JP3343671B2 - Map display device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a map display device, and more particularly, to a map display device used, for example, mounted on a vehicle or carried.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an in-vehicle map display device which is mounted on a vehicle and displays a map for navigation or the like,
In general, a map around the current position of the vehicle is read from a CD-ROM storing a map of the whole country or a specific area and displayed.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, even if a road is newly opened or traffic regulations are changed, it takes a long time before a new CD-ROM incorporating them is released. Was unable to display the map.

Therefore, a system has been proposed in which a base station (server) is provided and a map is downloaded from the base station to a mobile station (map display device) by communication. A map display device used in this type of system is disclosed in JP-A-4-266.
No. 228 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-111725.

[0005]

According to the devices disclosed in the above publications, the latest maps around the current position of the vehicle can be sequentially obtained from the server and displayed. However, on the other hand, since the map is acquired from the server by communication each time a map display request is issued, there is a problem that it takes time from the request to the display, and also the communication cost is increased.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle and the like,
An object of the present invention is to provide a map display device that moves according to the movement of a moving object, and that can acquire and display a map at high speed and at low cost by communication from a server.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A first invention is a map display device which moves in accordance with the movement of a moving object, acquires a map from a server, and displays the map. Map acquisition means for acquiring a map by communication from a server, map storage means for storing the map acquired by the map acquisition means, position detection means for detecting the current position of a moving object, and a server And determines whether or not a map associated with the position detected by the position detecting means is stored in the map storing means, and an ID for identifying a plurality of maps stored in the map storing means. There instructs the map acquirer to indicate non-memory, an acquisition control means for acquiring the map from <br/> server by sending the ID of the map addressed server, detecting a position detecting means Reading means for reading the relevant map from the map storage means into positions, and a display means for displaying a map reading means has read.

As described above, in the first invention, when a map related to the current position of the moving object is stored in the map storage means, the map is displayed. When the map is not stored, the map is displayed. Is obtained by communication from the server, stored in the map storage means, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication and the cost of communication are reduced as compared with the case where a map related to the current position of the moving object is sequentially obtained from the server and displayed, and as a result, the server can perform communication at high speed. In addition, maps can be acquired and displayed at low cost.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the capacity of a plurality of maps stored in the server is recognized.
Determining means for comparing the capacity of the map to be obtained by the obtaining control means with the remaining storage capacity of the map storage means to determine whether the map storage means can store the map; If the determination result of the means indicates that storage is not possible,
There is further provided a deletion means for selecting and deleting one of the one or more maps stored in the map storage means in relation to the display frequency of the one or more maps.

As described above, in the second aspect, when the remaining storage capacity of the map storage means is insufficient, one of the maps stored in the map storage means is selected and deleted in relation to the display frequency. Therefore, the map is efficiently stored in the map storage means, and as a result, the map can be displayed at higher speed and at lower cost. Further, since the storage capacity of the map storage means may be small, the scale of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0011] In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the apparatus further comprises means for setting an attribute indicating whether or not deletion is possible for each of the maps stored in the map storage means,
When the attribute of the map to be deleted is set to be undeletable, the deletion means does not delete the map.

As described above, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the attribute indicating whether or not deletion is possible is set for each map in the map storage means, while the attribute of the map to be deleted is set to be undeletable. Does not delete the map, so that, for example, a map that is displayed at a low frequency but is desired to be displayed quickly can be prevented from being deleted.

[0013] In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises means for setting an attribute indicating whether or not acquisition is possible for each of the plurality of maps stored in the server,
The acquisition control means is characterized in that when the attribute of the map to be acquired is set to be unacceptable, the acquisition of the map is not performed.

As described above, in the fourth aspect, the attribute indicating whether acquisition is possible or not is set for each of a plurality of maps on the server side, while the attribute of the map to be acquired is set to be unavailable. Does not get the map,
It is possible to prevent the communication cost from increasing by acquiring an unnecessary map.

In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the capacity of a plurality of maps stored in the server is recognized.
Determining means for comparing the capacity of the map to be obtained by the obtaining control means with the remaining storage capacity of the map storage means to determine whether the map storage means can store the map; If the determination result of the means indicates that storage is not possible,
The apparatus further includes means for selecting and compressing any one of the one or more maps stored in the map storage means in relation to the display frequency of the one or more maps.

As described above, in the fifth aspect, when the remaining storage capacity of the map storage means is insufficient, one of the maps stored in the map storage means is selected and compressed in relation to the display frequency. Therefore, the map is efficiently stored in the map storage means, and as a result, the map can be displayed at higher speed and at lower cost. Also, compared to deleting the selected map, there is no need to reacquire the map, so that the map can be displayed at higher speed and at lower cost.

A sixth invention is a method for acquiring a map from a server and displaying the map on a map display device.
A plurality of maps different from each other are stored, and the map display device is provided with a map storage means for storing a map obtained from the server, and an ID for identifying the plurality of maps stored in the server is stored. A first step of recognizing in advance, a second step of detecting a current position of the map display device, and determining whether a map related to the position detected in the second step is stored in the map storage means. A third step of transmitting the ID of the map to the server when the determination result of the third step indicates non-storage.
A fourth step of obtaining the map by communication from the server, a fifth step of reading a map related to the position detected in the second step from the map storage means,
And a sixth step of displaying the map read in the fifth step.

As described above, in the sixth invention, when a map related to the current position of the map display device is stored in the map storage means, the map is displayed, and when the map is not stored, the map is displayed. The map is obtained by communication from the server, stored in the map storage means, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared with sequentially acquiring and displaying a map related to the current position of the map display device from the server. A map can be acquired and displayed at high speed and at low cost.

A seventh invention is a recording medium storing a program for executing a method of acquiring a map from a server and displaying the map on a map display device, wherein a plurality of different maps are stored in the server. The map display device is provided with a map storage means for storing a map obtained from the server, and the program is configured to recognize in advance an ID for identifying a plurality of maps stored in the server. 1
And a second program step for detecting the current position of the map display device, and a second step for determining whether or not a map related to the position detected in the second program step is stored in the map storage means. When the determination result of the third program step and the third program step indicates non-memory, the ID of the map is transmitted to the server.
A fourth program step of acquiring the map by communication from the server by causing the map to be read; a fifth program step of reading a map related to the position detected in the second program step from the map storage means; And a sixth program step for displaying the map read in the step.

As described above, in the seventh invention, when a map related to the current position of the map display device is stored in the map storage means, the map is displayed, and when the map is not stored, The map is obtained by communication from the server, stored in the map storage means, and displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared with sequentially acquiring and displaying a map related to the current position of the map display device from the server. A map can be acquired and displayed at high speed and at low cost.

An eighth invention is a method for supplying a program for executing a method of acquiring a map from a server and displaying the map on a map display device from the server to the map display device. A plurality of maps different from each other are stored, the map display device is provided with a map storage means for storing a map obtained from the server, and the program identifies the plurality of maps stored in the server.
Program step for previously recognizing an ID for the first, a second program step for detecting the current position of the map display device, and a map relating to the position detected in the second program step are stored in the map storage means. A third program step for determining whether or not the storage is performed; and when the determination result of the third program step indicates non-memory ,
A fourth program step of acquiring the map by communication from the server by transmitting the ID of the map to the server; and a fifth step of reading a map related to the position detected in the second program step from the map storage means. And a sixth program step for displaying the map read in the fifth program step.

As described above, in the eighth aspect, when a map related to the current position of the map display device is stored in the map storage means, the map is displayed. When the map is not stored, the map is displayed. The map is obtained by communication from the server, stored in the map storage means, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared with sequentially acquiring and displaying a map related to the current position of the map display device from the server. A map can be acquired and displayed at high speed and at low cost.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle-mounted map display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 includes a map acquisition unit 1, a map storage unit 2, a position detection unit 3, a map management unit 4, and a readout unit 5.
And a display unit 6.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle arbitrarily moving on the ground. On the other hand, a server (base station) (not shown) stores the latest maps (hereinafter, a plurality of maps) of various places. The server reads, for example, a map around the current position of the vehicle from among the plurality of stored maps in response to a request from the apparatus in FIG.
To the equipment.

The map acquisition section 1 acquires a map from the server by communication. The map storage unit 2 stores the map acquired by the map acquisition unit 1. The position detector 3 detects the current position of the vehicle on which the device shown in FIG. 1 is mounted. Map management part 4
Recognizes a plurality of maps stored in the server, and determines whether a map around a position detected by the position detection unit 3 is stored in the map storage unit 2. When the determination result indicates non-storage, the map acquisition unit 1 is instructed to acquire the map from the server. The reading unit 5 stores a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 in the map storage unit 2.
Read from The display unit 6 displays the map read by the reading unit 5.

The map acquisition section 1 is realized by using, for example, a mobile phone. The map storage unit 2 is realized using a rewritable memory, a disk, or the like. The display unit 6
This is realized using a display or the like. The position detection unit 3
This is realized by a receiver for radio waves from GPS satellites and the like.
The map management unit 4 and the reading unit 5 are each realized by a dedicated hardware circuit or by software using a computer or the like. When the map management unit 4 and the reading unit 5 are realized by software, a program for that may be stored in a recording medium and provided in the apparatus of FIG. 1 or supplied from a server to the apparatus of FIG. 1 by communication. May be.

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 for displaying a map will be described with reference to FIG. At present, a vehicle equipped with the device shown in FIG. 1 is traveling at a certain point on the ground. The map storage unit 2 of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 stores a map acquired at the time of the previous or previous activation. At this time, when the device shown in FIG. 1 is started by the driver, first, the position detection unit 3 detects the current position of the vehicle, and the map management unit 4 stores a map around the detected position in the map storage unit 2. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S101).

As a result of the determination in step S101, if a map around the detected position (current position of the vehicle) is not stored in the map storage unit 2, the map management unit 4
Instruct the map acquisition unit 1 to acquire from the server (step S102). On the other hand, if a map around the detected position is stored in the map storage unit 2, step S103
Proceed to.

Here, the processing in step S102 will be described in detail. A plurality of maps stored in the server are respectively provided with IDs (hereinafter, map IDs) for identifying which point is the center of the map,
The map management unit 4 recognizes each map ID of a plurality of maps on the server side. Therefore, the map management unit 4 gives the map ID to the map acquisition unit 1 when acquiring the map, and
The map acquisition unit 1 notifies the server of the given map ID and the identifier of the device in FIG. 1 by communication.

The server transmits the map corresponding to the notified map ID among the plurality of stored maps to the device corresponding to the notified identifier (ie, the device in FIG. 1). In the apparatus of FIG. 1, the map acquisition unit 1 receives a map transmitted from a server, and the map storage unit 2 stores the received map. Thus, the process of step S102 is completed.

As a result of the processing in step S102, a map around the current position of the vehicle is stored in the map storage unit 2. Therefore, the reading unit 5 reads the map from the map storage unit 2, and the display unit 6 displays the read map (Step S103). Thus, the display of the initial screen is started.

The position detecting section 3 has been continuously performing the operation of detecting the current position of the vehicle since its start. The map management unit 4 compares the position detected by the position detection unit 3 with that at the start of the display of the previous screen (here, the initial screen) to determine whether the vehicle has moved a predetermined distance or more. (Step S104). If the result of determination is that the vehicle has moved a predetermined distance or more, the map management unit 4 determines whether or not a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 is stored in the map storage unit 2 (step S105). . on the other hand,
If the vehicle has not moved a predetermined distance or more, the process returns to step S104.

As a result of the determination in step S105, if a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 is not stored in the map storage unit 2, the map management unit 4 instructs the map acquisition unit 1 on the map. Acquire from the server (step S10
6). On the other hand, if a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 is stored in the map storage unit 2, step S1
Proceed to 07. The details of the processing in step S106 are as follows.
This is the same as that of step S102.

As a result of the processing in step S106, the map storage unit 2 stores a map around the current position of the vehicle. Therefore, the reading unit 5 reads the map from the map storage unit 2, and the display unit 6 displays the read map (Step S107). Thus, the display of a new map around the current position of the vehicle is started.

Then, it is determined whether or not the display of the map is to be terminated (step S108). If the result of the determination is that the display is not to be terminated, the process returns to step S104, and thereafter, the same operation as described above is repeated.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when a map around the current position of the vehicle is stored in the map storage unit 2, the map is displayed. When the map is not stored, the map is displayed. Is acquired from the server by communication, stored in the map storage unit 2, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared to sequentially acquiring and displaying a map around the current position of the vehicle from the server. To get and display the map.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (see the first embodiment), the storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 is finite.
While the operation of acquiring and storing the map from the server is repeated, a situation occurs in which the remaining storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 becomes insufficient. In that case, any map in the map storage unit 2 is expected to be lost by overwriting. The lost map
Since it has to be reacquired if necessary, the display speed is reduced and the communication cost is increased. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a map is efficiently stored in the map storage unit 2,
As a result, a map display device capable of displaying a map at higher speed and at lower cost is disclosed.

(Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle-mounted map display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus of FIG. 3 further includes a management information storage unit 7 in the apparatus of FIG. 1, and further includes a map management unit 4a instead of the map management unit 4.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is mounted on a vehicle arbitrarily moving on the ground. On the other hand, a server (base station) (not shown) stores the latest maps (hereinafter, a plurality of maps) of various places. The server reads out, for example, a map around the current position of the vehicle from the plurality of stored maps in response to a request from the apparatus shown in FIG.
To the equipment.

The map management section 4a compares the capacity of the map to be acquired with the remaining storage capacity of the map storage section 2 in addition to the same operation as that of the map management section 4, and the map storage section 2 It is determined whether or not the map can be stored. If the determination result indicates that the map cannot be stored, the maps stored in the map storage unit 2 are sequentially deleted in ascending order of display frequency.

In addition, the map management section 4a calculates the display frequency of each map in the map storage section 2 based on the number of times each map is read. The management information storage unit 7 stores the display frequency calculated and calculated by the map management unit 4a. Other components perform the same operations as those described in the first embodiment.

The map management unit 4a is realized by a dedicated hardware circuit or by software using a computer or the like. When the map management unit 4a is realized by software, a program for that may be stored in a recording medium and provided in the apparatus of FIG. 3, or supplied from a server to the apparatus of FIG. 3 by communication. . Further, the management information storage unit 7 is realized using a rewritable memory, a disk, or the like.

FIG. 4 shows the apparatus of FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of FIG. In the following, FIG.
The operation in which the apparatus of the first embodiment displays a map will be described with reference to FIG. At present, a vehicle equipped with the device shown in FIG. 3 is traveling at a certain point on the ground. The map storage unit 2 of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 stores a map acquired at the time of the previous or previous activation.

The management information storage unit 7 stores the display frequency of each map in the map storage unit 2 calculated at the time of the previous or previous activation. At this time, when the device shown in FIG. 3 is started by the driver, the position detection unit 3 first detects the current position of the vehicle, and the map management unit 4a stores a map around the detected position in the map storage unit 2. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S201).

As a result of the determination in step S201, when a map around the detected position (current position of the vehicle) is not stored in the map storage unit 2, the map management unit 4a stores the map capacity and the map storage unit. The map storage unit 2 compares the remaining storage capacity with the remaining storage capacity to determine whether the map can be stored (step S202). On the other hand, if a map around the detected position is stored in the map storage unit 2, the process proceeds to step S2.
Go to 05.

If the determination result in step S202 indicates that storage is not possible, the map management unit 4a refers to the management information storage unit 7 and deletes the map with the lowest display frequency from the maps in the map storage unit 2. (Step S203), and then return to Step S202. On the other hand, when indicating that storage is possible, the map management unit 4a proceeds to step S204.

Next, the map management section 4a instructs the map acquisition section 1 to acquire the map (map around the current position of the vehicle) from the server (step S204). The details of the processing in step S204 are described in step S102 in FIG.
It is similar to that of

As a result of the process in step S204, the map storage unit 2 stores a map around the current position of the vehicle. Therefore, the reading unit 5 reads the map from the map storage unit 2, and the display unit 6 displays the read map (Step S205). Thus, the display of the initial screen is started.

The map management unit 4a calculates a new display frequency with the display in step S205, and the management information storage unit 7 stores the calculated new display frequency (step S2).
06).

The position detecting section 3 has been continuously performing the operation of detecting the current position of the vehicle since its start. The map management unit 4a compares the position detected by the position detection unit 3 with that at the start of the display of the previous screen (here, the initial screen) to determine whether the vehicle has moved a predetermined distance or more. (Step S207). If the result of determination is that the vehicle has moved a predetermined distance or more, the map management unit 4a determines whether a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 is stored in the map storage unit 2 (step S208). . On the other hand, if the vehicle has not moved a predetermined distance or more, the process returns to step S207.

As a result of the determination in step S208, if a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 is not stored in the map storage unit 2, the map management unit 4a determines the capacity of the map and the size of the map storage unit 2. By comparing the remaining storage capacity, the map storage unit 2 determines whether the map can be stored (step S209). On the other hand, when the map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 is stored in the map storage unit 2, the process proceeds to step S212.

If the determination result in step S209 indicates that storage is impossible, the map management unit 4a refers to the management information storage unit 7 and deletes the map with the lowest display frequency from the maps in the map storage unit 2. (Step S210), Step S2
Return to 09. On the other hand, when indicating that storage is possible, the map management unit 4a proceeds to step S211.

Next, the map management section 4a instructs the map acquisition section 1 to acquire the map from the server (step S).
211). The details of the processing in step S211 are the same as those in step S102 in FIG.

As a result of the processing in step S 211, the map storage unit 2 stores a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3. Then, the reading unit 5 reads the map from the map storage unit 2, and the display unit 6 displays the read map (Step S212). Thus, the display of a new map around the current position of the vehicle is started.

The map management section 4a calculates a new display frequency with the display in step S212, and the management information storage section 7 stores the calculated new display frequency (step S2).
13).

Then, it is determined whether or not the display of the map is to be terminated (step S214). If the result of determination is that display is not to be terminated, the flow returns to step S207, and thereafter, the same operation as described above is repeated.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when a map around the current position of the vehicle is stored in the map storage unit 2, the map is displayed. When the map is not stored, the map is displayed. Is acquired from the server by communication, stored in the map storage unit 2, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared to sequentially acquiring and displaying a map around the current position of the vehicle from the server. To get and display the map.

When the remaining storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 is insufficient, the maps stored in the map storage unit 2 are sequentially deleted in order of decreasing display frequency. As a result, a map can be displayed at a higher speed and at a lower cost as compared with the apparatus shown in FIG. Further, since the storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 may be small, the scale of the apparatus can be reduced.

By the way, some maps are displayed at a low frequency but are required to be displayed promptly when necessary.
In the device shown in FIG. 3 (see the second embodiment), such a map is often acquired from the server and displayed, so that it takes time to display. Therefore, a third embodiment discloses a map display device in which a map that is displayed at a low frequency but is desired to be displayed quickly is not deleted from the map storage unit 2.

(Third Embodiment) Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle-mounted map display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus of FIG. 5 further includes an attribute setting unit 8 in the apparatus of FIG. 3, and further includes a map management unit 4b instead of the map management unit 4a, and a management information storage unit 7a instead of the management information storage unit 7. Have.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is mounted on a vehicle that arbitrarily moves on the ground. On the other hand, a server (base station) (not shown) stores the latest maps (hereinafter, a plurality of maps) of various places. In response to a request from the apparatus shown in FIG. 5, the server reads, for example, a map around the current position of the vehicle from among the plurality of stored maps and communicates the read map by communication.
To the equipment.

The attribute setting section 8 sets, for each of the maps stored in the map storage section 2, an attribute indicating whether deletion is possible or not. The management information storage unit 7a stores the attribute set by the attribute setting unit 8 in addition to the operation of the management information storage unit 7. The map management unit 4b performs the same operation as the map management unit 4a, except that if the attribute of the map to be deleted is set to be undeletable, the map is not deleted. Other components perform the same operations as those described in the second embodiment.

The map management section 4b and the attribute setting section 8
Are realized by software using dedicated hardware circuits or using a computer or the like. When the map management unit 4b and the attribute setting unit 8 are realized by software, a program for that may be stored in a recording medium and provided in the apparatus of FIG. May be supplied. The management information storage unit 7a is realized using a rewritable memory, a disk, or the like.

Since the basic operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is the same as that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 (see the second embodiment), the flow chart shown in FIG. In the following, the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 5 for displaying a map will be described with reference to FIG.

At present, the vehicle equipped with the device shown in FIG. 5 is traveling at a certain point on the ground. Map storage unit 2 of the device in FIG.
Stores a map obtained at the time of the previous or previous activation. Further, in addition to the display frequency for each map in the map storage unit 2 calculated at the time of the previous or previous startup, the management information storage unit 7a stores the map storage unit 2 set at the previous or previous startup. Of each map (indicating whether deletion is possible or not) is stored.

The processes in steps S201 to S214 are as follows.
Each is the same as that described in the second embodiment.
However, in steps S203 and S210, the map management unit 4b refers to the management information storage unit 7a instead of deleting the map with the lowest display frequency from the maps stored in the map storage unit 2, and deletes the map. It is determined whether or not the attribute of the map indicates that the attribute can be deleted. As a result of the determination, the map is deleted only when the attribute can be deleted. Therefore, a map whose attribute is set to be undeletable is not deleted from the map storage unit 2 even if the display frequency is low.

In steps S204 and S211 the following operation is further performed. That is, the attribute setting unit 8 sets the attribute of the newly acquired map, and the set attribute is stored in the management information storage unit 7a.

When the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is started, for example, the attribute already stored in the management information storage unit 7a may be changed to a new attribute by the attribute setting unit 8 in accordance with an instruction from the driver.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a map around the current position of the vehicle is stored in the map storage unit 2, the map is displayed. When the map is not stored, the map is displayed. Is acquired from the server by communication, stored in the map storage unit 2, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared to sequentially acquiring and displaying a map around the current position of the vehicle from the server. To get and display the map.

When the remaining storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 is insufficient, the maps stored in the map storage unit 2 are sequentially deleted in order of decreasing display frequency, so that the maps are efficiently stored in the map storage unit 2. As a result, a map can be displayed at a higher speed and at a lower cost as compared with the apparatus shown in FIG. Further, since the storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 may be small, the scale of the apparatus can be reduced.

Further, an attribute indicating whether or not the map can be deleted is set for each map in the map storage unit 2. If the attribute of the map to be deleted is set to be undeletable, the map is deleted. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a map or the like that is displayed at a low frequency but that is desired to be displayed quickly from being deleted.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (see the first embodiment), if a map around the current position of the vehicle is not stored in the map storage unit 2, the map is obtained from the server. Maps are not always what drivers need. Therefore, a fourth embodiment discloses a map display device that does not increase the communication cost by acquiring an unnecessary map.

(Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle-mounted map display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The device of FIG. 6 further includes an attribute setting unit 9 in the device of FIG. 1, and further includes a map management unit 4c instead of the map management unit 4.

The device shown in FIG. 6 is mounted on a vehicle arbitrarily moving on the ground. On the other hand, a server (base station) (not shown) stores the latest maps (hereinafter, a plurality of maps) of various places. The server reads out, for example, a map around the current position of the vehicle from among the plurality of stored maps in response to a request from the apparatus in FIG.
To the equipment.

The attribute setting unit 9 sets an attribute indicating whether or not acquisition is possible for a plurality of maps stored in the server. The map management unit 4c, like the map management unit 4,
A plurality of maps stored in the server are recognized, and it is determined whether or not a map around the position detected by the position detection unit 3 is stored in the map storage unit 2. When the determination result indicates non-storage, the map acquisition unit 1 is instructed to acquire the map from the server.

It should be noted that the map management section 4c has the attribute setting section 9
Is different from the map management unit 4 in that if the attribute of the map to be acquired is set to be unacceptable, the map is not acquired. Other components perform the same operations as those described in the first embodiment.

The map management section 4c and the attribute setting section 9
Are realized by software using dedicated hardware circuits or using a computer or the like. When the map management unit 4c and the attribute setting unit 9 are realized by software, a program for that purpose may be stored in a recording medium and provided in the apparatus of FIG. 6, or the communication from the server to the apparatus of FIG. May be supplied.

Since the basic operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is the same as that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (see the first embodiment), the flow chart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6 for displaying a map will be described with reference to FIG.

At present, the vehicle equipped with the device shown in FIG. 6 is traveling at a certain point on the ground. Map storage unit 2 of the device in FIG.
Stores a map obtained at the time of the previous or previous activation. Further, the map management unit 4c recognizes an attribute (indicating whether acquisition is possible or not) for each of a plurality of maps on the server side, which is set at the time of the previous or previous startup.

The processes in steps S101 to S108 are as follows.
This is the same as that described in the first embodiment. However,
In steps S102 and S106, the map management unit 4c acquires a map around the current position of the vehicle only if the map is not stored in the map storage unit 2 and the attribute of the map can be acquired. Instruct the unit 1 to acquire from the server. Therefore, a map for which the attribute is set to be unacquirable will not be acquired from the server.

For example, when the apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is started, the attribute set when the attribute setting unit 9 was started last time or before may be changed according to an instruction from the driver.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a map around the current position of the vehicle is stored in the map storage unit 2, the map is displayed. When the map is not stored, the map is displayed. Is acquired from the server by communication, stored in the map storage unit 2, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared to sequentially acquiring and displaying a map around the current position of the vehicle from the server. To get and display the map.

In addition, while the attribute indicating whether acquisition is possible or not is set for each of a plurality of maps on the server side, if the attribute of the map to be acquired is set to be unacceptable, the map is acquired. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary map from being acquired and an increase in communication cost.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 (refer to the second embodiment), the map stored in the map storage unit 2 is deleted. Therefore, when the deleted map is to be displayed, the server deletes the map again. Need to get. As a result, the display speed becomes slow, and the communication cost also increases. Therefore, the fifth
The embodiment discloses a map display device that does not delete and reacquire the map even if the remaining storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 is insufficient, and as a result, can display the map faster and cheaper. .

(Fifth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle-mounted map display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The device of FIG. 7 differs from the device of FIG. 3 in that a map management unit 4d is used instead of the map management unit 4a.
It has.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is mounted on a vehicle arbitrarily moving on the ground. On the other hand, a server (base station) (not shown) stores the latest maps (hereinafter, a plurality of maps) of various places. The server reads, for example, a map around the current position of the vehicle from among the plurality of stored maps in response to a request from the apparatus in FIG.
To the equipment.

The map management section 4d compares the capacity of the map to be acquired with the remaining storage capacity of the map storage section 2 and
The map storage unit 2 determines whether or not the map can be stored, and when the determination result indicates that the map cannot be stored, the maps stored in the map storage unit 2 are sequentially compressed in ascending order of display frequency. Also, before the compressed map is read, the map is decompressed.

That is, the operation of the map management unit 4d is different from that of the map management unit 4a in that the map is compressed instead of deleting the map and that the compressed map is decompressed. Other components perform the same operations as those described in the second embodiment.

The map management section 4d is realized by a dedicated hardware circuit or by software using a computer or the like. When the map management unit 4d is realized by software, a program for that may be stored in a recording medium and provided in the apparatus of FIG. 7, or may be supplied from a server to the apparatus of FIG. 7 by communication. .

Since the basic operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is the same as that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 (see the second embodiment), the flow chart shown in FIG. 4 will be referred to in the following description. Hereinafter, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 for displaying a map will be described with reference to FIG.

At present, a vehicle equipped with the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is traveling at a certain point on the ground. Map storage unit 2 of the device in FIG.
Stores a map obtained at the time of the previous or previous activation. Further, the management information storage unit 7 stores the display frequency of each map in the map storage unit 2 calculated at the time of the previous or previous startup.

The processes in steps S201 to S214 are as follows.
Each is the same as that described in the second embodiment.
However, in steps S203 and S210, the map management unit 4d reads the map from the map storage unit 2 and compresses the map instead of deleting the map with the lowest display frequency from the maps in the map storage unit 2. The map storage unit 2 stores the obtained map again.

If the map to be read from the map storage unit 2 is a compressed map in steps S205 and S212, the map management unit 4d reads the map from the map storage unit 2 before reading by the reading unit 5. The map is read and decompressed, and the map obtained by decompression is stored in the map storage unit 2 again.

Note that the map is compressed (decompressed) by, for example, LH
A, for example, by using an existing image compression (decompression) algorithm.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a map around the current position of the vehicle is stored in the map storage unit 2, the map is displayed. When the map is not stored, the map is displayed. Is acquired from the server by communication, stored in the map storage unit 2, and then displayed. For this reason, the time required for communication is reduced and the cost for communication is reduced as compared to sequentially acquiring and displaying a map around the current position of the vehicle from the server. To get and display the map.

When the remaining storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 is insufficient, the maps stored in the map storage unit 2 are sequentially compressed in ascending order of display frequency. As a result, a map can be displayed at higher speed and at lower cost. Further, since the storage capacity of the map storage unit 2 may be small, the scale of the apparatus can be reduced. Further, as compared with the apparatus of FIG. 3, there is no need to reacquire the map, so that the map can be displayed at higher speed and at lower cost.

In the first to fifth embodiments, FIG.
Each of the devices 3 to 5 to 7 is a vehicle-mounted map display device that is mounted on a vehicle and obtains and displays a map from a server. However, a portable map display that is carried and obtains and displays a map from a server is provided. It may be a device. Furthermore, any device may be used as long as it moves in accordance with the movement of the moving object and acquires and displays a map from the server.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle-mounted map display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an on-vehicle map display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3, particularly the operation of the map management unit 4a.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an on-vehicle map display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle-mounted map display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an on-vehicle map display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 map acquisition unit 2 map storage unit 3 position detection unit 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d map management unit 5 reading unit 6 display unit 7, 7a management information storage unit 8, 9 attribute setting unit

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hisaya Fukuda 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-6-294659 (JP, A) JP-A-4-46379 (JP) JP-A-4-348433 (JP, A) JP-A-6-111181 (JP, A) JP-A-8-293884 (JP, A) JP-A-8-314375 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01C 21/00 G08G 1/00-1/16 G09B 29/00-29/10 G06F 13/00 H04L 12/00-12/66

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A map display device that moves in accordance with the movement of a moving object, acquires a map from a server, and displays the map. The server stores a plurality of maps different from each other, and communicates with the server by communication from the server. Map acquisition means for acquiring a map, map storage means for storing the map acquired by the map acquisition means, position detection means for detecting the current position of the moving object, and a plurality of maps stored in the server. When it is determined whether an ID for identification is recognized and a map related to the position detected by the position detection means is stored in the map storage means, and the determination result indicates non-storage, An acquisition control unit that instructs the map acquisition unit to transmit the ID of the map to the server, thereby acquiring the map from the server; Reading means for reading the associated map location from the map storage means, display means for displaying a map in which the read means read out for a plurality of maps the stored in the server, it
Means for setting an attribute indicating whether acquisition is possible or not, respectively.
The acquisition control means determines that the attribute of the map to be acquired is
If the map is set to be unavailable, the map
A map display device, wherein the map display is not performed .