JP2003075174A - Communication navigation device and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently acquire and renew map data during a route search using a communications navigation device. SOLUTION: A server device receives a route search request from the communications navigation device and creates route information by conducting a route search. From the roads to be taken along the route searched, meshes of map data which correspond to a zone other than expressway zones are specified, and the mesh codes of the meshes and renewal information about the meshes are obtained. The mesh codes, the renewal information, and the route information created are transmitted to the communications navigation device which made the route search request. The communications navigation device uses the received mesh codes and renewal information and compares the codes with already obtained mesh data to specify the necessary mesh data and demand the server of the data. In this case, because the expressway zones do not necessarily require detailed mesh data, the maps required only for the mesh data of the zone other than the expressway zones are obtained or renewed to obtain or renew the appropriate maps while cutting communications costs.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of communication-type navigation devices, and particularly relates to map data acquisition and update processing that accompanies route guidance and route search.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in navigation devices,
Map data is CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Me
mory) or a DVD-ROM (DVD-Read Only Memory) or the like stored in a map data recording medium has been used. That is, the navigation device is a CD-ROM
A map data recording medium drive unit such as a DVD or a ROM is provided, and map data near the vehicle's current position is read from the map data recording medium according to the movement of the vehicle and is used as an LCD monitor or the like mounted near the driver's seat of the vehicle. It was displayed.

However, if such a recording medium is used as the map data supply source, there arises a problem that the map data cannot be updated frequently. The map data is updated according to the development of new road networks such as expressways. In addition to the road data, the map data used in the navigation device includes information about nearby facilities and stores (for example, convenience stores, gas stations). Recently, there is a tendency for new stores to open and old stores to disappear relatively often, so if you always want to get the latest information, you need to frequently replace the map data recording medium. Will be a burden for Also, the map data recording medium is, for example, half a year,
Since a new edition is released every certain period such as one year, even if the latest one is purchased every time, it is often impossible to keep up with the actual update of the store.

Recently, as navigation devices have become more sophisticated, there is a tendency that the amount of incidental data other than road data included in map data increases and becomes complicated. For example, advanced route search and route guidance are required. In order to do so, it becomes necessary to mount a microprocessor capable of high-speed processing on the navigation device. This leads to an increase in device scale and cost.

In order to solve such a problem, a communication type navigation system has recently been proposed. In this communication navigation system, bidirectional wireless communication is used between a navigation device mounted on a vehicle and a service center on a communication network, and map data is transmitted from the service center to the navigation device on the vehicle. The navigation device stores the received map data on a storage medium such as a hard disk, and uses the map data to perform map display and route guidance.
An example of such a communication type navigation device is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Heisei 7-78
No. 262495, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-96644, and the like.

According to such a communication type navigation system, by updating the map database on the service center side, the user can always obtain and use the latest map data by communication.

[0007]

Route search is known as a useful function of navigation devices. The route search is a function of calculating and presenting a traveling route to a destination designated by the user, and the traveling route is basically calculated using map data. Then, in order to travel along the travel route obtained by the route search, map data including the travel route is required on the navigation device side.

However, in the communication type navigation device,
The map data is basically acquired from the service center by communication. Therefore, when the destination is far away,
If all map data including the travel route to the destination is to be acquired by communication, a considerable communication cost may be required.

Further, as described above, the map data is regularly updated, and in order to effectively use the route search function, it is desirable to acquire and use the latest map data as much as possible. Therefore, ideally, it is desirable to obtain the latest map data of all the travel routes obtained by the route search. However, considering the communication cost, it is required to efficiently update only the necessary map data.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for efficiently acquiring and updating map data in route search in a communication navigation device. To do.

[0011]

According to one aspect of the present invention, in a server device configured to communicate with a communication type navigation device via a communication means, a route search request is received from the communication type navigation device, Search means for executing route search to create route information of the searched route, and roads to be traveled according to the searched route,
A means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a road section other than the expressway section, and a transmitting means for transmitting the mesh identification information and update information of the specified mesh, and the route information to the communication navigation device.

The above server device receives a route search request from the communication type navigation device, performs route search and creates route information. Next, among the roads to be traveled along the searched route, the meshes of the map data corresponding to the sections other than the expressway section are specified, and the mesh identification information and update information of these meshes are acquired. Then, the mesh identification information and the update information and the created route information are transmitted to the communication type navigation device that has made the route search request. On the communication navigation device side,
Necessary map update can be performed using the received mesh identification information and update information. At this time, detailed mesh data is not always necessary for the expressway section, so
By updating the necessary map only for the mesh data of the section other than the expressway section, it is possible to save the communication cost and update the map.

In one mode of the above server device, the transmitting means includes means for transmitting highway mode data corresponding to the expressway section to the communication type navigation device.

According to this aspect, since highway mode data is transmitted from the server device for the highway section included in the searched route, the communication type navigation apparatus can provide route guidance in the highway mode in the highway section. Therefore, it is not necessary to obtain the latest mesh data in the expressway section.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication navigation device configured to be communicable with a server device via a communication means, wherein the server device receives a route search request from the communication navigation device. A search means for executing a route search to create route information of the search route; and a means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a road section other than a highway section among roads to be traveled according to the search route, A transmission unit for transmitting the mesh identification information and update information of the mesh, and the route information to the communication navigation device, wherein the communication navigation device stores map data storage unit for storing mesh data; and the server device. The mesh identification information and the update information transmitted from are already stored in the map data storage means. Mesh requesting means for comparing the mesh ID information and update information, requests to identify the mesh data to be acquired from the server device to the server device that,
Equipped with.

According to the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, mesh data is stored in advance in the map data storage means. The mesh data and the update information received from the server device are compared with the mesh data already stored in the map data storage means, are the mesh data necessary for traveling on the searched route, and are not yet stored in the map data storage means. A request for mesh data is made to the server device for those not stored or those stored in old map data storage means. Here, since the mesh data transmitted from the server device in response to the route search request does not include the expressway section, it is unnecessary to request the server device for the mesh data which is less necessary, and the map is saved while saving the communication cost. Data can be acquired and updated.

One mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device is to execute route guidance using means for receiving the mesh data requested by the mesh requesting means from the server device and the received mesh data and the route information. Route guidance means is further provided.

According to this aspect, route guidance is performed based on the mesh data and route information received from the server device. At this time, since the mesh data transmitted to the communication type navigation device is for a section other than the expressway section, detailed route guidance is provided only with the latest map data for the section other than the expressway section.

In another mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, it is further provided with means for receiving highway mode data corresponding to the expressway section from the server device, and the route guiding means is provided for the expressway section. Route guidance is performed using the highway mode data, and route guidance is performed using the mesh data and route information in sections other than the expressway section.

According to this aspect, in the highway section on the searched route, route guidance is performed in the highway mode based on the highway mode data transmitted from the server device, and in the sections other than the highway, the latest mesh data is used. Detailed route guidance will be provided.

In still another mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, the map data storage means pre-stores wide area display map data, and the route guidance means displays the wide area display in the highway section. Highway mode route guidance is performed using the map data, and route guidance is performed using the mesh data and route information in sections other than the expressway section.

According to this aspect, in the highway section on the searched route, route guidance is performed in the highway mode based on the wide area display map data previously stored in the map data storage means, and in the section other than the highway. Detailed route guidance is provided based on the latest mesh data.

[0023] In still another aspect of the present invention, a server device configured to communicate with a communication type navigation device via a communication means receives a route search request from the communication type navigation device and executes a route search. Search means for creating route information of a search route, a mesh specifying means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a predetermined section of a road to be traveled according to the search route, mesh identification information and update information of the specified mesh, And transmission means for transmitting the route information to the communication type navigation device.

The above server device receives the route search request from the communication type navigation device, performs route search and creates route information. Next, of the roads to be traveled along the searched route, the mesh of the map data corresponding to the predetermined section is specified, and the mesh identification information and update information of those meshes are acquired. Then, the mesh identification information and the update information and the created route information are transmitted to the communication type navigation device that has made the route search request. On the side of the communication navigation device, necessary mesh update can be performed using the received mesh identification information and update information. At this time, the predetermined section is determined so that the detailed mesh data can be effectively used. Therefore, the communication-type navigation device updates the map only for the mesh data of the section, thereby reducing the communication cost. You can update the map while saving.

In one mode of the communication type navigation device, the mesh specifying means specifies a mesh within a predetermined range from the destination included in the route search request.

According to this aspect, since the communication navigation device can obtain the latest mesh data near the destination in the route search request, it is possible to perform accurate route guidance near the destination.

In another aspect of the communication type navigation device, the mesh specifying means specifies a mesh in a section designated by the user through the communication type navigation device.

According to this aspect, since the communication type navigation device can obtain the latest mesh data in the section designated by the user, it is possible to perform accurate route guidance in the section.

In still another mode of the communication type navigation device, the mesh specifying means specifies a mesh including roads other than the main road among roads to be traveled according to the searched route.

According to this aspect, since the detailed map data is not required while the vehicle is traveling on the main road on the search route, the communication-type navigation device only needs the roads other than the main road. Obtain the latest map data and provide route guidance.

[0031] In still another aspect of the present invention, the communication navigation device is configured to be communicable with the server device via the communication means, wherein the server device receives a route search request from the communication navigation device. Then, a search means for executing a route search to create route information of the searched route, a means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a predetermined section of a road to be traveled according to the searched route, and a mesh identification of the specified mesh Information and update information, and transmission means for transmitting the route information to the communication navigation device, the communication navigation device is transmitted from the map data storage means for storing mesh data, and the server device. The mesh identification information and the update information are stored in the mesh already stored in the map data storage means. Compared to another information and update information comprises a mesh requesting means for requesting to identify the mesh data to be acquired from the server device to the server device.

According to the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, the mesh data is stored in advance in the map data storage means. The mesh data and the update information received from the server device are compared with the mesh data already stored in the map data storage means, are the mesh data necessary for traveling on the searched route, and are not yet stored in the map data storage means. A request for mesh data is made to the server device for those not stored or those stored in old map data storage means. Here, since the mesh data transmitted from the server device in response to the route search request includes only the predetermined section set in the section in which the mesh data is effectively used, the communication-type navigation device is necessary. It is possible to obtain and update the map data while saving the communication cost without requesting the server device for the low mesh data of low.

In one mode of the communication type navigation device, means for receiving the mesh data requested by the mesh requesting means from the server device and route guidance using the received mesh data and the route information. Route guidance means is further provided.

According to this aspect, route guidance is performed based on the mesh data and route information received from the server device. At this time, since the mesh data transmitted from the server device is for a predetermined section in which the mesh data is effectively used, detailed route guidance is performed with the latest map data for that section.

In another mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, it is further provided with means for receiving guidance information corresponding to a section other than the predetermined section from the server device, and the route guidance means is for a section other than the predetermined section. In the section, route guidance is provided by presenting the guidance information, and in the predetermined section, route guidance is performed using the mesh data and the route information.

According to this aspect, route guidance is performed by presenting the guidance information transmitted from the server device in the sections other than the predetermined section on the search route, and in the predetermined section, detailed guidance is provided based on the latest mesh data. Route guidance is given. Here, the guidance information is simple data such as driving information at the next waypoint (for example, turning right at an intersection), and does not include map data, so the communication cost when acquiring by communication can be reduced. it can.

In still another mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, the map data storage means pre-stores wide area display map data, and the route guidance means stores the map data in a section other than the predetermined section. Route guidance is provided by presenting guidance information using wide area display map data, and route guidance is performed using the mesh data and route information in the predetermined section.

According to this aspect, in sections other than the predetermined section on the search route, route guidance is provided by presenting the guide information based on the wide area display map data stored in the map data storage means, and in the predetermined section. Detailed route guidance is provided based on the latest mesh data. here,
The guidance information is simple data such as driving information at the next stop (for example, turning right at an intersection) and does not include map data. Therefore, it is possible to reduce communication costs when acquiring by communication.

[0039] In still another mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, the mesh requesting means individually acquires the mesh data to be acquired from the server device at the time when it becomes necessary during the route guidance. Request to.

According to this aspect, the mesh data necessary for traveling along the searched route is individually acquired from the server at the time when it is needed during route guidance,
When the traveling route is changed, it is possible to prevent a problem that the mesh data acquired up to that point becomes unnecessary.

In still another mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, the mesh requesting means corresponds to a mesh which is not stored in the map data storing means among the meshes required for traveling along the searched route. Request mesh data.

According to this aspect, the mesh data which is necessary for traveling along the searched route and which is not yet stored in the communication navigation device is acquired from the server device.

In still another mode of the above-mentioned communication type navigation device, the mesh requesting means has update information older than the update information transmitted from the server device among the meshes required for traveling along the searched route. Request mesh data corresponding to a mesh having

According to this aspect, when the mesh data necessary for traveling along the searched route and the one stored in the communication type navigation device is the old data, the new mesh data is used as the server device. Obtained from.

[0045]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following description shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a communication navigation device for a vehicle (hereinafter, simply referred to as “navigation device”).

[1] Navigation Device FIG. 1 schematically shows the usage status of the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the navigation device 7 is mounted on the vehicle 5. The navigation device 7 measures the position of the vehicle by receiving radio waves from the plurality of satellites 4. In addition, the navigation device 7
Connects to the service center 6 using the communication function, downloads the map data and stores it in the internal map data storage unit. The navigation device 7 can execute functions such as route search and route guidance by acquiring necessary map data from the service center 6 as the vehicle progresses.

The service center 6 comprises a server 101 and a map database (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) 104. The map DB 104 stores map data.
In response to a request from the navigation device 7, the server 101 acquires necessary map data from the map DB 104 and sends it to the navigation device 7.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the navigation device 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device 7 includes an autonomous positioning device 10, a GPS receiver 18, a system controller 20, a CD-ROM drive 31, a DVD-ROM drive 32, a data storage unit 36, a communication interface 37, and a communication device. 38, a display unit 40, a voice output unit 50, and an input device 60.

The self-supporting positioning device 10 includes an acceleration sensor 11,
The angular velocity sensor 12 and the distance sensor 13 are included. The acceleration sensor 11 includes, for example, a piezoelectric element, detects the acceleration of the vehicle, and outputs acceleration data.
The angular velocity sensor 12 includes, for example, a vibration gyro, detects the angular velocity of the vehicle at the time of changing the direction of the vehicle, and outputs the angular velocity data and the relative azimuth data.

The distance sensor 13 measures a vehicle speed pulse which is a pulse signal generated as the wheels of the vehicle rotate.

The GPS receiver 18 transmits a radio wave 19 that carries downlink data including positioning data from a plurality of GPS satellites that should be used to detect the absolute position of the vehicle from latitude and longitude information. This is the part to receive.

The system controller 20 includes an interface 21, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22,
ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 and RAM (Random A)
ccessMemory) 24, and is configured to control the entire navigation device 7.

The interface 21 is the acceleration sensor 1
1, angular velocity sensor 12, distance sensor 13, and GPS
The interface operation with the receiver 18 is performed. Then, from these, in addition to the vehicle speed pulse, acceleration data, relative azimuth data, angular velocity data, GPS positioning data, absolute azimuth data, etc. are input to the system controller 20. CPU2
2 controls the entire system controller 20. RO
The M23 has a non-volatile memory or the like (not shown) in which a control program or the like for controlling the system controller 20 is stored. The RAM 24 readably stores various data such as route data preset by the user via the input device 60, and provides a working area for the CPU 22.

System controller 20, CD-ROM
The drive 31, the DVD-ROM drive 32, the data storage unit 36, the communication interface 37, the display unit 40, the audio output unit 50, and the input device 60,
They are connected to each other via a bus line 30.

CD-ROM drive 31 and DVD-R
Under the control of the system controller 20, the OM drive 32 receives music data from the CD 33 and the DVD 34,
Content data such as video data and a control program corresponding to each process described below are read and output. In addition,
Only one of the CD-ROM drive 31 and the DVD-ROM drive 32 may be provided, or the CD and D
A VD compatible drive may be provided.

In the present invention, the map data is
As a general rule, the pre-installed version and the one acquired from the service center 6 by communication are used, but the map data stored in the CD-ROM 33 and the DVD-ROM 34 can be read and used. Has been done. In particular, discs for special projects other than general map data (for example, golf course maps, ski resort maps, tour plan guides for sightseeing spots, etc.)
When using the CD-ROM drive 31 or DV
The D-ROM drive 32 can be preferably used.

The data storage unit 36 is a unit that mainly stores map data. The map data is acquired by a pre-installation process which will be described later, and the service center 6 can be used as needed while the vehicle is traveling.
And are stored in the data storage unit 36.
The data storage unit 36 may be a CD if necessary.
-ROM drive 31 or DVD-ROM drive 3
It is also possible to store audio data and video data read from No. 2 and map data of the disc of the above-mentioned project.

The communication device 38 is, for example, a mobile phone, and is configured to be able to download map data from the service center 6 via the communication interface 37 that constitutes a modem or the like.

The display unit 40 displays various display data under the control of the system controller 20. The display unit 40 includes a graphic controller 41 that controls the entire display unit 40 based on control data sent from the CPU 22 via the bus line 30, and a VRAM.
A buffer memory 42 including a memory such as (Video RAM) for temporarily storing image information that can be immediately displayed, and a display such as a liquid crystal or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) based on the image data output from the graphic controller 41. A display control unit 43 for controlling the display of the display 44 and a display 44 are provided. Display 44
Is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device having a diagonal of about 5 to 10 inches and is mounted near the front panel in the vehicle.

The audio output unit 50 is a D / A of audio digital data sent from the CD-ROM drive 31, the DVD-ROM 32, the RAM 24 or the like via the bus line 30 under the control of the system controller 20.
D / A converter 5 that performs (Digital to Analog) conversion
1, an amplifier (AMP) 52 that amplifies a voice analog signal output from the D / A converter 51, and a speaker 53 that converts the amplified voice analog signal into voice and outputs the voice. There is.

The input device 60 is used for inputting various commands and data, such as keys, switches, buttons, remote controllers,
It is composed of a voice input device and the like. The input device 60 is
It is arranged around the front panel of the main body of the vehicle-mounted electronic system mounted in the vehicle and the display 44.

[2] Pre-Install System Next, a system for pre-installing map data will be described below. In principle, the communication-type navigation device 7 of the present invention acquires map data from the service center 6 by communication, but when installing the device, it is necessary to prepare a relatively large amount of data, and all of this data is communicated. If this is done, the burden on the user of communication costs will increase. Therefore, when the navigation device 7 is introduced, map data of an area that is relatively frequently used, such as near the home, is stored in advance in the data storage unit 36 of the navigation device 7 (this process is referred to as “preinstallation”). Then, if necessary, an efficient method of connecting to the service center 6 and acquiring necessary map data is adopted. This eliminates the need to download a large amount of map data by communication when the navigation device 7 is used.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of a system for executing the preinstall process. As shown in FIG. 3, the store 8 and the service center 6 are connected via a communication network 103. The store 8 is a navigation system store, and is, for example, a car dealer or a car accessories store.

The server 101 of the service center 6 acquires necessary map data from the map DB 104 in response to a request from the store 8 and sends it to the store 8 through the communication network 103.

At the store 8, a pre-installed terminal 102 connected to the communication network 103 is installed. The pre-installed terminal 102 transmits a request for map data to be pre-installed in the user's navigation device 7 to the service center 6, receives corresponding map data, and temporarily stores it in an internal memory or the like. Then, the map data is stored in the data storage unit 36 of the navigation device 7.

There are several methods for storing map data from the pre-installed terminal 102 to the data storage unit 36 of the navigation device 7. One method is that the pre-installed terminal 102 stores map data in a DVD-RAM,
This is a method of temporarily storing in a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a card type storage medium, inserting it into the drive device of the navigation device 7, and storing it in the data storage unit 36.

When the data storage unit 36 is composed of a removable medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, after the map data is stored in such a medium from the pre-installed terminal 102, the medium is presented to the user. It can also be provided. The user simply attaches the medium to his or her navigation device 7, and the pre-installation of the map data is completed. According to this method, the storage medium in which the map data for pre-installation is stored is provided to the user by means such as mailing, so that the user does not need to visit the sales shop 8 for pre-installation. In addition to that, the map data is stored in the data storage unit 36 by wirelessly communicating with the pre-installed terminal 102 using infrared rays or the like by using the communication function of the navigation device 7, or by performing data communication by connecting a data line. Can be made.

[3] Map Data Next, the map data will be described. In the present invention, in addition to the mesh data used in the normal map display mode or guidance mode of the navigation device 7,
Highway mode data and guide view mode data as guidance information are used as necessary. Hereinafter, they will be described in order.

(1) Mesh data Map data is created in units of a predetermined geographical area divided into a plurality of sections having a predetermined area. This unit is called "mesh", and the map data corresponding to one mesh is called "mesh data". Therefore, the map data is a set of mesh data.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a state in which a map of a certain area along the sea is divided into a plurality of meshes. In FIG. 4, a line 111 indicates a coastline, the right side of which is a water area (sea) and the left side is land. The area in the upper left of Fig. 4 is a mountain. The line 110 indicates a road.

This area is divided into a plurality of meshes M defined in a grid as map data. In FIG. 4, the identification number (M11
~ M55) are shown. The mesh data is prepared for each mesh shown in FIG. The x and y coordinates in FIG. 4 correspond to longitude and latitude, respectively.

The map shown in FIG. 4 is of a specific scale, and mesh data is created for each of a plurality of scales. The map of Japan has been prepared with a plurality of scales, but the map is divided into a plurality of meshes for each scale and mesh data is prepared.

FIG. 5 shows the contents of the mesh data. The mesh data roughly includes road data, background data, and annotation data. The road data is vector data indicating roads on the map. The background data is data indicating areas other than roads in the area displayed as a map.
The map displayed on the navigation device 7 shows the state of the vicinity in addition to the road. For example, if there is a pond along the road, an image showing the pond is displayed, and if it is a map of the city, geographical divisions are displayed. These are included as background data.

The annotation data is data corresponding to characters, symbols, marks and the like displayed on the map, and includes character data, a map sign of a facility and a logo mark. Place names, addresses, intersection names, station names, etc. are displayed in characters in the map displayed by the navigation device, and the character data is data of these characters. In addition, facilities such as schools, hospitals and post offices may be displayed as map symbols on the map, and these are included in the data indicating the map sign of the facilities. Furthermore, although marks indicating stores such as convenience stores and gas stations are displayed, these logo marks are also included in the annotation data.

As described above, the mesh data basically includes road data, background data and annotation data. However, each data may not exist depending on the area to which the mesh corresponds. For example, the mesh M55 and the like shown in FIG. 4 are completely sea areas, and there are no roads, facilities, shops, or the like. Therefore, the mesh data of the mesh M55 does not include the road data and the annotation data, but only the background data. In the case of the mesh M55, the entire area is displayed in blue indicating the sea on the map display, so only the background data for that is included.

As can be understood from this, the data amount of each mesh data differs for each mesh. For example, the meshes M43 and M34 shown in FIG. 4 have a plurality of roads intersecting each other and further include a coastline, so that the amount of data included in the mesh data is large. On the other hand, the mesh data amount of the mesh M55, which is a completely sea area, and the mesh M11, which is a completely mountain area (no road exists), is small.

As described above, since the map data is created as a plurality of mesh data for each scale, the process of acquiring or updating the map data from the service center 6 is also performed in mesh data units. That is, by receiving the necessary mesh data from the service center 6 and storing it in the data storage unit 36 of the navigation device 7, the necessary map data is accumulated in the navigation device 7.

FIG. 6 shows the map DB 1 in the service center 6.
The contents of the map data stored in 04 are shown schematically. As described above, the map data is a set of mesh data prepared for each specific scale, and each mesh data has a mesh code (M11, M12 ,. .) Is attached. Then, one mesh data is configured as a set of a data file which is a substantial part of the map data and scale information and update information which are attribute information of each mesh data.

The mesh data is prepared for each of a plurality of scales, and the scale information indicates the scale of the mesh. The update information is information for determining whether the mesh data is old or new, and in this example, the update date indicates the update date of the mesh data. Other than the update date, other information such as map version information can be used as the update information. As will be described later, the mesh data is updated by comparing the update information of each mesh data.

(2) Highway Mode Data The highway mode is a display mode that can be used when a vehicle equipped with the navigation device 7 is traveling on a highway (or a predetermined toll road, etc.). a)
The display example is shown in. In the highway mode, map data is not displayed, and only information such as interchanges, service areas, parking areas, etc. on the highway on which the vehicle is traveling is simply displayed. Specifically, the name of the next service area or parking area and the distance from the current position, the name of the next interchange and the distance from the current position, and the like are displayed.

Therefore, the highway mode data includes the positional information of the facility such as the interchange and the service area as described above, but does not include the map data (that is, the mesh data described above). For example, in the simplest form, highway data can be composed of latitude / longitude data indicating the geographical position of a highway, and facility information such as interchanges and service areas.
That is, the expressway is considered as a set of a plurality of points, and the geographical position of the expressway is specified by the set of latitude and longitude of each point. In addition to this, the location of facilities such as each interchange and service area, and guidance information about that facility (interchange name, service area name, restaurant in the service area, information on service facilities such as gas stations, up to the next facility) Distance etc.) are included.
The amount of these data is considerably smaller than that of the mesh data described above.

The current position of the running vehicle is the above-mentioned GPS.
18 and / or the self-supporting positioning device 10, it is possible to obtain as the latitude and longitude on the geographical point, so if the current position changes along the latitude / longitude data of the expressway with an error within the allowable range. , It can be determined that the vehicle is traveling on a highway. Then, when the current position of the vehicle approaches the latitude / longitude data such as an interchange or a service area, the guide information of the facility may be displayed.

(3) Guide view mode data In the guide view mode, when traveling on an ordinary road along a traveling route determined by route search or the like, the map data is not displayed and the next intersection or the like is passed through. It is a mode that displays only ground guidance information, and can be called a mode similar to the highway mode. A display example of the guide view mode is shown in FIG.

The guide view mode data also includes, for example, information (for example, latitude / longitude data) for specifying a road or an intersection on a traveling route to a destination, and driving information for the waypoint (for example, right turn, left turn). Etc.) but does not include the map data (mesh data described above) itself. Therefore, similar to the highway mode data, the data amount is much smaller than the mesh data.

While the vehicle is traveling, driving information at the next waypoint (for example, turning right at the next intersection) is displayed, and when passing the intersection, driving information at the next waypoint is displayed. The navigation device 7 can provide the guide view by comparing the guide view mode data with the current position information of the vehicle.

(4) Configuration of Data Storage Unit FIG. 7 schematically shows the configuration of the data storage unit 36 in the navigation device 7. Data storage unit 36
Includes a pre-installed data storage unit 70, a cache memory unit 71, and a mesh code storage unit 72 as components related to the storage of map data.

Pre-installed data storage unit 70
Is a unit for storing the above-mentioned preinstalled map data. The pre-installed data storage unit 70 can store map data for wide area display, such as the national version of Japan, as default data. The map data for wide area display is considerably coarser than the mesh data used for ordinary route guidance, but it can include main information necessary for the highway mode and the guide view mode.

Further, the cache memory unit 71 is
After pre-installation, the navigation device 7 is a unit for storing the map data acquired from the service center 6 by communication as necessary. Since the data storage unit 36 has a limited data capacity, when the cache memory unit 71 is filled with the map data sequentially acquired from the service center 6, for example, old mesh data or infrequently used mesh data is used. Data is erased in order to secure new storage space.

Further, the mesh code storage unit 72
Is a unit for temporarily storing a mesh code necessary for obtaining and / or updating mesh data.

The highway mode data and the guide view mode data described above are used as necessary for the service center 6.
It is acquired from the server 101 and stored in the cache memory unit 71.

As described above, the data storage unit 36 can store music data other than the map data, but that portion is not directly related to the present invention, so the illustration thereof is omitted.

[4] Map Data Update Process Next, the map data update process according to the present invention will be described. The map data update process described below acquires the latest map data (mesh data) related to the travel route obtained by the search when the user who uses the navigation device 7 executes the route search. The route search process is basically executed by the server 101 in the service center 6. Further, since the route search process itself is a known process, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As a premise of the following description, the map data of a predetermined range is already preinstalled in the preinstalled data storage unit 70 of the navigation device 7 used by the user, and the navigation device 7 is used thereafter. As a result, it is assumed that the map data of a certain area is accumulated in the cache memory unit 71.

(1) First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the map data update processing according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when a route search is performed and a highway is included in the route obtained by the search (hereinafter, referred to as “search route”), the highway mode is set on the highway. As a result, the acquisition of the latest map data is omitted. This is schematically shown in FIG.

It is assumed that the user searches for a route when traveling from the departure point S to the destination G, and as a result, a search route using the expressway from the transit point A to the transit point B is obtained. Normally, when using an expressway, the travel distance of the expressway use section is relatively long, and the map information of the general road in that section makes little sense. Therefore, the route from route A to route B using the expressway is switched to the highway mode for route guidance. Thereby, even if there is no mesh data on the side of the navigation device 7 or the already stored mesh data is not the latest in the section of the waypoint A to the waypoint B, the latest mesh data is acquired. Does not. That is, the navigation device 7 obtains the latest mesh data, if there is the latest mesh data, only in the sections from the departure point S to the transit point A and from the transit point B to the destination G. As a result, it is possible to save communication costs by omitting updating mesh data that is not very useful.

In the section from the transit point A to the transit point B using the highway mode, the navigation device 7 may acquire highway mode data from the server 101 of the service center 6 and execute route guidance as necessary. Even in that case, since the data amount of the highway mode data is considerably smaller than that of the mesh data as described above, the communication cost can be sufficiently saved.

Next, an example of the map data updating process in this case will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a process flow chart in the map data update process of the first embodiment. First, the user of the navigation device 7 operates the input device 60 to call the route search function, specify a departure place and a destination of the route search, and make a route search request (step S1). In general, the departure point of the route search is often automatically set to the current position of the vehicle equipped with the navigation device 7, in which case the user must specify only the destination. Becomes

The server 101 uses the map DB 104 based on the information about the starting point and the destination included in the route search request.
The route is searched using the map data inside. Then, on the basis of the route information obtained by the search, the meshes necessary for traveling on the searched route are specified, and the mesh code and update information of those meshes and the necessary highway mode data are acquired from the map DB 104. Yes (step S2).

The processing of step S2 is shown in FIG. First, the server 101 calculates a route from a departure point and a destination for which a route search request has been made (step S30), and determines whether or not the obtained search route includes a highway (step S30).
31). When the expressway is not included, the required mesh is specified for all the sections of the search route, and the mesh code thereof is acquired (step S33). On the other hand, when it includes a highway, the highway mode data corresponding to the highway section and the mesh code of the mesh corresponding to the general roads other than the highway are acquired (step S32).

Next, the server 101 transmits the route information thus prepared, the highway mode data, and the mesh code and update information of the searched route to the navigation device 7 (step S3).

The navigation device 7 receives the route information, the highway mode data, the mesh code of the searched route and the update information. Then, the received mesh code is transferred to the preinstalled data storage unit 70 and the cache memory unit 7 in the data storage unit 36.
The mesh information is checked by comparing it with the mesh data already stored in 1 (step S
4).

FIG. 11 shows the check method of this mesh information.
Shown in. In FIG. 11, first, the navigation device 7
Determines whether the mesh data corresponding to the received mesh code already exists in the data storage unit 36 (step S40). Then, when the received mesh code includes a mesh code which is not yet stored in the data storage unit 36 (step S40; No), the mesh code is stored in the mesh code storage unit 72 shown in FIG. Store (step S4
2).

Further, when the mesh data corresponding to the received mesh code is already stored in the data storage unit 36 (step S40; Yes), the update information received together with the mesh code and the data storage unit 36. The update information of the mesh data stored therein is compared (step S41). Then, when the update information of the mesh data stored in the data storage unit 36 is older, the mesh code is stored in the mesh code storage unit 72. If the mesh data in the data storage unit 36 is newer, it is not necessary to acquire the mesh data, and the process ends. This process is performed for all mesh codes.

In this way, when the navigation device 7 completes the check of the mesh information, the mesh code of the mesh data which must be acquired from the service center 6 in order to drive on a general road other than the expressway in the searched route is the mesh code. It is in a state of being stored in the storage unit 72. In this case, the mesh code stored in the mesh code storage unit 72 is a mesh code not existing in the data storage unit 36 and a mesh code existing in the data storage unit but having old data.

Returning to FIG. 9, the navigation device 7 designates the mesh code stored in the mesh code storage unit 72 and sends a request for the corresponding mesh data to the server 101 (step S5).

The server 101 acquires the requested mesh data from the map DB 104 (step S6) and sends it to the navigation device 7 (step S7). As a result, in the navigation device 7, all the latest map data (excluding the expressway section) necessary for traveling to the destination according to the searched route are prepared, and route guidance is executed according to the searched route (step S).
8).

In the route guidance, in the highway section, route guidance in the highway mode is performed based on the highway mode data transmitted from the server 101 in step S3. Further, in the general road section other than the expressway section, usual detailed route guidance is performed according to the latest map data updated as described above. Thus, the map data on the searched route can be acquired and updated when the route search is executed.

Note that the processes of steps S5 to S7 are not performed at once, but the mesh code storage unit 72 is referred to while traveling according to the route guidance, and when necessary, the mesh code is individually designated to the server. It may be configured to request the mesh data from 101 and sequentially update the mesh data.

In the above description, since the highway mode data itself has a small amount of data, all of the highway mode data is transmitted from the server 101. However, the highway mode data may be updated by the same method as the mesh data. it can. In that case, in step S3 of FIG. 9, not the navigation mode data itself but the identification information (for example, the navigation mode data code) is transmitted from the server 101 to the navigation device 7, and the navigation device 7 is transmitted in the same manner as the mesh data.
It is only necessary to compare with the navigation mode data already stored in the data storage unit 36 and receive only the new navigation mode data.

Further, in the above description, the highway section in the searched route uses the highway mode data to execute the route guidance in the highway mode. If the map data for the wide area display is stored, it can be used instead of the navigation mode data. Such wide area display map data is, for example, pre-installed with the national version of the data at the time of pre-installation, and is considerably coarser (wide area) data than the mesh data used in route guidance, etc. This can be used instead of highway mode data as it can include data for major points including highways. By doing so, it is not necessary to transmit the highway mode data from the server 101 to the navigation device 7, so that the communication cost can be further saved.

Further, although the above description assumes that the highway mode data is not initially stored in the navigation device 7, the highway mode data of a predetermined area or data that can be used similarly is used as the navigation device. If it is prepared on the 7 side (for example, by pre-installation), the server 101 need only transmit the identification information of the data instead of transmitting the highway mode data in step S3.

Further, in the method illustrated in FIG. 9, the mesh code of the mesh required for traveling on the searched route is transmitted from the server 101 to the navigation device 7, and the navigation device 7 already exists in the data storage unit 36. We are comparing the update information with the mesh data. Instead, the server 101 first provides only the route information of the search route to the navigation device 7, identifies the meshes required for the navigation device 7 to travel the search route, and stores those existing in the data storage unit 36. All update information of the mesh to the server 101, the update information is compared on the server side, and only new mesh data is transmitted to the navigation device 7.
It is also possible to acquire and update the necessary mesh data by this method.

Although the above description exemplifies a highway, the above embodiment can be similarly applied to a highway mode or a toll road capable of displaying the same. After the "highway" in this specification, the above-mentioned toll roads and the like are included.

(2) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the map data updating process according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when a highway is included in the search route, route guidance is performed in the highway mode in the highway section.
The amount of map data to be acquired from 1 is reduced. According to the second embodiment, the guide view mode is used to reduce the required map data amount even in the search route of only the general road, by a similar idea.

As described above, in the guide view mode,
Only guidance information such as driving information (eg, right turn or left turn at an intersection) at the next waypoint along the searched route is displayed, and map data is not displayed. Therefore, if the guide view mode is used, it is not necessary to acquire and update a large number of mesh data on the searched route by communication.

In this case, the section in which the guide view mode is used can be determined by several methods. One way is to use the guided view mode throughout the search route. According to this, instead of acquiring new mesh data or updating the mesh data, it is sufficient to acquire the guide view mode data having a small data amount, and the communication cost can be saved. This method is advantageous in that the guide view mode can be used instead of acquiring or updating the mesh data that is not frequently used when going to an area that is not frequently visited.

Another method is a method of acquiring and updating the mesh data as usual within a predetermined range near the destination designated by the user, and using the guide view mode for other areas. According to this method, it is possible to travel along the searched route to some extent even in the guide view mode on the way to the destination, so that the communication cost is saved by using the guide view mode.
Then, in the vicinity of the final destination, detailed route guidance is provided based on the latest mesh data, so that the destination can be correctly reached.

As another method, for example, the user individually specifies a certain section on the search route, and the section is set to use the guide view mode to stop acquiring new mesh data and to set the communication cost. Can be saved.

As still another method, when traveling on the main road for a long time on the searched route, the guide view mode may be set to be used on the main road. This is based on the same idea as the expressway in the first embodiment, and it is not necessary to display the detailed map data while running on the main road, so the guide view mode is used instead. To save.

(3) Other Embodiments As a method other than the above, if only the road data of the main roads among the road data included in the mesh data is acquired or updated in the map update processing, all roads Compared to the case of acquiring mesh data including
Communication costs can be saved. In this way, also in the method of determining the mesh to acquire or update only the main road, similar to the case of the above-described second embodiment, the mesh data including all roads is acquired by updating near the destination and the other main roads are acquired. Method to obtain mesh data including only the main road only in the section specified by the user on the search route, mesh data of the main road only A mode such as acquiring data is possible.

Also, instead of the guide view mode in the second embodiment, in a predetermined section in the search route,
It is also possible to save communication costs by providing route guidance that presents guidance information in the form of text and / or voice guidance that guides the travel route. In addition, the route guidance by the display of characters is, for example, "C of the highway D
Get off at the interchange. And "turn left at F intersection of National highway No. E", etc. are displayed according to the progress of the vehicle. In addition, the voice guide provides voice route guidance such as "Turn left at F intersection." A combination of character display and voice guidance is also possible.

In this case, the section in which the route guidance by character and / or voice is to be executed can be determined by some methods as described above.

The above embodiment is the case where the present invention is applied to a vehicle navigation device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to a communication navigation device for other moving bodies such as ships and airplanes. It is possible to Further, it can be applied to a portable navigation device carried by a person.

[0124]

As described above, according to the present invention,
With the route search, it is possible to efficiently acquire and update necessary map data.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a usage situation of a communication type navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the communication type navigation device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a configuration of a system for executing a pre-installation process.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a state in which an area is divided into a plurality of meshes.

FIG. 5 shows a structure of map data (mesh data).

FIG. 6 shows an example of mesh data stored in a map DB and information accompanying it.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the configuration of a data storage unit in the navigation device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a concept of a map data update process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a map data update process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a route search process in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a mesh information check process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a display example of a highway mode and a guide view mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 satellites 5 vehicles 6 service centers 7 Communication type navigation device 10 Independent positioning device 18 GPS receiver 20 system controller 31 CD-ROM drive 32 DVD-ROM drive 36 data storage unit 37 Communication interface 38 Communication device 40 display unit 50 voice output unit 60 input device 70 Pre-installed data storage unit 71 cash memory unit 72 Mesh code storage unit 101 server 102 Pre-installed terminal 103 communication network 104 map database

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Toyohiro Takenaka             Saitama Prefecture Kawagoe City Yamada character 25 Nishimachi 1 Pio             Near Kawagoe factory F term (reference) 2C032 HB22 HB25 HC05 HC08                 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB09 AB13                       AC02 AC18                 5H180 AA01 BB04 BB05 BB12 BB13                       FF04 FF05 FF22 FF23 FF24                       FF25 FF27 FF32 FF33

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A server device configured to be communicable with a communication type navigation device through a communication means, receiving a route search request from the communication type navigation device, executing a route search, and obtaining route information of a search route. Creating means, means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a road section other than a highway section among the roads to be driven according to the searched route, mesh identification information and update information of the specified mesh,
And a transmitting means for transmitting the route information to the communication type navigation device. 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means includes means for transmitting highway mode data corresponding to the highway section to the communication navigation device. 3. A communication navigation device configured to be communicable with a server device via a communication means, wherein the server device receives a route search request from the communication navigation device and executes a route search. Searching means for creating route information of a searched route, means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a road section other than a highway section among roads to be driven according to the searched route, mesh identification information of the specified mesh, and A communication unit for transmitting update information and the route information to the communication type navigation device, wherein the communication type navigation device includes a map data storage unit for storing mesh data; and a mesh identification transmitted from the server device. Information and update information, mesh identification information already stored in the map data storage means Compared with finely updated information, the communication type navigation apparatus characterized by comprising a mesh requesting means for requesting to the server device identifies the mesh data to be acquired from the server device. 4. The apparatus further comprises means for receiving the mesh data requested by the mesh requesting means from the server device, and route guiding means for executing route guidance using the received mesh data and the route information. The communication-type navigation device according to claim 3, wherein 5. A means for receiving highway mode data corresponding to the highway section from the server device, wherein the route guidance means uses the highway mode data for route guidance in the highway section. The communication-type navigation device according to claim 4, wherein the route guidance is performed using the mesh data and the route information in a section other than the expressway section. 6. The map data storage unit stores wide area display map data in advance, and the route guidance unit uses the wide area display map data in the highway section to provide route guidance in a highway mode. 5. The communication type navigation device according to claim 4, wherein the route guidance is performed using the mesh data and the route information in a section other than the expressway section. 7. A server device configured to communicate with a communication-type navigation device via a communication means, receives a route search request from the communication-type navigation device, executes a route search, and obtains route information of a search route. A search means to be created, a mesh specifying means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a predetermined section among the roads to be traveled according to the search route, mesh identification information and update information of the specified mesh,
And a transmitting means for transmitting the route information to the communication type navigation device. 8. The server device according to claim 7, wherein the mesh specifying unit specifies a mesh within a predetermined range from the destination included in the route search request. 9. The server device according to claim 7, wherein the mesh specifying unit specifies a mesh in a section specified by a user through the communication navigation device. 10. The mesh specifying means specifies a mesh including roads other than main roads among roads to be traveled along the searched route.
The server device according to 1. 11. A communication navigation device configured to communicate with a server device via a communication means, wherein the server device receives a route search request from the communication navigation device and executes a route search. Searching means for creating route information of the searched route, means for specifying a mesh corresponding to a predetermined section of the road to be traveled according to the searched route, mesh identification information and update information of the specified mesh, and Transmission means for transmitting route information to the communication navigation device, wherein the communication navigation device stores map data storage means for storing mesh data, mesh identification information and update information transmitted from the server device. , Comparing with mesh identification information and update information already stored in the map data storage means. And a communication-type navigation system, characterized in that it comprises a mesh requesting means for requesting to identify the mesh data to be acquired from the server device to the server device. 12. The apparatus further comprises means for receiving the mesh data requested by the mesh requesting means from the server device, and route guiding means for executing route guidance using the received mesh data and the route information. The communication navigation device according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The system further comprises means for receiving, from the server device, guidance information corresponding to a section other than the predetermined section, wherein the route guidance means provides route guidance by presenting the guidance information in the section other than the predetermined section. And then
The communication type navigation device according to claim 12, wherein route guidance is performed using the mesh data and route information in the predetermined section. 14. The map data storage means pre-stores wide area display map data, and the route guidance means uses the wide area display map data in sections other than the predetermined section to display guide information. 13. The communication navigation device according to claim 12, wherein route guidance is provided by presentation, and route guidance is performed using the mesh data and route information in the predetermined section. 15. The mesh requesting means individually requests the server device for mesh data to be acquired from the server device at a time when it is needed during the route guidance. 6 and 11 to 14
The communication navigation device according to claim 1. 16. The mesh requesting means requests mesh data corresponding to a mesh which is not stored in the map data storage means among the meshes required to travel along the searched route. Item 16. The communication navigation device according to any one of Items 3 to 6 and 11 to 15. 17. The mesh requesting means requests mesh data corresponding to a mesh having update information older than the update information transmitted from the server device, among the meshes required to travel along the search route. The communication navigation device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 and 11 to 16.