JP2005122003A - Map data update system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for updating map wherein map data can be surely updated with small amount of communication, without making roads discontinuous, when the map data is updated by area units. <P>SOLUTION: A map data processing means 1, when updating the map data, determines an updating area including a point specified by a user and requests boundary information of the updating area from a map data distribution means 2. The map data distributing means 2, when requested for the boundary information, extracts only the boundary information in the corresponding updating area from among a map database 21 and transmits it to the map data processing means 1. The map data processing means 1, when it acquires the boundary information, decides whether mismatch in road connections between the updating area and adjacent surrounding areas occurs, based on the boundary information. When there is no mismatch, the map data processing means 1 requests the map data of the updating area from the map data distribution means 2; and after this request, when it acquires the map data transmitted from the map data distribution means 2, performs updating based on the map data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a route guidance device for guiding routes based on map data such as a car navigation device, a mobile phone, a navigation device using a personal computer, and a map data update system suitable for use in an electronic map device for displaying a map. .

  As is well known, the route guidance device and the electronic map device can update the map data, and various update methods have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  In Patent Document 1, a navigation device is disclosed, and this navigation device has means for receiving the latest map data of an area requested by a user using radio, and the map data received by this means. Is used to update the map data currently held.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a map data update system. This map data update system has an algorithm that solves an inconsistency problem that a road network or the like becomes discontinuous at the boundary of an updated area. Even when a map of the year or a map edited by the user is mixed, route search and guidance can be performed correctly. In other words, update map data is acquired and map update processing is performed, and for all data on the boundary of the updated region, a connection relationship as to which data in the adjacent region is connected is determined, and the determined connection relationship is determined. Use to connect data. By updating the map data in units of regions, it is possible to update the map data without losing road continuity even when the connection relationship is not determined in advance.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-46379 (page 3, page 4, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-279437 (page 4, FIG. 2)

  However, the conventional map data updating method has the following problems. In other words, due to the nature of updating the map in units of regions, the inconsistency problem of discontinuous roads has not been completely solved. For example, if the intersection moves across the boundary of the region, the map is updated. By doing so, the same intersection becomes two or disappears.

  This problem will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an intersection moves across a boundary. In FIG. 9, in the map data before update in (a), the intersection P1 exists in the right section A1-R, but in the updated map data in (b), it has moved to the left section A2-L. When the left section A3-L is the pre-update map data and the right section A3-R is the update map data as shown in (c), the intersection P1 disappears and the road network can be correctly connected. Can not. Also, as shown in (d), when the left section A4-L is updated map data and the right section A4-R is pre-update map data, there are two intersections P1, and the road network is correctly I can't connect.

  Although the probability of occurrence of these inconsistencies is low, if an inconsistency that cannot be resolved even at one location remains, searching for a route that crosses a boundary with inconsistency or guidance may not work as usual. As a result, when performing route guidance that crosses inconsistent points, it is necessary to limit some of the functions, such as searching for a route again. However, it is good if the user updates the map with knowledge of the restriction of the function, but if the update of the map data is canceled because the function is restricted, it is necessary to discard the already received map data. Therefore, a wasteful communication amount is required, and it is necessary to pay an expensive communication fee.

  In addition, as a countermeasure when inconsistency cannot be resolved, there is a method of updating the adjacent area of the boundary with inconsistency as a set, but if there is another inconsistency in the adjacent area, the next area Need to be updated. In addition, in the case where the intersection crosses the boundary at the four corners of the region, it is not known unless the map data is actually acquired in which direction the region is updated to resolve the inconsistency. Even in these cases, the communication amount is increased by the size of the map data acquired through trial and error, and it is necessary to pay an expensive communication fee.

  If an update area that does not cause any inconsistency is known in advance, there is no need to restrict some of the functions, and the map update system is easy for the user to understand, but in order to find such an update area, Is difficult to implement because map data must be acquired by trial and error, and a large amount of traffic is involved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and when updating map data in units of areas, a map that can reliably update map data with a small amount of communication without discontinuous roads. The purpose is to provide an update system.

  In order to solve the above problems, a map data distribution device according to the present invention includes a map data storage unit storing map data, a communication unit for communicating with a map data distribution destination, and the map data distribution destination. A boundary information generating unit that generates the boundary information including information on a road passing through the boundary of the update region from the map data stored in the map data storage unit when requested to request boundary information of the update region from When the boundary information generating means generates the boundary information, the communication means is used to communicate with the map data distribution destination, and the map data transmitting means for transmitting the boundary information generated by the boundary information generating means; Are provided.

  According to such a configuration, when a request for requesting boundary information of the update area is received from the map data distribution destination, only the boundary information in the update area is extracted from the map data storage means, and is transmitted to the map data distribution destination. Therefore, the map data distribution destination can determine whether or not there is a mismatch regarding the road connection between the update area and the adjacent area using the boundary information of the update area. If there is an inconsistency related to road connection, the update area map data is not requested, and if there is no inconsistency related to road connection, the update area map data is requested. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the map data distribution side from performing updates that cause inconsistencies related to road connections, so that the amount of communication can be reduced compared with the case of receiving map data in the update area when updating the map. Communication charges can be reduced.

  In addition, since the map data distribution source generates boundary information from the update area determined by the map data distribution destination, there is no need to maintain the map data update information for each area, which reduces the maintenance cost of the map data distribution source. It becomes possible.

  Further, the map data distribution device of the present invention is the map data distribution device of the invention according to claim 1, wherein the map data transmission means transmits the boundary information of the update area to the map data distribution destination, When there is a request for requesting map data in the update area from the map data delivery destination, the corresponding map data is acquired from the map data storage means and transmitted to the map data delivery destination.

  According to such a configuration, after transmitting the boundary information of the update area to the map data distribution destination, if there is a request for the map data of the update area, the map data of the area is transmitted. Since the communication is not performed, the communication amount can be reduced, and as a result, the communication fee can be reduced.

  Further, the map data distribution device of the present invention is the map data distribution device of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the boundary information generating means is a boundary of an area adjacent to the update area from the map data distribution destination. When there is a request for requesting information, the boundary information of the adjacent area is generated, and the map data transmitting means transmits the boundary information of the adjacent area generated by the boundary information generating means to the map data distribution destination. After sending the boundary information of the adjacent area, if there is a request for requesting the map data of the update area and the adjacent area from the map data distribution destination, the corresponding map data is sent from the map data storage means. Obtain and send to the map data delivery destination.

  According to such a configuration, when the update area transmitted to the map data distribution destination has inconsistency related to road connection, the boundary information of the area adjacent to the update area is transmitted, and thereby the inconsistency related to road connection is resolved. In addition to the map data of the update area, the map data of the adjacent area is transmitted, so that the minimum update area that does not cause inconsistency problems regarding road connection even after the map update with a small amount of communication is given to the map data distribution destination. Can do. Further, by updating the map in units of update areas, it is possible to provide a map update service without limiting existing functions such as route search and guidance.

  The map data processing device of the present invention includes a map data storage means for storing map data, a communication means for communicating with the map data distribution source, and an update position on the map designated by the user. An update area determining means for determining an update area, and when the update area is determined, communicates with the map data distribution source using the communication means, and acquires boundary information of the update area from the map data distribution source When the boundary information acquisition unit acquires the boundary information of the update area, the boundary information and the map data stored in the map data storage unit of the area adjacent to the update area are obtained. Boundary inconsistency judging means for judging whether there is no inconsistency related to road connection.

  According to such a configuration, when the map data is updated, before the map data of the update area is acquired from the map data distribution source, only the boundary information in the update area is acquired, and inconsistency occurs regarding the road connection. Since the map data of the update area is acquired after confirming that there is no update, the map data at the map data distribution destination can be reliably updated with less traffic than when the map data of the update area is received during the update. it can.

  Further, the map data processing apparatus of the present invention is the map data processing apparatus of the invention according to claim 4, wherein the boundary information includes information on a road passing through a boundary of the update area, and the information on the road Includes at least one of a road name, a road type, and a road number, and includes display means for displaying the at least one information so that the user can recognize it.

  According to such a configuration, the map data update information can be displayed from the road information included in the boundary information. Therefore, the user can update the map data after determining whether the data desired by the user is updated. .

  Further, the map data processing apparatus of the present invention is the map data processing apparatus of the invention according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the update region is free from inconsistency related to road connection from the determination result of the boundary inconsistency determining means. If it can be normally updated, map data updating means for communicating with the map data distribution source using the communication means, acquiring the map data of the update area from the map data distribution source, and updating the acquired map data. It has.

  According to such a configuration, the map data of the update area is acquired only when the update areas match, so the map data can be reliably updated with a small amount of communication without the road becoming discontinuous.

  Further, the map data processing apparatus of the present invention is the map data processing apparatus of the invention according to claim 6, wherein the map data updating means determines the update area from the determination result of the boundary inconsistency determination means as the error related to road connection. If there is a match and updating cannot be performed normally, boundary information of an area adjacent to the update area is acquired from the map data distribution source.

  According to this configuration, when there is inconsistency regarding road connection and the update area cannot be updated normally, the boundary information of the area adjacent to the update area is acquired from the map data distribution source, and the current adjacent area is acquired. Since the area is replaced, it is possible to eliminate the inconsistency regarding the road connection.

  Further, the map data processing apparatus of the present invention is the map data processing apparatus of the invention according to claim 7, wherein the map data update means is an area including an adjacent area in the update area, and the boundary mismatch determination means is A minimum area determined to be normally updated without any inconsistency regarding road connection is obtained, map data of the obtained area is obtained from the map data distribution source, and updated to the obtained map data.

According to such a configuration, since a minimum area where inconsistency regarding road connection does not occur is obtained,
Map data can be reliably updated with a small amount of communication.

  A map data update system according to the present invention includes a map data distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a map data processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 8. Are provided.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a map data update system that can reliably update map data with a small amount of communication without discontinuous roads.

  Further, the map data distribution program of the present invention includes a boundary information request presence / absence determination process for determining whether or not there is a request for requesting boundary information of the update area from the map data distribution destination, and the update of the update area from the map data distribution destination. When there is a request for requesting boundary information, it generates boundary information including information on a road that passes through the boundary of the update area, and requests to request boundary information of an area adjacent to the update area from the map data distribution destination A boundary information generation process for generating boundary information of the adjacent area, a boundary information transmission process for transmitting the boundary information generated in the boundary information generation process to the map data distribution destination, and the boundary information generation process After transmitting the boundary information generated in step 1 to the map data distribution destination, if there is a request for requesting map data in the update area from the map data distribution destination, The map data is acquired from the base and transmitted to the map data distribution destination, and the boundary information of the adjacent area generated by the boundary information generation process is transmitted to the map data distribution destination, and then the map data distribution destination When there is a request for requesting map data of each of the update area and the adjacent area, map data transmission processing for acquiring map data corresponding to them from the map database and transmitting the map data to the map data delivery destination, and A computer executes each process.

  According to such a program, it is possible to realize a map data distribution source device capable of reliably updating map data with a small amount of communication without causing road discontinuity with the map data distribution destination device.

  Further, the map data update program of the present invention includes an update area determination process for fetching an update position on a map designated by a user and determining an update area including the position, and a boundary between the update areas determined by the update area determination process Inconsistency in road connection using boundary information acquisition processing for acquiring information from a map data distribution source, boundary information of an update area acquired by the boundary information acquisition process, and map data of an area adjacent to the update area If there is no boundary inconsistency determination process for determining whether or not there is a road connection and the update area can be normally updated without inconsistencies regarding road connections, the map data of the update area is acquired from the map data distribution source, and the map If the update area is inconsistent with road connection and cannot be updated normally, the update area is correctly updated without inconsistency with road connection. Wherein the map data update processing for acquiring boundary information of a region adjacent to the update area from said map data distribution source to new possible, the respective processing computer executes.

  According to such a program, it is possible to realize a map data distribution destination apparatus that can reliably update map data with a small amount of communication without causing road discontinuity with the map data distribution source apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the map data is updated at the map data distribution destination (map data processing device), the map data distribution source (map data distribution device) does not give the map data of the update region as it is. Since only the boundary information is extracted and given, is the map data distribution destination only acquiring the boundary information of a very small data size, so that there is no inconsistency related to the road connection such that the road is broken after the map update? Even if the user cancels map data update in the middle due to inconsistencies related to road connection, the map data is not transmitted, so the traffic can be kept to a minimum. Communication charges can be kept low.

  Further, with a small amount of communication, it is possible to provide the map data distribution destination with the minimum update area in which inconsistency problems relating to road connection do not occur even after the map is updated. By updating the map in units of this update area, it is possible to provide a map update service without limiting existing functions such as route search and guidance.

  In addition, since the map data distribution destination can display the update information of the map data from the road information included in the boundary information, the user updates the map data after determining whether the data desired by the user is updated. be able to.

  In addition, since the map data distribution source generates boundary information from the update area determined by the map data distribution destination, there is no need to maintain map data update information for each area, reducing the maintenance cost of the map data distribution source Is possible.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a map data update system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the map data update system according to the present embodiment includes a map data processing device (map data distribution destination) 1 and a map data distribution device (map data distribution source) 2. The map data processing device 1 is mounted on a route guidance device such as a car navigation device or an electronic map device that simply displays a map, and updates map data in these devices. The map data distribution device 2 distributes map data to be updated to a route guidance device or an electronic map device equipped with the map data processing device 1.

  The map data processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls each unit of the apparatus, an input unit 11 that inputs various operation instructions for a user to operate the apparatus, and display of map data and route guidance using map data. An output unit 12 to perform, a map data storage unit 13 for storing map data, a communication unit 14 for performing wireless communication with the map data distribution device 2, for example, and an antenna 15 connected to the communication unit 14 It has. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program for controlling the CPU is written, and a RAM ( Random Access Memory) and other work memories. The communication unit 14 and the antenna 15 may be a wired communication unit and a connection unit.

  On the other hand, the map data distribution device 2 performs wireless communication between the control unit 20 that controls each unit of the device, the map database 21 that stores map data of various regions, and the map data processing device 1. A communication unit 22 and an antenna 23 connected to the communication unit 22 are provided. The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program for controlling the CPU is written, and a RAM ( Random Access Memory) and other work memories.

  Next, boundary information used in the map data update system according to the present embodiment will be described. First, general map data is shown in FIG. In this map data, data representing a road network is composed of nodes 30 representing intersections and links 31 having the nodes as both end points. The node 30 and the link 31 store mutual connection information, attribute information about roads such as road type, road name, and route number, attribute information about intersections such as intersection names and lane information, one-way traffic, and intersection restrictions. The attribute information related to traffic regulation such as is stored.

  Further, the map data is managed for each rectangular unit area 32 (hereinafter referred to as a parcel) in consideration of the efficiency in reading the map data onto the memory. The map data is updated using the parcel 32 as a minimum unit. A node arranged on the boundary of the parcel 32 is particularly called a boundary node 33 and is distinguished from a node 30 representing an intersection. Traffic regulation information or the like is not stored in the boundary node 33, but is data necessary for determining a connection relationship with an adjacent area. In addition to the road network, the map data also stores various information such as background data 34 and character data (not shown).

  Next, FIG. 3 shows boundary information. The boundary information is data obtained by extracting only the boundary node 33 and the link 31 connected thereto from the map data shown in FIG. Compared to the normal node 30, the number of boundary nodes 33 is small, and the average data size per one is very small because intersection restrictions are not stored. Further, since background data and character data are not stored in the boundary information, the data size is extremely small (about several percent) compared to map data storing all information. Here, the boundary information includes only the boundary node and the link connected thereto, but data useful as map update information may be added thereto. For example, information regarding a newly added road, the size of map data, and the like may be added as necessary.

  Next, the operation of the map data update system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a map data update procedure in the map data update system according to the present embodiment. The flow on the left shows the operation of the map data processing device 1, and the flow on the right shows the operation of the map data distribution device 2. Is shown.

"Map update process"
The update of the map is performed when a map data update instruction is input from the user. Specifically, after the user operates the input unit 11 to specify a position to be updated on the map, an update instruction is input by pressing an update button (not shown).

  First, an update area is determined by the map data processing apparatus 1. Here, an area including a position where the user has instructed updating is determined (step S11). The map data of the area determined here is updated by the following process. After the update area is determined, the map data distribution device 2 is requested for boundary information of the update area (step S12). When receiving the request (step S21), the map data distribution device 2 generates boundary information of the requested update area (step S22). Details of the boundary information generation processing will be described later. Then, the generated boundary information is transmitted to the map data processing apparatus 1 (step S23).

  When the map data processing apparatus 1 receives the boundary information transmitted from the map data distribution apparatus 2 (step S13), the map data processing apparatus 1 performs a boundary mismatch determination process using the received boundary information (step S14). That is, whether or not there is any inconsistency related to road connection using the received boundary information of the update area and the map data of the area adjacent to the update area (map data stored in the map data storage unit 13). judge. In this determination, if there is no inconsistency in the connection with the map data in the adjacent area, the road network will be connected correctly even after the map is updated, so the route search or guidance using the updated map data, etc. Can be done correctly. On the other hand, if there is a mismatch in the connection with the map data of the adjacent area, the road may be cut off on the boundary of the area, or the wrong road may be connected, such as route search or guidance There is a risk of abnormal processing. Details of the boundary mismatch determination process will be described later.

  After the boundary mismatch determination process is performed, a map update information display process is performed (step S15). Here, update processing of map data and inconsistency information when updated are displayed. The user selects whether to update the map with reference to the contents of the map update information displayed here. After performing this map update information display process, a selection screen for updating the map data is displayed, and the user is allowed to select (step S16). If there is no inconsistency, the map data may be automatically updated. When the map data is not updated (in the case of No), this processing is terminated as it is. In this case, the boundary information acquired in step S13 is discarded. On the other hand, when updating map data (in the case of Yes), the map data delivery apparatus 2 is requested | required of the map data of an update area | region (step S17). When receiving the map data update request (step S24), the map data distribution device 2 reads the map data of the requested update area from the map database 21 and transmits it (step S25). When the map data processing apparatus 1 receives the map data in the update area (step S18), the map data in the update area is updated (step S19). After the map data update process, this process ends.

"Boundary information generation process"
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing boundary information generation processing in the map data distribution device 2. First, a boundary node existing in the area is searched. That is, the processes of step S32 and step S33 are performed by the number of nodes existing in the area (step S31). In step S32, it is determined whether the currently investigated node is a boundary node. If the node is a boundary node (Yes), the data of the node is stored in the boundary information in step S33. On the other hand, data is not stored when it is not a boundary node (in the case of No).

  Boundary node determination is performed for all nodes existing in the area. If the node is a boundary node, the data of the node is stored in the boundary information, and then the number of links existing in the area is searched. . That is, the processes of step S35 and step S36 are performed by the number of links existing in the area (step S34). In step S35, it is determined whether or not the currently investigated link is connected to the boundary node. If the link is connected to the boundary node (Yes), the data of the link is stored in the boundary information in step S36. On the other hand, data is not stored when not connected to the boundary node (in the case of No). After determining whether or not there is a connection to the boundary node for all links existing in the area, this process is terminated.

"Boundary inconsistency judgment processing"
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing boundary mismatch determination processing in the map data processing apparatus 1. First, in step S41, a loop is performed for the number of combinations of the boundary node of the update region and the boundary node of the region adjacent to the update region, and an evaluation value is calculated for each combination. For example, if there are 10 boundary nodes in the update area and 9 boundary nodes adjacent to the update area, 90 evaluation values are calculated. The evaluation value is a relative index indicating the correctness of the connection relation between a set of boundary nodes, and the lower the numerical value, the higher the possibility of being able to connect correctly. That is, when the boundary nodes having low evaluation values are connected, the roads of the map data can be correctly connected. The evaluation value is calculated using data such as road attributes and traffic regulations stored in the boundary information. For example, every time the position of the boundary node deviates, 10 points are added, 100 points are added when the road type of the link connected to the boundary node is different, or the one-way rule of the link connected to the boundary node is reversed. For example, 1000 points may be added.

  Next, in step S42, the boundary nodes are connected to each other. Here, until reaching the predetermined connection upper limit value, the boundary nodes are connected in order from the lowest evaluation value calculated in step S41. However, once the connection relationship is determined, no other boundary node is connected to the boundary node. If no new road is added to the map data in the update area, all the boundary nodes are connected by the processing so far.

  Next, it progresses to step S43 and it is determined whether there was any boundary node not connected by step S42. If there is no boundary node that is not connected (No), it is determined that there is no inconsistency (step S44). On the other hand, if there is a boundary node that is not connected (Yes), it is determined that there is a mismatch (step S45).

"Map update information display process"
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing map update information display processing in the map data processing apparatus 1. First, it is determined whether or not there is a mismatch based on the result of the boundary mismatch determination process (see FIG. 4) in step S14 (step S51). If there is no inconsistency in this determination (in the case of No), a display indicating no inconsistency is performed (step S52). In this case, the inconsistent display indicates that there is no influence on processing such as route search even after the map is updated. For example, the message “There is no problem with updating the map of the selected area” is displayed.

  On the other hand, if there is inconsistency (in the case of Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a location above the prefectural road in the inconsistency in the update area (step S53). Here, prefectural roads and higher refer to main roads such as prefectural roads, main local roads, national roads, city highways, and intercity highways that allow the user to identify roads by road names and road numbers. If there is no inconsistency portion over the prefectural road (in the case of No), inconsistency information is displayed (step S54). In this case, the inconsistency information display informs that processing such as route search is affected after the map is updated. For example, the message “The map of the selected area may be updated and the correct route may not be selected on the narrow street” is displayed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that there is an inconsistent location that is higher than the prefectural road (in the case of Yes), road information of the corresponding inconsistent location is acquired (step S55). Here, information such as a road name, a road type, and a road number is acquired from a link connected to a boundary node having inconsistency. And inconsistency information and map update information are displayed (step S56). In this case, the inconsistency information indicates that there is an influence on processing such as route search after the map update, as in step S54. Here, since there is inconsistency in main roads above the prefectural road, for example, the message “If you update the map of the selected area, the correct route may not be selected in the main roads” is displayed. Furthermore, the road information of the inconsistent part acquired at step S55 is acquired as the map update information. For example, if there is an inconsistency between the 2nd Tomei Expressway and National Highway 1, these roads may have been added with new maps, so "The following roads have been added to the updated map.・ Display the message “Second Tomei Expressway / National Highway 1”.

  In addition, when a map is updated despite inconsistencies, a mark is displayed at the inconsistent point, or when performing route guidance across the inconsistent point, the route is searched again. It is good also as a structure.

  As described above, according to the map data update system according to the present embodiment, when the map data processing device 1 updates the map data, the update region including the point designated by the user is determined, and the map data distribution device 2 is notified. To request the boundary information of the update area. When there is a request for boundary information from the map data processing device 1, the map data distribution device 2 extracts only the boundary information in the corresponding update area from the map database 21 and transmits it to the map data processing device 1. When the map data processing device 1 acquires the boundary information transmitted from the map data distribution device 2, the map data processing device 1 determines whether or not there is a mismatch in road connection between the update region and the adjacent surrounding region from the boundary information. If no inconsistency occurs, the map data distribution device 2 is requested for map data in the update area, and after this request, the map data transmitted from the map data distribution device 2 is acquired, the map data is updated. .

  Therefore, the map data processing apparatus 1 does not acquire the map data of the update area from the beginning, but first acquires boundary information of a very small data size, and updates the map from the road information included in the boundary information. It is determined whether or not there is an inconsistency related to the road connection, such as when the road is broken later. Map data of the update area is acquired only when there is no inconsistency. If inconsistency occurs, communication can be canceled halfway. Therefore, it is possible to reliably update the map data with a minimum amount of communication.

  Further, since the map data distribution device 2 reads the map data corresponding to the update region determined by the map data processing device 1 from the map database 21, it is not necessary to prepare the update information of the map data for each region. Thereby, the maintenance cost of the map data distribution apparatus 2 can be reduced.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a map data update procedure in the map data update system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart shown in this figure, only the procedure on the map data processing apparatus side is shown, but actually, as with the operation of the first embodiment, when acquiring boundary information and map data, Communication occurs. In addition, since each structure of a map data processing apparatus and a map data delivery apparatus is the same as that of Embodiment 1, when a figure is required in description of this Embodiment, suppose that FIG. 1 is used.

  In the map data processing apparatus 1, first, an update area A serving as a reference is determined (step S61). Here, similarly to the update area determination process (step S11) in the operation of the first embodiment, an area including the position where the user has instructed the update is obtained. Next, the boundary information of the determined update area A is acquired (step S62). Specifically, in the operation of the first embodiment, in the same way as the processing from the boundary information request processing (step S12) to the boundary information reception processing (step S13) of the update area, A request is made, and boundary information transmitted by the map data distribution device 2 is received in accordance with the request.

  Next, the counter n is set to “0” (step S63), and boundary mismatch determination processing is performed (step S64). Here, the same boundary mismatch determination process as the boundary mismatch determination process (step S14) in the operation of the first embodiment is performed. The detailed procedure of the boundary mismatch determination process has been described with reference to FIG. Next, it is determined whether there is a mismatch (step S65). Here, the result of the boundary mismatch determination process (step S64) is used. If there is an inconsistency (Yes), “1” is added to the counter n (step S66). Next, a region Bn adjacent to a boundary (side) having inconsistency in the update region is added as an update region (step S67). That is, if there is a mismatch between adjacent areas, that area is also set as the update target area.

  And the boundary information of the selected area | region Bn is acquired from the map data delivery apparatus 2 (step S68). When the process of step S68 is completed, the process returns to step S64, and the boundary mismatch determination process is performed once again. If the inconsistency does not disappear even if the region Bn added in step S67 is added, steps S66 to S68 are repeated again, and regions are added until the inconsistency disappears.

  If there is no inconsistency in the determination in step S65 (in the case of No), the map data of the update area is acquired (step S69). Here, map data of all areas to be updated is acquired. The update area here is not only the update area A including the position where the user has instructed the update, but is also an area Bi (i = 1, 2, 3,... N added from adjacent areas to eliminate inconsistencies. )including. After acquiring all the map data to be updated in this way, the update is performed using the acquired map data (step S70). Here, among the map data stored in the map data storage unit 13, the map data in the update area is overwritten with the map data received in step S69.

  Thus, according to the map data update system according to the present embodiment, when there is a mismatch in the boundary mismatch determination process, all the borders (sides) adjacent to the boundary (side) having the mismatch in the update region. Since the area is also updated as the area to be updated, it is possible to generate a minimum update area that does not cause an inconsistency problem even after the map is updated. Then, by updating the map in units of this update area, a map update service can be realized without limiting the existing functions such as route search and guidance.

  The map data update system according to the present invention has the effect of minimizing the amount of communication and reducing the communication charge for map update, and navigation using a car navigation device, a mobile phone, and a personal computer. The present invention can be applied to a route guidance device that guides a route based on map information such as a device, an electronic map device that displays a map, and the like.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the update information used with the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the boundary information used with the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the map data update procedure in the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the boundary information generation process in the map data delivery apparatus of the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the boundary inconsistency determination process in the map data processing apparatus of the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the map update information display process in the map data processing apparatus of the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the map update procedure in the map data update system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure for explaining the problem of the conventional map data update method

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Map data processing apparatus 2 Map data distribution apparatus 10,20 Control part 11 Input part 12 Output part 13 Map data memory | storage part 14,22 Communication part 15,23 Antenna 21 Map database 30 Node 31 Link 32 Parcel 33 Boundary node 34 Background data

Claims (11)

Map data storage means for storing map data;
A communication means for communicating with the map data distribution destination;
When there is a request for requesting boundary information of the update area from the map data distribution destination, the boundary information including information on roads passing through the boundary of the update area is generated from the map data stored in the map data storage means Boundary information generating means;
When the boundary information generating unit generates the boundary information, the communication unit is used to communicate with the map data delivery destination, and the map data transmitting unit transmits the boundary information generated by the boundary information generating unit;
A map data distribution apparatus comprising:   The map data transmitting means transmits the boundary information of the update area to the map data distribution destination, and when there is a request for requesting map data of the update area from the map data distribution destination, The map data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the map data distribution device acquires the map data from the map data storage unit and transmits the acquired data to the map data distribution destination. When there is a request for requesting boundary information of an area adjacent to the update area from the map data distribution destination, the boundary information generation means generates boundary information of the adjacent area,
The map data transmission means transmits the boundary information of the adjacent area generated by the boundary information generation means to the map data distribution destination, and transmits the boundary information of the adjacent area from the map data distribution destination. 3. When there is a request for requesting map data of each of the update area and the adjacent area, map data corresponding to the request is acquired from the map data storage means and transmitted to the map data distribution destination. The map data distribution device described. Map data storage means for storing map data;
A communication means for communicating with the map data distributor;
Update area determining means for determining an update area including an update position on a map designated by the user;
When the update area is determined, communicate with the map data distribution source using the communication means, boundary information acquisition means for acquiring boundary information of the update area from the map data distribution source,
When the boundary information acquisition unit acquires the boundary information of the update area, the boundary information and the map data stored in the map data storage unit of the area adjacent to the update area are used to determine whether there is a road connection. Boundary inconsistency judging means for judging whether there is no matching;
A map data processing apparatus comprising:   The boundary information includes information on a road passing through the boundary of the update area, and the road information includes at least one of a road name, a road type, and a road number, 5. The map data processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising display means for displaying one piece of information so that the user can recognize it.   From the determination result of the boundary inconsistency determination means, when the update area can be normally updated without any inconsistency regarding road connection, the communication means is used to communicate with the map data distribution source, and from the map data distribution source The map data processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising map data update means for acquiring map data in the update area and updating the acquired map data.   The map data updating means, when there is an inconsistency related to road connection from the determination result of the boundary inconsistency determination means and cannot be updated normally, from the map data distribution source of the area adjacent to the update area The map data processing device according to claim 6 which acquires boundary information.   The map data updating means obtains a minimum area determined by the boundary inconsistency judging means that can be normally updated without any inconsistency related to road connection in an area including an adjacent area in the update area, and The map data processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein map data is acquired from the map data distribution source and updated to the acquired map data.   A map data update system comprising: the map data distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and the map data processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 8. Boundary information request presence / absence determination processing for determining whether there is a request for requesting boundary information of the update area from the map data distribution destination;
When there is a request for requesting boundary information of the update area from the map data distribution destination, boundary information including information on a road passing through the boundary of the update area is generated, and from the map data distribution destination to the update area When there is a request for requesting boundary information of adjacent areas, boundary information generation processing for generating boundary information of the adjacent areas;
Boundary information transmission processing for transmitting boundary information generated in the boundary information generation processing to the map data delivery destination;
After transmitting the boundary information generated in the boundary information generation process to the map data distribution destination, when there is a request to request map data of the update area from the map data distribution destination, the map data is acquired from the map database. And transmitting the boundary information of the adjacent area generated by the boundary information generation process to the map data distribution destination, and then sending the update area and the adjacent area from the map data distribution destination. When there is a request for requesting each map data, map data transmission processing for acquiring map data corresponding to them from the map database and transmitting to the map data delivery destination,
And a map data distribution program in which each processing is executed by a computer. An update area determination process for fetching an update position on the map specified by the user and determining an update area including the position;
Boundary information acquisition processing for acquiring boundary information of the update region determined in the update region determination processing from a map data distribution source,
Boundary inconsistency determination processing for determining whether or not there is a mismatch in road connection using boundary information of the updated region acquired in the boundary information acquisition processing and map data of a region adjacent to the updated region;
When the update area can be normally updated without any inconsistency regarding road connection, the map data of the update area is acquired from the map data distribution source and updated to the map data, and the update area is inconsistent with respect to road connection. Map data update processing for obtaining boundary information of an area adjacent to the update area from the map data distribution source until the update area can be normally updated without any inconsistency regarding road connection. ,
A map data update program that includes a computer and executes the processes described above.

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