JPWO2010007690A1 - Update map data creation device, map data update device, update map data creation method, map data update method, update map data creation program, map data update program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The updated map data creation device (100) includes a storage unit (101), a reception unit (102), a detection unit (103), a selection unit (104), and an output unit (105). The storage unit (101) stores information in which mesh data, binary difference data, and version information are associated with each other. A receiving part (102) receives the version information of the map data recorded on the user terminal device. Based on the received version information, the detection unit (103) detects mesh data and binary difference data corresponding to the version recorded in the user terminal device from the storage unit (101). The selection unit (104) compares the detected mesh data with the binary difference data, and selects one having a short time required for updating in the user terminal device. The output unit (105) outputs the selected one data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an update map data creation device, a map data update device, an update map data creation method, a map data update method, an update map data creation program, a map data update program, and a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described update map data creation device, map data update device, update map data creation method, map data update method, update map data creation program, map data update program, and recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, map data is regularly updated in electronic devices that display map screens using map data such as navigation devices, PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices), mobile phones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). When updating map data, in addition to a method of updating all new map data, a method of updating map data in units of meshes is adopted.

  Specifically, the map update processing data creation device creates difference data between the old map data and the new map data in units of files for the map data composed of a plurality of files. When the ratio of difference data to data (size ratio) is larger than a predetermined value, the new map data itself is recorded on the recording medium as map update data, while when the size ratio is smaller than the predetermined value There has been proposed a technique in which data is recorded in a recording medium as map update data and the map data is updated using the recording medium in a navigation device (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2006-251768 A

  However, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above is effective when the navigation apparatus is appropriately updated whenever the version is changed, it is not updated at an appropriate update interval. In this case, that is, when updating by skipping the version, the map update data in which the difference data and the new map data are mixed in file units can only be applied cumulatively for the number of updates. As an example, there is a problem that time may increase and effective map data cannot be updated in consideration of the update time.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an updated map data creation device according to the invention of claim 1 constitutes map data and is replaced every time the map data is updated and mesh data that is replaced every time the map data is updated. Stored in the user terminal device from the storage means for storing the information that associates the binary difference data obtained by extracting the difference between each mesh data and the version information indicating the number of updates, and the user terminal device. Receiving means for receiving the version information of the map data, and based on the version information received by the receiving means, the information stored in the storage means is recorded in the user terminal device. Detecting means for detecting the mesh data and the binary difference data corresponding to a version, and the detecting means Therefore, a selection unit that compares the detected mesh data with the binary difference data and selects one of the short time required for updating in the user terminal device, and the one data selected by the selection unit Output means for outputting.

  Further, the map data update device according to the invention of claim 6 includes a recording means for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update, version information of the old mesh data, and new map data for update. From the updated map data creation device, the transmission means for transmitting the version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to the updated map data creation device for creating Based on the data received by the receiving means, receiving means for receiving either the binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data, or the new mesh data itself Updating means for updating the old map data recorded in the recording means to new map data. To.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an updated map data creation method comprising map data, a binary data obtained by extracting a difference between mesh data to be replaced for each update of the map data and each mesh data to be replaced for each update. An update map data creation method for an update map data creation device comprising a storage unit for storing information in which difference data and version information indicating the number of updates are associated with each other, from the user terminal device to the user A receiving step for receiving version information of map data recorded in the terminal device, and based on the version information received in the receiving step, the usage is selected from the information stored in the storage unit. Detection step of detecting the mesh data and the binary difference data corresponding to the version recorded in the person terminal device A selection step in which the mesh data detected in the detection step is compared with the binary difference data, and one of the time required for updating in the user terminal device is selected; and a selection step in the selection step And an output step of outputting the one data.

  The map data update method according to the invention of claim 8 is a map data update device comprising a recording unit for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update and version information of the old mesh data. A map data update method, a transmission step of transmitting version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to an update map data creation device for creating new map data for update, and the transmission Receiving step of receiving the step transmission and receiving either the binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data or the new mesh data itself from the updated map data creation device And based on the data received in the receiving step, the old map data recorded in the recording means is converted into a new map data. Characterized in that it comprises an updating step of updating the data, the.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an updated map data creating program causes a computer to execute the updated map data creating method according to the seventh aspect.

  A map data update program according to claim 10 causes a computer to execute the map data update method according to claim 8.

  A recording medium according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that the program according to the ninth or tenth aspect is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the updated map data creation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the map data update device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an update map data creation processing procedure of the update map data creation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the map data update processing procedure of the map data update device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is a system configuration diagram of the map data update system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5-2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of mesh data stored in the RDB. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the map data distribution server according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment. 8-1 is explanatory drawing which showed the outline | summary of the mesh data detected by the map data delivery server, and binary difference data. FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of element data of parcel data. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the RDB according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of binary difference data according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of data update. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an update map data creation process performed by the map data distribution server. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of map data update processing performed by the navigation device. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the map data storage process performed by the map data distribution server.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Update map data creation apparatus 101 Storage part 102 Reception part 103 Detection part 104 Selection part 105 Output part 106 Acquisition part 107 Update part 108 Extraction part 109 Association part 200 Map data update apparatus 210 Recording part 220 Transmission part 230 Reception part 240 Control part 241 Update unit 500 Map data update system 510 Map data distribution server 511 RDB
520 navigation device

  With reference to the accompanying drawings, an update map data creation device, a map data update device, an update map data creation method, a map data update method, an update map data creation program, a map data update program, and a recording medium according to the present invention are described below. A preferred embodiment will be described in detail.

(Embodiment)
(Functional configuration of update map data creation device)
The functional configuration of the updated map data creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The updated map data creation device is realized by a computer device such as a server for managing map data or a personal computer (PC), for example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the updated map data creation device according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the update map data creation device 100 includes a storage unit 101, a reception unit 102, a detection unit 103, a selection unit 104, an output unit 105, an acquisition unit 106, an update unit 107, and an extraction unit 108. And an associating unit 109.

  The storage unit 101 stores information in which mesh data, binary difference data, and version information are associated with each other. The mesh data constitutes map data and is replaced every time the map data is updated. Further, the mesh data is preferably divided into a predetermined range for each of a plurality of different scales to form a hierarchical structure, and it is desirable that the mesh data has a correspondence relationship between the hierarchical levels. The predetermined range may be a uniform range for each layer, or may be a range according to the amount of data. Specifically, the mesh data includes drawing parcel data and region data for route calculation.

  The binary difference data is obtained by extracting the difference of each mesh data replaced for each update. Specifically, the binary difference data is obtained by comparing the binary data with each other and comparing the difference of the mesh data for each layer constituting the mesh. It is possible to extract a difference with the amount of change minimized, and the amount of update data can be greatly reduced.

  The binary difference data will be described by taking parcel data as an example. Parcel data is composed of elements such as road data indicating a road shape, background data indicating a background screen, and name data for displaying characters. The binary difference data of the parcel data is extracted as a difference by comparing the changed road data, background data, and name data with each other from the mesh (parcel data) including the changed part. It is data. The binary difference data may be data extracted as a difference by comparing the binary data together without dividing the parcel data into elements.

  The version information is a version number indicating the number of updates. As a storage method of the storage unit 101, a relational database capable of representing map data as a simple table format is typically used, but a conventional file tree structure can also be used. The information that associates mesh data, binary difference data, and version information, specifically, mesh data updated for each version, binary difference data before and after update, and version information, respectively. The associated information.

  The receiving unit 102 receives version information of map data recorded in the user terminal device from the user terminal device. The user terminal device corresponds to a map data updating device described later. Specifically, when the map data is updated, the receiving unit 102 transmits information indicating that version information is requested from the transmitting unit (not shown) to the user terminal device. The version information may be received, or the version information may be received from the user terminal device by, for example, an input to update the user terminal device from the user.

  Based on the version information received by the receiving unit 102, the detecting unit 103 selects mesh data and binary difference data corresponding to the version recorded in the user terminal device from the information stored in the storage unit 101. And detect. As a specific example, for example, when the version recorded in the user terminal device is version 2 and the latest version stored in the storage unit 101 is version 5, the detection unit 103 sets version 2 to Mesh data and binary difference data necessary for upgrading to version 5 are detected.

  The selection unit 104 compares the mesh data detected by the detection unit 103 with the binary difference data, and selects one having a short time required for updating in the user terminal device. The time required for updating depends on the amount of data and the number of versions to be updated. For example, when the data amount is as small as about one update, the time required for updating is shorter for binary difference data than for mesh data.

  On the other hand, when the data amount corresponds to, for example, the data amount of three or more updates, the binary difference data may take longer to update than the mesh data. This means that when updating using binary difference data, it is necessary to restore the binary difference data and align the restored data with each mesh data, while when updating using mesh data. This is because a simple process of simply replacing data is sufficient. Even if the update is performed once, if the data amount is large, the binary difference data may take longer to update than the mesh data.

  Here, the number of updates used for selection is determined by measuring the update time at the user terminal device in advance for the accumulation of binary difference data and mesh data before starting the data supply to the user. Therefore, it can be calculated by comparison.

  In addition, as a factor of the time required for updating using binary difference data, for example, an operation input for confirming that updating is permitted for each version from the user, and time required for transmission / reception of the input information. For example, it takes time and effort. In other words, as the number of updates increases, the time required to complete the update may increase.

  In addition, when updating, the selection unit 104, based on the approximate empirical time required for one update, specifically, according to the number of times the user did not update (number of times the version was skipped) For example, mesh data may be selected when updating three or more times at a time.

  Here, the empirical approximate time means, for example, that the update time is not measured every time, but the update time determined by measuring once is reused for selection. Note that the selection unit 104 may be configured such that the selection method can be changed according to differences in user terminal devices. The update time is the difference in the speed of the CPU provided in the user terminal device, the difference in the access speed between the map storage medium, for example, the HDD and the flash memory, and the update data receiving means, for example, wirelessly such as a mobile phone, Since the speed may change greatly depending on the speed difference via the Internet such as a PC or via a map storage medium such as a DVD, it is very effective to change the selection method.

  A specific configuration will be described. In this case, the receiving unit 102 receives, from the user terminal device, predetermined information regarding the processing capability of the user terminal device together with the version information of the map data recorded in the user terminal device. The predetermined information related to the processing capability is information such as the CPU used, the map storage medium, the update data receiving means, or the like, or information such as the model number of the terminal device that can specify these information collectively.

  The selection unit 104 compares the mesh data detected by the detection unit 103 with the binary difference data based on the predetermined information received by the reception unit 102, and the time required for updating in the user terminal device is short. Select one. That is, the selection unit 104 can select one of the data with a short update time in consideration of the difference in the user terminal device.

  Specifically, for user terminal device A, mesh data is selected when updating more than three times at a time, but for user terminal device B with higher performance, May select mesh data when updating five times or more at a time. Thereby, regardless of the model number of the user terminal device, the map data used in the updated map data creation device can be unified and the update data can be distributed according to the difference in the user terminal device.

  The output unit 105 outputs one data selected by the selection unit 104. The information output from the output unit 105 is transmitted from a transmission unit (not shown) to the user's terminal device (map data update device). In addition to this, a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) is used. It may be recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD or a memory card.

  Next, updating of information stored in the storage unit 101 described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 106, the update unit 107, the extraction unit 108, and the association unit 109 are arbitrary constituent elements. The acquisition unit 106 acquires update mesh data. The method of acquiring mesh data by the acquiring unit 106 may be based on input from an operator, based on reading from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or based on reception from the outside, for example. But you can.

  The update unit 107 uses the latest mesh data acquired by the acquisition unit 106 to update the map data stored in the storage unit 101 to the latest map data. That is, the update unit 107 replaces the old mesh data corresponding to the latest mesh data in the map data stored in the storage unit 101 with the latest mesh data. The updating unit 107 performs updating after matching the mesh data units between each layer, or between the parcel data and the region data, based on the correspondence relationship between the mesh data units between the layers. .

  Note that the matching of data units is associating the upper layer mesh with the lower layer mesh. Specifically, this alignment is to match the data unit of the region data of each layer with the data unit of the region data of the highest layer, and the data unit of the parcel data of each layer corresponds to the region of the corresponding layer. It is consistent with the data. Note that the highest hierarchy is a wide hierarchy on a scale.

  Further, the extraction unit 108 uses the latest mesh data acquired by the acquisition unit 106 to extract binary difference data indicating a difference between the latest mesh data and the old mesh data before update.

  The associating unit 109 associates the mesh data constituting the latest map data updated by the updating unit 107, the binary difference data extracted by the extracting unit 108, and the version information as the number of times of updating so far. .

  In such a configuration including the acquisition unit 106, the update unit 107, the extraction unit 108, and the association unit 109, the storage unit 101 stores information associated by the association unit 109.

(Functional configuration of map data update device)
Next, the functional configuration of the map data updating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The map data update device is realized by an electronic device that displays a map screen using map data, such as a navigation device, a PND, a mobile phone, and a PDA. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the map data update device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the map data update device 200 includes a recording unit 210, a transmission unit 220, a reception unit 230, a control unit 240, and an update unit 241.

  The recording unit 210 records old mesh data constituting the old map data before update and version information of the old mesh data. Specifically, the recording unit 210 records map data configured in units of meshes having a hierarchical structure. The mesh has drawing parcel data and route calculation region data, and each mesh is divided into a predetermined range for each of a plurality of different scales. As the recording unit 210, specifically, a magnetic disk or a small flash memory with a small recording capacity is used.

  The transmission unit 220 transmits the version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording unit 210 to the updated map data creation device 100 that creates new map data for update under the control of the control unit 240. The timing of transmission by the transmission unit 220 may be, for example, when an input to update is received from the user, or when the update time recorded with the old map data as an attribute of the map data is reached. Also good.

  Upon receiving the transmission from the transmission unit 220, the reception unit 230 receives either the binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data from the updated map data creation device 100, or the new mesh data itself. Receive.

  The control unit 240 has an update unit 241. The updating unit 241 updates the old map data recorded in the recording unit 210 with new map data based on the data received by the receiving unit 230. The update by the update unit 241 will be specifically described. When the binary difference data is received by the receiving unit 230, the update unit 241 restores the binary difference data and combines the restored data for each mesh. Note that the mesh data units between the hierarchies are matched based on the correspondence of the mesh data units between the hierarchies, so that there is no inconsistency between the hierarchies when updating.

  On the other hand, when the new mesh data itself is received by the receiving unit 230, the updating unit 241 updates the old map data recorded in the recording unit 210 to new mesh data for each mesh.

(Update map data creation processing procedure of the update map data creation device)
Next, the update map data creation processing procedure of the update map data creation device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an update map data creation processing procedure of the update map data creation device 100 according to the present embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the updated map data creation device 100 determines whether or not the receiving unit 102 has received version information of map data recorded in the user terminal device from the user terminal device (step S301). ). It is in a standby state until it receives version information of map data (step S301: No loop).

  When the version information of the map data is received (step S301: Yes), based on the received version information, the detection unit 103 is recorded in the user terminal device from the information stored in the storage unit 101. Mesh data and binary difference data corresponding to the version are detected (step S302).

  Then, the selection unit 104 compares the detected mesh data with the binary difference data, and selects one having a short time required for updating in the user terminal device (step S303). And the output part 105 outputs one data selected by the selection part 104 (step S304), and complete | finishes a series of processes.

(Map data update processing procedure of map data update device)
Next, the map data update processing procedure of the map data update device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the map data update processing procedure of the map data update device 200 according to the present embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4, in the map data update device 200, the transmission unit 220 transmits the version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording unit 210 to the updated map data creation device 100 (step S401). Note that the transmission timing is, for example, when an input to update is received from the user.

  Thereafter, in response to the transmission by the transmission unit 220, either the binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data or the new mesh data itself is received from the updated map data creation device 100. Whether or not (step S402). It is in a standby state until either one of the above data is received (step S402: No loop). When any one of the above data is received (step S402: Yes), the recording unit 210 receives the data based on the received data. The recorded old map data is updated to new map data (step S403), and a series of processing ends.

  As described above, the updated map data creation device 100 according to the present embodiment detects mesh data and binary difference data based on the version information received from the user terminal device, and among the data, One with a short time required for updating in the user terminal device is selected and output. Therefore, it is possible to update the effective map data considering the update time, regardless of whether the update is performed properly whenever the version changes or the version is skipped. it can. This makes it possible to reduce the time until the end of the update, in other words, the time until the latest map can be used.

  In addition, the mesh data constituting the updated latest map data, the binary difference data extracted using the updated mesh data and the old mesh data, and the version information as the number of times updated so far If linked and stored, there is no need to update all of the data periodically, and there is no need to set up a database each time every update is performed, and the database is operated as a single unit. Can do. Therefore, the size of the database can be greatly reduced, and data management can be greatly reduced. Further, according to such a configuration, in principle, permanent operation can be performed only by updating the mesh data and the binary difference data.

  In addition, predetermined information related to the processing capability of the user terminal device is received from the user terminal device, and one of the shorter time required for updating in the user terminal device is selected based on the received predetermined information. If it is made, the optimal update corresponding to a user terminal device can be performed.

  If a relational database is used as a map data storage method, map data can be represented in a simple table format, and data can be easily replaced in mesh units.

  Further, the map data update device 200 according to the present embodiment receives either binary difference data indicating the difference between the new mesh data and the old mesh data or the new mesh data itself from the updated map data creation device 100. Receiving and updating the old map data to the new map data based on the received data, so even if you update properly whenever the version changes, skip the version and update Even if it is performed, effective map data can be updated in consideration of the update time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time until the end of the update, in other words, the time until the latest map can be used.

  In the above description, the updated map data creation device 100 selects binary difference data or new mesh data. However, the map data update device 200 can also perform the selection. It is. That is, the map data update device 200 transmits version information to the update map data creation device 100, and information on the number of times the version has been skipped from the update map data creation device 100 and the amount of data required for the update (of binary difference data). Receives information such as data volume and new mesh data volume.

  Based on this received information, the map data updating apparatus 200 may select one of the binary difference data or the new mesh data that requires a shorter time for updating. In the selection in this case, the information received from the map data update device 200 may be displayed on a display or the like to accept the selection from the user.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. A present Example demonstrates an example at the time of implementing the map data update system comprised by a map data delivery server and a navigation apparatus. The updated map data creation device 100 shown in the embodiment corresponds to a map data distribution server. The map data update device 200 shown in the embodiment corresponds to a navigation device.

(System configuration of map data update system)
First, the system configuration of the map data update system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a system configuration diagram of the map data update system according to the present embodiment.

  5A, the map data update system 500 includes a map data distribution server 510 and a navigation device 520. Map data distribution server 510 and navigation device 520 mounted on the vehicle are connected via a network such as the Internet. The map data distribution server 510 is connected to an RDB (Relational Database) 511.

  The RDB 511 stores parcel data and region data constituting map data for each mesh in a tabular format. In this embodiment, the map data is stored in the RDB 511. However, the map data may be stored in a normal data file format without using the RDB 511.

  The parcel data is data for drawing, and is composed of element data such as road data indicating a road shape, background data indicating a background screen, and name data for displaying characters. Further, the parcel data includes guidance data for route guidance. The guidance data generally exists only in the lowest layer (detailed scale) parcel, and is composed of data such as information around the intersection. The region data is data for route calculation, and specifically, is data relating to a road network including link and node information. Both parcel data and region data have a hierarchical structure. The storage unit 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by the RDB 511.

  The map data distribution server 510 transmits the update map data stored in the RDB 511 to the navigation device 520 as mesh units or binary difference data. The navigation device 520 uses the data transmitted from the map data distribution server 510 to update map data recorded in advance in units of meshes.

(Outline of mesh data stored in RDB)
Next, an outline of mesh data stored in the RDB 511 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of mesh data stored in the RDB 511.

  In FIG. 5B, parcel data 530 and region data 540 are configured in units of rectangular meshes as indicated by reference numerals 530a and 540a, respectively. Each of the meshes 530a and 540a has a hierarchical structure, in which the upper layer is data for a wide area and the lower layer is data for details. In the lowest hierarchy of the parcel data 530, in addition to drawing data, route guidance data is stored.

  The parcel data 530 and the region data 540 are consistent in data units between the respective hierarchies. In addition, data units are matched between the parcel data 530 and the region data 540. With such a data structure, display of a map screen, route guidance, route search, and the like are appropriately performed.

(Hardware configuration of map data distribution server)
The hardware configuration of the map data distribution server 510 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the map data distribution server 510 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, the map data distribution server 510 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a magnetic disk drive 604, a magnetic disk 605, an optical disk drive 606, an optical disk 607, an input device 608, and a video I / F 609. And a display 610 and a communication I / F (interface) 611. The constituent units 601 to 611 are connected by a bus 620, respectively.

  The CPU 601 governs overall control of the map data distribution server 510. A rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a ROM 602 or a flash ROM stores various programs such as a boot program and an update map data creation program. The RAM 603 is used as a work area for the CPU 601.

  The update map data creation program detects mesh data and binary difference data corresponding to the version information of the map data received from the navigation device 520 among the information stored in the RDB 511, and determines the communication state and the like of the navigation device 520. This is a program that selects and outputs one with a short time required for updating in the navigation device 520 in consideration of the processing capability to be included. The output information is transmitted to the navigation device 520 through the communication I / F 611.

  In addition, the update map data creation program has updated the mesh data that constitutes the latest updated map data, the binary difference data extracted by using the updated mesh data and the old mesh data, and so far A map data storage program for associating with version information as the number of times and storing in the RDB 511 is included.

  Note that the detection unit 103 and the selection unit 104 illustrated in FIG. 1 are realized by the CPU 601. That is, the function of the detection unit 103 is realized by the CPU 601 executing the updated map data creation program. In addition, the update unit 107, the extraction unit 108, and the association unit 109 illustrated in FIG. That is, the functions of the update unit 107, the extraction unit 108, and the association unit 109 are realized by the CPU 601 executing the map data storage program.

  The magnetic disk drive 604 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 605 according to control of CPU601. The magnetic disk 605 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 604. As the magnetic disk 605, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used. Information stored in the RDB 511 and an updated map data creation program may be recorded on the magnetic disk 605. Further, the magnetic disk drive 604 may be detachable.

  The optical disk drive 606 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 607 according to control of CPU601. The optical disk 607 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 606. As the optical disk 607, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 607, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  Examples of the input device 608 include a remote controller including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The latest mesh data for update is input to the input device 608 by an operation from the operator.

  In addition to acquiring the latest mesh data for update by input from the input device 608, the latest map data may be read from the optical disk 607 on which the latest mesh data is recorded. The acquisition unit 106 described in the embodiment is realized by the input device 608 and the optical disc drive 606.

  The video I / F 609 is connected to the display 610. Specifically, the video I / F 609 displays, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 610, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and the display 610. It is comprised by the control IC etc. which control. The display 610 displays the latest mesh data input to the input device 608 and the like.

  The communication I / F 611 is connected to a communication network such as a network via radio, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 601. The communication I / F 611 receives from the navigation device 520 version information of map data recorded in the navigation device 520 and information regarding processing capability including the communication state of the navigation device 520. In addition, the communication I / F 611 transmits information output by executing the above-described update map data creation program to the navigation device 520.

  In the present embodiment, the latest mesh data for update is acquired from the input device 608, but the latest mesh data may be received from an external server via the communication I / F 611. Good. The output unit 105 shown in the embodiment is realized by the communication I / F 611.

  The output information is output from the communication I / F 611 to a removable recording medium such as an HD, DVD, CD, or memory card via a map data receiving device such as a PC (Personal Computer) (not shown). However, the information may be stored in the navigation device 520 via these recording media. Furthermore, in this embodiment, information is output via the communication I / F 611. However, the removable recording such as HD, DVD, CD, memory card, etc. can be directly performed without using the communication I / F 611. Information may be output to a medium, and the information may be stored in the navigation device 520 via these recording media.

  Storage unit 101, reception unit 102, detection unit 103, selection unit 104, output unit 105, acquisition unit 106, update unit 107, and extraction included in update map data creation apparatus 100 shown in FIG. The unit 108 and the associating unit 109 execute a predetermined program using the programs and data recorded in the ROM 602, RAM 603, magnetic disk 605, optical disk 607, etc. in the map data distribution server 510 shown in FIG. And the function is implement | achieved by controlling each part in the map data delivery server 510. FIG.

  That is, the map data distribution server 510 of the present embodiment includes the updated map data creation device 100 shown in FIG. 1 when the CPU 601 executes the updated map data creation program recorded in the ROM 602 as a recording medium. The function can be executed by the update map data creation processing procedure shown in FIG.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
The hardware configuration of the navigation device 520 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device 520 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, a navigation device 520 includes a CPU 701, a ROM 702, a RAM 703, a magnetic disk drive 704, a magnetic disk 705, an optical disk drive 706, an optical disk 707, an audio I / F 708, a speaker 709, and an input device. 710, a video I / F 711, a display 712, a communication I / F 713, a GPS unit 714, and various sensors 715. Each component 701 to 715 is connected by a bus 720.

  The CPU 701 governs overall control of the navigation device 520. The ROM 702 records various programs such as a boot program, a current location calculation program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a map drawing program, and a map data update program. The RAM 703 is used as a work area for the CPU 701.

  The current location calculation program, for example, calculates the current location of the vehicle (current location of the navigation device 520) based on output information from a GPS unit 714 and various sensors 715, which will be described later.

  The route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point using map data recorded on a magnetic disk 705 described later. Here, the optimum route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination point or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. Further, not only the destination point but also a route to a stop point or a rest point may be searched. The searched guidance route is output to the audio I / F 708 and the video I / F 711 via the CPU 701.

  The route guidance program is based on the guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, the vehicle current location information calculated by executing the current location calculation program, and the map data read from the magnetic disk 705. Real-time route guidance information is generated. The generated route guidance information is output to the audio I / F 708 and the video I / F 711 via the CPU 701.

  The map drawing program generates drawing information using map data or the like recorded on a magnetic disk 705 described later. The generated drawing information is output to the video I / F 711 via the CPU 701.

  The map data update program receives either binary difference data indicating the difference between the new mesh data and the old mesh data or the new mesh data itself from the map data distribution server 510 via the communication I / F 713. The program updates the old map data recorded on the magnetic disk 705 with new map data based on the received data. In the present embodiment, the map data is stored in a relational database existing as a program, as in the updated map data creation apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, but a normal database can be used without using a relational database. Map data may be stored in a data file format.

  Note that the control unit 240 and the update unit 241 illustrated in FIG. 2 are realized by the CPU 701. That is, the functions of the control unit 240 and the update unit 241 are realized by the CPU 701 executing the map data update program.

  The magnetic disk drive 704 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 705 according to control of CPU701. The magnetic disk 705 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 704. As the magnetic disk 705, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  Further, the magnetic disk drive 704 may be detachable. Accordingly, the latest map data can be read by connecting the magnetic disk drive 704 to the update map data creation device shown in FIG. 1 or a map data receiving device such as a PC (Personal Computer) (not shown). .

  Map data is recorded in a tabular format on the magnetic disk 705. Map data consists of parcel data and region data in mesh units. Both parcel data and region data have a hierarchical structure. Note that the map data is recorded not only on the magnetic disk 705 but also on a flash memory having a smaller recording capacity than the magnetic disk 705 in a portable navigation device (PND), for example. The recording unit 210 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the magnetic disk 705.

  The optical disk drive 706 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 707 according to control of CPU701. The optical disc 707 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 706. As the optical disk 707, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 707, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 708 is connected to a speaker 709 for audio output. The speaker 709 outputs sound. Examples of the input device 710 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Using this input device 710, it is possible to accept an input for updating from a user.

  The video I / F 711 is connected to the display 712. Specifically, the video I / F 711 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 712, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 712 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The communication I / F 713 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 520 and the CPU 701. The communication I / F 713 has a function of transmitting the version information of the old mesh data recorded on the magnetic disk 705 and information regarding the processing capability including the communication state of the navigation device 520 to the map data distribution server 510.

  Further, the communication I / F 713 receives the transmission of the version information to the map data distribution server 510, and receives binary difference data indicating a difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data from the map data distribution server 510, or It has a function to receive new mesh data itself. The transmission unit 220 and the reception unit 230 illustrated in FIG. 2 are realized by the communication I / F 713.

  The GPS unit 714 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current location of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 714 is used when the CPU 701 calculates the current location of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 715 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 715 output information such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle. The output values of the various sensors 715 are used by the CPU 701 for calculation of the current position of the vehicle, measurement of changes in speed and direction, and the like.

  The recording unit 210, the transmission unit 220, the reception unit 230, the control unit 240, and the update unit 241 included in the map data update device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 are the ROM 702 in the navigation device 520 illustrated in FIG. The CPU 701 executes a predetermined program using programs and data recorded in the RAM 703, the magnetic disk 705, the optical disk 707, etc., and controls each part in the navigation device 520 to realize its function.

  That is, the navigation device 520 of the present embodiment has the functions provided in the map data update device 200 shown in FIG. 2 when the CPU 701 executes the map data update program recorded in the ROM 702 as a recording medium. The map data update processing procedure shown in FIG.

(Outline of mesh data and binary difference data)
Next, an outline of mesh data and binary difference data detected by the map data distribution server 510 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of mesh data and binary difference data detected by the map data distribution server 510.

  In FIG. 8A, reference numeral 810 indicates map data (base data) of version 1.0 stored in advance in the RDB 511. Here, parcel data will be described as an example, but the same applies to region data. The basic data 810 includes, for example, wide area data 811, middle area data 812, and detailed data 813, and has a hierarchical structure. The wide area data 811 includes a1 mesh data. The mid-range data 812 includes mesh data b1 to b4. The detailed data 813 includes mesh data of c1 to c16.

  On the other hand, reference numeral 820 is the latest map data (new data) including, for example, version 1.1 mesh data input to the input device 608. Similarly to the base data 810, the new data 820 also includes wide area data 821, middle area data 822, and detailed data 823 having a hierarchical structure. The new data 820 is different from the base data 810, and for example, information on a newly established road 825 is recorded.

  The update data 830 indicating the mesh data for update is obtained by comparing the base data 810 and the new data 820 to detect the latest version 1.1 mesh data including mutually different information. That is, the update data 830 is obtained by detecting mesh data (a1, b1, c1, c2, c4) including the road 825 in the new data 820. Similarly, for the region data, mesh data including a link of the road 825, a node number, and the like is detected as the update data 830.

  Further, the binary difference data 840 is obtained by detecting only changed data in the update data 830. Specifically, the difference between the mesh data for each layer constituting the parcel data is extracted by comparing the binary data. The binary difference data 840 has a data unit that is consistent between the layers.

(Outline of element data of parcel data)
Here, the outline of the element data of the parcel data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of element data of parcel data. In FIG. 8B, parcel data 850 includes element data, road data 851 indicating a road shape, background data 852 indicating a background screen, and name data 853 for displaying characters.

  Although not shown, the region data is similarly composed of element data such as link data and node data. In this embodiment, the RDB 511 stores the parcel data 850 and the region data divided for each element data. In updating, each element data is updated.

(Data structure of RDB according to this embodiment)
Next, the data structure of the RDB 511 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the RDB 511 according to the present embodiment. Here, only parcel data will be described, but the same applies to region data.

  In FIG. 9, the data structure 900 indicates an ID 901, parcel data 902, and attribute information 903. The ID 901 is identification information given to identify the parcel data 902. The attribute information 903 indicates attributes for each parcel data 902. Specifically, the attribute information 903 indicates information on update date and time, information on a hierarchy to which each parcel belongs, and the like. Version 904 indicates the version number of the parcel data. The old data indicates 1.0 and the new data indicates 1.1.

  In FIG. 9, the data structure has attribute information for each element of ID 901. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and attribute information is collected as data management information, for example, placed at the beginning of data. A data structure may be used.

  The layer information will be described in detail. For example, mesh data c1 to c4 shown in FIG. 8A belong to the b1 layer, c5 to c8 belong to the b2 layer, and c9 to c12 belong to the b3 layer. C13 to c16 belong to the b4 hierarchy, and b1 to b4 belong to the a1 hierarchy. That is, if c5 is updated, it can be determined that b2 and a1 are also updated. Note that the data indicated by reference numeral 910 is data corresponding to the update data 830 (version 1.1) shown in FIG.

(Example of binary difference data according to this embodiment)
Next, an example of binary difference data according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of binary difference data according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, binary difference data 1000 indicates ID 901, difference data 1001, and attribute information 903. The difference data 1001 indicates the difference of each element between the base data 810 (see FIG. 8-1) and the new data 820 for each mesh. In FIG. 10, the data structure has attribute information for each element of ID 901. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and attribute information is collected as data management information, for example, at the beginning of data. A data structure may be used.

(Overview of data update)
Next, an outline of data update will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of data update. In FIG. 11, the RDB 511 stores map data X, version information, new mesh data, and binary difference data.

  The new mesh data corresponds to the update data 830 shown in FIG. 8A, that is, mesh data replaced for each version. Further, the binary difference data is obtained by extracting the difference of each element of the new mesh data. The procedure for storing data stored in the RDB 511 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, for example, map data X2 of RDB 511b indicating version 2 has mesh data P replaced with map data X1 of RDB 511a indicating version 1, and there is a difference of binary difference data p. Is shown.

  Similarly, for example, the map data X5 of version 5 indicates that the mesh data S is replaced as compared with the map data X4 of version 4. Further, the map data X5 indicates that the mesh data P, Q, R, and S are updated as compared with the map data X1 of version 1.

  Further, in the map data X5, the binary difference data indicates that there is a difference of the binary difference data s when compared with the version 4 map data X4. Further, when compared with the map data X1 of version 1, there is a difference between the binary difference data p, q, r, and s.

  Here, the data transmitted from the data 1100 stored in the RDB 511 to the navigation device 520 will be described with a specific example. For example, in the RDBs 511a to e, it is assumed that the map data 1101 is updated from version 1 to version 5 as needed. On the other hand, in the navigation device 520, it is assumed that the recorded map data corresponds to version 1 without any update after the user purchases the navigation device 520.

  The map data distribution server 510 transmits one of the mesh data P, Q, R, S, or the binary difference data p, q, r, s with a short update time to the navigation device 520. It will be. As described above, when the user has not performed the update for four times and the time required for updating the mesh data is shorter than the binary difference data, the map data distribution server 510 transmits the mesh data to the navigation device 520. To do. Then, the navigation device 520 updates the map data using the transmitted data.

  Note that the selection of either binary difference data or mesh data is performed according to the processing capability of the navigation device 520, the amount of data or the number of times the version is updated, and, for example, three or more updates. When performing the above, if the amount of data increases and the time required for updating the binary difference data is longer than that of the mesh data, the mesh data is selected. For example, when updating up to two times, binary difference data is selected.

(An example of update map data creation processing performed by the map data distribution server)
Next, an example of updated map data creation processing performed by the map data distribution server 510 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of update map data creation processing performed by the map data distribution server 510.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the CPU 601 of the map data distribution server 510 determines whether or not the map data version information recorded in the navigation device 520 is received from the navigation device 520 via the communication I / F 611 ( Step S1201). Note that when receiving the version information, the processing capability information including the communication state of the navigation device 520 is also received. It is in a standby state until it receives version information (step S1201: No loop). When version information is received (step S1201: Yes), new mesh data and binary difference data corresponding to the version information are detected from the RDB 511 ( Step S1202).

  Based on the information on the processing capability of the navigation device 520, that is, on the basis of information such as the speed of the CPU 701, the access speed of the magnetic disk drive 704, and the reception form such as wired or wireless, the time required for updating the binary difference data is longer. It is determined whether or not is short (step S1203). If it is determined that the time required for updating the binary difference data is shorter (step S1203: Yes), the binary difference data is selected from the detected data (step S1204). Thereafter, the data is transmitted to the navigation device 520 (step S1205), and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1203 that the time required for updating is longer for the binary difference data (step S1203: No), new mesh data is selected from the detected data (step S1206), and the data transmission in step S1205 is performed. To do.

(Example of map data update processing performed by the navigation device)
Next, an example of map data update processing performed by the navigation device 520 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of map data update processing performed by the navigation device 520.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the CPU 701 of the navigation apparatus 520 determines whether or not the input device 710 has received an input for updating from the user (step S <b> 1301). It is in a standby state until the input is accepted (step S1301: No loop). When the input is accepted (step S1301: Yes), it is recorded on the magnetic disk 705 to the map data distribution server 510 using the communication I / F 713. The version information of the map data being sent is transmitted (step S1302). In addition, when transmitting version information, the information of the processing capability including the communication state of the navigation apparatus 520 is also received.

  Then, the communication I / F 713 receives either binary difference data or mesh data itself by transmission from the map data distribution server 510 (step S1303). Then, it is determined whether the received data is binary difference data (step S1304). If it is determined that the received data is binary difference data (step S1304: Yes), the binary difference data is restored (step S1305), and each mesh data is updated using the restored data (step S1306).

  Then, the updated data is recorded on the magnetic disk 705 (step S1307), and the series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1304 that the received data is not binary difference data (step S1304: No), that is, if it is determined that the received data is new mesh data itself, the latest data is obtained for each mesh. Update (step S1309). Thereafter, the updated data is recorded in step S1307.

(Example of map data storage processing performed by the map data distribution server)
Next, an example of map data storage processing performed by the map data distribution server 510 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of map data storage processing performed by the map data distribution server 510.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the CPU 601 of the map data distribution server 510 determines whether or not the latest mesh data for update has been acquired, for example, by an operation input from the operator using the input device 608 (step S1401). . It is in a standby state until the latest mesh data is acquired (step S1401: No loop), and when the mesh data is acquired (step S1401: Yes), map data stored in the RDB 511 using the acquired mesh data. Is updated to the latest map data (step S1402).

  Furthermore, using the latest mesh data acquired, binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest mesh data and the old mesh data before update stored temporarily on the map data distribution server 510 Is extracted (step S1403). Then, the mesh data constituting the updated latest map data, the binary difference data, and the version information are associated (step S1404). Thereafter, the associated information is stored in the RDB 511 (step S1405), and the series of processing ends.

  As described above, the map data distribution server 510 according to the present embodiment detects mesh data and binary difference data based on the version information received from the navigation device 520, and among the data, the navigation device 520 The one with the shortest time required for updating is selected and output. Therefore, it is possible to update the effective map data considering the update time, regardless of whether the update is performed properly whenever the version changes or the version is skipped. it can. This makes it possible to reduce the time until the end of the update, in other words, the time until the latest map can be used.

  In addition, the mesh data constituting the updated latest map data, the binary difference data extracted using the updated mesh data and the old mesh data, and the version information as the number of times updated so far Since they are stored in association with each other, it is not necessary to update all data regularly or to create a database each time every update is performed. be able to. Therefore, the size of the database can be greatly reduced, and data management can be greatly reduced. Further, according to such a configuration, in principle, permanent operation can be performed only by updating the mesh data and the binary difference data.

  In addition, since the RDB 511 is used for storing the map data, the map data can be represented in a simple table format, and the replacement of data in parcels or regions can be easily performed.

  Also, predetermined information relating to the processing capability of the navigation device 520 is received from the navigation device 520, and one of the shorter time required for updating in the user terminal device is selected based on the received predetermined information. Therefore, the optimum update corresponding to the navigation device 520 can be performed.

  In addition, the navigation device 520 according to the present embodiment receives either binary difference data indicating the difference between the new mesh data and the old mesh data from the map data distribution server 510, or the new mesh data itself, Based on the received data, the old map data is updated to the new map data, so even if the update is performed properly whenever the version changes, the version is skipped and updated. Even in this case, it is possible to update the effective map data in consideration of the update time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time until the end of the update, in other words, the time until the latest map can be used. Further, even a portable navigation device equipped with a recording medium such as a flash memory with a small recording capacity can update map data easily and quickly.

  As described above, according to the update map data creation device, map data update device, update map data creation method, map data update method, update map data creation program, map data update program, and recording medium of the present invention, the version Even if the update is performed by skipping the update, it is possible to update the effective map data in consideration of the update time.

  The updated map data creation method and map data update method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0002]
Problems that the Invention is to Solve [0005]
However, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above is effective when the navigation apparatus is appropriately updated whenever the version is changed, it is not updated at an appropriate update interval. In this case, that is, when updating by skipping the version, the map update data in which the difference data and the new map data are mixed in file units can only be applied cumulatively for the number of updates. As an example, there is a problem that time may increase and effective map data cannot be updated in consideration of the update time.
Means for Solving the Problems [0006]
In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an updated map data creation device according to the invention of claim 1 constitutes map data and is replaced every time the map data is updated, and mesh data that is replaced every update. Stored in the user terminal device from the storage means for storing the information that associates the binary difference data obtained by extracting the difference between each mesh data and the version information indicating the number of updates, and the user terminal device. Receiving means for receiving the version information of the map data, and based on the version information received by the receiving means, the information stored in the storage means is recorded in the user terminal device. Detection for detecting the mesh data and the binary difference data to make a version that is the latest version A selection means that compares the mesh data detected by the detection means with the binary difference data, and selects one of the times required for the update at the user terminal device; and the selection means selects Output means for outputting the one of the generated data, and the selecting means is based on the number of updates performed from the version recorded in the user terminal device to the latest version. One of the data and the binary difference data is selected.
[0007]
Further, the map data update device according to the invention of claim 6 includes a recording means for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update, version information of the old mesh data, and new map data for update. From the updated map data creation device, the transmission means for transmitting the version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to the updated map data creation device for creating Based on the data received by the receiving means, receiving means for receiving either the binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data, or the new mesh data itself Updating means for updating the old map data recorded in the recording means to new map data. To.

[0003]
[0008]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an updated map data creation method comprising map data, a binary data obtained by extracting a difference between mesh data to be replaced for each update of the map data and each mesh data to be replaced for each update. An update map data creation method for an update map data creation device comprising a storage unit for storing information in which difference data and version information indicating the number of updates are associated with each other, from the user terminal device to the user A receiving step for receiving version information of map data recorded in the terminal device, and based on the version information received in the receiving step, the usage is selected from the information stored in the storage unit. The mesh data and the binary difference data for making the version recorded in the user terminal device the latest version A selection step of comparing the mesh data detected in the detection step with the binary difference data and selecting one of the short times required for the update in the user terminal device; Outputting the one data selected in the selection step, and in the selection step, the update performed from the version recorded in the user terminal device to the latest version is performed. One of the mesh data and the binary difference data is selected based on the number of times.
[0009]
The map data update method according to the invention of claim 8 is a map data update device comprising a recording unit for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update and version information of the old mesh data. A map data update method, a transmission step of transmitting version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to an update map data creation device for creating new map data for update, and the transmission Receiving step of receiving the step transmission and receiving either the binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data or the new mesh data itself from the updated map data creation device And based on the data received in the receiving step, the old map data recorded in the recording means is converted into a new map data. Characterized in that it comprises an updating step of updating the data, the.
[0010]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an updated map data creating program causes a computer to execute the updated map data creating method according to the seventh aspect.

[0027]
[0129]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1203 that the time required for updating is longer for the binary difference data (step S1203: No), new mesh data is selected from the detected data (step S1206), and the data transmission in step S1205 is performed. To do.
[0130]
(Example of map data update processing performed by the navigation device)
Next, an example of map data update processing performed by the navigation device 520 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of map data update processing performed by the navigation device 520.
[0131]
In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the CPU 701 of the navigation apparatus 520 determines whether or not the input device 710 has received an input for updating from the user (step S <b> 1301). It is in a standby state until the input is accepted (step S1301: No loop). When the input is accepted (step S1301: Yes), it is recorded on the magnetic disk 705 to the map data distribution server 510 using the communication I / F 713. The version information of the map data being sent is transmitted (step S1302). In addition, when transmitting version information, the information of the processing capability including the communication state of the navigation apparatus 520 is also transmitted.
[0132]
Then, the communication I / F 713 receives either binary difference data or mesh data itself by transmission from the map data distribution server 510 (step S1303). Then, it is determined whether the received data is binary difference data (step S1304). If it is determined that the received data is binary difference data (step S1304: Yes), the binary difference data is restored (step S1305), and each mesh data is updated using the restored data (step S1306).
[0133]
Then, the updated data is recorded on the magnetic disk 705 (step S1307), and the series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1304 that the received data is not binary difference data (step S1304: No), that is, if it is determined that the received data is new mesh data itself, the latest data is obtained for each mesh. Update (step S1309). Thereafter, the updated data is recorded in step S1307.
[0134]
(Example of map data storage processing performed by the map data distribution server)
Next, referring to FIG. 14, a map data storage process performed by the map data distribution server 510 is performed.

  Further, the map data update device according to the invention of claim 6 includes a recording means for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update, version information of the old mesh data, and new map data for update. From the updated map data creation device, the transmission means for transmitting the version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to the updated map data creation device for creating The latest new mesh data and the old mesh data, selected based on the number of updates performed from the old mesh data version up to the latest mesh data version of the updated map data creation device. Reception for receiving either binary differential data indicating a difference or the new mesh data itself And the step, based on said data received by said receiving means, characterized in that it comprises, and updating means for updating the old map data recorded in the recording means to the new map data.

  The map data update method according to the invention of claim 8 is a map data update device comprising a recording unit for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update and version information of the old mesh data. A map data update method, a transmission step of transmitting version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to an update map data creation device for creating new map data for update, and the transmission In response to the transmission of the process, selected from the updated map data creation device based on the number of updates performed from the old mesh data version up to the latest mesh data version of the updated map data creation device Binary difference data indicating a difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data, or the new message. A receiving step for receiving either one of the data itself, and an updating step for updating the old map data recorded in the recording means to new map data based on the data received in the receiving step. It is characterized by including.

Claims (11)

The map data is configured to associate mesh data that is replaced each time the map data is updated, binary difference data that is extracted from the difference of each mesh data that is replaced for each update, and version information that indicates the number of updates. Storage means for storing the information,
Receiving means for receiving the version information of the map data recorded in the user terminal device from the user terminal device;
Based on the version information received by the receiving means, the mesh data corresponding to the version recorded in the user terminal device and the binary difference data from the information stored in the storage means. Detecting means for detecting
A selection means for comparing the mesh data detected by the detection means and the binary difference data, and selecting one of the shorter time required for the update in the user terminal device;
Output means for outputting the one data selected by the selection means;
An updated map data creation device comprising: Acquisition means for acquiring the latest mesh data for update;
Update means for updating the map data stored in the storage means to the latest map data using the latest mesh data acquired by the acquisition means;
Using the latest mesh data acquired by the acquisition means, extracting means for extracting the binary difference data indicating the difference between the latest mesh data and the old mesh data before update;
Association means for associating mesh data constituting the latest map data updated by the updating means, the binary difference data extracted by the extracting means, and the version information as the number of times of updating so far ,
Further comprising
The updated map data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the information associated by the association unit. The receiving means receives, from the user terminal device, predetermined information regarding the processing capability of the user terminal device, together with the version information of the map data recorded in the user terminal device,
The selecting unit compares the mesh data detected by the detecting unit with the binary difference data based on predetermined information received by the receiving unit, and is required for updating at the user terminal device. 3. The updated map data creation device according to claim 1, wherein one of the shorter times is selected.   The mesh data is divided into a predetermined range for each of a plurality of different scales, has a hierarchical structure, and has a correspondence relationship between each hierarchy. The update map data creation apparatus as described in any one.   The updated map data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the storage means uses a relational database. Recording means for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update, and version information of the old mesh data;
Transmitting means for transmitting version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to an updated map data creating apparatus for creating new map data for updating;
Upon receiving the transmission by the transmission means, the binary map data indicating the difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data, or the new mesh data itself is received from the updated map data creation device. Receiving means;
Updating means for updating old map data recorded in the recording means to new map data based on the data received by the receiving means;
A map data update device comprising: The map data is configured to associate mesh data that is replaced each time the map data is updated, binary difference data that is extracted from the difference of each mesh data that is replaced for each update, and version information that indicates the number of updates. An update map data creation method of an update map data creation device having a storage unit for storing stored information,
A receiving step of receiving version information of map data recorded in the user terminal device from the user terminal device;
Based on the version information received in the receiving step, the mesh data corresponding to the version recorded in the user terminal device and the binary difference from the information stored in the storage unit A detection step for detecting data;
A selection step of comparing the mesh data detected in the detection step with the binary difference data and selecting one of the short times required for the update in the user terminal device;
An output step of outputting the one data selected in the selection step;
The update map data creation method characterized by including this. A map data update method of a map data update device comprising a recording unit for recording old mesh data constituting old map data before update and version information of the old mesh data,
A transmission step of transmitting version information of the old mesh data recorded in the recording means to an updated map data creation device that creates new map data for update,
Upon receiving the transmission in the transmission step, either binary difference data indicating a difference between the latest new mesh data and the old mesh data or the new mesh data itself is received from the updated map data creation device. Receiving process;
Based on the data received in the receiving step, an update step of updating the old map data recorded in the recording means to new map data;
The map data update method characterized by including.   An updated map data creation program for causing a computer to execute the updated map data creation method according to claim 7.   A map data update program for causing a computer to execute the map data update method according to claim 8.   A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to claim 9 recorded thereon.

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