JP7241714B2 - Information processing device, route guidance device, program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a route guidance device, a program, and an information processing method.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200000 discloses a map data utilization device that displays a screen for inquiring of a user whether or not to permit updating on a display device when the version of update map data is different.
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Literature]
[Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5298417

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect of the present invention, a route guidance device is provided. The route guidance device described above includes, for example, a first storage unit that stores a local map data set created or updated at a first time. For example, the above route guidance device associates (i) a distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the first time and (ii) information indicating the creation time or update time of the distribution map data set. a map information acquisition unit that acquires at least part of the distribution map data set from the map data distribution system stored in the map data distribution system via a wireless communication network. For example, the above-described route guidance device stores the data acquired from the map data delivery system by the map information acquiring unit in the first delivery map data set created or updated at the second time after the first time. A second storage unit is provided. The route guidance device described above includes, for example, a display control section that causes a display device to display a screen based on data stored in the first storage section or the second storage section. The route guidance device described above includes a guidance section that guides a user along a route based on data stored in the first storage section or the second storage section, for example.

In the route guidance device described above, for example, the display control unit (a) stores data in the first storage until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied after the map information acquisition unit completes data acquisition processing from the map data distribution system. causes the display device to display a screen based on the data of the local map data set stored in the unit; In the route guidance device described above, for example, the display control unit (b) completes the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system by the map information acquisition unit and satisfies a predetermined switching condition, the second A screen is displayed on the display device based on the data of the first distribution map data set stored in the storage unit.

The route guidance device described above may include a first storage unit that stores a local map data set created or updated at a first time. The route guidance device stores (i) a distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the first time and (ii) information indicating the creation time or update time of the distribution map data set in association with each other. a map information acquisition unit that acquires at least part of the distribution map data set from the map data distribution system via a wireless communication network. In the above route guidance device, (i) the map information acquisition unit acquires from the map data delivery system, among the data constituting the first distribution map data set created or updated at the second time after the first time. and (ii) information indicating the first acquisition time or information indicating the second time at which the data was acquired in association with each other. The route guidance device determines whether the map data distribution system stores the second distribution map data set created or updated at a third time after the first acquisition time and the second time. A determination unit may be provided. The route guidance device described above may include a display control section that causes the display device to display a screen based on the data stored in the first storage section or the second storage section. The route guidance device described above may include a guidance section that guides the user to a route based on the data stored in the first storage section or the second storage section.

In the route guidance device described above, when it is determined that the map data distribution system stores the second distribution map data set, (a) the map information acquisition unit stores the second distribution map stored in the map data distribution system. Among the data constituting the data set, data corresponding to the data of the first delivery map data set acquired by the map information acquisition unit during a specific past period may be acquired. When it is determined that the map data distribution system stores the second distribution map data set, (b) the second storage unit stores the data obtained by (i) the map information obtaining unit as the second distribution map data set. (ii) at least a predetermined acquisition condition among the data constituting the second delivery map data set; After the acquisition process of the data that satisfies is completed, the data of the first distribution map data set stored in the second storage unit may be deleted.

In the route guidance device described above, the display control unit (a) stores data in the first storage unit until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied after the map information acquisition unit completes data acquisition processing from the map data distribution system. A screen may be displayed on the display device based on the stored data of the local map data set or the data of the first distribution map data set stored in the second storage unit. (b) after the map information acquisition unit has completed the process of acquiring data from the map data delivery system and a predetermined switching condition has been established, the display control unit performs the second delivery stored in the second storage unit; A screen may be displayed on the display device based on the data in the map data set.

The route guidance device described above may include a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the position of the user. In the route guidance device described above, the acquisition condition is an area inside the first geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the user's position indicated by the position information, and the map information acquisition unit corresponds to the area from which the data of the first distribution map data set was acquired during a specific period in the past. In the route guidance device described above, the switching conditions are: (i) a condition that the guidance unit does not guide the route to the destination specified by the user; and the distance between the user and a specific point or a specific type of point is smaller than a predetermined value, (iii) the user operates the route guidance device (iv) a condition that the route guidance device is running; and (v) a screen based on the data of the local map data set stored in the first storage unit and at least one of the conditions that the degree of difference from the screen based on the data of the first distribution map data set is smaller than a predetermined reference.

In the route guidance device described above, the local map data set may include a plurality of local map data. Each of the plurality of local map data may contain information regarding a map of the geographic area assigned to each local map data. In the route guidance device described above, the distribution map data set may include a plurality of distribution map data. Each of the plurality of distribution map data may include information regarding a map of the geographic area assigned to each distribution map data.

In a second aspect of the invention, a route guidance method is provided. The route guidance method described above includes, for example, (i) a distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the first time at which the local map data set stored in the first storage device was created or updated, and ( ii) a map information acquisition step of acquiring at least a portion of the distribution map data set via a wireless communication network from a map data distribution system that stores information indicating the creation time or update time of the distribution map data set in association with each other; have. In the route guidance method described above, for example, among the first distribution map data set created or updated at the second time after the first time, the data obtained from the map data distribution system in the map information obtaining step is It has a second storage stage storing in two storage devices. The route guidance method described above has a display control step of displaying a screen on the display device based on the data stored in the first storage device or the second storage device, for example. The route guidance method described above has a guidance step of guiding the user along the route, for example, based on data stored in the first storage device or the second storage device.

In the route guidance method described above, the display control step includes, for example, (a) after the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system in the map information acquisition step is completed, until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, the first storage causing a display device to display a screen based on data of a local map data set stored on the device; In the route guidance method described above, the display control stage is performed, for example, after the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system in the (b) map information acquisition stage is completed and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, a second The step of causing a display device to display a screen based on the data of the first distribution map data set stored in the storage device.

In a third aspect of the invention, a program is provided. The program may be a program for causing a computer to function as the route guidance device according to the first aspect. The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute the route guidance method according to the second aspect. A computer readable medium storing the above program may be provided. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable recording medium.

It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not list all the necessary features of the invention. Subcombinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

An example of the system configuration of the navigation system 100 is shown schematically. An example of the system configuration of the map distribution server 120 is shown schematically. An example of the internal configuration of a storage unit 230 is shown schematically. An example of the data structure of the nth generation data set 322 is shown schematically. An example of the hierarchical structure of the parcel system data set 420 is shown schematically. An example of the data configuration of vector map data 600 is schematically shown. An example of the data structure of the road data 652 is shown roughly. An example of the data structure of the VICS conversion table 658 is schematically shown. An example of the data configuration of raster map data 900 is schematically shown. An example of the system configuration of the route search server 140 is shown schematically. An example of the internal configuration of the storage unit 1030 is shown schematically. An example of the system configuration of the navigation device 182 is shown schematically. An example of the internal configuration of a storage unit 1232 is shown schematically. An example of the internal configuration of the distribution data storage unit 1316 is shown schematically. An example screen 1500 is shown schematically. An example of the update method of map data is shown roughly. An example of a switching method of map data for screen drawing is schematically shown. An example of a switching method of map data for screen drawing is schematically shown. An example of the internal configuration of the map data management unit 1234 is schematically shown. An example of the internal configuration of the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 is shown schematically. An example of the data structure of movement history data 2100 is schematically shown. An example of the data structure of distribution history data 2200 is schematically shown. An example of map update processing and map display processing is schematically shown. An example of map update processing and map display processing is schematically shown. An example of parcels to be distributed is shown schematically. An example of the system configuration of the computer 3000 is shown schematically.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution of the invention. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description.

[Overview of Navigation System 100]
FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of a navigation system 100. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the navigation system 100 includes a map distribution server 120 , a route search server 140 , a VICS (registered trademark) center 160 , a VICS information transmission device 162 and a vehicle 180 . In this embodiment, vehicle 180 includes navigation device 182 , communication device 184 , receiver device 186 and onboard sensors 188 .

Each part of the navigation system 100 may transmit and receive information to and from each other via the communication network 10 . In this embodiment, the communication network 10 may be a wired communication transmission line, a wireless communication transmission line, or a combination of a wireless communication transmission line and a wired communication transmission line. . The communication network 10 may include a wireless packet communication network, the Internet, a P2P network, a leased line, a VPN, a power line communication line, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication line, a vehicle-to-road communication line, and the like.

The communication network 10 may include (i) a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone network, and (ii) a wireless MAN (for example, WiMAX (registered trademark)), a wireless LAN (for example, WiFi (registered trademark)). ), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), and other wireless communication networks. Wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and NFC may be examples of short-range wireless communication.

In this embodiment, the map distribution server 120 provides a distribution service for distributing map data to users of the navigation system 100 . For example, the map distribution server 120 stores map data for various regions. The above map data is updated periodically, for example. As a result, highly accurate and fresh map data can be provided.

For example, in response to a request from a navigation device 182 mounted on a vehicle 180, the map distribution server 120 transmits map data of an area indicated by the request to the navigation device 182. FIG. In the conventional navigation device 182, there are limited opportunities to update the maps (sometimes referred to as pre-installed maps) that were installed at the time of product shipment. was desired. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, necessary map data is delivered at the timing requested by the navigation device 182 . As a result, the navigation device 182 uses a highly fresh map (sometimes referred to as a distribution map) distributed from the map distribution server 120 to present the map to the passenger 18 and guide the route. You can

In this embodiment, the route search server 140 provides the user of the navigation system 100 with a guidance service for guiding the route to the destination. For example, in response to a request from the navigation device 182 mounted on the vehicle 180, the route search server 140 transmits to the navigation device 182 route data indicating a route to the destination indicated by the request.

The above-mentioned route data may be point sequence data expressing a route to a destination by a set of position information of a plurality of points on the route. The route data includes (a) point sequence data, (b) (i) road traffic information about at least some points or sections on the route, and (ii) applied to at least some points or sections on the route. Traffic law information indicating traffic laws, (iii) attribute information indicating attributes of roads arranged in at least some points or sections on the route, and (iv) detailed guidance on at least some points on the route and at least one identification of the guidance data for presenting the information to the passenger 18 .

The content of the road traffic information includes, for example, congestion, traffic restrictions, required time, and availability of parking lots. Examples of traffic regulations include regulations caused by accidents, construction works, disasters, weather conditions, and the like. Examples of the guide information include a guide image that illustrates the details of intersections, a guide image that illustrates the details of an entry route from a general road to an expressway, and the like. Examples of road attributes include the type of road, regulations applied to roads, width of roads, structure of roads, and the like.

In this embodiment, the VICS center 160 provides users of the navigation system 100 with road traffic information on roads in various locations. The above road traffic information may be VICS (vehicle information and communication system) (registered trademark) information. According to this embodiment, VICS information is provided to the user of navigation system 100 via VICS information transmitter 162 . Examples of the VICS information transmission device 162 include a broadcasting device, an optical beacon transmission device, and a radio beacon transmission device.

In this embodiment, vehicle 180 carries passenger 18 . The vehicle 180 may be moved by the driver 18 or may be moved by an automatic driving system or a driving assistance system installed in the vehicle 180 . Passenger 18 may be a driver who drives vehicle 180 or an operator who operates navigation device 182 . The operator may be a driver or a passenger other than the driver.

Examples of vehicles 180 include bicycles, automobiles, motorcycles, trains, and the like. Motorcycles include (i) bikes, (ii) tricycles, (iii) Segways (registered trademark), kickboards (registered trademark) with power units, and skateboards with power units. A two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle is exemplified.

In this embodiment, navigation device 182 provides map information to vehicle 180 or passenger 18 . The navigation device 182 provides the vehicle 180 or the passenger 18 with various information regarding the route to the destination. Details of the navigation device 182 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the communication device 184 transmits and receives information between the navigation device 182 and the map distribution server 120 via the communication network 10 . The communication device 184 may transmit and receive information between the navigation device 182 and the route search server 140 via the communication network 10 .

In this embodiment, receiver 186 receives various signals. For example, receiver 186 receives VICS signal 22 output by VICS information transmitter 162 . Receiver 186 may receive GPS signals 24 . Signals received by receiver 186 are output to navigation device 182, for example.

In this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted sensor 188 is mounted on the vehicle 180 and acquires various data regarding the vehicle 180 . In-vehicle sensor 188 may output the acquired data to navigation device 182 . For example, in-vehicle sensors 188 include one or more external sensors for recognizing the environment outside vehicle 180 . In-vehicle sensors 188 may include one or more internal sensors that measure physical quantities related to vehicle 180 . Examples of the external sensor include a camera, a distance measuring sensor, and the like. Examples of internal sensors include rotary encoders, velocity sensors, acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, angular acceleration sensors, and the like.

Communication network 10 may be an example of a wireless communication network. The map distribution server 120 may be an example of a map data distribution system. Vehicle 180 may be an example of a mobile object. Vehicle 180 may be an example of an information processing device or a route guidance device. The navigation device 182 may be an example of an information processing device or a route guidance device. The receiving device 186 may be an example of a location information acquisition unit. The in-vehicle sensor 188 may be an example of a position information acquisition unit. Road traffic information may be an example of additional information superimposed on the map.

[Specific configuration of each part of vehicle 180]
Each part of vehicle 180 may be realized by hardware, may be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware and software. At least a part of each part of vehicle 180 may be realized by a control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). At least part of each part of the vehicle 180 may be realized by a personal computer or a mobile terminal. For example, a personal computer or mobile terminal may be used as the user interface of the navigation device 182 . Examples of mobile terminals include mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, tablets, notebook or laptop computers, wearable computers, and the like.

When at least some of the components that make up the vehicle 180 are implemented by software, the components implemented by the software activate a program that defines the operation of the components in an information processing device with a general configuration. It may be realized by The above information processing device includes, for example, (i) a data processing device having various processors (processors include CPU, GPU, etc.), ROM, RAM, communication interface, etc., and (ii) memory, HDD, etc. and a storage device (including an external storage device). The above information processing apparatus may include input devices such as (iii) keyboards, touch panels, cameras, microphones, various sensors, and GPS receivers, and (iv) output devices such as display devices, speakers, and vibration devices. may

In the information processing device described above, the data processing device or the storage device may store a program. The information processing described in the above program functions as concrete means in which software related to the program and various hardware resources of vehicle 180 cooperate with each other, for example, when the program is read into a computer. do. Then, the specific means described above realizes the calculation or processing of information according to the purpose of use of the computer in this embodiment, thereby constructing the vehicle 180 or each part of the vehicle 180 according to the purpose of use.

The above program may be stored in a computer-readable medium. The above program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The above program may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, memory, hard disk, etc., or may be stored in a storage device connected to a network. The above program may be installed in a computer forming at least part of vehicle 180 from a computer-readable medium or a storage device connected to a network.

A computer mounted on vehicle 180 may function as at least part of each unit of vehicle 180 by executing the above program. A computer mounted on vehicle 180 may execute an information processing method in at least a part of each part of vehicle 180 by executing the above program.

A program for causing a computer mounted on vehicle 180 to function as at least part of each part of vehicle 180 includes, for example, a module that defines at least part of the operation of each part of vehicle 180 . When the above program or module is executed, the above program or module works on a data processing device, an input device, an output device, a storage device, etc. to cause the computer to function as each part of the vehicle 180, or cause the computer to function as the vehicle 180. to execute the information processing method in each part.

In one embodiment, the information processing method described above includes, for example: (ii) obtaining at least part of the distribution map data set via a wireless communication network from a map data distribution system that associates and stores information indicating the creation time or update time of the distribution map data set; It has a map information acquisition step. In the above information processing method, for example, (i) of the data constituting the first distribution map data set created or updated at the second time after the first time, in the map information acquisition stage, the map data distribution system and (ii) information indicative of a first acquisition time or information indicative of a second time at which the data was acquired in association with each other. The above information processing method, for example, determines whether the map data distribution system stores a second distribution map data set created or updated at a third time later than the first acquisition time and the second time. There is a second decision stage to decide.

In the above information processing method, if (A) it is determined that the map data distribution system stores the second distribution map data set, (a) the map information acquisition step includes, for example, In the map information acquisition step, among the data constituting the second delivery map data set, the step of acquiring data corresponding to the data of the first delivery map data set acquired during a specific period in the past. In the above-described information processing method, the (b) second storing step stores the data constituting the second delivery map data set acquired in the (i) map information acquiring step in the second acquisition where the data was acquired, for example. A step of storing the information in association with the information indicating the time or the information indicating the third time. In the above-described information processing method, the (b) second storage step includes, for example, (ii) completion of acquisition processing of data satisfying at least a predetermined acquisition condition among the data constituting the second distribution map data set. After that, there is a step of deleting the data constituting the first distribution map data set stored in the second storing step.

In other embodiments, the above information processing method includes, for example: (i) the local map data set stored in the first storage device was created or updated at a later time than the first time it was created or updated; A plurality of distribution map data sets and (ii) a plurality of distribution map data sets are distributed via a wireless communication network from a map data distribution system that associates and stores information indicating the creation time or update time of each of the plurality of distribution map data sets. There is a map information obtaining step of obtaining at least a portion of a distribution map data set of at least one of the data sets. For example, the above information processing method includes: The data and (ii) information indicating a first acquisition time or information indicating a second time at which the data was acquired are associated with each other and stored in a storage device. The above information processing method includes, for example, a first determining step of determining whether the map data delivery system stores a first delivery map data set. The above information processing method, for example, determines whether the map data distribution system stores a second distribution map data set created or updated at a third time later than the first acquisition time and the second time. There is a second decision stage to decide.

In the above information processing method, if it is determined that (A) the map data distribution system stores the first distribution map data set and the second distribution map data set, for example, (a) the map information acquisition step is , among the data constituting the second distribution map data set stored in the map data distribution system, obtain the data corresponding to the data of the first distribution map data set obtained during a specific past period in the map information obtaining step; Including stages. Also, (b) the second storing step stores the data constituting the second distribution map data set acquired in the (i) map information acquiring step as information indicating the second acquisition time at which the data was acquired or the (ii) stored in a storage device after completion of acquisition processing for data satisfying at least a predetermined acquisition condition among the data constituting the second distribution map data set; deleting the data of the first distribution map data set that has been stored.

In yet another embodiment, the information processing method may be a route guidance method. The route guidance method described above includes, for example, (i) a distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the first time at which the local map data set stored in the first storage device was created or updated, and ( ii) a map information acquisition step of acquiring at least a portion of the distribution map data set via a wireless communication network from a map data distribution system that stores information indicating the creation time or update time of the distribution map data set in association with each other; have. In the route guidance method described above, for example, among the first distribution map data set created or updated at the second time after the first time, the data obtained from the map data distribution system in the map information obtaining step is It has a second storage stage storing in two storage devices. The route guidance method described above has a display control step of displaying a screen on the display device based on the data stored in the first storage device or the second storage device, for example. The route guidance method described above has a guidance step of guiding the user along the route, for example, based on data stored in the first storage device or the second storage device.

In the route guidance method described above, the display control step includes, for example, (a) after the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system in the map information acquisition step is completed, until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, the first storage causing a display device to display a screen based on data of a local map data set stored on the device; In the route guidance method described above, the display control stage is performed, for example, after the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system in the (b) map information acquisition stage is completed and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, a second The step of causing a display device to display a screen based on the data of the first distribution map data set stored in the storage device.

In the present embodiment, an example of the navigation device 182 has been described with the case where the navigation device 182 is mounted on the vehicle 180 as an example. However, the navigation device 182 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, navigation device 182 may be mounted on a vehicle.

Examples of mobile bodies include ships, aircraft, and the like, in addition to vehicles. Examples of ships include ships, hovercrafts, personal watercraft, submarines, submersibles, and underwater scooters. Airplanes, airships or balloons, hot air balloons, helicopters, drones, and the like are examples of flying objects.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of the map distribution server 120. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the map distribution server 120 includes a communication section 220 , a storage section 230 and a map data management section 240 . In this embodiment, the map data management section 240 has a request reception section 242 and a request response section 244 .

In this embodiment, the communication unit 220 transmits and receives information between the map distribution server 120 and the vehicle 180 via the communication network 10 . The communication unit 220 may transmit and receive information between the map distribution server 120 and the route search server 140 via the communication network 10 .

In this embodiment, the storage unit 230 stores various map information. Details of the storage unit 230 and details of the map information will be described later.

In this embodiment, the map data management section 240 manages map information stored in the storage section 230 . For example, the map data management unit 240 newly creates, updates, enables distribution, stops distribution, and deletes map information. The map data management unit 240 may manage generations of map information. The map data management unit 240 may manage distribution of map information.

As will be described later, the storage unit 230 may store a plurality of types of map information with different creation times or update times. A creation or update time is sometimes referred to as a generation or version. In this case, the map data management unit 240 manages map information for each generation. For example, when the map distribution server 120 distributes two generations of map information, when a new generation of map information is added as the map is updated, the map data management unit 240 stores the map information of the latest generation and the map information of the newest generation. , and the map information of the previous generation are made available for distribution, while the distribution of the map information of the generation two previous is stopped.

Note that the minimum unit for managing creation time and update time is not particularly limited. Examples of the above minimum unit include seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months.

In addition, as will be described later, when the map information is updated, the map distribution server 120 does not transmit the data of all areas included in the map recording range at once, but rather transmits the data according to the situation of the navigation device 182. Data for the defined area is sent each time. For example, the map distribution server 120 transmits to the navigation device 182 data for an area determined according to the position of the navigation device 182, and does not transmit data for areas other than that area. When the vehicle 180 moves and the position of the navigation device 182 changes, the map distribution server 120 transmits to the navigation device 182 data of an area determined according to the new position. In this way, the map data management unit 240 manages data transmission (sometimes referred to as distribution) to the navigation device 182 .

In this embodiment, details of the map distribution server 120 will be described by taking as an example a case where the map distribution server 120 transmits data according to the state of the navigation device 182 . However, the map distribution server 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In another embodiment, the map distribution server 120 transmits data according to, for example, a contract between the service provider of the map distribution service provided by the map distribution server 120 and the user of the service. For example, at least one of the type, range, precision or accuracy, and freshness of the map provided to the user may be adjusted according to the content of the contract. Examples of the map types include a map represented by vector data, a map represented by raster data, and the like.

In this embodiment, the request receiver 242 receives requests from the navigation device 182 . In this embodiment, the request responder 244 responds to requests from the navigation device 182 .

In one embodiment, the request receiving unit 242 receives from the navigation device 182 a generation transmission request for requesting transmission of information about generations of maps that the map distribution server 120 can distribute. When the request receiving unit 242 receives the generation transmission request, the request responding unit 244 transmits information on map generations that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120 to the navigation device 182 that has transmitted the generation transmission request.

In another embodiment, the request receiving unit 242 receives from the navigation device 182 a map transmission request requesting transmission of a map of a specific area. When the request receiving unit 242 receives the map transmission request, the request responding unit 244 transmits map information of the area indicated by the map distribution request to the navigation device 182 that transmitted the map transmission request. Note that, as will be described later, the map information includes various types of information. The map transmission request may request transmission of a specific type of information among a plurality of types of information included in the map information.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the storage unit 230. As shown in FIG. An example of the map information stored in the storage unit 230 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, taking as an example a case where the n-th generation map information and the (n−1)-th generation map information are in a distributable state. be done. Note that n is an integer of 2 or more.

In this embodiment, the storage unit 230 stores map data and various types of data related to the map data (the term "data" is sometimes used as a generic term for both). In this embodiment, the map recording range is divided into a plurality of sections, and a plurality of map data are prepared to express the features (including virtual ones such as district boundaries) arranged in each section. be done. The storage unit 230 stores a map data set, which is a set of map data corresponding to each of a plurality of sections forming a map recording range.

Various data related to map data include information about at least one of one or more features recorded in the map data. Examples of various data related to map data include guidance data, expressway data, parameter data, guidance search data, and the like. The guidance data is used to present the passenger 18 with detailed guidance information regarding a specific point on the map, as described above. The guidance data may be image data or voice data.

The highway data is used to present the passenger 18 with information about highways or motorways contained within the map's coverage. Expressway data includes a node ID for identifying each node assigned to each of a plurality of points on the expressway, a link ID for identifying each link connecting two adjacent nodes, and at least one and information indicating the name of the node of the part. For example, expressway data includes information indicating the names of nodes assigned to service areas, parking areas, interchanges, junctions, etc. arranged on expressways.

The parameter data stores various parameters used for drawing features on the map. For example, parameters for drawing features on the map as a bird's-eye view map or a three-dimensional map are stored.

Guidance search data is used to search for a specific spot by address, facility name, or the like. The guidance search data may include index information for selecting destinations. The guidance search data may include a search frame for narrowing down the data and point information for storing the information of the search results. The point information stores, for example, information on points (sometimes referred to as POIs) registered by the passenger 18 . Examples of the point information include information indicating the position of the POI, information indicating the name of the POI, and the like.

In this embodiment, the storage unit 230 includes a map data storage unit 320, a guidance data storage unit 330, a highway data storage unit 340, a parameter data storage unit 350, a guidance search data storage unit 360, and management information. and a storage unit 370 . In this embodiment, the map data storage unit 320 stores an n-th generation dataset 322 and an (n−1)-th generation dataset 324 . In this embodiment, the management information storage unit 370 stores generation management information 372 .

In this embodiment, the map data storage unit 320 stores a plurality of map data sets (sometimes referred to as distribution data sets) with different creation times or update times. In this embodiment, the n-th generation dataset 322 may be a map dataset that was created or updated after the creation time or update time of the (n−1)-th generation dataset 324 . The n−1th generation data set 324 is created or updated at a time later than the creation time or update time of the map data set (sometimes referred to as a pre-installed data set) installed when the navigation device 182 was shipped. It may be an updated map dataset.

In this embodiment, the guidance data storage unit 330 stores guidance data. The guidance data storage unit 330 may store one or more guidance data and a data ID for identifying each of the one or more guidance data in association with each other. As a result, for example, the request response unit 244 can acquire the guidance data using the data ID of the guidance data as a key.

In one embodiment, a file storing a plurality of guide data and data IDs of each guide data may be prepared for each generation of the map data set. In this case, a single file that stores a plurality of pieces of guidance data and the data ID of each piece of guidance data corresponds to a single generation map data set.

In another embodiment, a single file that stores a plurality of pieces of guidance data and data IDs of each piece of guidance data may be prepared as a file of guidance data corresponding to a plurality of generations of map data sets. Even in this case, a plurality of files storing a plurality of guide data and the data ID of each guide data may be prepared.

In this embodiment, the expressway data storage unit 340 stores expressway data. The expressway data storage section 340 may store a plurality of expressway data corresponding to each of the plurality of map data sets stored in the map data storage section 320 .

In this embodiment, the parameter data storage unit 350 stores parameter data. The parameter data storage section 350 may store a plurality of parameter data corresponding to each of the plurality of map data sets stored in the map data storage section 320 .

In this embodiment, the guidance search data storage unit 360 stores guidance search data. The guidance search data storage section 360 may store a plurality of guidance search data corresponding to each of the plurality of map data sets stored in the map data storage section 320 .

In this embodiment, the management information storage section 370 stores various information used to manage various data stored in the storage section 230 . As described above, the management information storage section 370 stores the generation management information 372 used for managing permission/prohibition of distribution of the plurality of map data sets stored in the map data storage section 320 .

The generation management information 372 corresponds to a data ID for identifying each of one or more distributable map data sets and information indicating the generation of each map data set (sometimes referred to as generation information). It may be attached information. Examples of the generation information include information indicating the generation or version of the map data set, information indicating the creation time or update time of the map data set, and the like.

According to this embodiment, the map data storage unit 320 stores map data sets of multiple generations. As a result, the map distribution server 120 can distribute data forming part of map data sets of multiple generations.

The distribution data set may be an example of a second map data set or a distribution map data set. The pre-in dataset may be an example of a first map dataset or a local map dataset. The nth generation dataset 322 may be an example of a second map dataset or a distribution map dataset. The n-1th generation dataset 324 may be an example of a second map dataset or distribution map dataset.

Note that the n-th generation data set 322 may be an example of a first delivery map data set created or updated at a time later than the creation time or update time of the pre-installed data set. The n-th generation data set 322 may be an example of a second distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the creation time or update time of the (n−1)th generation data set 324 . The n-1 generation data set 324 may be an example of a first distribution map data set created or updated at a time after the creation time or update time of the pre-in data set. Each map data constituting the n-th generation data set 322 may be an example of the second map data. Each piece of map data that constitutes the n-1 generation data set 324 may be an example of the first map data.

The creation time or update time of the pre-in data set may be an example of the first time. The creation time or update time of the (n−1) th generation data set 324 may be an example of a second time that is later than the first time. The creation time or update time of the n-th generation data set 322 may be an example of a third time that is later than the second time. Generation information may be an example of information indicating creation time or update time.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 230 stores map data sets. The details of the distribution map have been exemplified by exemplifying the case where map data, guidance data, expressway data, parameter data, and guidance search data are stored in different storage units. However, the distribution map is not limited to this embodiment. In another embodiment, (i) the map data and (ii) at least one of the driving guidance data, the highway data, the parameter data, and the guidance search data are data sets stored in a single data file. can be configured.

Details of the data structure of the n-th generation data set 322 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. FIG. It should be noted that other map datasets such as the n−1 th generation dataset 324 may also have a data structure similar to the n th generation dataset 322 .

FIG. 4 schematically shows an example data structure of the nth generation dataset 322 . In this embodiment, the n-th generation dataset 322 comprises a parcel-based dataset 420 and a region-based dataset 440 .

The parcel data set 420 is used for map drawing, route guidance, and the like in the navigation device 182 . The parcel system data set 420 includes multiple data sets with different modes of expression. Each dataset contains multiple map data. As the mode of expression, the size of the scale is exemplified.

In this embodiment, the parcel data set 420 has a hierarchical structure. According to this embodiment, the map data constituting the parcel system data set 420 has seven levels of level 5, level 4, level 3, level 2, level 1, level 0 and level -1 (referred to as parcel levels). may be used.).

In this embodiment, the data set of level 5 has a small scale of each map data, and the number of pieces of map data constituting the data set is small. As the level becomes smaller, the scale of each map data becomes larger, and the number of pieces of map data constituting the data set also increases. Details of the hierarchical structure of the parcel data set 420 will be described later.

The regional data set 440 is used for route calculation in the navigation device 182 . In this embodiment, the regional data set 440 has a hierarchical structure. According to this embodiment, the route calculation data constituting the region-based data set 440 are divided into seven levels of level 5, level 4, level 3, level 2, level 1, level 0 and level -1 (referred to as region levels). may be used.).

FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the parcel-based data set 420. As shown in FIG. According to this embodiment, the map recording range is divided into a plurality of sections (sometimes referred to as basic parcels) having substantially the same shape and size based on latitude and longitude, for example. The shape and size of basic parcels vary by level.

For example, in a level 5 data set, the shape and size of base parcels 512 are determined such that a block 510 having a plurality of base parcels 512 covers the entire map coverage. Each of the plurality of map data constituting the data set of level 5 corresponds to each of the plurality of basic parcels 512 . Each map data may be data for representing a map of a geographical area corresponding to the base parcel 512 .

As shown in FIG. 5, in the level 4 data set, each level 5 base parcel 512 is covered by a block 520 having a plurality of base parcels 522 . Each of the plurality of map data constituting the data set of level 4 corresponds to each of the plurality of basic parcels 522 .

Similarly, in the level 3 data set, each level 4 base parcel 522 is covered by a block 530 having a plurality of base parcels 532 . Each of the plurality of map data constituting the data set of level 3 corresponds to each of the plurality of basic parcels 532 .

Similarly, in the level 2 data set, each level 3 base parcel 532 is covered by a block 540 having a plurality of base parcels 542 . Each of the plurality of map data constituting the level 2 data set corresponds to each of the plurality of basic parcels 542 .

Similarly, in the level 1 data set, each level 2 base parcel 542 is covered by a block 550 having a plurality of base parcels 552 . Each of the plurality of map data constituting the level 1 data set corresponds to each of the plurality of basic parcels 552 .

Similarly, in the level 0 data set, each level 1 base parcel 552 is covered by a block 560 having a plurality of base parcels 562 . Each of the plurality of map data constituting the data set of level 0 corresponds to each of the plurality of basic parcels 562 .

In this embodiment, the level 0 base parcel 562 and the level -1 base parcel 572 cover approximately the same geographic area. Each of the plurality of map data forming the level-1 data set may be an enlarged map or detailed map of each of the plurality of map data forming the level-0 data set.

As shown in FIG. 5, according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of map data constituting the parcel data set 420 belongs to one of the plurality of levels defined by scales, and is defined for each level. Corresponds to one of one or more base parcels. Map data belonging to two or more levels among the plurality of levels may be vector map data (sometimes referred to as vector data). On the other hand, map data belonging to at least one level among the plurality of levels may be raster map data (sometimes referred to as raster data). For example, in this embodiment, the map data from level 5 to level 0 are vector map data, and the map data at level -1 is raster map data.

For example, the map distribution server 120 distributes map data from level 5 to level 0 unless instructed by the user. This greatly reduces the communication capacity. Also, the resource amount of the navigation device 182 used for updating the map is greatly reduced. On the other hand, the map distribution server 120 distributes level-1 map data in response to requests from users. As a result, compared to the case where all the map data included in the map recording range is distributed each time the map is updated, the communication capacity can be reduced, the navigation device 182 resources can be used effectively.

A parcel level may be an example of a hierarchy in data having a hierarchical structure. A base parcel may be an example of a subdivision having a predetermined geographic extent.

FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of the data configuration of vector map data 600. As shown in FIG. As described above, the map data contained in the level 5 through level 0 data sets may be vector map data 600 . In this embodiment, the vector map data 600 may be an example of map data corresponding to each basic parcel.

In this embodiment, vector map data 600 comprises header data 620 , main map data 640 and route guidance data 660 . In this embodiment, main map data 640 has basic data 642 and extended data 644 . In this embodiment, basic data 642 includes road data 652 , background data 654 and name data 656 . In this embodiment, extended data 644 includes VICS translation table 658 .

Header data 620 includes information (sometimes referred to as management record) for handling vector map data 600 by navigation device 182 . Examples of management records include the data sizes of various types of data forming the vector map data 600 .

Primary map data 640 depicts a map of the geographic extent assigned to vector map data 600 . Primary map data 640 includes information for rendering a map of the geographic extent or base parcel assigned to vector map data 600 . The route guidance data 660 includes information in which information indicating a point where the route guidance data is to be output and data ID of the route guidance data output at the point are associated with each other.

Basic data 642 includes the basic data necessary for navigation device 182 to draw a map. The extended data 644 includes various data used by functions other than map drawing (sometimes referred to as extended functions) in the navigation device 182 . Examples of extended functions include a function of superimposing road traffic information on a map.

The road data 652 includes various data regarding roads included in each map. Details of the road data 652 will be described later. The background data 654 includes map background data such as rivers, boundaries of administrative divisions, railways, and the like. The name data 656 includes data in which information indicating the name of a feature included in each map is associated with information indicating the position where the name is displayed.

The VICS conversion table 658 contains VICS link IDs used to identify each of a plurality of road links in the VICS center 160, and information of a plurality of road links (sometimes called parcel links) in each map data set. Correspondence with road link ID used for identifying each is shown. Details of the VICS conversion table 658 will be described later.

As a result, even when the road link IDs assigned to at least some of the road links included in the map recording range are changed due to the update of the map data set stored in the map distribution server 120, the navigation device 182 can associate road link IDs in the map data set with VICS link IDs by using the VICS conversion table 658 . As a result, for example, the navigation device 182 can reflect the road traffic information transmitted by the VICS signal 22 on the map.

Vector map data 600 may be an example of first distribution map data or second distribution map data. The primary map data 640 may be an example of first map data or second map data. The road data 652 may be an example of first driving assistance information or second driving assistance information. The VICS conversion table 658 may be an example of correspondence information indicating correspondence between road link IDs and VICS link IDs. A VICS link ID may be an example of identification information used to identify each of a plurality of road links in a service that distributes additional information superimposed on a map. A road link ID may be an example of identification information used to identify each of a plurality of road links in a map data set.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of the data structure of road data 652 included in vector map data 600. As shown in FIG. The road data 652 includes various information regarding each of the one or more roads included in each basic parcel. In this embodiment, the road data 652 stores parcel levels 720, road link IDs 730, shape information 740, and attribute information 750 in association with each other. In this embodiment, the road link ID 730 is represented by a parcel ID 732 and a parcel link ID 734, for example.

The parcel ID 732 is identification information for identifying each basic parcel. A parcel link ID 734 is identification information for identifying a road link representing each of a plurality of roads arranged on each basic parcel.

The shape information 740 is information for representing the shape of each road arranged in each basic parcel. Examples of the shape information include information indicating the start node, end node, link length, etc. of the road link corresponding to each road.

The attribute information 750 is information for representing attributes of each road allocated to each basic parcel. Road attributes include at least one of road type, link type, road structure, regulations applied to roads, and statistics relating to the speed of vehicles traveling on the road.

Examples of road types include general roads, highways, ferry routes, and the like. Types of roads include national highways, urban highways, general national roads, major local roads (prefectural roads), major local roads (designated city roads), general prefectural roads, general city roads in designated cities, introductory roads, It may be subdivided into minor roads, destination-related roads, parking lot-related roads, and the like. General roads may be subdivided into main roads and other guide roads.

Types of links include dummy links, links on the main line where the up and down lines are not separated, links on the main line where the up and down lines are separated, links on connecting roads connecting main lines, links in intersections, links on ramps, A link of a side road on the same route as the main line, a link of a side line such as a service area, and the like are exemplified.

Examples of laws and regulations applied to roads include the direction of travel, upper speed limits, and permission/denial of activation of an automatic driving system or a driving support system. Examples of the road structure include width, number of lanes, method of separating up and down lines, slope, and the like.

The automatic driving system or driving assistance system of the vehicle 180 may control the vehicle 180 using information indicating the type of road, the number of lanes on the road, the upper speed limit of the road, the structure of the road, and the like. For example, when it is permitted to enable the automatic lane change function of the vehicle 180 only on roads that are motorways, have two or more lanes, and are structurally separated from one another. There is

In this case, it is conceivable that the navigation device 182 analyzes an image captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle 180 to determine whether the above requirements are met. However, as the requirements become more complex, it is desired to determine whether the above requirements are fulfilled more accurately and quickly. According to this embodiment, the attribute information 750 is included in the map data distributed from the map distribution server 120, so the navigation device 182 can accurately and quickly determine whether the above requirements are met.

The attribute information 750 may be an example of first driving assistance information or second assistance information. The attribute information 750 included in each piece of map data forming the n-th generation data set 322 may be an example of second support information. The attribute information 750 included in each piece of map data that constitutes the (n−1) generation data set 324 may be an example of first support information.

FIG. 8 schematically shows an example of the data structure of the VICS conversion table 658 included in the vector map data 600. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the VICS conversion table 658 stores parcel levels 720, road link IDs 730, and VICS link IDs 840 in association with each other. As a result, the road link ID of the road link representing each of the one or more roads included in each basic parcel is associated with the VICS link ID of the road link.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of the data configuration of raster map data 900. As shown in FIG. As mentioned, the map data included in the Level-1 dataset may be raster map data 900 . The raster map data 900 differs from the vector map data 600 in that the main map data 940 is provided instead of the main map data 640 . Main map data 940 is different from main map data 640 in that street map data 952 is provided instead of road data 652 and background data 654 . Street map data 952 may be raster map data that renders in detail the features contained within the geographic extent indicated by each level 0 elementary parcel.

FIG. 10 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of the route search server 140. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the route search server 140 includes a communication section 1020 , a storage section 1030 and a route search section 1040 . In this embodiment, the route search section 1040 has a request reception section 1042 and a request response section 1044 .

In this embodiment, communication unit 1020 transmits and receives information between route search unit 1040 and vehicle 180 via communication network 10 . The communication unit 1020 may transmit and receive information between the map distribution server 120 and the route search server 140 via the communication network 10 .

In this embodiment, the storage unit 1030 stores various map information. The storage unit 1030 acquires and stores map data sets distributed by the map distribution server 120 . When the map data set is updated, the storage unit 1030 acquires the entire updated map data set in a relatively short period of time. The storage unit 1030 may acquire the new map data set all at once, or may acquire the map data set by dividing it. Details of the storage unit 1030 and details of the map information will be described later.

The route search unit 1040 uses the map data stored in the storage unit 1030 to search for a route to the destination in response to a request from the navigation device 182 . Specifically, the request receiving unit 1042 receives from the navigation device 182 a route search request for requesting a route search to the destination. When the request receiving unit 1042 receives the route search request, the request responding unit 1044 transmits route data indicating the route to the destination to the navigation device 182 that transmitted the route search request.

As mentioned above, the route data may include point sequence data. If at least part of the route to the destination includes highways or highways, the route data may include highway data as described above.

FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the storage section 1030. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the storage unit 1030 includes a map data storage unit 320, a guidance data storage unit 330, an expressway data storage unit 340, a parameter data storage unit 350, a guidance search data storage unit 360, and management information. and a storage unit 370 .

In this embodiment, the map data storage unit 320 stores the n-th generation data set 322, which is the latest map data set, and the n-1th generation data set, which is the previous generation map data set. 324 is different from the storage unit 230 of the map distribution server 120 described with reference to FIG. Regarding other features, the storage unit 1030 and its parts may have the same configuration as the storage unit 230 and its parts. Note that the storage unit 1030 may store the (n−1)th generation data set 324 in the same manner as the storage unit 230 .

FIG. 12 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of the navigation device 182. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, navigation device 182 includes, for example, touch display 1212 and speaker 1214 . The navigation device 182 may include an input/output control section 1222 and a communication control section 1224 . The navigation device 182 may comprise a storage section 1232 and a map data management section 1234 . The navigation device 182 may comprise a position estimator 1242 , a road guider 1244 and a drawing controller 1246 .

In this embodiment, the touch display 1212 displays various screens. For example, touch display 1212 displays a screen containing an image of a map. A route to the destination may be displayed on the screen so as to be superimposed on the map. Various icons for the passenger 18 to operate the navigation device 182 may be arranged on the above screen. The touch display 1212 may draw various screens based on instructions from the drawing control unit 1246 .

Touch display 1212 may have a touch panel for accepting input from passenger 18 . Touch display 1212 may accept passenger 18 touch input. The touch display 1212 receives input from the passenger 18 for operating the navigation device 182, for example.

In one embodiment, passenger 18 inputs through touch input that an icon displayed on touch display 1212 has been selected. As a result, the process associated with the above icon is executed. In other embodiments, the passenger 18 may input an instruction to scroll the map displayed on the touch display 1212 and an instruction to zoom in on the map displayed on the touch display 1212 through touch input. can be entered.

In yet another embodiment, passenger 18 may enter the location of a particular point (sometimes referred to as a designated point) through touch input. A destination, a departure point, a transit point, a POI, and the like are exemplified as the designated point. The position of the designated place may be represented by coordinates, an address or part thereof, or a facility name or building name.

Note that the method of inputting instructions from the passenger 18 is not limited to touch input. In other embodiments, commands from passenger 18 may be input via a keyboard, pointing device, voice input system, eye-gaze input system, gesture input system, or the like.

In this embodiment, the speaker 1214 may output various guidance information by voice. Speaker 1214 may output various guidance information based on instructions from road guidance section 1244 .

The input/output control unit 1222 controls input of information to the navigation device 182 . Also, the input/output control unit 1222 controls the output of information from the navigation device 182 .

For example, the input/output control unit 1222 acquires, from the touch display 1212, information indicating the coordinates of the position of the touch input on the touch display 1212 (sometimes referred to as touch position coordinates). The input/output control unit 1222 outputs information indicating the touch position coordinates to at least one of the map data management unit 1234 and the road guidance unit 1244, for example. The input/output control unit 1222 may output to at least one of the map data management unit 1234 and the road guidance unit 1244 information indicating the content of the instruction from the passenger 18 indicated by the touch input.

Input/output control 1222 may adjust the settings of touch display 1212 . For example, the input/output control unit 1222 sets the sensitivity of the touch panel of the touch display 1212 . More specifically, the input/output control unit 1222 may adjust the detection sensitivity of touch input at each position of the touch display 1212 . Thereby, for example, a dead area in which touch input is not detected can be arranged on at least a part of the touch display 1212 .

The input/output control unit 1222 may acquire the VICS signal 22 and the GPS signal 24 received by the receiving device 186 from the receiving device 186 . The input/output control unit 1222 may output the VICS signal 22 to the road guidance unit 1244, for example. The input/output control section 1222 may output the GPS signal 24 to the position estimation section 1242, for example.

The input/output control unit 1222 may acquire various data output from the vehicle-mounted sensor 188 from the vehicle-mounted sensor 188 . The input/output control unit 1222 outputs, for example, image data output by a camera that captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle 180 to the road guide unit 1244 . The input/output control unit 1222 outputs data such as acceleration and angular acceleration output by the internal sensor to the position estimation unit 1242, for example.

The input/output control unit 1222 may control image output of the touch display 1212 . The input/output control unit 1222 may control audio output of the speaker 1214 .

In this embodiment, the communication control unit 1224 controls communication between the communication device 184 and at least one of the map distribution server 120 and the route search server 140 . The communication control unit 1224 may be a communication interface.

The communication control unit 1224 acquires information (sometimes referred to as communication information) indicating the communication state of the communication network 10 when the map data management unit 1234 acquires map data from the map distribution server 120. good too. The communication control section 1224 may output information indicating the communication state of the communication network 10 to the map data management section 1234 . Examples of the communication state include radio wave intensity, communication speed, delay, and communication stability.

Similarly, the communication control unit 1224 may acquire information indicating the communication state of the communication network 10 when the road guidance unit 1244 acquires route data from the route search server 140 . The communication control section 1224 may output information indicating the communication state of the communication network 10 to the road guidance section 1244 .

The storage unit 1232 stores various map information. Storage unit 1232 stores the pre-in data set described above. When the map data management unit 1234 acquires data constituting the distribution data set from the map distribution server 120, the storage unit 1232 may store the data. Details of the storage unit 1232 will be described later.

A map data management unit 1234 manages map information stored in the storage unit 1232 . In one embodiment, the map data manager 1234 manages map information updates. For example, the map data management unit 1234 acquires at least part of the distribution data set stored in the map distribution server 120 to update the map information.

In another embodiment, the map data management unit 1234 manages map data used for route guidance by the road guidance unit 1244 . In still another embodiment, the map data management unit 1234 manages map data used for map display by the drawing control unit 1246 . Details of the map data management unit 1234 will be described later.

A position estimation unit 1242 estimates the position of the navigation device 182 . The position estimator 1242 may estimate the position of the navigation device 182 based on at least one of (i) the GPS signal 24 and (ii) various data output by the in-vehicle sensor 188, for example.

In this embodiment, the road guide section 1244 presents the passenger 18 with various types of information for road guidance. The above information may be presented to the passenger 18 by displaying a guidance image on the touch display 1212 or may be presented to the passenger 18 by outputting a guidance voice from the speaker 1214 .

In this embodiment, the road guidance unit 1244 (i) uses the position of the vehicle 180 and a map of the surroundings of the vehicle 180 to determine the route to the destination, and uses the map of the surroundings of the vehicle 180 to A free driving mode in which information is presented to the passenger 18; and a route guidance mode in which information about roads around 180 is presented to the passenger 18 .

In the route guidance mode, the road guidance section 1244 guides the route to the destination. For example, the road guidance unit 1244 (i) acquires at least information indicating the destination of the passenger 18 and searches for a route to the destination. (ii) The road guidance unit 1244 acquires information indicating the destination of the passenger 18 and information indicating at least one of one or more transit points and departure points, and based on this information, determines the destination You can search for a route to

In one embodiment, road guidance unit 1244 provides route guidance to passenger 18 based on data stored in storage unit 1232 . In another embodiment, the road guidance unit 1244 provides route guidance to the passenger 18 based on route data transmitted from the route search server 140 .

A drawing control unit 1246 draws an image on the touch display 1212 . The drawing control unit 1246 controls drawing of the screen displayed on the touch display 1212 . The drawing control unit 1246 may control the touch display 1212 to display the map image on the touch display 1212 . For example, the drawing control unit 1246 causes the touch display 1212 to display a screen based on data stored in the storage unit 1232 . The drawing control unit 1246 selects (i) a first drawing mode for drawing a map image based on the map data stored in the pre-installed data storage unit 1314, and (ii) a map image based on the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. and a second drawing mode for drawing the map image.

The drawing control unit 1246 may control the touch display 1212 to display the guide image on the touch display 1212 . The drawing control unit 1246 may cause the touch display 1212 to display a guidance image corresponding to the position of the vehicle 180 according to an instruction from the road guidance unit 1244, for example.

Passenger 18 may be an example of a user. Touch display 1212 may be an example of a display device. The input/output control unit 1222 may be an example of a position information acquisition unit, a display control unit, or a sensitivity setting unit. The communication control unit 1224 may be an example of a communication information acquisition unit. The storage unit 1232 may be an example of a first storage unit or a second storage unit. The map data management unit 1234 may be an example of a map information acquisition unit. The position estimation unit 1242 may be an example of a position information acquisition unit. The road guidance section 1244 may be an example of a guidance section that guides routes. The drawing control unit 1246 may be an example of a control device or a display control unit.

In this embodiment, the details of the navigation device 182 have been described by taking as an example the case where the passenger 18 operates the navigation device 182 via the touch display 1212 . However, the navigation device 182 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, passenger 18 may operate navigation device 182 via a voice input system, a gesture input system, a gaze input system, or the like.

FIG. 13 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the storage section 1232. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the storage unit 1232 includes a management information storage unit 1312 , a pre-installed data storage unit 1314 and a distribution data storage unit 1316 . In this embodiment, the pre-installed data storage unit 1314 includes a map data storage unit 1320, a guidance data storage unit 1330, an expressway data storage unit 1340, a parameter data storage unit 1350, and a guidance search data storage unit 1360. have.

In this embodiment, the management information storage unit 1312 stores various information used for managing various data stored in the storage unit 1232 . For example, the management information storage unit 1312 stores information indicating creation time or update time of the m-th generation data set 1322 . The management information storage section 1312 may store information indicating the creation time, update time, or acquisition time of the map data stored in the distribution data storage section 1316 . As described above, the information indicating creation time or update time may be information indicating generation or version.

In this embodiment, the pre-in data storage unit 1314 stores pre-in data. Details of each part of the pre-installed data storage unit 1314 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the distribution data storage unit 1316 stores the data acquired from the map distribution server 120 by the map data management unit 1234 among the data constituting the distribution data set stored in the map distribution server 120 . As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, the management information storage unit 1312 stores data identification information acquired by the map data management unit 1234 from the map distribution server 120, and information indicating the acquisition time of the data acquired from is associated with and stored. As a result, the data acquired from the map distribution server 120 by the map data management unit 1234 can be managed in association with the information indicating the time at which the data was acquired.

In this embodiment, the map data storage unit 1320 stores an m-th generation dataset 1322 as a pre-in dataset. The mth generation dataset 1322 may have a similar data structure as the nth generation dataset 322 .

In this embodiment, the guidance data storage unit 1330 stores guidance data corresponding to the m-th generation data set 1322 . In this embodiment, the expressway data storage unit 1340 stores expressway data corresponding to the m-th generation dataset 1322 . In this embodiment, the parameter data storage unit 1350 stores parameter data corresponding to the m-th generation dataset 1322 . In this embodiment, the guidance search data storage unit 1360 stores guidance search data corresponding to the m-th generation data set 1322 .

The mth generation dataset 1322 may be an example of a first map dataset or a local map dataset. The pre-in data storage unit 1314 forming the m-th generation data set 1322 may be an example of a first storage unit. The distribution data storage unit 1316 may be an example of a second storage unit.

FIG. 14 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the distribution data storage unit 1316. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the delivery data store 1316 comprises available delivery data 1420 and updating delivery data 1440 . Examples of usable distribution data 1420 include X generation map data 1422, X generation guidance data 1423, X generation expressway data 1424, and the like. Other examples of available distribution data 1420 include Xth generation parameter data, Xth generation guidance search data, and the like. For example, while the latest map data 1442 update process is being executed, the map data 1442 is not available until the acquisition process of the map data 1442 is completed. Such data in the middle of acquisition processing can be temporarily stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 as the distribution data 1440 being updated.

FIG. 15 schematically shows an example screen 1500 . In this embodiment, the screen 1500 has a basic function selection area 1520 and a function dependent area 1540 . In this embodiment, an operation selection area 1542 is arranged in the function dependent area 1540 . Further, in this embodiment, a scale change button 1580 , a map update button 1582 , and a map distinguishing icon 1584 are arranged in the function dependent area 1540 .

[Positional Relationship of Elements on Screen 1500]
In this embodiment, the basic function selection area 1520 is arranged outside the function dependent area 1540 . The width of the basic function selection area 1520 may be longer than half the width of the screen.

In this embodiment, operation selection area 1542 is arranged between basic function selection area 1520 and function dependent area 1540 . The width of the operation selection area 1542 may be longer than half the width of the screen. The operation selection area 1542 may be displayed superimposed on the function dependent area 1540 . In another embodiment, the operation selection area 1542 may be arranged in contact with or overlapping the end of the function dependent area 1540 on the side where the basic function selection area 1520 is arranged.

In this embodiment, the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542 are spaced apart. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a gap 1544 is provided between the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542 . This greatly reduces erroneous operations by the passenger 18 .

In this embodiment, at the end of the operation selection area 1542 on the basic function selection area 1520 side, a division highlighting line 1572 for dividing and displaying the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542 is arranged. The color or pattern of section highlighting line 1572 is preferably different from the color or pattern of operation selection area 1542 . Thereby, the boundary between the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542 can be visually recognized more clearly. As a result, erroneous operations by the passenger 18 are greatly reduced.

Note that in other embodiments, the section highlighting line 1572 is positioned between the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542 . In yet another embodiment, the section highlighting line 1572 may be arranged at the end of the basic function selection area 1520 on the operation selection area 1542 side.

[Functions of Elements of Screen 1500]
In this embodiment, the basic function selection area 1520 may be an area for the touch panel of the touch display 1212 to accept touch input from the passenger 18 . Basic function selection area 1520 of screen 1500 is provided with basic function selection buttons 1560 for selecting the basic functions of navigation device 182 . A plurality of basic function selection buttons 1560 may be arranged in the basic function selection area 1520 . According to this embodiment, as the basic function selection button 1560, buttons for calling each of the screen display setting function, TV broadcast reception function, audio playback function, FM broadcast reception function, telephone function, and navigation function are arranged. be done.

In this embodiment, a screen corresponding to the called basic function is displayed in the function dependent area 1540 of the screen 1500 . For example, a map image 1510 is displayed in the function dependent area 1540 when the navigation function is invoked.

In this embodiment, the operation selection area 1542 may be an area for the touch panel of the touch display 1212 to accept touch input from the passenger 18 . An operation selection area 1542 of the screen 1500 is provided with an operation selection button 1570 for selecting an operation corresponding to the called basic function. A plurality of operation selection buttons 1570 may be arranged in the operation selection area 1542 .

In this embodiment, scale change button 1580 is provided to accept touch input for changing the scale of map image 1510 displayed in function dependent area 1540 . In this embodiment, the map update button 1582 is provided to accept touch input for executing the distribution data set update process.

In this embodiment, the map distinguishing icon 1584 indicates that the map image 1510 is based on either (i) the pre-installed data set stored in the pre-installed data storage unit 1314 or (ii) the distribution data set stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. It is provided to determine whether it is displayed as The map image 1510 is displayed based on the pre-installed data set stored in the pre-installed data storage unit 1314, and the map image 1510 is displayed based on the distribution data set stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. At least one of the color, pattern, shape, and size of the map discrimination icon 1584 may differ between the two.

The basic function selection area 1520 may be an example of a first touch control area for the touch panel to receive a user's touch input. Functional dependent area 1540 may be an example of a map display area. The operation selection area 1542 may be an example of a second touch area for the touch panel to receive a user's touch input. The division highlighting line 1572 may be an example of a division area for dividing and displaying the first touch control area and the second control area. Map discrimination icon 1584 may be an example of an icon.

In the present embodiment, details of an example of the screen 1500 have been described, taking as an example the case where the gap 1544 is provided between the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542 . However, the screen 1500 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the sensitivity of the touch panel of touch display 1212 is adjusted. This suppresses erroneous input by the passenger 18 .

More specifically, for example, the input/output control unit 1222 controls the area on the touch panel of the touch display 1212, (a) (i) between the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542, (ii) basic The sensitivity of the region corresponding to at least one of the vicinity of the end of the function selection region 1520 on the operation selection region 1542 side and (iii) the vicinity of the end of the operation selection region 1542 on the basic function selection region 1520 side is , (b) an area on the touch panel of the touch display 1212, in the basic function selection area 1520, the distance from the end of the operation selection area 1542 on the side of the basic function selection area 1520 satisfies a predetermined condition. Set the sensitivity of the touch panel so that it is lower than the sensitivity of the area corresponding to the part where the touch panel is touched. A portion of the basic function selection area 1520 that satisfies a predetermined condition for the distance from the end of the operation selection area 1542 on the side of the basic function selection area 1520 is, for example, an operation selection area in the basic function selection area 1520 . This is the portion where the distance from the lower end of region 1542 is greater than a predetermined value.

The input/output control unit 1222 is an area on the touch panel of the touch display 1212, (i) between the basic function selection area 1520 and the operation selection area 1542, and (ii) on the operation selection area 1542 side of the basic function selection area 1520. and (iii) near the end of the operation selection area 1542 on the side of the basic function selection area 1520, a dead area that does not accept the user's touch input. You may set the sensitivity of the touch panel as follows. For example, on the touch panel of the touch display 1212, the sensitivity of the touch panel is set so that the area corresponding to the gap 1544 of the screen 1500 becomes a dead area.

FIG. 16 schematically shows an example of a map data update method. FIG. 16 schematically shows an example of a method of updating map data when a route is guided based on a set route 1610. FIG.

According to this embodiment, a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the departure point 1612 is set as the target area 1622 to be updated for the map data. When starting point 1612 is used as a reference, for example, a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size centered on starting point 1612 is set as target area 1622 . In this case, the center of target area 1622 coincides with starting point 1612 . Note that the method of setting the target area 1622 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the area of interest 1622 may be set such that a particular location other than the center of the area of interest 1622 coincides with the starting point 1612 . The same applies when a point other than the starting point 1612 is used as a reference.

One or more basic parcels including the target area 1622 are determined as the target parcels 1624 to be subjected to map data update processing. Of the one or more target parcels 1624, at least one of (i) basic parcels for which the latest map data has already been acquired and (ii) basic parcels belonging to a specific parcel level is excluded from the target parcels 1624. may be Also, a basic parcel belonging to a specific parcel level may be determined as the target parcel 1624 to be subjected to map data update processing.

The determination processing of the target parcel 1624 is executed within a predetermined period after the setting route 1610 is determined, for example. The process of determining the target parcel 1624 may be performed when the set route 1610 is determined. In the process of determining the target parcel 1624, the order of transmission from the map distribution server 120 to the navigation device 182 may be determined. For example, the order in which each of the plurality of basic parcels included in the target parcel 1624 is transmitted is determined based on the parcel level to which each basic parcel belongs.

In this embodiment, a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the destination point 1614 is set as the target area 1632 to be subjected to map data update processing. Then, one or more basic parcels including the target area 1632 are determined as target parcels 1634 to be subjected to map data update processing. Of the one or more target parcels 1634, at least one of (i) basic parcels for which the latest map data has already been obtained and (ii) basic parcels belonging to a specific parcel level is excluded from the target parcels 1634. may be Also, a basic parcel belonging to a specific parcel level may be determined as the target parcel 1624 to be subjected to map data update processing.

The determination processing of the target parcel 1634 is executed within a predetermined period after the setting route 1610 is determined, for example. The target parcel 1634 determination process may be performed when the set route 1610 is determined. In the process of determining the target parcel 1624, the order of transmission from the map distribution server 120 to the navigation device 182 may be determined. For example, the order in which each of the plurality of basic parcels included in the target parcel 1624 is transmitted is determined based on the parcel level to which each basic parcel belongs.

The shape and size of the geographic area used to establish the area of interest 1632 may be the same as the shape and size of the geographic area used to establish the area of interest 1622 . The shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1632 may differ from the shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1622 .

In this embodiment, a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to each of a plurality of points 1640 located on the set route 1610 is assigned to the target area 1642 to be updated for the map data. set. Then, one or more basic parcels including the target area 1642 are determined as target parcels 1644 to be subjected to map data update processing. Of the one or more target parcels 1644, at least one of (i) a basic parcel for which the latest map data has already been obtained, and (ii) a basic parcel belonging to a specific parcel level is excluded from the target parcels 1644. may be Also, a basic parcel belonging to a specific parcel level may be determined as the target parcel 1624 to be subjected to map data update processing.

The determination processing of the target parcel 1644 is executed within a predetermined period after the setting route 1610 is determined, for example. The process of determining the target parcel 1644 may be performed when the set route 1610 is determined. In the process of determining the target parcel 1624, the order of transmission from the map distribution server 120 to the navigation device 182 may be determined. For example, the order in which each of the plurality of basic parcels included in the target parcel 1624 is transmitted is determined based on the parcel level to which each basic parcel belongs.

The shape and size of the geographic area used to establish the area of interest 1642 may be the same as the shape and size of the geographic area used to establish the area of interest 1622 . The shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1642 may differ from the shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1622 .

The shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1642 is such that the area of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1642 is smaller than the area of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1622. may be set as As a result, even when the route is changed, the amount of wasted data can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the vehicle position 1650 is set as the target area 1652 to be updated for the map data. Then, one or more basic parcels including the target area 1652 are determined as target parcels 1654 to be subjected to map data update processing. Of the one or more target parcels 1654, at least one of (i) basic parcels for which the latest map data has already been acquired and (ii) basic parcels belonging to a specific parcel level is excluded from the target parcels 1654. may be Also, a basic parcel belonging to a specific parcel level may be determined as the target parcel 1624 to be subjected to map data update processing.

The determination processing of the target parcel 1654 is executed within a predetermined period after the setting route 1610 is determined, for example. The target parcel 1654 determination process may be performed when the set route 1610 is determined. In the process of determining the target parcel 1624, the order of transmission from the map distribution server 120 to the navigation device 182 may be determined. For example, the order in which each of the plurality of basic parcels included in the target parcel 1624 is transmitted is determined based on the parcel level to which each basic parcel belongs.

The shape and size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1652 may be the same as the shape and size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1652 . The shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1652 may differ from the shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1652 .

The shape or size of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1652 is such that the area of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1652 is larger than the area of the geographic extent used to establish the area of interest 1622. may be set as As a result, the map data of a wider range around the vehicle position 1650 can be updated to the latest map data. Further, as the vehicle 180 travels, the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 of the navigation device 182 is updated to the latest map data.

For example, the target parcel 1664 indicates a basic parcel that was subject to map data update processing at a time before the target parcel 1654 . As described above, according to the present embodiment, among the data constituting the latest distribution data set stored in the map distribution server 120, the data of the area determined according to the situation of the navigation device 182 is transmitted each time. be done. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the amount of data communication while maintaining the user experience.

In this embodiment, for example, in the process of determining the target parcel 1654, (i) first, a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the vehicle position 1650 is selected as the target of the map data update process. and (ii) then all or part of one or more basic parcels including the target area 1652 are determined as target parcels 1654 to be updated for map data. As an example, the details of how the target parcel 1654 is determined have been described. However, the method of determining the target parcel 1654 is not limited to this embodiment.

In another embodiment, (i) one or more base parcels (sometimes referred to as ego-vehicle position parcels) containing the vehicle position 1650 and (ii) a plurality of base parcels adjacent to the base parcel (neighboring parcels). are sometimes referred to as parcels) are selected as target parcels 1654 to be subjected to map data update processing. For example, the parcel-level base parcel corresponding to the scale of the map image 1510 currently displayed on the touch display 1212, the single base parcel containing the ego vehicle position 1650 and the eight base parcels adjacent to the ego vehicle position parcel. base parcels are selected as candidates for subject parcels 1654 .

All of the nine base parcels selected as candidates for the target parcel 1654 may be determined as the target parcel 1654 , and some of the nine base parcels may be determined as the target parcel 1654 . For example, among the above nine basic parcels, (i) basic parcels for which the latest map data have already been acquired, and (ii) basic parcels excluding at least one of basic parcels belonging to a specific parcel level , is determined as the parcel of interest 1654 . Also, among the nine basic parcels, a basic parcel belonging to a specific parcel level may be determined as the target parcel 1654 .

In the above embodiment, the vehicle position parcel and eight basic parcels adjacent to the vehicle position parcel (sometimes referred to as first-level adjacent parcels) are candidates for the target parcel 1654. was selected as However, the method of selecting basic parcels adjacent to the own vehicle position parcel as candidates for the target parcel 1654 is not limited to the above embodiment.

In another embodiment, 16 basic parcels adjacent to the first level adjacent parcels (sometimes referred to as second level adjacent parcels) are considered as the basic parcels adjacent to the vehicle location parcel. It is selected as a candidate for parcel 1654 . 24 basic parcels adjacent to the second level adjacent parcels (sometimes referred to as third level adjacent parcels) are selected as candidates for the target parcel 1654 as basic parcels adjacent to the vehicle position parcel. may be Similarly, a plurality of basic parcels adjacent to the n−1 level adjacent parcel (that is, the nth level adjacent parcel) are candidates for the target parcel 1654 as basic parcels adjacent to the vehicle position parcel. may be selected as n may be an integer of 2 or greater. The upper limit of n may be any predetermined positive integer.

The above matters are not limited to the method of determining target parcels 1654 . For example, at least one of the target parcel 1624, target parcel 1634, target parcel 1644, and target parcel 1664 described in connection with FIG. determined by the procedure of

An example of a switching method of map data for screen drawing will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. As described above, the drawing control unit 1246 controls (i) the first drawing mode for drawing the map image 1510 on the screen 1500 based on the map data stored in the pre-installed data storage unit 1314, and (ii) the distribution data storage unit 1314. and a second drawing mode for drawing a map image 1510 on the screen 1500 based on the map data stored in 1316 .

17 and 18, basic parcels 1712 and 1714 indicate basic parcels for which the latest map data is stored in the available distribution data 1420 of the distribution data storage unit 1316. FIG. On the other hand, the basic parcel 1716 indicates a basic parcel for which the latest map data is not stored in the available distribution data 1420 of the distribution data storage unit 1316 . For the purpose of simplifying the explanation, in the present embodiment, the case where the basic parcel 1712, the basic parcel 1714, and the basic parcel 1716 have the same parcel level is taken as an example, and the map data switching method for screen drawing is described. An example of is described.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, the determination area 1722 is used by the rendering control unit 1246 to determine in which rendering mode, the first rendering mode or the second rendering mode, the map image 1510 should be rendered. The shape and size of the determination area 1722 are set so that the screen display area 1724 is included inside the determination area 1722 . The shape of determination region 1722 may be determined based on the traveling direction of vehicle 180 . A screen display area 1724 shows a geographic area corresponding to the map displayed on screen 1500 .

As shown in FIG. 17, when the determination area 1722 is arranged inside the basic parcel 1712 and the basic parcel 1714, the drawing control unit 1246 draws the map image 1510 in the second drawing mode. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when at least part of the determination area 1722 is arranged inside the basic parcel 1716, the drawing control unit 1246 draws the map image 1510 in the first drawing mode.

For example, due to the influence of the communication environment, among the basic parcels that include a specific location or geographical range, the acquisition process of the latest map data corresponding to basic parcels belonging to some parcel levels has not been completed. As vehicle 180 continues to move, a portion of decision region 1722 may be located inside base parcel 1716 . Also, when the input/output control unit 1222 receives an instruction to scroll the map displayed on the touch display 1212 , part of the determination area 1722 can be arranged inside the basic parcel 1716 .

FIG. 19 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the map data management unit 1234. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the map data management unit 1234 includes, for example, a history management unit 1922, a movement history storage unit 1924, and a distribution history storage unit 1926. The map data management unit 1234 may include an update event detection unit 1932 , a distribution candidate identification unit 1934 , and a distribution parcel determination unit 1936 . The map data management unit 1234 may include a map freshness determination unit 1942 , a latest map acquisition unit 1944 , a current map acquisition unit 1946 and a map deletion unit 1948 .

In this embodiment, the history management unit 1922 manages history information indicating various histories regarding the navigation device 182 . In this embodiment, the movement history storage unit 1924 stores movement history information indicating the history of positional changes of the navigation device 182 . In this embodiment, the distribution history storage unit 1926 stores distribution history information indicating various histories regarding distribution data acquired by the navigation device 182 from the map distribution server 120 .

In one embodiment, history manager 1922 obtains information indicating the estimated position of navigation device 182 from position estimator 1242 . The history management unit 1922 associates information indicating the time with information indicating the estimated position of the navigation device 182 at that time, and stores the information in the movement history storage unit 1924 . History management unit 1922 may determine the road link ID of the road on which vehicle 180 is traveling based on the estimated position of navigation device 182 . The history management unit 1922 stores (i) information indicating the time, (ii) information indicating the estimated position of the navigation device 182 at the time, and at least the road link ID of the road on which the vehicle 180 is traveling at the time. One may be associated and stored in the movement history storage unit 1924 .

In another embodiment, the history management unit 1922 (i) determines that at least one of the latest map acquisition unit 1944 and the current map acquisition unit 1946 among the data constituting the distribution map data set stored in the map distribution server 120 is The identification information of the data acquired from the map distribution server 120 and (ii) the information indicating the acquisition time when the data was obtained or the information indicating the creation time or update time of the data are associated with each other, and stored in the distribution history storage unit 1926. store in The history management unit 1922 (i) determines whether at least one of the latest map acquisition unit 1944 and the current map acquisition unit 1946 has acquired from the map distribution server 120, among the data constituting the distribution map data set stored in the map distribution server 120. (ii) information indicating the acquisition time when the data was acquired or information indicating the creation time or update time of the data; and (iii) communication network 10 when the data was acquired. It may be stored in the distribution history storage unit 1926 in association with information indicating the communication state.

In this embodiment, the update event detection unit 1932 detects various events that trigger map update processing. The above events include activation of the navigation device 182, movement of the position of the navigation device 182, operation of the scale change button 1580 on the screen 1500, and selection of the map update button 1582 on the screen 1500. , that a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous update, that reroute processing has started, and the like.

When an update event is detected, the update event detection section 1932 may output information indicating that the update event has been detected to the distribution candidate identification section 1934 . When an update event is detected, update event detection section 1932 may output information indicating that an update event has been detected and information indicating the type of update event to delivery candidate identification section 1934 .

In this embodiment, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 identifies basic parcels that are candidates for basic parcels to request the map distribution server 120 to transmit. In one embodiment, when the set route 1610 determination process is being executed, or when the route guidance process based on the set route 1610 is being executed, the distribution candidate specifying unit 1934 is described in relation to FIG. The various basic parcels obtained are identified as basic parcel candidates for which the map distribution server 120 is requested to be transmitted.

In another embodiment, if the set route 1610 determination process has not been executed, or if the route guidance process based on the set route 1610 has not been executed, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 determines that the map The basic parcel for which the data has been acquired is specified as a basic parcel candidate for which the map distribution server 120 is requested to transmit.

In this embodiment, the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 determines one or more basic parcels to request the map distribution server 120 to transmit from among the one or more basic parcels identified by the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 . For example, the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 selects (i) a base parcel for which the latest map data has already been acquired, and (ii) a specific parcel level from the one or more base parcels identified by the distribution candidate identification unit 1934. By excluding at least one of the basic parcels belonging to , one or more basic parcels to request the map distribution server 120 to transmit may be determined.

In one embodiment, for example, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 selects the basic parcels located around the vehicle 180, the basic parcels located around the route of the vehicle 180, and the basic parcels located around the designated place as the above candidates. , the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 requests the map distribution server 120 to transmit basic parcels belonging to parcel levels including map data expressed as vector data among the parcel levels from level 5 to level -1. Determine as the base parcel to request.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, parcel levels including map data represented as vector data are parcel levels from level 5 to level 0. FIG. As a result, the amount of communication can be reduced, and the resources of the navigation device 182 can be used effectively.

In another embodiment, when the scale change button 1580 on the screen 1500 is operated to request level-1 parcel level data, the delivery parcel determination unit 1936 determines the basic parcels belonging to the level-1 parcel level as It is determined as a basic parcel for which transmission is requested to the map distribution server 120 . As a result, detailed map data represented by raster data can be obtained as needed.

In this embodiment, the map freshness determination unit 1942 determines whether or not the map distribution server 120 stores newer map data than the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 . For example, the map freshness determination unit 1942 refers to the distribution history storage unit 1926 to obtain information indicating the acquisition time, creation time, or update time of the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 . The map freshness determining unit 1942 transmits the generation transmission request described above to the map distribution server 120 . When the map distribution server 120 receives the generation transmission request, the map distribution server 120 transmits information about the generation of the map data that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120 as a response to the generation transmission request.

The map freshness determination unit 1942 compares the generation of map data that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120 with the acquisition time, creation time, or update time of the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 . As a result, the map freshness judging unit 1942 determines whether the map distribution server 120 has generated or updated distribution data after the acquisition time, creation time, or update time of the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. It can be determined whether the set (sometimes referred to as the latest data set) is stored.

In this embodiment, the latest map acquisition unit 1944 accesses the map distribution server 120 and acquires data constituting the latest data set stored in the map distribution server 120 . The latest map acquisition unit 1944 may acquire the basic parcel data determined by the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 when the map freshness determination unit 1942 determines that the map distribution server 120 stores the latest data set. .

For example, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 may identify basic parcels for which map data was obtained during a specific period in the past as candidates for basic parcels to request the map distribution server 120 to transmit. As a result, the latest map acquisition unit 1944 can acquire the above basic parcel map data prior to the movement of the vehicle 180 .

Also, even if the map data was acquired during a specific period in the past, there is a possibility that the map data cannot be acquired during the current run if the communication state at the location is unstable. However, according to the present embodiment, the distribution candidate specifying unit 1934 first acquires the data of the point where the map data was acquired in the past specific period, so that the map data can be acquired more reliably. .

Note that if information indicating the communication state when the map data was acquired during a specific past period is stored, the distribution candidate specifying unit 1934 selects the data that constitutes the latest data set for the specific past period. It is not necessary to acquire the data of the area where the communication condition satisfies the predetermined communication condition when the map data is acquired in . Examples of the above communication conditions include a case where the communication state is not bad, a case where the communication state is good, and the like.

In this case, the distribution candidate specifying unit 1934 has a relatively high probability of being able to acquire data during the current run. Therefore, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 considers the possibility that the data cannot be obtained and the possibility that the previously obtained data will be wasted. It may be determined whether or not to acquire the data of the area where the communication state at the time of acquisition satisfies a predetermined communication condition.

In this embodiment, the current map acquisition unit 1946 accesses the map distribution server 120 to obtain a distribution data set of the same generation or version as the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 (referred to as a current data set). ) to obtain the data that makes up the The current map acquisition unit 1946 may acquire the basic parcel data determined by the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 when the map distribution server 120 stores the current data set as a data set that can be distributed. The current map acquisition unit 1946 may acquire information indicating whether or not the map distribution server 120 stores the current data set from the map freshness determination unit 1942 .

The current map acquisition unit 1946 may acquire the basic parcel data determined by the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 . The basic parcel from which the current map acquisition unit 1946 acquires data may be the same as the basic parcel from which the latest map acquisition unit 1944 acquires data. A part of the one or more basic parcels from which the current map acquisition unit 1946 acquires data may be the same as the basic parcels from which the latest map acquisition unit 1944 acquires data.

In one embodiment, for example, when the amount of map data to be acquired by the latest map acquisition unit 1944 is large, it takes time for the drawing control unit 1246 to draw a map image using the latest distribution data. In this case, the drawing control unit 1246 draws the map image using the pre-installed data set stored in the pre-installed data storage unit 1314 until the download of the latest distribution data is completed.

However, for example, if the number of basic parcels for which the current distribution data has not been obtained is small among the basic parcels determined by the distribution parcel determination unit 1936, the current map obtaining unit 1946 determines that the current distribution data has not been obtained. Get the current data for the base parcel. As a result, the drawing control unit 1246 can draw the map image using the current distribution data. The user experience is improved because even the current delivery data is newer than the pre-in dataset.

In another embodiment, when route guidance processing based on the set route 1610 has not been executed, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 transmits to the map distribution server 120 basic parcels for which map data was obtained during a specific period in the past. as a candidate base parcel to request. Basic parcels for which map data was acquired during a specific period in the past are, for example, basic parcels located around the past travel route of the vehicle 180 .

For example, when the vehicle 180 makes a round trip between two points, the vehicle 180 that has traveled along the past travel route may deviate from the past travel route and continue traveling on the return trip. . In such a case, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 determines (i) not only the basic parcels whose map data were acquired during a specific period in the past, but also (ii) a predetermined condition ( A basic parcel corresponding to a geographical range that satisfies the second positional condition is also specified as a basic parcel candidate for which the map distribution server 120 is requested to transmit.

The base parcel corresponding to the above geographic range may be (i) a base parcel that includes the geographic range; It may be a parcel. An example of the second position condition is a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the navigation device 182 .

In this case, the latest map acquisition unit 1944 acquires data corresponding to the distribution map data set data acquired by the map data management unit 1234 during a specific period in the past, among the data constituting the latest data set. Also, the latest map acquisition unit 1944 acquires data corresponding to a geographical range whose positional relationship with the navigation device 182 satisfies the second positional condition, among the data constituting the latest data set.

On the other hand, the current map acquisition unit 1946 acquires data corresponding to a geographical range whose positional relationship with the navigation device 182 satisfies the second positional condition from among the data constituting the current data set. As a result, the drawing control unit 1246 can continue drawing the map image based on the current distribution data until the download of the data by the latest map acquisition unit 1944 is completed. Therefore, for example, even when the vehicle 180 that once deviated from the past travel route returns to the past travel route, the frequency of switching the drawing mode of the drawing control unit 1246 is reduced.

In this embodiment, the map deletion unit 1948 deletes at least part of the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. FIG. For example, when the map freshness determination unit 1942 determines that the map distribution server 120 stores the latest data set, the map deletion unit 1948 deletes all distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. I can think of it. However, as described above, according to the present embodiment, the drawing control unit 1246 may continue to draw the map image based on the current distribution data while the data forming the latest data set is being downloaded.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the map deletion unit 1948 stores the data in the distribution data storage unit 1316 after the acquisition processing of at least the data that satisfies the predetermined acquisition condition among the data constituting the latest data set is completed. delete the data in the current dataset that is The above acquisition condition is an area inside a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with the position of the navigation device 182 as a reference, and the map data management unit 1234 determines, during a specific period in the past, The condition is exemplified that it corresponds to the region from which the data that constitutes the current data set is acquired.

The size of the geographical range is not particularly limited, but the size of the geographical range is greater than at least one of target area 1622 and target area 1652 described with reference to FIG. may be of the same degree. The geographic extent size may be larger than the area of interest 1622 and/or area of interest 1652 described in connection with FIG. As a result, among the basic parcels that are farther from the vehicle 180 than the basic parcels around the vehicle 180, the data of the basic parcels that include the geographical range where the vehicle 180 is likely to travel are is obtained prior to the movement of

For example, among the basic parcels located around the past travel route of the vehicle 180, at least a part of the basic parcels are located inside the geographic range of a square of 20 km on a side centered on the vehicle position of the vehicle 180. After the latest data for all included base parcels has been downloaded, the map deleter 1948 deletes the data of the current dataset stored in the distribution data store 1316 . At this time, the distribution data storage unit 1316 stores the data of the latest data set that has been downloaded.

The history management unit 1922 may be an example of a location information acquisition unit or a communication information acquisition unit. The map freshness determination unit 1942 may be an example of a determination unit, a first determination unit, or a second determination unit. The latest map acquisition unit 1944 may be an example of a map acquisition unit. The current map acquisition unit 1946 may be an example of a map acquisition unit. Information indicating the estimated position of the navigation device 182 may be an example of position information. The estimated position of the navigation device 182 may be an example of the user's position.

FIG. 20 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the distribution candidate identification unit 1934. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the delivery candidate identification unit 1934 includes, for example, a set route identification unit 2022, a past route identification unit 2024, and a deviation determination unit 2030. The delivery candidate identification unit 1934 may include a designated location surrounding parcel identification unit 2042 , a route surrounding parcel identification unit 2044 , and a vehicle surrounding parcel identification unit 2046 .

In this embodiment, the set route identification unit 2022 identifies the set route 1610 to the destination. For example, the set route identification unit 2022 acquires information indicating the set route 1610 from the road guidance unit 1244 .

In this embodiment, the past route identification unit 2024 identifies the past travel route of the vehicle 180 . For example, the map data management unit 1234 identifies one or more basic parcels for which data was obtained during a specific period in the past as past travel routes.

In this embodiment, the departure determination unit 2030 compares the position of the vehicle 180 estimated by the position estimation unit 1242 with the past travel route specified by the past route specification unit 2024 to determine whether the current travel route of the vehicle 180 is , determines whether or not the vehicle has deviated from the past travel route. The deviation determination unit 2030 may output information indicating the determination result to the route peripheral parcel identification unit 2044 . As described above, the range of basic parcel candidates requested to be transmitted from the map distribution server 120 may vary depending on whether or not the current travel route of the vehicle 180 deviates from the past travel route.

For example, the deviation determination unit 2030 determines whether the positional relationship between the position of the vehicle 180 and the position on the movement route of the vehicle 180 in a specific period in the past satisfies the first position condition, thereby determining whether the vehicle It is determined whether the current driving route of 180 deviates from the past driving route. As the first position condition, (i) the condition that the distance between the vehicle 180 and the position on the movement route of the vehicle 180 in the past specific period is greater than a predetermined value, and (ii) the vehicle 180 However, at least one of the conditions that the probability that the vehicle 180 moves from the position of the vehicle 180 estimated by the position estimating unit 1242 to the movement route of the vehicle 180 in a specific period in the past is smaller than a predetermined value is exemplified. . The above probability is determined based on, for example, the positional relationship between the vehicle 180 and the past travel route of the vehicle 180, the type of road on which the vehicle 180 is traveling, the traveling direction of the vehicle 180, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the designated area surrounding parcel identification unit 2042 transmits to the map distribution server 120 basic parcels located in the vicinity of a point designated by the passenger 18 (sometimes referred to as a designated area). Identifies it as a candidate base parcel to request. The point designated by the passenger 18 is exemplified by a departure point, a destination, a transit point, a POI (point of interest), and the like. The basic parcels located around the specified location may be basic parcels that include a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the specified location. Thereby, for example, the target parcel 1624 and the target parcel 1634 described with reference to FIG. 16 are identified as candidates for the base parcel.

In this embodiment, the route peripheral parcel identification unit 2044 identifies basic parcels located around the set route identified by the set route identification unit 2022 as basic parcel candidates for requesting the map distribution server 120 to transmit. The base parcel located around the set route may be a base parcel that includes a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to each of a plurality of points on the set route. This identifies, for example, the subject parcel 1644 described in connection with FIG. 16 as a candidate for the base parcel above.

In this embodiment, the route peripheral parcel identification unit 2044 identifies basic parcels located around the past traveled route identified by the past route identification unit 2024 as basic parcel candidates for requesting the map distribution server 120 to transmit. . The basic parcel located around the past travel route may be a basic parcel including a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to each of a plurality of points on the past travel route.

As described above, the route peripheral parcel identification unit 2044 determines in advance the communication state of the area corresponding to the basic parcel located around the past travel route identified by the past route identification unit 2024. A basic parcel that does not satisfy the communication conditions may be identified as a basic parcel candidate for which the map distribution server 120 is requested to transmit. As described above, examples of the communication conditions include a case where the communication state is not bad, a case where the communication state is good, and the like.

The vehicle surrounding parcel identification unit 2046 identifies basic parcels located in the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle 180 as basic parcel candidates for requesting the map distribution server 120 to transmit. The base parcel located around the current position of the vehicle 180 may be a base parcel including a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size based on the position of the vehicle 180 estimated by the position estimator 1242 .

The deviation determination section 2030 may be an example of a divergence determination section. The position of vehicle 180 may be an example of the user's position. The travel route of the vehicle 180 may be an example of the travel route of the user. The position of the navigation device 182 may be an example of the user's position. The movement route of the navigation device 182 may be an example of the user's movement route.

FIG. 21 schematically shows an example of the data structure of movement history data 2100. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, movement history data 2100 stores time 2120, vehicle position 2130, and communication environment 2140 in association with each other. The vehicle position 2130 may be represented by the position coordinates 2132 of the position of the vehicle 180 estimated by the position estimation unit 1242, or may be represented by the road link ID 2134 of the road on which the vehicle 180 is traveling.

FIG. 22 schematically shows an example of the data structure of distribution history data 2200. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the distribution history data 2200 includes distribution time 2220 when each data was distributed, generation information 2230 indicating generation or version of each data, parcel level 2240 of each data, and parcel ID 2250 of each data. Store them in association with each other.

In FIG. 22, a record 2262 indicates the distribution history of data that constitutes the n−1th generation data set 324 updated in December 2019. FIG. Also, a record 2262 indicates the distribution history of the data that constitutes the n-th generation data set 322 updated in February 2020. For example, by referring to the distribution history data 2200, the distribution data storage unit 1316 stores the data obtained by the map data management unit 1234 from the map distribution server 120, the acquisition time of the data, or the creation time or update time of the data. can be associated and stored.

Delivery time 2220 may be an example of acquisition time. The delivery time included in record 2262 may be an example of the first acquisition time. The delivery time included in record 2264 may be an example of the second acquisition time. Generation information 2230 may be an example of information indicating creation time or update time.

An example of map update processing and map display processing in the navigation device 182 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. FIG. In the description of FIGS. 23 and 24, the step may be omitted as s.

According to the present embodiment, the above process is started, for example, when the update event detector 1932 detects an update event. As shown in FIG. 23, in S2320, for example, the map data management unit 1234 determines whether the distribution data storage unit 1316 stores data constituting the distribution data set acquired from the map distribution server 120 in the past. judge.

If it is determined that the distribution data storage unit 1316 does not store the data constituting the distribution data set acquired from the map distribution server 120 in the past (No in S2320), in S2332 the drawing control unit 1246 , the map image 1510 is drawn in the first drawing mode for drawing the map image 1510 on the screen 1500 based on the map data stored in the pre-installed data storage unit 1314 . Drawing control unit 1246 causes touch display 1212 to display screen 1500 including map image 1510 drawn in the first drawing mode via input/output control unit 1222 .

The drawing control unit 1246 may display the screen 1500 including the map image 1510 drawn in the first drawing mode until the data acquisition process satisfying the predetermined acquisition condition is completed. The above acquisition conditions include (i) a condition that the data corresponds to an area inside a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the position of the navigation device 182, and (ii) the navigation device. The map data management unit 1234 acquired data that constitutes the current data set during a specific period in the past, which is an area inside a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with respect to the position of 182. A condition that the data corresponds to an area is exemplified.

After the data acquisition process is completed, drawing control unit 1246 causes touch display 1212 to display screen 1500 including map image 1510 drawn in the first drawing mode until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. good. The above switching conditions include (i) a condition that the road guidance unit 1244 does not guide the route to the destination specified by the passenger 18, (ii) the road guidance unit 1244 When the route to the specified destination is being guided, the condition that the distance between the vehicle 180 and a predetermined point or a predetermined type of point is smaller than a predetermined value, ( iii) the condition that the passenger 18 is not operating the navigation device 182, (iv) the condition that the navigation device 182 is in operation, and At least one of the conditions that the degree of difference from the screen based on the latest distribution data set is smaller than a predetermined standard is exemplified. The condition that the navigation device 182 is activated may include the condition that the activation operation by the passenger 18 is detected.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the timing of executing the switching process of the data used for drawing the map screen is adjusted after the data acquisition process is completed. As a result, for example, the sudden change of the map while the navigation device 182 is guiding the route to the destination is suppressed. As a result, the passenger 18 is prevented from being confused, and the route can be guided more safely.

Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, the map data switching process is not executed until the condition that the passenger 18 is not operating the navigation device 182 is satisfied. This prevents the map from suddenly switching while the passenger 18 is operating the navigation device 182 . As a result, usability of the navigation device 182 is improved.

In particular, when the map is suddenly switched while the passenger 18 is operating the screen of the navigation device 182, the usability of the navigation device 182 is deteriorated. For example, if the map is suddenly switched while the passenger 18 is scrolling and viewing the map displayed on the touch display 1212, the usability of the navigation device 182 is greatly reduced. According to this embodiment, the map data switching process is executed when the passenger 18 is not operating the screen, so that the deterioration of the usability of the navigation device 182 can be greatly suppressed.

Note that even during the period in which the road guidance unit 1244 is guiding the route to the destination designated by the passenger 18, for example, the distance between the vehicle 180 and the intersection is less than a predetermined value. is large, even if the switching process of the data used for drawing the map screen is executed, it does not greatly affect the judgment of the passenger 18 . Therefore, the latest data can be used at an earlier timing while ensuring the safety of the passenger 18 . The above intersection may be an intersection where a guidance image is displayed.

The drawing control unit 1246 may verify the degree of difference between the screen based on the pre-installed data set and the screen based on the latest distribution data set acquired by the data acquisition process before executing the map data switching process. . When the difference is smaller than a predetermined reference, even if the data used for drawing the map screen is switched, it does not greatly affect the judgment of the passenger 18 . Therefore, the latest data can be used at an earlier timing while ensuring the safety of the passenger 18 . The above intersection may be an intersection where a guidance image is displayed.

Next, in S2334, map update processing is executed. For example, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 identifies basic parcels that are candidates for basic parcels to be transmitted from the map distribution server 120 according to the status of the navigation device 182 . In addition, the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 determines a basic parcel to request the map distribution server 120 to transmit from among the basic parcel candidates identified by the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 . The map data management unit 1234 generates a map transmission request based on the determination result of the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 and transmits the map transmission request to the map distribution server 120 .

When the map distribution server 120 acquires the map transmission request from the navigation device 182 , the map distribution server 120 transmits the basic parcel data indicated by the map transmission request to the navigation device 182 . When acquiring data from the map distribution server 120 , the map data management unit 1234 stores the data in the distribution data storage unit 1316 . The map data management unit 1234 also creates distribution history information and stores it in the distribution history storage unit 1926 .

Next, in S2336, when the acquisition process of the data that satisfies the acquisition condition is completed, the drawing control unit 1246 draws the map image 1510 on the screen 1500 based on the map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. 2 Draw the map image 1510 in the drawing mode. Drawing control unit 1246 causes touch display 1212 to display screen 1500 including map image 1510 drawn in the second drawing mode via input/output control unit 1222 .

It should be noted that in S2336, the drawing control unit 1246 completes the acquisition processing of the data satisfying the above acquisition condition, and after the above switching condition is satisfied, the map rendered on the touch display 1212 in the second rendering mode. A screen 1500 including an image 1510 may be displayed. This ends the processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the distribution data storage unit 1316 stores the data constituting the distribution data set acquired from the map distribution server 120 in the past (Yes in S2320), in S2340, map data management A unit 1234 determines whether the data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 needs to be updated. If it is determined that the data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 need not be updated (No in S2340), the process of S2336 is executed. If it is determined that the data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 needs to be updated (Yes in S2340), the process A described with reference to FIG. 24 is executed.

24, in S2422, the map freshness determination unit 1942 determines the generation or version of the current data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 and the generation or version of the latest data set stored in the map distribution server 120. Compare with If the two do not match (No in S2422), in S2424 the map freshness determining unit 1942 determines whether the generation or version of the current data is a generation or version that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120. . Distributable generations or versions of the map distribution server 120 may be referred to as the recording range of the map distribution server 120 .

For example, if the generation or version that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120 is older than the generation or version of the current data, the map freshness determination unit 1942 determines that the generation or version of the current data is the generation that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120. Or it is determined that it is not a version. Also, if the generation or version of the current data is older than the oldest generation or version among the generations or versions that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120, the map freshness determination unit 1942 determines that the generation or version of the current data is older than the map distribution server 120. The server 120 determines that the generation or version is not distributable.

If it is determined that the generation or version of the current data is not a generation or version that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120 (YES in S2424), that is, the map distribution server 120 stores the latest data set, If it is determined that the map distribution server 120 does not store the current data set, the map deletion unit 1948 deletes the data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 in S2430. Also, the map deletion unit 1948 may update the distribution history data 2200 stored in the distribution history storage unit 1926 to delete the record corresponding to the data deleted this time.

After the above deletion process is completed, the process of S2332 may be executed. As a result, out of the data constituting the latest data set stored in the map distribution server 120, data acquisition processing is executed for at least some of the basic parcels identified by the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 according to the status of the navigation device 182. be. For example, basic parcels located around the set route, basic parcels located around the past traveled route, basic parcels located around the vehicle position, and at least some of the basic parcels located around the specified location is executed.

On the other hand, if Yes in S2422 or No in S2424, the drawing control unit 1246 draws the map image 1510 on the screen 1500 based on the current map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 in S2440. . The drawing control unit 1246 causes the touch display 1212 to display the screen 1500 including the map image 1510 via the input/output control unit 1222 .

The drawing control unit 1246 displays the screen 1500 including the map image 1510 drawn based on the current map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 until the data acquisition processing satisfying the predetermined acquisition condition is completed. can be displayed. The above acquisition conditions include (i) the condition that the data corresponds to an area inside a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the position of the navigation device 182, (i) the navigation device The map data management unit 1234 acquired data that constitutes the current data set during a specific period in the past, which is an area inside a geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with respect to the position of 182. A condition that the data corresponds to an area is exemplified.

Next, in S2442, map data acquisition processing is executed. For example, the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 identifies basic parcels that are candidates for basic parcels to be transmitted from the map distribution server 120 according to the status of the navigation device 182 . In addition, the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 determines a basic parcel to request the map distribution server 120 to transmit from among the basic parcel candidates identified by the distribution candidate identification unit 1934 . The map data management unit 1234 generates a map transmission request based on the determination result of the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 and transmits the map transmission request to the map distribution server 120 .

When the map distribution server 120 acquires the map transmission request from the navigation device 182 , the map distribution server 120 transmits the basic parcel data indicated by the map transmission request to the navigation device 182 . When acquiring data from the map distribution server 120 , the map data management unit 1234 stores the data in the distribution data storage unit 1316 . The map data management unit 1234 also creates distribution history information and stores it in the distribution history storage unit 1926 .

In S2442, the latest map acquisition unit 1944 acquires data forming the latest data set. In addition, when the current dataset can be distributed by the map distribution server 120, in parallel with the acquisition processing of the data constituting the latest dataset by the latest map acquisition unit 1944, the current map acquisition unit 1946 composes the current dataset. You may obtain data that

Next, in S2450, when the process of acquiring the data that satisfies the above acquisition condition is completed, the drawing control unit 1246 determines whether or not the above switching condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the switching condition is not satisfied (No in S2450), the process of S2442 is continued.

If it is determined that the switching condition is satisfied (Yes in S2450), in S2452 the drawing control unit 1246 changes the drawing mode of the drawing control unit 1246 to the current map stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. The drawing mode for drawing the map image 1510 based on the data is switched to the drawing mode for drawing the map image 1510 based on the latest map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316 . Next, in S2454, the drawing control unit 1246 determines whether or not the drawing mode switching was successful.

If the drawing mode switching fails (No in S2454), the drawing control unit 1246 continues the drawing mode for drawing the map image 1510 based on the current map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. Drawing control unit 1246 also causes touch display 1212 to display screen 1500 including map image 1510 drawn based on the current map data.

On the other hand, if the drawing mode switching is successful (Yes in S2454), the drawing control unit 1246 draws the map image 1510 based on the latest map data stored in the distribution data storage unit 1316. FIG. Drawing control unit 1246 also causes touch display 1212 to display screen 1500 including map image 1510 drawn based on the latest map data.

As described with reference to FIG. 3, the map distribution server 120 manages generations of datasets, and at least some of the plurality of generations of datasets stored in the storage unit 230 are available for distribution. has been However, when the navigation device 182 accesses the map distribution server 120 to acquire map data and the like, and a long time has passed since the navigation device 182 acquired the map data and the like last time, the navigation device 182 may There is a possibility that the data set of the stored generation has already been excluded from distribution targets in the map distribution server 120 .

For example, in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3, the map distribution server 120 manages the n-th generation data set 322 as a data set with a data ID of 0, and 324 is managed as a data set with a data ID of 1. However, at the timing when the navigation device 182 acquired the map data and the like last time, the map distribution server 120 may have managed, for example, the n-5th generation data set as a data set with a data ID of 0. .

In such a case, if the map distribution server 120 simply uses the data ID to manage the data set, there is a possibility that the data transmitted to the navigation device 182 will be inconsistent. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, for example, in S2424, whether or not the generation or version of the current data stored in the map navigation device 182 is a generation or version that can be distributed by the map distribution server 120 is determined. is determined. This suppresses the above-described data inconsistencies.

FIG. 25 schematically shows an example of parcels to be distributed. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the delivery parcel determination unit 1936 adjusts parcel levels to be delivered according to the status of the navigation device 182 and the positional relationship between the navigation device 182 and basic parcels.

According to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 25, when the road guidance unit 1244 is guiding the route to the destination (that is, when the set route 1610 is determined), the delivery parcel determination unit 1936 decides to acquire data of basic parcels belonging to parcel levels 0 to 5, which are basic parcels located around the own vehicle position, the set route, and the designated place. In this case, the data of basic parcels located around the past travel route may not be acquired.

Similarly, when the destination is not set and the vehicle position is on the past travel route, or when the divergence between the vehicle position and the past travel route is moderate, the delivery parcel The determining unit 1936 determines to acquire data of basic parcels belonging to parcel levels 0 to 5, which are basic parcels located around the own vehicle position and the designated place. Also, the delivery parcel determination unit 1936 determines to acquire data of basic parcels belonging to parcel level 0, which are basic parcels located around the past travel route.

Similarly, when the destination is not set and the degree of divergence between the vehicle position and the past travel route is relatively large, the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 determines whether the vehicle position and the designated location are located near the designated location. It is decided to acquire the data of basic parcels belonging to parcel levels 0-5 which are basic parcels. In this case, the possibility of the vehicle 180 returning to the past travel route is relatively small, so the distribution parcel determination unit 1936 does not need to acquire the data of basic parcels located around the past travel route.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example computer 3000 upon which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. A portion of vehicle 180 may be implemented by computer 3000 . A portion of navigation device 182 may be implemented by computer 3000 . For example, the controller of navigation device 182 is implemented by computer 3000 . The controller of the navigation device 182 is, for example, at least one of an input/output control unit 1222, a communication control unit 1224, a storage unit 1232, a map data management unit 1234, a position estimation unit 1242, a road guidance unit 1244, and a drawing control unit 1246. Prepare.

Programs installed on the computer 3000 cause the computer 3000 to function as one or more "parts" of operations or one or more "parts" of an apparatus according to embodiments of the invention, or to and/or cause the computer 3000 to perform processes or steps of processes according to embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by CPU 3012 to cause computer 3000 to perform certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

Computer 3000 according to this embodiment includes CPU 3012 , RAM 3014 , graphics controller 3016 , and display device 3018 , which are interconnected by host controller 3010 . Computer 3000 also includes input/output units such as communication interface 3022 , hard disk drive 3024 , DVD-ROM drive 3026 and IC card drive, which are connected to host controller 3010 via input/output controller 3020 . The computer also includes legacy input/output units such as ROM 3030 and keyboard 3042 , which are connected to input/output controller 3020 via input/output chip 3040 .

The CPU 3012 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 3030 and RAM 3014, thereby controlling each unit. Graphics controller 3016 retrieves image data generated by CPU 3012 into a frame buffer or the like provided in RAM 3014 or itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on display device 3018 .

Communication interface 3022 communicates with other electronic devices over a network. Hard disk drive 3024 stores programs and data used by CPU 3012 within computer 3000 . DVD-ROM drive 3026 reads programs or data from DVD-ROM 3001 and provides programs or data to hard disk drive 3024 via RAM 3014 . The IC card drive reads programs and data from IC cards and/or writes programs and data to IC cards.

ROM 3030 stores therein programs that are dependent on the hardware of computer 3000, such as a boot program that is executed by computer 3000 upon activation. Input/output chip 3040 may also connect various input/output units to input/output controller 3020 via parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, and the like.

A program is provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 3001 or an IC card. The program is read from a computer-readable storage medium, installed in hard disk drive 3024 , RAM 3014 , or ROM 3030 , which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by CPU 3012 . The information processing described within these programs is read by computer 3000 to provide coordination between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing information operations or processing according to the use of computer 3000 .

For example, when communication is performed between the computer 3000 and an external device, the CPU 3012 executes a communication program loaded into the RAM 3014 and sends communication processing to the communication interface 3022 based on the processing described in the communication program. you can command. Under the control of the CPU 3012, the communication interface 3022 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in a recording medium such as the RAM 3014, the hard disk drive 3024, the DVD-ROM 3001, or an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data. Data is transmitted to the network, or received data received from the network is written in a receive buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

In addition, the CPU 3012 causes the RAM 3014 to read all or necessary portions of files or databases stored in external recording media such as a hard disk drive 3024, a DVD-ROM drive 3026 (DVD-ROM 3001), an IC card, etc. Various types of processing may be performed on the data in RAM 3014 . CPU 3012 may then write back the processed data to an external recording medium.

Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on recording media and subjected to information processing. CPU 3012 performs various types of operations on data read from RAM 3014, information processing, conditional decisions, conditional branching, unconditional branching, and information retrieval as specified throughout this disclosure and by instruction sequences of programs. Various types of processing may be performed, including /replace, etc., and the results written back to RAM 3014 . Also, the CPU 3012 may search for information in a file in a recording medium, a database, or the like. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 3012 selects the first attribute from among the plurality of entries. search for an entry that matches the specified condition of the attribute value of the attribute, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby determine the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition An attribute value of the associated second attribute may be obtained.

The programs or software modules described above may be stored in a computer readable storage medium on or near computer 3000 . In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, whereby the above program can be transferred via a network. provided to the computer 3000;

The blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams in the above embodiments may represent steps in the process in which the operations are performed or "portions" of devices responsible for performing the operations. Certain steps and "sections" may be provided with dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium, and/or computer readable instructions provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium. It may be implemented by a processor. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and/or analog hardware circuitry, and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and/or discrete circuitry. Programmable circuits, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Programmable Logic Arrays (PLAs), etc., perform AND, OR, EXCLUSIVE OR, NOT AND, NOT OR, and other logical operations. , flip-flops, registers, and memory elements.

A computer-readable storage medium may comprise any tangible device capable of storing instructions to be executed by a suitable device, such that a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon may be illustrated in flowchart or block diagram form. It will comprise an article of manufacture containing instructions that can be executed to create means for performing specified operations. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like. More specific examples of computer readable storage media include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory) , electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, memory stick , integrated circuit cards, and the like.

The computer readable instructions may be assembler instructions, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or object oriented programming such as Smalltalk, JAVA, C++, etc. language, and any combination of one or more programming languages, including conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. good.

Computer readable instructions are used to produce means for a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, or programmable circuits to perform the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagrams. A general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processor, locally or over a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, etc., to execute such computer readable instructions. It may be provided in the processor of the device or in a programmable circuit. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, and the like.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. In addition, matters described with respect to a specific embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not technically inconsistent. Also, each component may have features similar to other components with the same name but different reference numerals. It is clear from the description of the scope of claims that forms with such modifications or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The execution order of each process such as actions, procedures, steps, and stages in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, the specification, and the drawings is particularly "before", "before etc., and it should be noted that they can be implemented in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if the description is made using "first," "next," etc. for the sake of convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. not a thing

10 Communication Network 18 Passenger 22 VICS Signal 24 GPS Signal 100 Navigation System 120 Map Distribution Server 140 Route Search Server 160 Center 162 VICS Information Transmission Device 180 Vehicle 182 Navigation Device 184 Communication Device 186 receiving device, 188 vehicle-mounted sensor, 220 communication unit, 230 storage unit, 240 map data management unit, 242 request reception unit, 244 request response unit, 320 map data storage unit, 322 n-th generation data set, 324 n-1th generation data set generation data set 330 guidance data storage unit 340 expressway data storage unit 350 parameter data storage unit 360 guidance search data storage unit 370 management information storage unit 372 generation management information 420 parcel data set 440 region system dataset, 510 blocks, 512 basic parcels, 520 blocks, 522 basic parcels, 530 blocks, 532 basic parcels, 540 blocks, 542 basic parcels, 550 blocks, 552 basic parcels, 560 blocks, 562 basic parcels, 572 basic parcels, 600 vector map data, 620 header data, 640 main map data, 642 basic data, 644 extension data, 652 road data, 654 background data, 656 name data, 658 VICS conversion table, 660 route guidance data, 720 parcel level, 730 roads Link ID, 732 Parcel ID, 734 Parcel link ID, 740 Shape information, 750 Attribute information, 840 VICS link ID, 900 Raster map data, 940 Main map data, 952 City map data, 1020 Communication unit, 1030 Storage unit, 1040 Route search unit 1042 request reception unit 1044 request response unit 1212 touch display 1214 speaker 1222 input/output control unit 1224 communication control unit 1232 storage unit 1234 map data management unit 1242 position estimation unit 1244 road guidance unit , 1246 drawing control unit, 1312 management information storage unit, 1314 pre-in data storage unit, 1316 distribution data class storage unit 1320 map data storage unit 1322 m-th generation data set 1330 guidance data storage unit 1340 expressway data storage unit 1350 parameter data storage unit 1360 guidance search data storage unit 1420 distribution data 1422 map data , 1423 Guidance data, 1424 Expressway data, 1440 Delivery data, 1442 Map data, 1500 Screen, 1510 Map image, 1520 Basic function selection area, 1540 Function dependent area, 1542 Operation selection area, 1544 Gap, 1560 Basic function selection button , 1570 operation selection button, 1572 division emphasis line, 1580 scale change button, 1582 map update button, 1584 map discrimination icon, 1610 set route, 1612 departure point, 1614 destination point, 1622 target area, 1624 target parcel, 1632 target area, 1634 target parcel 1640 point 1642 target area 1644 target parcel 1650 own vehicle position 1652 target area 1654 target parcel 1664 target parcel 1712 basic parcel 1714 basic parcel 1716 basic parcel 1722 judgment area 1724 screen Display area 1922 History management unit 1924 Movement history storage unit 1926 Distribution history storage unit 1932 Update event detection unit 1934 Distribution candidate identification unit 1936 Distribution parcel determination unit 1942 Map freshness determination unit 1944 Latest map acquisition unit 1946 Current map acquisition unit 1948 Map deletion unit 2022 Set route identification unit 2024 Past route identification unit 2030 Deviation determination unit 2042 Specified area surrounding parcel identification unit 2044 Route surrounding parcel identification unit 2046 Vehicle surrounding parcel identification unit 2100 movement history data, 2120 time, 2130 vehicle position, 2132 position coordinates, 2134 road link ID, 2140 communication environment, 2200 distribution history data, 2220 distribution time, 2230 generation information, 2240 parcel level, 2250 parcel ID, 2262 record, 2264 record, 3000 computer, 3001 DVD-ROM, 3010 host controller, 30 12 CPU, 3014 RAM, 3016 graphic controller, 3018 display device, 3020 input/output controller, 3022 communication interface, 3024 hard disk drive, 3026 DVD-ROM drive, 3030 ROM, 3040 input/output chip, 3042 keyboard

Claims (8)

A route guidance device,
a first storage unit that stores a local map data set created or updated at a first time;
A map data distribution system that associates and stores (i) a distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the first time and (ii) information indicating the creation time or update time of the distribution map data set. a map information acquisition unit that acquires at least a portion of the distribution map data set from, via a wireless communication network;
a second storage unit for storing data obtained from the map data distribution system by the map information obtaining unit, out of the first distribution map data set created or updated at a second time after the first time;
a display control unit for displaying a screen on a display device based on the data stored in the first storage unit or the second storage unit;
a guidance unit that guides a user to a route based on the data stored in the first storage unit or the second storage unit;
with
The display control unit
(a) the local map data set stored in the first storage unit until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied after the map information acquisition unit completes the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system; causing the display device to display the screen based on the data;
(b) the first distribution stored in the second storage unit after the map information obtaining unit completes the data obtaining process from the map data distribution system and the predetermined switching condition is satisfied; causing the display device to display the screen based on the data of the map data set;
The switching condition is
(i) when the guide section guides a route to a destination designated by the user, and the distance between the user and a specific point or a specific type of point is determined in advance; the condition that it is less than the value,
(ii) a condition that the route guidance device is in the process of starting up; and
(iii) the degree of difference between the screen based on the data of the local map data set stored in the first storage unit and the screen based on the data of the first delivery map data set stored in the second storage unit; is less than a predetermined criterion,
including at least one of
Route guidance device. A route guidance device,
a first storage unit that stores a local map data set created or updated at a first time;
A map data distribution system that associates and stores (i) a distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the first time and (ii) information indicating the creation time or update time of the distribution map data set. a map information acquisition unit that acquires at least a portion of the distribution map data set from, via a wireless communication network;
(i) data obtained from the map data distribution system by the map information obtaining unit, among the data constituting the first distribution map data set created or updated at the second time after the first time; , (ii) a second storage unit that stores information indicating a first acquisition time or information indicating the second time at which the data is acquired in association with each other;
a determination unit that determines whether the map data distribution system stores a second distribution map data set created or updated at a third time after the first acquisition time and the second time;
a display control unit for displaying a screen on a display device based on the data stored in the first storage unit or the second storage unit;
a guidance unit that guides a user to a route based on the data stored in the first storage unit or the second storage unit;
with
When it is determined that the map data distribution system stores the second distribution map data set,
(a) The map information acquisition unit acquires the first distribution data acquired during a specific past period by the map information acquisition unit, among the data constituting the second distribution map data set stored in the map data distribution system. Get the data corresponding to the data in the map dataset,
(b) The second storage unit stores (i) the data acquired by the map information acquiring unit as information indicating the second acquisition time at which the second distribution map data set was acquired or information indicating the third time at which the second distribution map data set was acquired. and (ii) stored in the second storage unit after completion of acquisition processing of at least data satisfying a predetermined acquisition condition among the data constituting the second distribution map data set. delete the data of the first distribution map data set that is
The display control unit
(a) the local map data set stored in the first storage unit until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied after the map information acquisition unit completes the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system; causing the display device to display the screen based on the data or the data of the first distribution map data set stored in the second storage unit;
(b) the second distribution stored in the second storage unit after the map information obtaining unit completes the data obtaining process from the map data distribution system and the predetermined switching condition is satisfied; causing the display device to display the screen based on the data of the map data set;
The switching condition is
(i) when the guide section guides a route to a destination designated by the user, and the distance between the user and a specific point or a specific type of point is determined in advance; the condition that it is less than the value,
(ii) a condition that the route guidance device is in the process of starting up; and
(iii) the degree of difference between the screen based on the data of the local map data set stored in the first storage unit and the screen based on the data of the first delivery map data set stored in the second storage unit; is less than a predetermined criterion,
including at least one of
Route guidance device. further comprising a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the user;
The acquisition condition is an area inside a first geographical range having a predetermined shape and size with reference to the position of the user indicated by the position information, and the map information acquisition unit is the condition that it corresponds to the area where the data of the first distribution map data set was acquired during the specific period of
The route guidance device according to claim 2. The switching condition is
(i) when the guide section guides a route to a destination designated by the user, and the distance between the user and a specific point or a specific type of point is determined in advance; is less than the value, or
(ii) a condition that the route guidance device is in the process of starting up;
include,
The route guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. the local map data set includes a plurality of local map data;
each of the plurality of local map data includes information regarding a map of the geographical area assigned to each local map data;
the distribution map data set includes a plurality of distribution map data;
each of the plurality of distribution map data includes information about a map of a geographical area assigned to each distribution map data;
The route guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A program for describing a computer as the route guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A route guidance method,
(i) a distribution map data set created or updated at a time later than the first time at which the local map data set stored in the first storage device was created or updated; and (ii) creation of the distribution map data set. a map information acquiring step of acquiring at least a portion of the distribution map data set from a map data distribution system that stores information indicating time or update time in association with each other via a wireless communication network;
Of the first distribution map data set created or updated at a second time after the first time, data obtained from the map data distribution system in the map information obtaining step is stored in a second storage device. a second memory stage;
a display control step of displaying a screen on a display device based on the data stored in the first storage device or the second storage device;
a guidance step of guiding a route to a user based on the data stored in the first storage device or the second storage device;
with
The display control step includes:
(a) After the data acquisition process from the map data distribution system in the map information acquisition step is completed, the local map data set stored in the first storage device is stored until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. displaying the screen on the display device based on the data;
(b) the first delivery stored in the second storage device after the data acquisition process from the map data delivery system in the map information acquisition step is completed and the predetermined switching condition is satisfied; causing the display device to display the screen based on data in a map data set;
has
The switching condition is
(i) when the guide section guides a route to a destination designated by the user, and the distance between the user and a specific point or a specific type of point is determined in advance; the condition that it is less than the value,
(ii) a condition that the route guidance device that executes the route guidance method is in the process of starting up; and
(iii) the degree of difference between the screen based on the data of the local map data set stored in the first storage device and the screen based on the data of the first delivery map data set stored in the second storage device; is less than a predetermined criterion,
including at least one of
Route guidance method. The switching condition is
(i) when the guide section guides a route to a destination designated by the user, and the distance between the user and a specific point or a specific type of point is determined in advance; is less than the value, or
(ii) a condition that the route guidance device is in the process of starting up;
include,
The route guidance method according to claim 7.

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