JP2003058981A - Route information providing system, image forming apparatus and server, and route information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a route information providing system capable of realizing a service in which a user can easily obtain the latest route information when required without carrying a special device, and to be used in the system. An image forming apparatus, a server, a route information providing method, and a program are provided. A route calculation server having a route search function.
0 and a printing terminal 101 such as a copying machine are connected via a network. When the user 301 inputs a starting point, a destination, and route search conditions on the printing terminal 101, the information is transmitted to the route calculation server 10 and a route search is performed. Printing terminal 1
01 receives a route search result from the route calculation server 10 and outputs a map from the printing unit 401.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for providing route information on a route from a starting point to a destination.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vehicle-mounted navigation devices have become widespread. The in-vehicle navigation device includes a map data storage device such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM or an IC card storing map data, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display, a gyro, a GPS (Global Posi).
a vehicle movement detection device for detecting the current position and the current direction of the vehicle such as a vehicle speed sensor and the like, and reading map data including the current position of the vehicle from the map data storage device and based on the map data. The map image around the position is displayed on the display, and the vehicle position mark (location) is displayed on the map image so that the map image scrolls according to the movement of the vehicle or the map image is fixed on the screen. By moving the vehicle position mark, it is possible to see at a glance where the vehicle is currently traveling.

In addition, a vehicle-mounted navigation device is usually equipped with a route guidance function that allows a user to easily travel to a desired destination without making a mistake on the road. According to this route guidance function, the route with the lowest cost connecting the starting point to the destination is automatically searched by using the map data by performing a simulation calculation such as horizontal search method or Dijkstra method, and the searched route is guided. It is stored as a route, and while driving, the guide route is drawn in a different color from the other roads on the map image and displayed thickly on the screen, or at a certain distance to the intersection where the vehicle should change the route on the guide route. When approaching inside, the user is guided to the destination by displaying an arrow indicating the route at an intersection where the route should be changed on the map image.

The cost is a value obtained by multiplying a road width, a road type (whether it is a general road or a highway, etc.), a constant according to a right turn, a left turn, or the like, a predicted travel time of a vehicle, etc. , Is a numerical representation of the degree of suitability as a guide route. Even if there are two routes with the same distance, the cost will be different depending on whether or not the user uses the toll road, whether the distance is prioritized or the time is prioritized.

Maps stored in a map data storage device such as a CD-ROM are 1/12500 and 1/2500.
According to the scale level such as 0, 1/50000, and 1/100000, it is divided into an appropriate size of longitude width and latitude width, and a road etc. is a coordinate set of vertices (nodes) expressed by longitude and latitude. Remembered A road is a connection of two or more nodes, and a part connecting two nodes is called a link. Further, the map data includes (1) a road layer including a road list, a node table, an intersection configuration node list, and the like, (2) a background layer for displaying roads, buildings, facilities, parks, rivers, etc. on the map screen,
(3) It is composed of administrative division names such as municipalities, road names, intersection names, characters such as building names, and character / symbol layers for displaying map symbols.

Further, in recent years, software for realizing a function of searching a guide route by a general-purpose computer has been developed. In a navigation device composed of this type of software and a general-purpose computer, the data of the searched guidance route can be recorded in an IC card or the like, and the data recorded in the IC card or the like can be used in the vehicle-mounted navigation device. Some are designed like this.

[0007]

However, in the case of a movement not using a vehicle or a vehicle without a vehicle-mounted navigation device, the guide route searched by a general-purpose computer is actually used. Difficult to do. In the case of a navigation device realized by a general-purpose computer and software, a map image can be printed by a printer, but it cannot be said that a navigation device realized by a general-purpose computer and software is generally widespread. Also, it was not suitable for carrying on a daily basis due to its size and weight. Therefore, there is a drawback that it cannot be used when route information is desired while moving. In addition, road information and map information are constantly updated and are normally supplied by media such as CD-ROM, but since the user had to deal with new road information and map information. , Was a hassle.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to allow a user to easily obtain the latest route information when needed without carrying a special device. Route information providing system capable of realizing a service that can be performed, and an image forming apparatus used in the system,
It is to provide a server, a route information providing method, and a program.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the route information providing system of the present invention has a starting point, a destination,
And a server that determines a route from the starting point to the destination based on a route search condition related to the determination of a route from the starting point to the destination, and the server can communicate with the server via a network. A route information providing system for providing route information by the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus provides a user with a starting point, a destination, and Condition input means for inputting a route search condition related to determination of a route from the starting point to the destination, and transmitting the starting point, the destination and the route search condition input by the user to the server Transmitting means, receiving means for receiving from the server route information relating to the route from the starting point to the destination determined by the server, and the route received from the server Characterized by comprising an image forming means for printing multi-address, the.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention has a starting point,
Can communicate via a network to a server that determines the route from the starting point to the destination based on the route search conditions related to the determination of the destination and the route from the starting point to the destination An image forming apparatus connected to the device, the condition input means for allowing a user to input a starting point, a destination, and a route search condition for determining a route from the starting point to the destination; Transmitting means for transmitting the starting point, the destination, and the route search condition input from a person to the server, and route information regarding a route from the starting point to the destination determined by the server, It is characterized by comprising a receiving means for receiving from the server and an image forming means for printing the route information received from the server.

Further, the server of the present invention is a server communicably connected to one or more image forming apparatuses via a network, and from the image forming apparatus, a starting point, a destination, and the starting point. Means for receiving a route search condition relating to the determination of a route to the destination, the starting point,
A route determining means for generating route information from the starting point to the destination based on the destination and the route search condition; and means for transmitting the route information to the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by

In each of the inventions of the route information providing system, the image forming apparatus, and the server, the condition input means uses an operation unit for performing an operation related to image formation of the image forming apparatus, and the user is provided with the starting point, The destination and the route search condition may be input.

The condition input means may select and input one or more conditions as the route search condition from a plurality of options including transportation, arrival time and travel distance.

The condition input means may set the place where the image forming apparatus is installed as the starting point when the starting point is not input.

Further, the server gives priority to a plurality of routes that can be taken from the starting point to the destination in descending order of the degree of satisfying the route search condition, and the priority is high. It is preferable that route information regarding a route be transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

The route information includes map information including the starting point and the destination, guide route information indicating a guide route from the starting point to the destination, and the guide route in reality. It is preferable to include guide sign information that serves as a reference when proceeding.

Further, the server stores the advertisement information storage unit for storing the position information and the advertisement information about the advertisement target building requested by the advertisement client, and the advertisement target building stored in the advertisement storage unit. An advertisement search means for searching an advertisement target building located in an area included in the route information; and an advertisement adding means for adding advertisement information regarding the advertisement target building searched by the advertisement search means to the route information. You should be prepared.

Further, the image forming apparatus may be provided with a compensation billing means for billing the user for the provision of the route information.

Further, the route information providing method of the present invention is based on the starting point, the destination, and the route search condition relating to the determination of the route from the starting point to the destination, based on the starting point to the destination. A route information providing method for providing route information by using a server that determines a route up to the above, and one or more image forming apparatuses communicatively connected to the server via a network, the method comprising: In the image forming device,
A step of causing a user to input a starting point, a destination, and a route search condition for determining a route from the starting point to the destination; and the image forming apparatus, A step of transmitting the point, the destination and the route search condition to the server; and the image forming apparatus, from the server, route information regarding a route from the starting point to the destination determined by the server. And a step of printing the route information received from the server by the image forming apparatus.

[0020] In the above method, the server stores an advertisement target located in an area included in the route information from an advertisement storage unit that stores position information and advertisement information about an advertisement target building requested by an advertisement client. The method may include a step of searching for a building, and a step of adding advertisement information regarding the searched advertising target building to the route information.

Further, the program of the present invention is based on a starting point, a destination, and a route search condition for determining a route from the starting point to the destination, from the starting point to the destination. An image forming apparatus communicatively connected to a server for determining a route via a network, the user being involved in determining a starting point, a destination, and a route from the starting point to the destination. Condition input means for inputting route search conditions, the starting point input by the user,
Transmitting means for transmitting the destination and the route search condition to the server; receiving means for receiving route information regarding a route from the starting point determined by the server to the destination from the server; It is characterized in that it functions as an image forming means for printing the route information received from the server.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a server, which is communicatively connected to one or more image forming apparatuses via a network, from the image forming apparatus, from a starting point, a destination, and the starting point. Means for receiving a route search condition relating to the determination of the route to the destination, the starting point,
Functions as route determining means for generating route information from the starting point to the destination based on the destination and the route search condition, and means for transmitting the route information to the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by

In this program, the server is
The position in the area included in the route information is determined from the advertisement storage unit that stores the position information and the advertisement information regarding the building to be advertised requested by the advertisement client, and the building to be advertised stored in the advertisement storage unit. It is preferable to further include a program that functions as an advertisement search unit that searches for an advertisement target building, and an advertisement adding unit that adds advertisement information regarding the advertisement target building searched by the advertisement search unit to the route information.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) 1: Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a route information providing system of the present embodiment.

In this figure, reference numeral 10 is a route calculation server, which is connected to the Internet via a control device and a dedicated line.

Reference numerals 101, 102, 103, ... denote a plurality of printing terminals (image forming apparatuses) installed in various places. For example, a copying machine installed in a convenience store has a function as a terminal device. It is a thing. As a rough configuration, a printing device, an operation unit, and a communication device (each of which will be described later) are provided and are connected to the Internet via the communication unit similarly to the route calculation server 10.

Reference numerals 201, 202, 203, ...
An operation unit for a user to perform an operation related to image formation and an information display unit, which employs a touch panel interface and is connected to a printing apparatus. Each operation unit 201, 202, 203, ... Has a display device such as a CRT or LCD and an input device such as a touch panel or a key.

The codes 301, 302, 303, ...
Represents the user of each terminal device.

Reference numerals 401, 402, 403, ... Numerals are printing units (image forming means) of the terminal for printing a map of the guide route.

Since it is possible to connect a plurality of printing terminals to one route calculation server 10, the printing terminals are installed at convenience stores or offices in various places, and the route calculation server is set up at the head office store. Embodiments of installation are conceivable.

1-1: Configuration of Route Calculation Server Next, the detailed configuration of the route calculation server 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the route calculation server 10.

The route calculation server 10 comprises a computer main body 1, a CD-ROM drive device 11, a hard disk device 12, input devices such as a mouse 13 and a keyboard 14, a display 15 and a network adapter 16. There is. Also, the computer main body 1 is
It is composed of a CPU 21, a RAM 18, and a video output converter 26.

In order to use this server 10 as a guide route search device, software 9 for realizing a guide route search function and a CD-ROM 8 in which map data is recorded are required. The software 9 is installed in the hard disk device 12 in advance, and the CPU 21 reads (executes) the software 9 from the hard disk device 12, whereby the route calculation server 10 functions as a guide route search device. . As the map data recording means, a DVD or the like can be preferably used in addition to the CD-ROM, and the map data can be installed in the hard disk device 12.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the map data recorded on the CD-ROM 8. As shown in FIG. 3, the map data includes a transportation means layer 31 used for searching for transportation means used during movement and time display, and a road layer 3 used for displaying roads and searching for guide routes.
2, a background layer 33 for displaying the shapes of buildings, parks, rivers, etc., administrative division names such as municipalities, road names,
Character / symbol layer 34 for displaying characters and symbols such as intersection names and building names, and the position of shops (gas stations, banks, convenience stores, etc.) that serve as landmarks, and the locations of those shops on the map. The landmark information 35 is a collection of marks and landmarks.

FIG. 4 shows the road layer 32 of the map data.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of. The road list 51 is made up of data such as road types, the total number of nodes that make up the road, the positions of the nodes that make up the road on the node table 50, and the road width to the next node for each road. .
The intersection configuration node list 52 is for each intersection on the map,
It is a set of positions on the node table 50 of the other end node of the link (referred to as an intersection constituent node) that is connected to the intersection. The node table 50 is a list of all nodes on the map. For each node, position information (longitude, latitude), an intersection identification flag indicating whether or not the node is an intersection, and an intersection (if the intersection flag is “1”) Pointer pointing to the position (Qi) on the intersection constituent node list 52 (if it is) and not the intersection (if the intersection flag is “0”) pointing to the position of the road to which the node belongs on the road list 51 ( P
n) and the like. The CPU 21 uses these data to search for a guide route from the starting point to the destination.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the transportation means layer 31 in the map data. The mobile agency list 53 includes, for each mobile agency, the type of transport facility, position information of the relay point of each transport facility, and timetable data at each relay point. These data will be used to search for transportation and transit points that will be used to travel from the starting point to the destination.

1-2: Configuration of Printing Terminal Next, the configuration of the printing terminal (image forming apparatus) 101 directly operated by the user will be described with reference to FIG.

The printing terminal 101 generally has a control unit 41 for controlling the entire printing terminal, and a display device 42 and an input device 43 for exchanging information between a user and this system.
An operation unit 201 including a printing unit 401 and a printing unit 401 serving as an image forming unit for printing the guide route information. Further, a modem 44 for communicating with the route calculation server 10 via a computer network such as the Internet is provided.

Here, the control unit 41 includes a CPU 45, RA
An M46, a ROM 47, and a printer output buffer 49 are included. The ROM 47 also stores programs such as application software for the user to search for a route. The information input by the user of the terminal according to the program execution screen is stored in the RAM 46 in a predetermined format.

2: Description of Operation In the path information providing system having the above-mentioned configuration, an operation when the user searches for a guide route will be described.

First, the part operated by the user will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the user's input procedure, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the route search. 9 to 16 are screens displayed on the printing terminal.

First, the printing terminal 101 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal") displays a login screen as shown in FIG. 9 in step S201, and requests the terminal user to enter a route search start. Here, the login screen of FIG. 9 is always displayed even when the user is not using the terminal, that is, when the terminal is in the standby state.

Then, the user selects "Star" on the login screen.
When you log in by pressing the "t" button (step S10)
1), the terminal moves to the process of step S202. In step S202, in order to allow the user to select whether or not to input the position information of the starting point, the starting point search selection screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed to prompt the user to input.

The user follows the guidance on the screen and selects whether or not to input the position information of the departure point (step S10).
2). If the user selects Yes (specify the starting point) according to the guidance on the screen, the terminal moves to the process of step S205 to perform the starting point search. on the other hand,
If the user selects No (no starting point specified),
The terminal moves to step S204.

In step S204, the terminal automatically sets the current location of the user as the starting point. Since the place where the user is currently, that is, the place where the terminal is installed, the terminal sets the base information of the terminal held in the control unit 41 to the departure point of the user. The base information of the terminal is set when this terminal is set up.

In step S205, the terminal displays the departure point search method selection screen shown in FIG. 11 and prompts the user to input. As shown in the figure, the user can select one starting point determination condition suitable for the user from the plurality of starting point determination conditions presented on the display unit. The starting point determination condition is a process until the starting point is uniquely determined, and means that the starting point is easily narrowed down by first determining the search method.

In FIG. 11, address search, postal code search, genre search, etc. are prepared as examples. Address search is to determine the starting point by the user inputting the address of the starting point, and zip code search is to determine the starting point by the user inputting the zip code of the starting point. It is a thing. The genre search is to specify a landmark such as a station, a public facility, or a famous store to determine a starting point. In this way, it is the purpose of the input of the starting point determination conditions that enables the user to select the most convenient determination method for uniquely determining the starting point from the user's side.

When the user selects a search method on the starting point search method selection screen (step S103), the terminal displays an input form (starting point search screen) for the selected search method (step S206).

For example, if the address search is selected in step S103, a starting point search screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed to prompt the user to input. Then, the user inputs the address (starting point information) by using the operation unit 201 (step S104). Specifically, select one from the list of prefectures displayed on the screen, and then the list of municipalities included in that prefecture is displayed. Select one from the list The designated address is input by gradually narrowing down the address according to the guidance of the screen display of the terminal.

When the user completes the input of the departure point information (in this case, the address), the terminal displays a screen for confirming that the information is correct. For example, by allowing the user to select whether the starting point information input by the user is correct or incorrect, the user can perform confirmation processing. If the user selects "starting point information is wrong" here, the process proceeds to step S2.
Returning to 06, the user is requested again to input the departure point information. If the user selects "The starting point information is correct",
The position related to the starting point information is set as the starting point (step S207), and the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, in order to allow the user to input the destination, the terminal displays the destination search method selection screen shown in FIG. 13 and prompts the user to input it. As shown in FIG. 13, the user can select one destination determination condition suitable for the user from the plurality of destination determination conditions presented on the display unit. What is the destination decision condition?
In the process of uniquely determining the destination, it means facilitating narrowing down to the destination by first determining the search method.

In FIG. 11, address search, postal code search, genre search, etc. are prepared as examples. Address search is to determine the destination by the user inputting the address of the destination, and zip code search is to determine the destination by the user entering the zip code of the destination. It is a thing. Further, the genre search is to specify a landmark such as a station, a public facility, or a famous store to determine a destination. As described above, the purpose of inputting the destination determination condition is to allow the user to select the most convenient determination method for uniquely determining the destination.

When the user selects a search method on the destination search method selection screen (step S105), the terminal displays an input form (destination search screen) for the selected search method (step S209).

For example, if the zip code search is designated in step S105, a destination search screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed to prompt the user to input. Then, the user inputs the postal code (destination information) by using the operation unit 201 (step S106). Specifically, by pressing the number button displayed on the screen,
Enter a 7-digit postal code.

When the user completes the input of the destination information (corresponding to the postal code in this case), the terminal displays a screen for confirming whether the information is correct. For example, the user is allowed to select whether the destination information input by the user is correct or incorrect, and the user is allowed to perform confirmation processing. If the user selects "destination information is wrong" here, the process proceeds to step S.
Returning to step 209, the user is again requested to input the search condition for the destination. When the user selects "destination information is correct", the position related to the destination information is set as the destination (step S210), and the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the route search condition for determining the route from the starting point to the destination is input. Generally, there are multiple routes (routes, transportation, etc.) that can be taken from the starting point to the destination, so to uniquely determine the route desired by the user from among them,
The user is requested to input a route search condition as a criterion for prioritizing the route search.

As the route search conditions, for example, in the case of actually moving in a city, the presence or absence of the use of transportation or toll roads, the reference of priority roads, and the arrival time to move.
For example, whether the amount of money or the travel distance is prioritized. In step S210, the terminal displays all of these route search conditions on the screen in a selectable question format, and prompts the user to select one of the options (step S107).
For example, when the route search condition is “use public transportation”, as shown in the screen example of FIG. 15, “use” and “not use” are options. This selection method enables the user to smoothly and quickly input the route search conditions.

This is all the input work done by the user. As described above, the condition input means for allowing the user to input the starting point, the destination and the route search condition is executed by the CPU 45 when the program stored in the ROM 47 of the control unit 41 of the printing terminal 101 is read into the RAM 46. It is realized by The user's input work is performed by the display device 42 and the input device 43 of the operation unit 201.
Is performed using.

When the input of information by the user is completed as described above, the terminal performs a route search process based on the information (step S212). At this time, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the terminal actually has a mechanism for transmitting the above information to the route calculation server (hereinafter referred to as “server”) 10 and requesting route search processing.

First, the control unit 41 of the terminal loads and executes a program for communication such as Internet connection software stored in the ROM 47. The modem 10 is used to connect to the Internet to access the server 10 (step S301).

After the authentication by the server 10, if the access is permitted, the data is transmitted from the terminal 101 side (steps S401, S302, S402, S303). Here, the information to be transmitted to the server 10 includes the position information and the search condition of the starting point and the destination specified by the user, and the predetermined information necessary for the terminal to communicate with the server 10 (for example, job ID, etc.). ). Note that while transmitting data, the terminal displays a transmitting screen as shown in FIG. 16 to inform the user of the current processing status.

The data received by the server 10 is the RAM 18
(Step S403). After receiving the data,
The CPU 21 mounted on the server 10 loads a program related to route search from the hard disk device 12 into the RAM 18 and executes a guide route search process (route calculation) (step S404). While the server is performing the route calculation, the terminal displays the in-calculation screen as shown in FIG. 16 to inform the user of the current processing status.

The CPU 21 reads the map data from the starting point to the destination to the RAM 18 from the CD-ROM medium 8 and based on the read map data and the starting point, destination and route search condition data received from the terminal. Then, the guide route from the starting point to the destination is searched by the lateral search method or the Dijkstra method.

When there are a plurality of routes from the starting point to the destination, priority is given to each route in descending order of the degree of satisfying the route search condition, and the route with the highest priority is used as the search result. Set. It is also possible to determine several types of routes as search results in order from the route with the highest priority. At this time, when there are a plurality of route search conditions designated by the user, the degree of agreement is calculated for each condition, and then the priorities are determined in descending order of overall degree of satisfaction of all conditions.

The search result is stored in the RAM 18 in a predetermined data format as guide route data (guide route information). This guide route is a sequence of nodes from the starting point to the destination. The guide route data can be stored in the hard disk device 12 or an external storage device such as a floppy disk (not shown) as required.

After that, the CPU 21 uses the map data read to the RAM 18 to generate map drawing data of the area including the starting point and the destination, and stores it in another area in the RAM 18 (step S405). Further, data for displaying the guide route is added to this map drawing data. In addition, this map drawing data includes map information of the area including the starting point and the destination, and landmark displays and road signs (one-way, speed limits, etc.) that can be used as a reference when actually proceeding along the guide route. Contains signpost information.

Next, the CPU 21 executes JPEG (Joint Photographic E) for the map drawing data.
The image data is compressed according to the xperts group method (step S406), and route data (route information) to be transmitted to the terminal is created. The compressed data is transmitted to the terminal through the network adapter 16 (step S407).

The route data transmitted from the server 10 is delivered to the terminal via the Internet, and the terminal receives the route data (step S305). The CPU 45 mounted on the terminal stores the compressed data in the RAM 46, and the ROM
The compressed data is expanded using the program stored in 47. During this period, the terminal displays a receiving screen as shown in FIG. 16 to inform the user of the current processing status.

The CPU 45 stores the expanded map image data in the printer output buffer 49 and outputs it to the printing unit 401 to print the map of the guide route (step S2 in FIG. 7).
13). During this time, the terminal displays a printing screen as shown in FIG. 16 to inform the user of the current processing status.

The user receives the printed guide route map from the output tray of the printing unit 401.

As described above, according to the system of the present embodiment, the user inputs route information such as the starting point, the destination, and the route search condition on the terminal side, so that the user can appropriately use the latest map data. It is possible to easily obtain a printed matter on which various route information is drawn.

Since it is possible to connect a plurality of printing terminals to one route calculation server, the printing terminals can be installed and installed at a relatively low cost at each location in the city such as convenience stores, offices, and public facilities. It becomes possible. Then, the user can easily obtain the necessary area map and route information at a necessary time as if he / she took a copy without carrying a special device such as a navigation device or a computer.

Further, since the route search is performed on the server side, the CD-ROM containing the map data and the update work of the latest map data can be collectively managed on the server side. It is possible to provide the latest map information, maintenance is not required on the printing terminal side, and there is no harm even if the user (or the administrator of the terminal installation location) does not have specialized knowledge. Is released from the trouble of operating this system.

Further, since the user's input work can be performed on the operation unit (the operation screen in the case of a copying machine) of the printing terminal, the printing terminal can be downsized and the operability can be improved.

Further, as the route search condition, one or more conditions can be selected and input from a plurality of options such as transportation, arrival time, travel distance, etc., so that the range of condition setting range of the route search can be selected. This will allow the users to set conditions that better meet their needs. Then, based on the route search condition specified by the user, priority is given to a plurality of possible routes, and the route information regarding the route with the higher priority is provided to the user. It is possible to provide route information that matches the needs of users. At this time, if a plurality of routes with high priority are presented to the user, the route options of the user are widened.

The map output from the printing terminal has
Since the guide route and the guidepost information are drawn, it becomes easy for the user to grasp the guide route when actually traveling along the guide route.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment will be described.

The present embodiment shows a configuration in which the printing terminal is provided with a billing unit as a billing means, and a route calculation server is provided with a unit for adding advertisement information regarding an advertised building to the route information.

In the following description, constituent parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same constituent parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the route information providing system of this embodiment.

In this figure, reference numeral 10 is a route calculation server, which is connected to the Internet via a control device and a dedicated line.

The configuration of the route calculation server 10 is substantially the same as that shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 2). However, in the present embodiment, the hard disk device 12 stores the advertisement data regarding the advertisement target building requested by the advertisement client. Advertisement data is information necessary for arranging an advertisement regarding a building such as a position of a building such as a company, a public facility, a school, or a store, and advertisement information on the map.

The advertisement client who wants to place the advertisement requests the organization that manages the route calculation server 10 or the organization that operates this system to register the advertisement. Then, the operator of the route calculation server 10 registers (changes) the advertisement data by writing the advertisement data in the hard disk device 12 of the route calculation server 10. The advertisement data is managed by an advertisement database (advertisement storage means) built in the hard disk device 12.

On the other hand, reference numerals 101, 102, 103, ...
Is a plurality of printing terminals (image forming apparatuses) installed in various places, for example, a copier installed in a convenience store with a function as a terminal device.

The printing terminals 101, 102 of this embodiment,
103 is a billing unit 50 as a billing unit for collecting a fee for providing the route information from the user.
1, 502, 503 ... This is like a billing device for a copying machine installed in a convenience store or the like.

The operation when the user searches for the guide route in the route information providing system having the above configuration will be described below.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the main operation of the user's input procedure, and FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the main operation of the route search.

First, in step S200, the printing terminal 101 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal") displays a standby screen as shown in FIG. 21, and prompts the terminal user to pay the system usage fee. Here, the standby screen of FIG. 21 is always displayed even when the user is not using the terminal, that is, when the terminal is in the standby state.

Then, when the user inserts coins corresponding to the prescribed usage charge into the charging section 501 (step S100), the terminal displays a login screen as shown in FIG. 9 as in the first embodiment ( Step S201). The subsequent route search condition input processing is the same as that of the first embodiment.

When the input of information by the user is completed, the terminal performs a route search process based on the information (step S212 '). At this time, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, the terminal actually has a mechanism for transmitting the above information to the route calculation server (hereinafter referred to as “server”) 10 and requesting route search processing.

First, the control unit 41 of the terminal loads and executes a program for communication such as Internet connection software stored in the ROM 47. The modem 10 is used to connect to the Internet to access the server 10 (step S301).

After the authentication by the server 10, if the access is permitted, the data is transmitted from the terminal 101 side (steps S401, S302, S402, S303). Here, the information to be transmitted to the server 10 includes the position information and the search condition of the starting point and the destination specified by the user, and the predetermined information necessary for the terminal to communicate with the server 10 (for example, job ID, etc.). ). Note that while transmitting data, the terminal displays a transmitting screen as shown in FIG. 16 to inform the user of the current processing status.

The data received by the server 10 is the RAM 18
(Step S403). After receiving the data,
The CPU 21 mounted on the server 10 loads a program related to route search from the hard disk device 12 into the RAM 18 and executes a guide route search process (route calculation) (step S404). While the server is performing the route calculation, the terminal displays the in-calculation screen as shown in FIG. 16 to inform the user of the current processing status.

The CPU 21 reads the map data from the starting point to the destination to the RAM 18 from the CD-ROM medium 8 and based on the read map data and the starting point, destination and route search condition data received from the terminal. Then, the guide route from the starting point to the destination is searched by the lateral search method or the Dijkstra method.

When there are multiple routes from the starting point to the destination, priority is given to each route in descending order of the degree of satisfying the route search condition, and the route with the highest priority is used as the search result. Set. It is also possible to determine several types of routes as search results in order from the route with the highest priority. At this time, when there are a plurality of route search conditions designated by the user, the degree of agreement is calculated for each condition, and then the priorities are determined in descending order of overall degree of satisfaction of all conditions.

The search result is stored in the RAM 18 in a predetermined data format as guide route data (guide route information). This guide route is a sequence of nodes from the starting point to the destination. The guide route data can be stored in the hard disk device 12 or an external storage device such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk (not shown) as necessary.

After that, the CPU 21 uses the map data read to the RAM 18 to generate map drawing data of an area including the starting point and the destination, and stores it in another area in the RAM 18 (step S405). FIG. 22 shows an example of the map drawing data generated here.

Data for displaying the guide route is added to the map drawing data (an example of the map drawing data with the guide route added is shown in FIG. 23). In addition, this map drawing data includes map information of the area including the starting point and the destination, and landmark displays and road signs (one-way traffic, speed limits, etc.) that can be used as a reference when actually proceeding along the guide route.
Signpost information such as is included.

Next, the CPU 21 determines the display range of the map read in the RAM 18, and the hard disk device 12
It is searched whether or not the advertising target building located within the map range exists in the advertising data of the advertising target building stored in the database (step S40).
8). When a company, a store, or the like to be advertised exists within the range displayed on the map, the target advertisement identification ID for identifying the advertisement information in the database is stored in the RAM 18.

Then, the CPU 21 determines the target advertisement identification ID.
Based on the above, the advertisement data is acquired from the database, and the advertisement information is drawn at the position of the building on the map drawing data according to the position information (step S).
409). At this time, it is advisable to arrange the icons so that the position of the building is conspicuous, or to draw the advertisement text in a balloon. FIG. 24 shows an example of map drawing data to which advertisement information is added.

Next, the CPU 21 executes JPEG (Joint Photographic E) for the map drawing data.
The image data is compressed according to the xperts group method (step S406), and route data (route information) to be transmitted to the terminal is created. The compressed data is transmitted to the terminal through the network adapter 16 (step S407).

The route data transmitted from the server 10 is delivered to the terminal via the Internet, and the terminal receives the route data (step S305). The CPU 45 mounted on the terminal stores the compressed data in the RAM 46, and the ROM
The compressed data is expanded using the program stored in 47.

The CPU 45 stores the expanded map image data in the printer output buffer 49 and outputs it to the printing unit 401 to print the map of the guide route (step S in FIG. 19).
213).

When the printing of the map is completed, the terminal charges the usage fee (step S214).

The user receives the printed guide route map from the output tray of the printing unit 401.

As described above, according to the system of the present embodiment, the user inputs route information such as the starting point, the destination, and the route search condition on the terminal side, so that the user can appropriately use the latest map data. The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, such as the fact that a printed matter on which various path information is drawn can be easily obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, the advertisement from the advertisement client can be registered, displayed on the map, and printed.
Therefore, the service provider collects the advertisement sponsor fee from the advertisement client, which allows the service user to keep the usage fee low.
It becomes possible to develop the price setting as the service usage fee in an advantageous manner.

[0109]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to realize a service in which the user can easily obtain the latest route information when needed without carrying a special device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a route information providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a route calculation server according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of map data included in the route calculation server.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a road layer in the map data.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a transportation layer in the map data.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main operation of a user's input procedure in the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main operations of route search in the printing terminal and the route calculation server according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a login screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a departure point search selection screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a departure point search method selection screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a starting point search screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a destination search method selection screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a destination search screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a route search condition input screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a processing status display screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a route information providing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a main operation of a user's input procedure in the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing main operations of route search in the printing terminal and the route calculation server according to the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a standby screen displayed on the printing terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an example of map drawing data.

FIG. 23 is an example of map drawing data with a guide route added.

FIG. 24 is an example of map drawing data to which advertisement information is added.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 computer body 8 CD-ROM media 9 software 10 Route calculation server 11 CD-ROM drive 12 Hard disk drive 13 mice 14 keyboard 15 display 16 network adapters 18 RAM 21 CPU 26 Video output converter 31 Transport Layer 32 road layer 33 background layer 34 Character / Symbol Layer 35 Landmark information 41 Control unit 42 display device 43 Input device 44 modem 45 CPU 46 RAM 47 ROM 49 Printer output buffer 50 node table 51 Road List 52 Intersection node list 53 List of mobile institutions 101, 102, 103 printing terminals 201, 202, 203 Operation units 301, 302, 303 users 401, 402, 403 Printing section 501,502,503 Billing unit

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Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A server for determining a route from the starting point to the destination based on a route search condition related to the determination of the starting point, the destination, and the route from the starting point to the destination. And one or more image forming apparatuses communicatively connected to the server via a network, the path information providing system for providing path information by the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: Condition input means for allowing a user to input a starting point, a destination, and a route search condition for determining a route from the starting point to the destination, and the starting point and the destination input by the user. Transmitting means for transmitting the destination and the route search condition to the server, and a receiver for receiving route information relating to the route from the starting point to the destination determined by the server from the server. When the route information providing system characterized by comprising an image forming means for printing the routing information received from the server. 2. The condition input means causes a user to input the starting point, the destination, and the route search condition by using an operation unit that performs an operation related to image formation of the image forming apparatus. The route information providing system according to claim 1. 3. The condition input means selects and inputs one or more conditions from a plurality of options including transportation, arrival time and travel distance as the route search condition. The route information providing system according to 1 or 2. 4. The condition input means sets a place where the image forming apparatus is installed as a starting point when the starting point is not input. The route information provision system described. 5. The server assigns a priority to a plurality of routes that can be taken from the starting point to the destination in descending order of the degree of satisfying the route search condition, and the priority is high. The route information providing system according to claim 1, wherein route information regarding a route is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. 6. The route information includes map information including the starting point and the destination, guide route information indicating a guide route from the starting point to the destination, and the guide route in reality. The route information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising guidepost information that serves as a reference when proceeding. 7. The server comprises: an advertisement storage unit for storing position information and advertisement information regarding an advertisement target building requested by an advertisement client; and an advertisement target building stored in the advertisement storage unit, An advertisement search means for searching an advertisement target building located in an area included in the route information; and an advertisement adding means for adding advertisement information regarding the advertisement target building searched by the advertisement search means to the route information. The route information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the route information providing system is provided. 8. The route information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a fee billing unit for billing a user for a fee for providing the route information. system. 9. A server for determining a route from the starting point to the destination based on a route search condition relating to the determination of the starting point, the destination, and the route from the starting point to the destination. And an image forming apparatus communicatively connected via a network, which provides a user with a start point, a destination, and a route search condition for determining a route from the start point to the destination. Condition input means for inputting, transmitting means for transmitting the starting point, the destination and the route search condition input by the user to the server, and the starting point determined by the server to the destination An image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives route information about a route to the server from the server; and an image forming unit that prints the route information received from the server. 10. The condition input means causes a user to input the starting point, the destination, and the route search condition by using an operation unit that performs an operation related to image formation of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. 11. The condition input means selects and inputs one or more conditions from among a plurality of options including transportation, arrival time and travel distance as the route search condition. 9. The image forming apparatus according to 9 or 10. 12. The condition input means sets the place where the image forming apparatus is installed as the starting point when the starting point is not input.
Or the image forming apparatus according to item 11. 13. The route information includes map information including the start point and the destination, guide route information indicating a guide route from the start point to the destination, and the guide route in reality. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the image forming apparatus includes guide sign information that serves as a reference when proceeding. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a charge requesting unit for charging a user for a charge for providing the route information. 15. A server communicatively connected to at least one image forming apparatus via a network, the image forming apparatus including a starting point, a destination, and the starting point to the destination. Means for receiving a route search condition relating to the determination of the route, and based on the starting point, the destination and the route search condition,
A server comprising: route determining means for generating route information from the starting point to the destination; and means for transmitting the route information to the image forming apparatus. 16. The server according to claim 15, wherein the route search condition includes at least one condition of transportation, arrival time, and travel distance. 17. The route determining means assigns a priority order to a plurality of routes that can be taken from the starting point to the destination in descending order of the degree of satisfying the route search condition, and the priority order. The server according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the server generates route information regarding a route having a high level. 18. The route information includes map information including the starting point and the destination, guide route information indicating a guide route from the starting point to the destination, and the guide route as a reality. 18. The server according to claim 15, 16 or 17, further comprising guide sign information that serves as a reference when proceeding. 19. An advertisement storage unit for storing position information and advertisement information about an advertisement target building requested by an advertisement client, and an advertisement target building stored in the advertisement storage unit, which is included in the route information. An advertisement search means for searching for an advertisement target building located in an area to be advertised, and an advertisement adding means for adding advertisement information about the advertisement target building searched by the advertisement search means to the route information. The server according to any one of claims 15 to 18, which is characterized. 20. A server that determines a route from the starting point to the destination based on a route search condition relating to the determination of the starting point, the destination, and the route from the starting point to the destination. And a route information providing method for providing route information using one or more image forming apparatuses communicatively connected to the server via a network, wherein the image forming apparatus provides a user with: A step of inputting a starting point, a destination, and a route search condition relating to the determination of a route from the starting point to the destination; the image forming apparatus, Transmitting the destination and the route search condition to the server, the image forming apparatus outputs route information relating to the route from the starting point to the destination determined by the server. Steps and, said image forming apparatus, the route information providing method which comprises the steps of: printing the route information received from said server to receive from the server. 21. The advertisement target building located in the area included in the route information from the advertisement storage means in which the server stores position information and advertisement information about the advertisement target building requested by the advertisement client. 21. The route information providing method according to claim 20, further comprising: a step of searching for the route information; and a step of adding advertisement information regarding the searched advertisement target building to the route information. 22. A server that determines a route from the starting point to the destination based on a route search condition relating to the determination of the starting point, the destination, and the route from the starting point to the destination. The image forming apparatus communicatively connected via the network to the user to input a starting point, a destination, and a route search condition relating to the determination of the route from the starting point to the destination. Condition input means, transmission means for transmitting the starting point, the destination and the route search condition input by the user to the server, and from the starting point determined by the server to the destination A program that causes a receiving unit that receives route information about a route from the server and an image forming unit that prints the route information received from the server to function. 23. A server communicatively connected to one or more image forming apparatuses via a network, the image forming apparatus, a starting point, a destination, and a route from the starting point to the destination. Means for receiving a route search condition relating to the determination of, and based on the starting point, the destination and the route search condition,
A program that causes a route determining unit that generates route information from the starting point to the destination and a unit that transmits the route information to the image forming apparatus to function. 24. The server comprises: an advertisement storage unit for storing position information and advertisement information regarding an advertisement target building requested by an advertisement client; and an advertisement target building stored in the advertisement storage unit, An advertisement search means for searching an advertisement target building located in an area included in the route information; and an advertisement adding means for adding advertisement information regarding the advertisement target building searched by the advertisement search means to the route information. The program according to claim 23, which is caused to function.