting a file that is being written. Furthermore, the process for interrupting is, for example, two or more processes of the above processes.

The interruption unit 133 normally accumulates one or more pieces of state information in the storage unit 10. The state information is information about the state at the time of interruption. The status information is information necessary for restarting the difference update process. The status information is, for example, information that identifies completed work, information that identifies unfinished work, and the like. The restart of the difference update process is to execute the remaining part of the difference update process that is being executed halfway.

The route search unit 134 performs route search. Since the route search technique is a known technique, detailed description will be omitted. The route search unit 134 may perform a route search using an A* search algorithm or may perform a route search using an algorithm such as the Dijkstra method. That is, it goes without saying that the route search algorithm does not matter.

The output unit 14 outputs the map information stored in the storage unit 10. The output unit 14 normally outputs the latest version of the map information stored in the storage unit 10.

When the determination unit 132 determines that the latest map information has a defect, the output unit 14 preferably outputs the map information of the version immediately before the latest version. The output unit 14 may output the original map information when the determination unit 132 determines that the latest map information has a defect. Further, the output unit 14 may output the result of the route search by the route search unit 134, route guidance, and the like. The case where the latest map information has a defect may be the case where a part of the map parts of the latest map information has a defect.

Here, the output means display on a display, projection using a projector, printing by a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, accumulation on a recording medium, other processing device or other program. It is a concept including delivery of processing results.

When the determination unit 132 determines that the transmission has failed, the transmission unit 15 transmits notification information indicating that the transmission has failed to the map information server device 2 . The notification information has, for example, a version identifier and a user identifier.

The server storage unit 21 included in the map information server device 2 can store one or more difference maps. The server storage unit 21 may store map information which is a set of map parts in all areas. It is preferable that the server storage unit 21 stores the map information of two or more versions in association with the version identifier. Server storage unit 21 in association with the device identifier, may store information indicating the number of times will be described later. The number of times is the number of times the difference update processing has failed. The server storage unit 21 may store information indicating the number of times described later in association with the device identifier and the version identifier.

The server reception unit 22 receives instructions, information, and the like. The instruction or information is, for example, one or more difference maps. The instructions and information are, for example, a version identifier and one or more difference maps.

Any means such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen may be used as the input means for the instructions and information. The server reception unit 22 can be realized by a device driver of input means such as a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, or the like.

The server transmission unit 23 transmits one or more difference maps to the map information processing device 1. The server transmission unit 23 may transmit the version identifier and one or more difference maps to the map information processing device 1. Note that the one or more difference maps are stored in the server storage unit 21.

If the number of failures of the difference update processing in one map information processing apparatus 1 is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, the server transmission unit 23 returns one or more difference maps to the one map information processing apparatus 1 again. , Do not send.

When the number of times corresponding to one map information processing device 1 stored in the number-of-times storage unit 251 is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, the server transmitting unit 23 sets one or more difference maps to one map information processing device , Do not send again.

The server receiving unit 24 receives the notification information from the map information processing device 1. The server receiving unit 24 normally receives the device identifier for identifying the map information processing device 1 and the notification information. The device identifier may be the same as the user identifier.

The server processing unit 25 performs various processes. The various processes are, for example, processes performed by the number-of-times storage unit 251. The various processes are, for example, processes of referring to the server storage unit 21 and acquiring presence information indicating whether or not a difference map corresponding to an inquiry from the user exists. The presence information can be "existing (for example, "1")" or "non-existing (for example, "0"). The various processes are, for example, processes of acquiring one or more difference maps corresponding to the inquiry from the map information processing apparatus 1 from the server storage unit 21.

The number-of-times storage unit 251 at least temporarily stores the number of times the notification information has been received. The number-of-times storage unit 251 normally stores the number of times the notification information is received in association with the device identifier. The number-of-times storage unit 251 may store the number of times in the server storage unit 21.

The storage unit 10 and the server storage unit 21 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized by volatile recording media.

It does not matter how the map information or the like is stored in the storage unit 10 or the like. For example, the map information or the like may be stored in the storage unit 10 or the like via a recording medium, and the map information or the like transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the storage unit 10 or the like. Alternatively, the map information or the like input via the input device may be stored in the storage unit 10 or the like.

The receiving unit 12 and the server receiving unit 24 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by means for receiving broadcast.

The processing unit 13, the storage unit 131, the determination unit 132, the interruption unit 133, the route search unit 134, and the number-of-times storage unit 251 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the processing unit 13 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

The output unit 14 may or may not be considered to include an output device such as a display or a speaker. The output unit 14 can be realized by driver software of an output device or driver software of an output device and an output device.

The transmission unit 15 and the server transmission unit 23 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by broadcasting means.

Next, the operation of the map information system will be described. First, the operation of the map information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

(Step S301) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not the navigation-related function is being executed. If the navigation-related function is being executed, the process proceeds to step S313, and if the navigation-related function is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S302. Here, the processing unit 13 or a unit (not shown) may determine whether or not the map information processing device 1 is being activated. If it is in the process of starting, it may go to step S313, and if it is not in the process of starting, it may go to step S302.

(Step S302) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not the update of the map information is being suspended. If it is not suspended, the procedure goes to step S303, and if it is not suspended, the procedure goes to step S304. The processing unit 13 may determine whether the update of the map information is being interrupted, for example, depending on whether or not the state information exists in the storage unit 10.

(Step S303) The processing unit 13 acquires the state information stored in the storage unit 10.

(Step S304) The transmission unit 15 inquires of the map information server device 2 in order to acquire the map information.

Specifically, when the map information has been interrupted, the transmission unit 15 uses the state information to inquire of the map information server device 2 in order to acquire the map information after the update of the map information is interrupted. The inquiry has, for example, a version identifier for identifying the version of the requested map information, and a location identifier for identifying the interrupted location or the required map information location.

In addition, specifically, when it is not interrupted, the transmission unit 15 inquires of the map information server device 2 whether or not there is one or more difference maps which are updated map parts. The transmission unit 15 transmits, for example, an inquiry having a version identifier for identifying the current version of map information to the map information server device 2. Further, the transmission unit 15 may transmit, for example, an inquiry having the version identifier of the version next to the version of the current map information to the map information server device 2.

(Step S305) In response to the inquiry in step S304, the receiving unit 12 determines whether or not there is one or more difference maps to be received in the map information server device 2. When it exists, it goes to step S306, and when it does not exist, it returns to step S301. The receiving unit 12 receives from the map information server device 2, for example, presence information indicating whether or not there are one or more difference maps to be received.

(Step S306) The receiving unit 12 receives one or more difference maps. In addition, normally, the reception of the difference map is continued until the reception of the map information of one version is completed.

(Step S307) The storage unit 131 stores the one or more difference maps received in step S306 in the storage unit 10. The accumulation unit 131 normally accumulates the difference maps received by the reception unit 12 sequentially.

The storage unit 131 may store only one or more difference maps received by the reception unit 12 in the storage unit 10. The storage unit 131 may overwrite one or more difference maps received by the reception unit 12. Further, the storage unit 131 may store the remaining map information that has not been stored in the storage unit 10 after the interruption.

(Step S308) The storage unit 131 determines whether to end the difference update process for one version. If the difference update processing is to be ended, the procedure goes to step S311. If the difference update processing is not to be ended, the procedure goes to step S309. Note that the difference update process is a process of accumulating difference maps to bring all map information of one version into an accumulated state. The storage unit 131 determines to end the difference update process for one version, for example, when the map parts of all planned areas are stored in the storage unit 10. In addition, for example, when the storage unit 131 receives, from the map information server device 2, information on the end of transmission of the difference information, the storage unit 131 determines to end the difference update process for one version.

(Step S309) The suspending unit 133 determines whether or not there is a suspending reason. The reason for interruption is, for example, that the execution of the navigation-related function is started, the execution of the navigation-related function is started, or the like. The start of execution of the navigation-related function means, for example, receipt of some instruction for executing the navigation-related function.

(Step S310) The interruption unit 133 performs processing for interrupting the difference update processing. It returns to step S301. Note that the interruption unit 133 accumulates state information in the storage unit 10, for example. The state information is, for example, information that identifies the completed work.

(Step S311) The determination unit 132 determines whether the difference update processing has succeeded or failed. If the difference update processing has succeeded, the process returns to step S301, and proceeds to step S312 where the difference update processing has failed.

(Step S312) The transmitting unit 15 transmits the notification information to the map information server device 2. It returns to step S301. The notification information has, for example, a terminal identifier that identifies the map information processing device 1 and a version identifier that identifies the version of the map information that has failed to be updated.

(Step S313) The reception unit 11 determines whether or not an instruction to output map information has been received. When the output instruction is accepted, the procedure goes to step S314, and when the output instruction is not accepted, the procedure goes to step S319. Note that, for example, when the ACC is turned on, the reception unit 11 receives an instruction to output map information. Further, for example, when the engine of the vehicle is turned on, the reception unit 11 receives an instruction to output map information.

(Step S314) The output unit 14 acquires the latest version of map information from the storage unit 10. There may be a case where only one version of map information exists in the storage unit 10.

(Step S315) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not there is a defect in the map information acquired immediately before. If there is a defect, go to step S316, and if there is no defect, go to step S318.

(Step S316) The output unit 14 acquires the map information in the predetermined next order from the storage unit 10. When the map information acquired immediately before is the map information of the latest version, the map information in the predetermined next order is the map information of the version immediately before the latest version or the original map information. In addition, when the map information acquired immediately before is the map information of the version immediately before the latest version, the map information in the next predetermined order is the original map information. It should be noted that the predetermined next order means the next highest priority use order with respect to the predetermined use order.

(Step S317) The processing unit 13 deletes the map information of the version having the defect. It returns to step S315.

(Step S318) The output unit 14 outputs the map information acquired immediately before. It returns to step S301.

(Step S319) The reception unit 11 determines whether or not other instructions, information, and the like have been received. If other instructions or information are received, the process goes to step S320. If other instructions or information is not received, the process returns to step S301.

(Step S320) The processing unit 13 and the like perform processing according to other instructions and information. It returns to step S301. The processing according to other instructions, information, and the like is, for example, processing such as route search and route guidance.

In the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4, the map information processing apparatus 1 may receive one or more difference maps from the map information server apparatus 2 without making an inquiry from the map information processing apparatus 1. That is, the transmission and reception of one or more difference maps may be either push type or pull type.

Then, in the case of the push type, the map information processing apparatus 1 does not receive one or more difference maps or does not accumulate one or more difference maps while the navigation-related function is being executed.

Further, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4, the processing is ended by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.

Further, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4, when the difference update process of one version is completed, the processing unit 13 determines whether the storage unit 10 has map information other than the map information of the predetermined version. You may decide whether or not. If map information other than the map information of the predetermined version exists in the storage unit 10, the processing unit 13 deletes the map information other than the map information of the predetermined version from the storage unit 10. good.

Next, the operation of the map information server device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S501) The server receiving unit 24 determines whether or not an inquiry has been received from the map information processing device 1. When the inquiry is received, the procedure goes to step S502, and when the inquiry is not received, the procedure goes to step S508.

(Step S502) The server processing unit 25 refers to the server storage unit 21 and acquires existence information indicating whether or not a difference map corresponding to the inquiry from the map information processing device 1 exists.

(Step S503) The server transmission unit 23 transmits the presence information acquired in step S502 to the map information processing apparatus 1 that has transmitted the inquiry.

(Step S504) The server processing unit 25 determines whether the presence information acquired in step S502 is information indicating “presence”. If the information indicates "existence", the process proceeds to step S505. If the information does not indicate "presence", the process proceeds to step S507. The information indicating “existence” is information indicating that there is.

(Step S505) The server processing unit 25 acquires one or more difference maps corresponding to the inquiry from the server storage unit 21.

(Step S506) The server transmission unit 23 transmits the one or more difference maps acquired in step S505 to the map information processing apparatus 1. It returns to step S501.

(Step S507) The server transmission unit 23 transmits to the map information processing device 1 a message indicating that there is no difference map corresponding to the inquiry from the map information processing device 1. It returns to step S501. Note that such a message is usually output by the map information processing device 1.

(Step S508) The server receiving unit 24 determines whether or not the notification information has been received from the map information processing device 1. When the notification information is received, the procedure goes to step S509, and when the notification information is not received, the procedure returns to step S501.

(Step S509) The number-of-times storage unit 251 increments the number of times the notification information is received in association with the device identifier included in the notification information and the version identifier included in the notification information. It is assumed that the server storage unit 21 manages the number of times the notification information is received, in association with the device identifier and the version identifier.

(Step S510) The server processing unit 25 determines whether or not the number of times corresponding to the device identifier and the version identifier included in the received notification information is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition. When the number is large enough to satisfy the predetermined condition, the procedure goes to step S511, and when the number is not large enough to satisfy the predetermined condition, the procedure goes to step S505.

(Step S511) The server transmission unit 23 transmits a message notifying that one or more difference maps are not transmitted to the map information processing apparatus 1. It returns to step S501.

In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the accumulated count is reset after a time equal to or greater than the threshold has elapsed. The reset means that the number of times becomes “0”, information including the number of times is deleted, and the like.

Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the processing is ended by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.

Hereinafter, a specific operation of the map information system according to this embodiment will be described. A conceptual diagram of the map information system is shown in FIG.

Now, it is assumed that the map information processing device 1 is a navigation device installed in a vehicle. Further, it is assumed that the case where the navigation-related function is not executed here is a case where the ACC is off, and a case where a predetermined time (here, 3:00 am) is reached. That is, it is assumed that the map information processing apparatus 1 inquires of the map information server apparatus 2 whether or not the map information needs to be updated when the predetermined time comes.

The server storage unit 21 of the map information server device 2 stores an update trial number management table having the structure shown in FIG. The update trial number management table is a table for managing the number of trials of the continuous update number of map information. The update trial number management table manages the number of update trials for each map information processing device 1 and each version of map information. The update trial number management table has one or more records having “ID”, “device identifier”, “version identifier”, and “number of times”. The “device identifier” is information that identifies the navigation device. “Number of times” is the number of update attempts. Note that the number of continuous update times does not normally include the number of tries after the time equal to or greater than the threshold has elapsed.

Furthermore, it is assumed that the map information of version 3, which is the latest map information, is stored in the server storage unit 21 of the map information server device 2 at midnight on May 4, 2015. The latest map information is stored in the server storage unit 21 in association with the version identifier “3”.

In such a situation, the map information system operates as follows. That is, for example, at 3:00 am on May 4, 2015, the processing unit 13 of the map information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the navigation-related function is being executed. Then, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle is currently driving, the map information processing apparatus 1 is operating, the map information is displayed on the map information processing apparatus 1, and route guidance is in progress. Therefore, the processing unit 13 determines that the navigation-related function is being executed.

After that, the accepting unit 11 accepts other instructions and information, and the processing unit 13 and the like perform processing according to the other instructions and information.

That is, the map information was not updated on May 4, 2015.

Next, at 3:00 am on May 5, 2015, the next day, the processing unit 13 of the map information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the navigation-related function is being executed. Then, the engine of the vehicle is off, the ACC is also off, and the processing unit 13 determines that the navigation-related function is not being executed.

Next, the processing unit 13 detects that there is no state information in the storage unit 10. Then, the processing unit 13 determines that the update of the map information is not suspended.

Then, the transmission unit 15 makes an inquiry to the map information server device 2 in order to acquire the map information. This inquiry is an inquiry as to whether or not a new version of map information exists in the map information server device 2. Then, it is assumed that this inquiry includes the version identifier “2” of the latest version of the map information stored in the map information processing apparatus 1. That is, the transmission unit 15 transmits the command “map update 2” to the map information server device 2. The “map update” of “map update 2” is a command for prompting the update of the map, and “2” is the version identifier.

Next, the server receiving unit 24 of the map information server device 2 receives the command “map update 2” from the map information processing device 1.

Next, the server processing unit 25 refers to the server storage unit 21 and acquires the existence information indicating whether or not the difference map corresponding to the inquiry from the map information processing device 1 exists. That is, the server processing unit 25 acquires the version identifier “2” from the inquiry “map update 2”, acquires the latest version identifier “3” from the server storage unit 21, and compares the two version identifiers. Then, since the two version identifiers match, the server processing unit 25 obtains the existence information “presence”.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits the presence information “presence” to the map information processing apparatus 1 that has transmitted the inquiry.

Next, the reception unit 12 of the map information processing device 1 receives the presence information “presence”. Then, the receiving unit 12 determines that one or more difference maps to be received exist in the map information server device 2 in response to the inquiry.

Next, the server processing unit 25 of the map information server device 2 determines that the acquired presence information is information indicating “presence”. Then, the server processing unit 25 acquires, from the server storage unit 21, one or more version 3 difference maps corresponding to the inquiry.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits one or more version 3 difference maps to the map information processing apparatus 1.

Next, the receiving unit 12 of the map information processing device 1 receives one or more difference maps. Then, the storage unit 131 stores the received one or more difference maps in the storage unit 10. Next, the map components of all areas are accumulated in the storage unit 10, and the accumulation unit 131 determines that the difference update process for one version (version 3) has been completed.

Next, the determination unit 132 determines that the difference update processing has succeeded, for example, by DSKCHK.

As described above, the map update process is completed in a favorable environment for map update in which the navigation-related function is not executed. Then, the latest version 3 map information is stored in the map information processing device 1.

The processing unit 13 may delete the version 2 map information. In such a case, the map information of the predetermined version that should be stored is, for example, the original map information and the latest version of the map information. In such a case, if the latest version of the map information is defective, the original map information is used to execute the navigation-related function.

Then, it is assumed that the latest map information of version 4, that is, the map information of version 4, is stored in the server storage unit 21 of the map information server device 2 at midnight on May 6, 2015. The latest map information is stored in the server storage unit 21 in association with the version identifier “4”.

Then, it is assumed that the vehicle user parks the vehicle in an indoor parking lot where radio waves are hard to reach.

Next, at 3:00 am on May 6, 2015, the processing unit 13 of the map information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the navigation-related function is being executed. Then, the engine of the vehicle is off, the ACC is also off, and the processing unit 13 determines that the navigation-related function is not being executed.

Next, the processing unit 13 determines that the update of the map information is not suspended.

Then, the transmission unit 15 transmits the command “map update 3” to the map information server device 2 in order to acquire the map information.

Next, the server receiving unit 24 of the map information server device 2 receives the command “map update 3” from the map information processing device 1.

Next, the server processing unit 25 refers to the server storage unit 21 and acquires the existence information indicating whether or not the difference map corresponding to the inquiry from the map information processing device 1 exists. That is, the server processing unit 25 acquires the version identifier “3” from the inquiry “map update 3”, acquires the latest version identifier “4” from the server storage unit 21, and compares the two version identifiers. Then, since the two version identifiers match, the server processing unit 25 obtains the existence information “presence”.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits the presence information “presence” to the map information processing apparatus 1 that has transmitted the inquiry.

Next, the reception unit 12 of the map information processing device 1 receives the presence information “presence”. Then, the receiving unit 12 determines that one or more difference maps to be received exist in the map information server device 2 in response to the inquiry.

Next, the server processing unit 25 of the map information server device 2 determines that the acquired presence information is information indicating “presence”. Then, the server processing unit 25 acquires one or more version 4 difference maps corresponding to the inquiry from the server storage unit 21.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits one or more version 4 difference maps to the map information processing apparatus 1.

Next, it is assumed that the receiving unit 12 of the map information processing device 1 tries to receive one or more difference maps, but the intensity of the radio wave is weak and some difference maps cannot be received. Then, the storage unit 131 stores the received partial difference map in the storage unit 10. Next, all the received difference maps are accumulated in the storage unit 10, and the accumulation unit 131 determines that the difference update process for one version (version 4) has been completed. The version 4 difference update process has not been completed.

Next, the determination unit 132 determines that the difference update processing has failed because, for example, the map component of version 4 in all areas does not exist.

Next, the transmission unit 15 acquires the device identifier “d01” of the map information processing device 1 from the storage unit 10. The transmission unit 15 also acquires the version identifier “4” from the storage unit 10. Then, the transmitting unit 15 transmits the notification information including the device identifier “d01” and the version identifier “4” to the map information server device 2. The notification information is, for example, “notification d01,4”.

Next, the server receiving unit 24 of the map information server device 2 receives the notification information “notification d01,4” from the map information processing device 1.

Next, the number-of-times storage unit 251 increments the number of times the notification information is received in association with the device identifier “d01” included in the notification information and the version identifier “4” included in the notification information. Then, the record of “ID=3” in the update trial number management table shown in FIG. 6 is obtained.

Then, the above update process is repeated three times, and the record of “ID=3” in the update trial number management table shown in FIG. 6 becomes “device identifier: d01, version identifier: 4, number of times: 3”. To do.

Then, the server processing unit 25 determines that the number of times corresponding to the device identifier and the version identifier included in the received notification information is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition here is “the number of times>=3”.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits a message notifying that the one or more version 4 difference maps are not transmitted to the map information processing apparatus 1.

Next, the receiving unit 12 of the map information processing apparatus 1 receives the message indicating that it will not be transmitted. Then, the processing unit 13 accumulates the message. The accumulated messages are output by the output unit 14 when the map information processing apparatus 1 is activated next time.

Next, at 3:00 am on May 7, 2015, the processing unit 13 of the map information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the navigation-related function is being executed. Then, the engine of the vehicle is off, the ACC is also off, and the processing unit 13 determines that the navigation-related function is not being executed.

Next, the processing unit 13 determines that the update of the map information is not suspended.

Then, the transmission unit 15 transmits the command “map update 3” to the map information server device 2 in order to acquire the map information.

Next, the server receiving unit 24 of the map information server device 2 receives the command “map update 3” from the map information processing device 1.

Next, the server processing unit 25 obtains the existence information “presence” that the difference map corresponding to the inquiry from the map information processing device 1 exists.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits the presence information “presence” to the map information processing apparatus 1 that has transmitted the inquiry.

Next, the reception unit 12 of the map information processing device 1 receives the presence information “presence”. Then, the receiving unit 12 determines that one or more difference maps to be received exist in the map information server device 2 in response to the inquiry.

Next, the server processing unit 25 of the map information server device 2 determines that the acquired presence information is information indicating “presence”. Then, the server processing unit 25 acquires one or more version 4 difference maps corresponding to the inquiry from the server storage unit 21.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits one or more version 4 difference maps to the map information processing apparatus 1.

Next, the reception unit 12 of the map information processing device 1 receives one or more difference maps. Then, the accumulation unit 131 accumulates the received one or more difference maps in the storage unit 10.

Then, it is assumed that the engine is turned on by the user in order to move the vehicle when the reception and storage of one or more difference maps of version 4 are not completed.

Then, the display of the map information, which is one of the navigation-related functions of the map information processing apparatus 1, is about to be started. It is assumed that the display of the map information is about to start immediately before the display of the map information.

Next, the interruption unit 133 determines that there is a reason for interruption. Then, the interruption unit 133 performs processing for interrupting the difference update processing. That is, the interruption unit 133 forms status information, which is information about the accumulated difference map, and accumulates it in the storage unit 10. It is assumed that the state information is “version identifier: 4, accumulated difference map: C”. Note that “accumulated difference map: C” indicates that the version 4 map has been accumulated up to the areas A to C, and D to Z have not been accumulated. It is assumed that the map information has map parts of areas A to Z, and the map parts are downloaded in the order of A to Z.

Then, the map information processing apparatus 1 executes the navigation-related function using the version 3 map information. That is, on May 7, 2015, the download of the version 4 map information was not successful. Note that, here, the update of the version 4 map information is in a suspended state.

Next, when it is 3:00 am on May 8, 2015, the processing unit 13 of the map information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the navigation-related function is being executed. Then, the engine of the vehicle is off, the ACC is also off, and the processing unit 13 determines that the navigation-related function is not being executed.

Next, the processing unit 13 detects that the state information exists in the storage unit 10 and determines that the update of the map information is being suspended. Then, the processing unit 13 acquires the state information “version identifier: 4, accumulated difference map: C” stored in the storage unit 10.

Next, the transmission unit 15 inquires of the map information server device 2 in order to obtain the remaining difference map of version 4. It is assumed that the inquiry is an instruction “interruption map update 4, C”. The “interrupted map update” in the command indicates that the instruction is to continue updating the interrupted map information. Further, "4" in the command indicates that the version of the map information to be updated is "4". Further, "C" in the command indicates that the accumulated difference map is up to the area "C".

Next, the server receiving unit 24 of the map information server device 2 receives the inquiry “interrupted map update 4, C” from the map information processing device 1.

Next, the server processing unit 25 determines that the difference map corresponding to the inquiry from the map information processing device 1 exists. Then, the server processing unit 25 acquires the existence information “presence”.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits the presence information “presence” to the map information processing apparatus 1 that has transmitted the inquiry.

Next, the reception unit 12 of the map information processing device 1 receives the presence information “presence”. Then, the receiving unit 12 determines that one or more difference maps to be received exist in the map information server device 2 in response to the inquiry.

Next, the server processing unit 25 of the map information server device 2 determines that the acquired presence information is information indicating “presence”. Then, the server processing unit 25 acquires, from the server storage unit 21, the difference map of the areas “D” to “Z” ahead of the area “C” of version 4 corresponding to the inquiry.

Next, the server transmission unit 23 transmits the difference map of the areas “D” to “Z” of version 4 to the map information processing apparatus 1.

Next, the receiving unit 12 of the map information processing apparatus 1 receives the difference map of the areas “D” to “Z” of version 4. Then, the storage unit 131 stores the received one or more difference maps in the storage unit 10. Next, the map components of all the areas of version 4 are accumulated in the storage unit 10, and the accumulation unit 131 determines that the version 4 difference update processing has been completed.

Next, the determination unit 132 determines that the difference update processing has succeeded, for example, by CHKDSK.

As described above, even when the map update process is interrupted, the map update process is continued in a favorable environment for map update in which the navigation-related function is not executed, and the version 4 map update process is completed.

Here, the processing unit 13 may delete the version 3 map information. In such a case, the map information of the predetermined version that should be stored is, for example, the original map information and the latest version of the map information. In such a case, if the latest version of the map information is defective, the original map information is used to execute the navigation-related function.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the difference update can be safely performed in the map information processing apparatus that performs the difference update process of the map information.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to execute useless processing in an environment where the difference map cannot be received.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the map information processing apparatus that performs the map information difference update process can perform the difference update safely and efficiently.

It should be noted that according to the present embodiment, the trigger for the difference map update processing does not matter. In addition, the trigger of the difference map update process when interrupted is not limited. It suffices if the map information difference update process is not performed when the navigation-related function is not operating, and the map information difference update process is not performed when the navigation-related function is operating.

Further, the processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Further, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. Note that this also applies to other embodiments in this specification. Software that realizes the map information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program stores map information having a map medium of a partial area in a computer-accessible recording medium and having two or more map parts which are parts forming part of the whole map information. A storage unit for obtaining the computer, and a storage unit for storing one or more difference maps, which are map components of the updated area, and a storage unit for storing the one or more difference maps received by the reception unit in the storage unit. Section and the map information stored in the storage section to function as a processing section that executes a navigation-related function, and when the processing section executes a navigation-related function, the reception section performs A difference updating process including a process of receiving one or more difference maps and a process of accumulating one or more difference maps performed by the accumulating unit, or a difference updating process including a process of receiving one or more difference maps performed by the receiving unit Alternatively, the program is a program for causing a computer to perform a difference update process including a process of storing one or more difference maps performed by the storage unit.

In the above program, when the processing unit does not execute the navigation-related function, it is assumed that the map information difference update process can be executed, and the map information processing apparatus is not operating. It is preferable that the program be a functioning program.

In the above program, it is preferable that the program is a program that causes the computer to function when the accessory power supply is off when the processing unit is not executing the navigation-related function.

In the above program, the receiving unit receives at least one difference map, the accumulation unit accumulates at least one difference map, or the receiving unit receives at least one difference map and the accumulation. A determination unit that determines whether the difference update process, which is a process of accumulating one or more difference maps in the copy unit, has succeeded or failed, and notification information indicating that the determination unit has failed, A program that causes a computer to further function as a transmission unit that transmits to the server device, and the reception unit that causes the computer to function again to receive at least some of the difference maps of the one or more difference maps. It is preferable to have.

In the above program, the transmission unit does not transmit the notification information corresponding to one or more difference maps of one version more than a predetermined number of times, or the transmission unit transmits one or more difference maps of one version to one or more difference maps. When the corresponding notification information is transmitted a predetermined number of times, the receiving unit is a program that causes the computer to function such that at least a part of the one or more difference maps is not received again. It is preferable to have.

In the above program, when the execution of the navigation-related function is started or the execution of the navigation-related function is started during the execution of the difference update process, a process for interrupting the difference update process is performed. It is preferable that the unit is a program that causes a computer to further function.

In the above program, the suspending unit stores one or more pieces of status information, which is information necessary for restarting the difference update process, in the storage unit, and the receiving unit, the storage unit, or the receiving unit. It is preferable that the storage unit is a program that causes a computer to function to restart the difference update process by using the one or more state information.

Further, the software that realizes the map information server device according to the present embodiment is the following program. That is, this program has a computer-accessible recording medium including a server storage unit capable of storing one or more difference maps, and the computer transmits the one or more difference maps to a map information processing apparatus by server transmission. When the number of failures of the difference update processing in one map information processing device is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, the server transmission unit causes the one or more difference maps to be included in the one map information. The program causes the processing device to function as a computer that is not transmitted again.

In the above program, the computer further functions as a server receiving unit that receives notification information from the map information processing device and a number storage unit that temporarily stores the number of times the notification information is received. If the number of times corresponding to the one map information processing device stored in the number of times storage unit is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, the one or more difference maps are not transmitted again to the one map information processing device. It is preferable that the program is a program that causes a computer to function.

FIG. 7 shows the external appearance of a computer that executes the programs described in this specification to realize the map information processing device 1, the map information server device 2, and the like of the various embodiments described above. It goes without saying that the external appearance of the map information processing device 1 may be the diagram with reference numeral 1 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the computer system 300, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the system 300.

In FIG. 7, a computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive 3012 and a touch panel monitor 304.

In FIG. 8, the computer 301 includes, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the MPU 3013 and the CD-ROM drive 3012, and a ROM 3015 for storing a program such as a boot-up program. It is connected to the MPU 3013 and includes a RAM 3016 for temporarily storing the instructions of the application program and providing a temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing the application program, the system program, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card that provides a connection to a LAN.

A program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the map information processing apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017. good. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 when it is executed. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

The program does not necessarily have to include an operating system (OS) that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the map information processing apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment, a third-party program, or the like. The program only needs to include a part of an instruction that calls an appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known and will not be described in detail.

In the above program, in the step of transmitting information, the step of receiving information, etc., the processing performed by hardware, for example, the processing performed by the modem or the interface card in the transmission step (only performed by hardware. Processing) is not included.

Moreover, the computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers. That is, centralized processing may be performed or distributed processing may be performed.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means (terminal information transmitting unit, terminal information receiving unit, etc.) existing in one device may be physically realized by one medium. ..

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, each process (each function) may be realized by centralized processing by a single device (system), or by distributed processing by a plurality of devices. May be done.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the map information processing device according to the present invention has an effect that the difference information can be safely updated in the map information processing device that performs the difference update process of map information, and is useful as a map information processing device or the like ..

1 map information processing device 2 map information server device 10 storage unit 11 reception unit 12 reception unit 13 processing unit 14 output unit 15 transmission unit 21 server storage unit 22 server reception unit 23 server transmission unit 24 server reception unit 25 server processing unit 131 accumulation Part 132 Judgment part 133 Interruption part 134 Route search part 251 Number storage part

Claims (6)

A MAP information processing apparatus, a map information system and a server device,
The map information processing device,
A storage unit capable of storing map information having map information of a part of areas and having two or more map parts which are parts forming part of the information of the entire map,
A receiver for receiving a difference map, which is the map component of the updated area, from the server device;
A processing unit that accumulates the difference map received by the receiving unit in the storage unit and operates a navigation-related function related to navigation using the map information stored in the storage unit,
An output unit that outputs the map information stored in the storage unit,
The navigation-related function includes any one of the map information output processing, a route search function, and a route guidance function,
The processing unit performs a difference update process of accumulating the difference map,
In addition to the original map information, the storage unit includes the latest version of the map information including the difference map updated most recently by the difference update process, and the immediately preceding version of the latest version including the difference map. Map information is stored, and the map information other than the original map information, the latest version of the map information, and the map information immediately before the latest version is not stored by the deletion processing by the processing unit. ,
When the output unit determines that the processing unit has a defect in the map information of the latest version, the output unit outputs the map information immediately before the latest version, or the original map information,
The server device is
A server storage unit capable of storing the difference map;
Map information system characterized by comprising: a server transmission unit that transmits the differential map in the map information processing apparatus. The map information system according to claim 1 , wherein the defect of the map information is a destruction of a file of the map information or a lack of a part of the map information. The map information system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the storage section divides folders according to versions to store the map information of each version . Pre Symbol processing unit has a judging section for judging whether the difference update processing has succeeded or failed,
When the determination unit determines that the difference update processing has failed, the transmission unit further includes notification information indicating that the difference update processing has failed,
The receiving unit, the difference map, again, the map information system as claimed in any one of claims 3, wherein the notification information is received from the server device sent corresponding to the notification information. When the operation of the navigation-related function is started or when the operation of the navigation-related function is started during execution of the difference update process, the processing unit performs an interruption process for interrupting the difference update process. Further comprising a suspending section,
The interruption unit accumulates state information necessary for restarting the difference update processing in the storage unit,
The processing unit restarts the difference update process using the state information,
The interruption process is at least one process of accumulating information for identifying completed work, accumulating information for identifying incomplete work, and deleting a file being written.
The status information is information that identifies completed work and information that does not complete work. Resuming the difference update processing means executing the remaining processing of the difference update processing that is being executed halfway. map information system as claimed in any one claims 1 to 4 to. The recording medium accessible to the computer is
A storage unit capable of storing map information having map information of a part of areas and having two or more map parts which are parts forming part of the information of the entire map;
The computer,
A receiving unit for receiving a difference map, which is the map component of the updated area, from a server device;
A processing unit that accumulates the difference map received by the receiving unit in the storage unit and operates a navigation-related function related to navigation using the map information stored in the storage unit,
It functions as an output unit that outputs the map information stored in the storage unit,
The navigation-related function includes any one of the map information output processing, a route search function, and a route guidance function,
The processing unit performs a difference update process of accumulating the difference map,
In addition to the original map information, the storage unit stores the latest version of the map information including the difference map updated most recently by the difference update process, and the previous version of the latest version including the difference map. The map information is stored, and the map information other than three pieces of the original map information, the latest version of the map information, and the map information immediately before the latest version is stored by the deletion processing by the processing unit. No
When the processing unit determines that there is a defect in the map information of the latest version, the output unit causes the map information immediately before the latest version or the original map information to be output. program.