JP2011059630A - Map display system, terminal device, and map display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optimum suitable scroll amount which a user desires, using a single scroll operation, whichever scale a map is displayed, and to display map information, which the user desires, in an easily viewable form, even if a plurality of display screens are displayed. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal device 20 includes: a display means 204 which displays various images, including a map image on a display screen; a display control means 205 which manages the map image, a graphic image by using relative characteristics of position information covering a wider range than the map image, and a frame image showing a display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image, as different layers and displays them one over another on the display means 204; and an operation input means 206 which accepts an operation input to an image to be displayed on the display means 204. The map image is scrolled, in accompaniment of a scroll operation on the operation input means 206 for making the relative positions of the graphic image and the frame image move. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a map display system that performs a predetermined map display for a user who moves based on map information stored in a map database, and in particular, displays a map using a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone. The present invention relates to a map display system, a terminal device, and a map display method that enable map information to be scrolled more easily.

  In recent years, a map search is performed by performing a map search according to a search condition such as a desired facility name and address input by a user and a current position acquired from a GPS signal by a GPS reception function provided in a mobile terminal device. A map display service that displays map information on a display screen of a mobile terminal device together with a search point and a current position is known.

  Then, when a map of a predetermined range is displayed centering on the current position or searched point on the map display screen, if the user wants to know peripheral information other than the display center point, an operation input such as an operation key is performed. The surrounding facilities and road conditions are confirmed by scrolling the display screen using the means.

  When checking the surrounding facilities, etc., it is desired to check the surrounding information while browsing the current position and display start point information. Therefore, the display screen is divided and a sub window is displayed to display a wide area map. Various technologies for displaying detailed maps at the same time have been proposed.

  For example, a technique for dividing a display screen into two screens and displaying a wide area map and a detailed map at the same time is disclosed as “in-vehicle navigation device” in the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-340578). In this patent document 1, when the detailed map screen is scrolled while the detailed map and the wide area map are displayed on the screen of the display device, the detailed map is moved by the scroll. It is disclosed that a wide area map is scrolled and displayed on the other screen.

JP 2002-340578 A (FIG. 7, paragraphs [0030] to [0032])

  As described above, in Patent Document 1, the map display is divided into a wide display and a detailed display, and scrolling is performed in the wide display map, which cannot be realized in the detailed display map. Distance scrolling is realized.

  However, in the conventional technical idea of simply displaying a wide area map for scrolling the detailed map, the map is displayed when trying to grasp the entire route information obtained by route search or the current location information obtained by neighborhood search. In some cases, the map is not displayed at an optimal magnification, and as a result, the map is too wide and the search route is too small, or conversely, the entire surrounding information cannot be displayed.

  Also, in the scrolling operation using the pointing device, there is a limit to the amount of one scroll depending on the size of the displayed map. Therefore, even when scrolling using a map displayed in a wide area, the map with the optimum magnification is used. If is not displayed, there is a possibility that the scroll amount requested by the user will be excessive or insufficient.

  Furthermore, when a map is displayed by providing a plurality of areas on a display screen with a limited display area such as a portable terminal, not only it becomes difficult to see but also the information desired by the user can be accurately conveyed. There was a problem of disappearing. In addition, performing a complicated display process on a mobile terminal has a problem in that a smooth display operation cannot be performed because a processing load increases.

  As a result of various studies to solve the above problems, the inventor of the present application displays a map area displayed in a wide area for scrolling a detailed map at a magnification capable of displaying the entire search route and surrounding information, The present invention has been completed by conceiving that the above problem can be solved by simplifying the search route and surrounding information and displaying them in an easily viewable manner.

  That is, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can provide an optimum scroll amount desired by the user by a single scroll operation even when a map of any scale is displayed. An object of the present invention is to provide a map display system, a terminal device, and a map display method.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a map display system, a terminal device, and a map display method that can display map information desired by a user in an easy-to-view manner even when a plurality of display screens are displayed. It is.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of the map display system of the present invention is as follows.
A map distribution server and a terminal device are provided, the map distribution server sends map information stored in the map database to the terminal device, and displays a predetermined map image to the user based on the map information received by the terminal device. A map display system,
The terminal device
Display means for displaying various images including the map image on a display screen;
The various images displayed on the display means are managed as different layers, and the first layer that performs display control on the map image and the relative characteristics of position information including a wider range than the map image are used. A second layer that performs display control on the displayed graphic image and a third layer that performs display control on the frame image representing the display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image are displayed on the display unit. Display control means,
Operation input means for receiving an operation input for the image of each layer;
With
The display control means scrolls the map image in the first layer in accordance with a scroll operation for moving a relative position between the graphic image and the frame image by the operation input means.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a graphic showing the shape of the route searched as the route guidance information.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the display control means includes the second display unit so that the entire figure indicating the shape of the route retrieved as the route guidance information is within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The size of the graphic image is controlled in this layer.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a marker indicating the position of the facility searched as the peripheral guidance information.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the display control means includes the display control unit so that markers indicating the positions of all facilities searched as the peripheral guide information are within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The size of the graphic image is controlled in two layers.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, there is provided a scroll mode for scroll-displaying the map image, and the display control means is a case where the operation by the operation input means is a switching operation to the scroll mode. The second and third layers are controlled to be superimposed on the first layer.

  In one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, when the operation by the operation input unit is a scroll operation, the display control unit determines a movement amount of the relative position and controls scrolling of the map image. It is characterized by that.

  In one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, when the operation by the operation input unit is a scroll operation, the display control unit determines a movement amount of the relative position and determines the amount of the graphic image and the frame image. The size is controlled.

The invention of the terminal device of the present invention is
A terminal device that receives map information stored in a map database from a map distribution server and displays a predetermined map image for a user based on the received map information,
Display means for displaying various images including the map image on a display screen;
The various images displayed on the display means are managed as different layers, and the first layer that performs display control on the map image and the relative characteristics of position information including a wider range than the map image are used. A second layer that performs display control on the displayed graphic image and a third layer that performs display control on the frame image representing the display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image are displayed on the display unit. Display control means,
Operation input means for receiving an operation input for the image of each layer;
With
The display control means scrolls the map image in the first layer in accordance with a scroll operation for moving a relative position between the graphic image and the frame image by the operation input means.

  Further, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a graphic showing the shape of the route searched as the route guidance information.

  Further, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the display control means includes the second controller so that the entire figure indicating the shape of the route searched as the route guidance information is within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The size of the graphic image is controlled in the layer.

  Moreover, the one aspect | mode of the terminal device of this invention WHEREIN: The figure using the relative characteristic of the said positional information is a marker which shows the position of the plant | facility searched as periphery guidance information, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the aspect of the terminal device according to the present invention, the display control means may be configured such that the markers indicating the positions of all facilities searched as the surrounding guidance information are within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The size of the graphic image is controlled in this layer.

  Further, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the display control means may include the second and third layers in the first layer when the operation by the operation input means is a switching operation to a scroll mode. Control is performed so that the images are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the display control means determines the amount of movement of the relative position and controls scrolling of the map image when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation. It is characterized by.

  In the aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the display control means determines the amount of movement of the relative position and determines the size of the graphic image and the frame image when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation. It is characterized by controlling the thickness.

The invention of the map display method of the present invention is as follows.
A map display method in a terminal device that receives map information stored in a map database from a map distribution server and displays a predetermined map image for a user based on the received map information,
The terminal device
Display means for displaying various images including the map image on a display screen;
The various images displayed on the display means are managed as different layers, and the first layer that performs display control on the map image and the relative characteristics of position information including a wider range than the map image are used. A second layer that performs display control on the displayed graphic image and a third layer that performs display control on the frame image representing the display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image are displayed on the display unit. Display control means,
Operation input means for receiving an operation input for the image of each layer;
Comprising the control of the display control means,
A first step of displaying the map image;
A second step of displaying the graphic image and the frame image;
A third step of scrolling the map image in the first layer in accordance with a scroll operation for moving a relative position between the graphic image and the frame image by the operation input means;
It is characterized by having.

  Also, in one aspect of the map display method of the present invention, the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a graphic showing the shape of the route searched as the route guidance information.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display method of the present invention, in the second step, the entire graphic indicating the shape of the route retrieved as the route guidance information is within the predetermined display area of the display screen. The size of the graphic image is controlled in two layers.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display method of the present invention, the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a marker indicating the position of the facility searched as the peripheral guidance information.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display method of the present invention, in the second step, the markers indicating the positions of all facilities searched as the peripheral guidance information are within a predetermined display area of the display screen. In the second layer, the size of the graphic image is controlled.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the map display method of the present invention, the terminal device has a scroll mode for scroll-displaying the map image, and when the operation by the operation input means is a switching operation to the scroll mode, Steps after the second step are performed.

  Further, in one aspect of the map display method of the present invention, in the third step, when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation, the amount of movement of the relative position is determined to control scrolling of the map image. It is characterized by doing.

  In the map display method of the present invention, in the third step, when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation, the movement amount of the relative position is determined to determine the graphic image and the frame image. It is characterized by controlling the size of.

  According to the map display system of the present invention, various images including the map image displayed on the display screen are managed as different layers, and the first layer that performs display control on the map image, and a wider area than the map image. A second layer that performs display control on a graphic image using relative characteristics of position information including a range, and a second layer that performs display control on a frame image representing a display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image. The first layer is controlled in accordance with a scroll operation for moving a relative position between the graphic image and the frame image by an operation input unit that receives an operation input for the image of each layer. The map image is configured to scroll in the layer.

  As a result, the amount of scrolling performed once by the operation input means is adjusted by the magnification used for drawing the figure using the relative characteristics of the position information. Further, by scrolling the graphic using the relative characteristics, it is possible to grasp the graphic using the relative characteristics and the entire periphery thereof by a single scroll operation.

  According to one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is configured to be a graphic indicating the shape of the route searched as the route guidance information. As a result, the amount of scrolling by the operation input means is adjusted by the magnification used in drawing the figure using the relative characteristics of the positional information such as the figure representing the shape of the guide route. And the maximum amount can be set to the optimal amount, and by scrolling the figure using this relative characteristic, it is possible to grasp the guide route and the entire surrounding area with a single scroll operation. become.

  According to one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the graphic image in the second layer is such that the entire graphic indicating the shape of the route searched as the route guidance information is within a predetermined display area of the display screen. It is comprised so that the magnitude | size of may be controlled. As a result, the entire guide route can be easily grasped by a single scroll operation.

  According to one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is configured to be a marker indicating the position of the facility searched as the peripheral guidance information. As a result, the amount of scrolling by the operation input means is adjusted by the magnification used in drawing the figure using the relative characteristics of the position information such as the figure representing the marker group indicating the facility position. The amount of scrolling and the maximum amount can be set to the optimum amount, and by scrolling the figure using this relative characteristic, it is possible to grasp the entire surrounding facility with one scroll operation become.

  According to one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the graphic in the second layer is such that markers indicating the positions of all facilities searched as the peripheral guidance information are within a predetermined display area of the display screen. It is configured to control the size of the image. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp | ascertain the whole surrounding facility easily by one scroll operation.

  According to an aspect of the map display system of the present invention, the first layer has a scroll mode for scrolling and displaying the map image, and the operation by the operation input means is a switching operation to the scroll mode. The second and third layers are controlled to be displayed in an overlapping manner. Thereby, a graphic image and a frame image can be displayed as necessary, and the operability of the scroll operation can be improved.

  According to one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation, the amount of movement of the relative position is determined to control scrolling of the map image. . As a result, it is possible to easily set the one scroll amount and the maximum amount to the optimum amount.

  According to one aspect of the map display system of the present invention, when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation, the movement amount of the relative position is determined to control the size of the graphic image and the frame image. It is configured. As a result, it is possible to prevent the graphic image and the frame image from becoming extremely difficult to see due to the scroll operation.

  Moreover, the terminal device of this invention can provide the terminal device which can show | play the effect of the invention of the said map display system. In addition, the map display method of the present invention can achieve the same effects as the invention of the map display system.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and a map delivery server. It is a figure which shows an example of the layer structure which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and shows an example of the map screen containing the departure point displayed in the normal map display mode when the route search was carried out. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and has shown an example of the map screen displayed in the scroll mode just before a scroll operation is started from the map display shown in FIG. . It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and shows an example of the map screen displayed when scroll operation was started from the map display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and shows an example of the map screen containing the destination point displayed when further scrolling operation was continued from the map display shown in FIG. Yes. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and shows an example of the map screen displayed by switching to the normal map display mode from the map display shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the map scroll display in the terminal device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the figure using the relative characteristic of the positional information which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and a map delivery server. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and shows an example of the map screen containing the present location displayed in normal map display mode when the periphery search was carried out. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and has shown an example of the map screen displayed in the scroll mode just before a scroll operation is started from the map display shown in FIG. . It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and shows an example of the map screen displayed when scroll operation was started from the map display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and shows an example of the map screen on which the basic information of POI was displayed from the map display shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the map scroll display in the terminal device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. However, in the following embodiment, a navigation system is illustrated as a map display system for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be specified in this navigation system. The present invention is equally applicable to the map display system of other embodiments included in the scope of claims.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system including a terminal device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a navigation system 10 includes a plurality of terminal devices 20, 20 ′ connected to a map distribution server 30 via a network 12 to constitute a communication type navigation system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the terminal device and the map distribution server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the map distribution server 30 includes a control unit 301, a map search unit 302, a route search unit 304, a POI data search unit 305, a map database 311, a route search network database 312, a POI (Point of Interest). : Interesting place) Database 313 and the like are provided.

  When there is a map search request for a desired point or a map data acquisition request for POI search from the terminal device 20 via the network 12, the map distribution server 30 causes the map search unit 303 to control the map database 311 under the control of the control unit 301. Is provided with a map distribution service function of reading out corresponding map data and distributing it to the terminal device 20 via the communication means 302.

  Further, when there is a route search request from the terminal device 20, the map distribution server 30 causes the route search unit 304 to perform a route search by referring to the route search network database 312 under the control of the control unit 301, and the result of the route search The navigation function of transmitting the guidance route data of the optimum route and the candidate route obtained by the above to the terminal device 20 is provided. Further, in response to a POI search request from the terminal device 20, the route guidance server 30 searches for and distributes POI information such as location information of the corresponding POI by the POI data search unit 305 under the control of the control unit 301. Provided service functions.

  The map database 311 stores mesh unit map data divided by a predetermined latitude range and longitude range, and this map data is divided into each layer such as a wide area map, a middle area map, a detailed map, and a city map. It consists of vector data. The route guidance server 30 reads the map data requested from the terminal device 20 from the map database 311 and distributes it to the requesting terminal device 20. In general, map data for nine unit maps corresponding to meshes in the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions with the current position of the terminal device 20 as the center is distributed.

  In addition, in this map data, for example, the POI location for restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, and the like is stored in association with each other. For this reason, the terminal device 20 downloads the map data distributed from the map distribution server 30, but the map distribution server 30 reads out the map data and distributes it to the requesting terminal device 20. The POI information is also read from the POI database 313 and distributed based on the location of the included POI. For this reason, the terminal device 20 downloads detailed guidance information such as name, address, location, telephone number, guidance map, business hours, business contents, etc. in addition to icon data as POI information simultaneously with the map data. .

  Further, when the map displayed on the terminal device 20 is scrolled and the map data is insufficient, or when the terminal device 20 is moved and the map data is insufficient, the map scroll direction or the terminal device 20 movement direction is changed. Based on this, the map distribution server 30 distributes the shortage unit map data.

  The network database 312 includes road network data for searching for routes by walking or automobiles, and traffic network data for searching for routes that travel using transportation such as railways, aircraft, ships, and buses. The road network data is preferably divided into pedestrians and automobiles. Each road is represented by a link connecting each node with intersections and nodes as nodes. The required time when moving at a speed is associated as the cost of the link.

  Transportation network data is represented by links connecting each node, with each station as a station, airport, or port, and each means of transportation such as trains, aircraft, ships, and buses constitutes a link. The departure time of the node and the arrival time at the node are composed of data associated with each other based on the operation timetable.

  In the terminal device 20, a route search condition that specifies a time condition such as a departure point, a destination, a moving means (walking, car, transportation, etc.) and a departure time is set, and a route search request is sent to the map distribution server 30. Then, the map distribution server 30 searches for a recommended route or a plurality of candidate routes that meet the route search condition from the departure point to the destination with reference to the route search network database 312, and sends them to the terminal device 20. Reply with route information. When the terminal device 20 selects an optimum route from the recommended route or the candidate route and requests route guidance, map data, data of the selected route, and guidance data for guiding the route are sent to the terminal device 20. Sent.

  Upon receiving the route guidance data from the map distribution server 30, the terminal device 20 starts a predetermined route guidance operation in accordance with the user's guidance start instruction, displays the map received from the map distribution server 30 and the optimum guidance route, and the user Guidance information based on the guidance route is displayed or output in voice at the timing of arrival at the guidance point according to the position information of the movement.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system 10 includes various information distribution servers 50 that provide detailed information such as the location of POIs belonging to various categories and service contents, contents such as music and various images, and other information. It is prepared for. Accordingly, the map distribution server 30 can acquire necessary data from the various information distribution servers 50 via the network 12 and add it to its own database.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 20 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a position detection unit 203, a display unit 204, a display control unit 205, an operation input unit 206, a scroll detection unit 207, a scroll determination unit 208, an area. A frame movement control unit 209, a map acquisition unit 211, a guide route acquisition unit 212, a POI data acquisition unit 213, a map image storage unit 221, a guide route storage unit 222, a POI data storage unit 223, and the like are provided.

  In addition to the mobile phone, the terminal device 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a mobile device such as a PDA, music player, and portable game machine, or a map having a function of displaying a map of a personal computer (PC). It may be a display device.

  In the terminal device 20, the control unit 201 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 20 by the CPU executing a control program stored in the RAM or ROM.

  For example, the control means 201 sends a map distribution server to the map acquisition means 211 based on the current position detected by the position detection means 203 and based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route storage means 222. 30 is instructed to acquire a map near the current position. Further, the control unit 201 instructs the display control unit 205 to display a guidance route on the map, and further outputs voice guidance or the like according to the guidance route to perform route guidance.

  The communication unit 202 connects the terminal device 20 to the map distribution server 30 or the like via the network 12, receives a new map image or guide route data from the map distribution server 30, acquires POI information, or It is an interface for acquiring information that changes in real time such as traffic jam information.

  The position detection unit 203 receives GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites and detects the current position of the terminal device 20. The detected position information (latitude, longitude) is transmitted to the map distribution server 30 and used when searching for a map image, or the searched map image is displayed on the display means 204 and on the map image. It is used when specifying the current position.

  The map acquisition unit 211 requests a map image necessary for display on the display unit 204 to the map distribution server 30 based on the current position detected by the position detection unit 203 or the cursor point on the display unit 204. By doing so, a necessary map image is acquired from the map distribution server 30 and stored in the map image storage means 221.

  The guide route acquisition unit 212 searches the map distribution server 30 for a route suitable for the route search condition when the user operates the operation input unit 206 and route search conditions such as a departure point and a destination point are designated. By requesting to do so, an optimum route is acquired from the map distribution server 30 as a guide route and stored in the guide route storage means 222.

  When the guidance route acquisition unit 212 requests the map distribution server 30 for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point, the POI data acquisition unit 213 searches for a POI existing within a predetermined range from the optimum route. The POI data retrieved by the map distribution server 30 is acquired and stored in the POI data storage means 223.

  The map image storage unit 221 stores a map image acquired from the map distribution server 30 when a map request is made by the map acquisition unit 211. The map image stored in the map image storage unit 221 is displayed by the display control unit 205 together with the guide route stored in the guide route storage unit 222 and the POI data stored in the POI data storage unit 223 as necessary. It is displayed on the means 204.

  In the guide route storage unit 222, a route search request is made by the guide route acquisition unit 212, and guide route data acquired from the map distribution server 30 is stored. This guide route data includes the data of the links constituting the guide route and the total link cost. The guide route stored in the guide route storage unit 222 is combined with the corresponding map image stored in the map image storage unit 221 by the display control unit 205 and displayed on the display unit 204.

  The POI data storage unit 223 stores the POI data acquired from the map distribution server 30 when the POI data acquisition unit 213 makes a search request for a POI existing within a predetermined range from the optimum route. The POI data includes, for example, restaurants, gas stations, accommodations, etc. stores, theme parks, event information, etc., and attribute information such as location information, names, industries, business hours, and holding periods of those stores and events. It is included. The POI data stored in the POI data storage unit 223 is displayed by the display control unit 205 as a POI icon such as a POI marker at a corresponding position on the map image displayed on the display unit 204.

  The display means 204 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display unit, and displays image data such as a map, a guide route, and POI information edited and controlled by the display control means 205. The image data displayed on the display unit 204 has a multi-layered layer structure, and is configured by combining image data of each layer.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layer configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, layer A is virtually located on the lowermost layer, layer B is virtually located on the upper layer side with respect to layer A, and layer C is further virtually located on layer B. Located on the upper layer side. The display control unit 205 configures a display screen displayed on the display unit 204 by sequentially superimposing the images of the layers A to C in this order.

  Here, the layer A is a display area layer for drawing a map image including a guide route obtained by route search, and the layer B is a route guide as a graphic image using the relative characteristics of position information. It is a relative drawing layer for drawing a graphic image showing the shape of a guide route that is a route searched as information. The layer C is a layer for drawing a frame image indicating a range corresponding to the map image of the layer A on the graphic image of the layer B.

  The display screen of the display means 204 is configured to include at least a first display area 204a composed of image data of layer A and a second display area 204b composed of image data of layer B and layer C. The first display area 204a is displayed in a size corresponding to substantially the entire displayable area of the display means 204.

  On the other hand, the second display area 204b is smaller than the first display area 204a, for example, a size corresponding to approximately half of the entire displayable area of the display means 204, and is within the first display area 204a. They are displayed so as to overlap. Note that the second display area 204b is arranged in a range where a pointing input operation by the operation input means 206 is possible, as will be described later.

  Since the second display area 204b is displayed so as to overlap the first display area 204a, the second display area 204b is displayed in a single color translucent so that the map displayed in the first display area is not difficult to see. It is preferable. The display unit 204 is not limited to the liquid crystal display unit, and other display devices may be used.

  The display control unit 205 displays a map image stored in the map image storage unit 221, data such as a guide route stored in the guide route storage unit 222, or POI data stored in the POI data storage unit 223. An image to be displayed on the screen 204 is edited and the display is controlled. Therefore, it is configured to include a map drawing unit 231, a guide route drawing unit 232, a POI data drawing unit 233, an area frame drawing unit 234, and the like.

The display control unit 205 includes three VRAMs 205a to 205c, and one of the VRAMs 205a to 205c is used to hold the image data of layer A. The VRAM205a, as image data of the layer A, the map together with the map image M ₁ obtained from the map image storage means 221 is drawn by the drawing unit 231, if necessary, the position detecting means 203 acquires the terminal device A cursor mark indicating the current position of 20 or a desired point position received by the operation input means 206 is drawn superimposed on the map image. At this time, it is preferable that the map image is drawn so that the current position or a desired point position corresponding to the cursor mark is the center of the display screen so that the cursor mark is the center of the display screen.

  Further, in the VRAM 205a, the data of the guide route acquired from the guide route storage unit 222 by the guide route drawing unit 232 is drawn as an image of layer A, or acquired from the POI data storage unit 223 by the POI data drawing unit 233. A corresponding POI icon image is drawn based on the POI data.

  The guide route data includes the symbol S indicating the starting point of the route search and the image of the guide route R, the symbol G indicating the destination point of the route search, the image of the guide route R, the departure, depending on the current position or a desired point position. The image includes a guide route R image including both a symbol S indicating a point and a symbol G indicating a destination point, or an image of only the guide route R.

  In addition, the display control unit 205 uses another VRAM 205b in order to hold the layer B image data. In this VRAM 205b, the entire guidance route connecting the two points including the departure point S and the destination point G based on the guidance route data acquired from the guidance route storage means 222 by the guidance route drawing means 232 as the image data of layer B A figure r representing the shape is drawn.

  Further, the display control means 205 uses the other remaining VRAM 205c to hold the display image data of layer C. In this VRAM 205c, the area frame drawing means 234 displays the layer B as the image data of layer C. A rectangular area frame D (frame image) corresponding to the area of the map image currently drawn on the layer A is drawn with respect to the area.

  As described above, the map drawing unit 231 is based on the map image stored in the map image storage unit 221, and the map near the current position acquired by the position detection unit 203 as an image of layer A output to the display unit 204 and operation input. The means 206 draws the image data relating to the map in the vicinity of the desired point for which the input has been received together with the mouse pointer or the like in the VRAM 205a.

  The guide route drawing unit 232 draws image data for route guidance as an image of layer A to be output to the display unit 204 on the VRAM 205a based on the data such as the guide route stored in the route guide storage unit 222. Based on the data such as the guidance route stored in the route guidance storage unit 222, the image data of the figure r representing the shape of the guidance route is rendered in the VRAM 205b as the layer B image to be output to the display unit 204.

  Further, the guidance route drawing unit 232 starts drawing processing of the image data of the graphic r on the VRAM 205b by the operation of starting the scroll mode from the operation input unit 206. When the image data of the figure r is drawn on the VRAM 205b, the searched guide route is searched so that the whole figure r is displayed at an optimum magnification that fits in the display area of the layer B (second display area 204b). The drawing process is executed while controlling the drawing magnification in accordance with the size and length. In addition, when the scroll mode end operation is performed from the operation input unit 206, the guide route drawing unit 232 ends the drawing process of the image data of the graphic r.

  The drawing magnification of the layer B image (figure r) is linked to the direction of the map image of layer A, for example, and when there is a display rotation instruction for the map image of layer A, for example. In conjunction with this, the image of layer B is also rotated, and the drawing magnification is changed so that the rotated figure r is displayed at an optimum magnification that fits within the display area.

  Further, the POI data drawing unit 233 draws image data such as a POI icon as a layer A image to be output to the display unit 204 in the VRAM 205a based on the POI information stored in the POI data storage unit 223.

  The area frame drawing unit 234 draws the image data of the area frame D in the VRAM 205 c as the layer C image to be output to the display unit 204 by the operation of starting the scroll mode from the operation input unit 206, and scrolls from the operation input unit 206. The drawing process is terminated by the operation for ending the mode.

  Here, the scroll mode start operation for switching from the normal map display mode in which only the map image of layer A is displayed to the scroll mode in which the image of layer B and layer C is displayed superimposed on this map image is, for example, the operation This is performed by a mode switching instruction such as menu selection or double click by the input means 206. The timing for switching to the scroll mode may be a mode switching instruction from the operation input means 206, and automatically switches when scroll processing is performed in the map display area by the layer A after the route search. Also good.

  The operation input means 206 is composed of, for example, a sheet-like touch panel type input device provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display unit, and the user touches a predetermined portion of the display screen while visually checking the liquid crystal display unit. The selection screen can be displayed and the map can be scrolled. Accordingly, the display unit 204 also functions as a part of the operation input unit 206.

  The operation input means 206 is not limited to the touch panel type input device, and other input devices may be used. For example, numeric keys, alphabet keys, other function keys, selection keys, scroll keys (up / down / left / right arrow keys) A pointing device such as a mouse and a pointing device such as a mouse is provided, and a desired menu displayed on the display means 204 is selected by operating the operating input key or pointing device, a character is input, or a mouse pointer is moved. It is possible to perform various input operations such as scrolling the map.

  Among the input operations from the operation input unit 206, for the pointing input operation to the screen data displayed on the display unit 204 in the scroll mode, the input operation detection that can detect the input operation in the display area of the display unit 204 in advance. A possible area is set, and the input operation can be performed on the image data displayed in the input operation detectable area. Therefore, the second display area 204b is arranged in the input operation detectable area, and pointing to at least one of the image data of the layer B image (for example, the figure r) and the layer C image (for example, the area frame D). It is set in advance so that the input operation becomes valid.

  The pointing input operation is not limited to only the screen data displayed in the predetermined display area in the scroll mode, and the image data of each layer constituting the display screen displayed on the display unit 204 is not fixed. You may comprise so that it may become possible. For example, the pointing input operation from the operation input unit 206 for the first display area 204a displayed in the normal map display mode is configured to be effective for the layer A map image.

  Further, the pointing input operation from the operation input unit 206 for the second display area 204b displayed when the mode is switched to the scroll mode is effective for at least one of the layer B image and the layer C image, and at the same time. The pointing input operation from the operation input unit 206 for the displayed first display area 204a is effective for the map image of the layer A excluding the area of the second display area 204b displayed in a superimposed manner. Constitute.

  When the scroll detection unit 207 is switched to the scroll mode, the scroll detection unit 207 detects a scroll operation from the pointing input operation by the operation input unit 206 for the display image displayed on the display unit 204. In the following description, a case will be described in which a scroll operation from the operation input unit 206 for the area frame D displayed in the second display area 204b of the display unit 204 is detected when the mode is switched to the scroll mode.

  When the operation input unit 206 is a touch panel type input device, a touch operation in which a predetermined position on the display screen (a part of the image of the area frame D in this embodiment) is touched with a finger or the like and moved in an arbitrary direction is performed. If there is, the scroll detecting means 207 detects this and determines that a scroll operation has been performed. If the operation input unit 206 is not a touch panel type input device, a predetermined position on the display screen (a part of the image of the area frame D in this embodiment) is moved in an arbitrary direction in a state designated by the mouse pointer. If there is a drag operation, the scroll detection means 207 detects this and determines that there has been a scroll operation.

  The scroll determination unit 208 detects the scroll direction and the scroll amount from the detection result of the scroll detection unit 207. The scroll determination unit 208 detects the scroll direction and the scroll amount based on the start position and end position of the touch operation on the touch panel or the drag operation position and the drop operation position by the mouse pointer.

  When the scroll operation is performed from the operation input unit 206 on the second display area 204b of the display unit 204, the area frame movement control unit 209 is based on the scroll direction and the scroll amount detected by the scroll determination unit 208. Control is performed so that the image of the area frame D of the layer C is moved and scrolled with respect to the image of the layer B. For example, under the control of the area frame movement control unit 209, the drawing position on the VRAM 205c is moved in accordance with the movement of the touch operation or the drag operation for the image data of the area frame D currently displayed by the area frame drawing unit 234. As a result, the image of the area frame D is scroll-displayed.

  Further, under the control of the area frame movement control unit 209, the drawing position on the VRAM 205c is moved by the touch operation or the drag operation for the entire image data of the layer C including the area frame D currently displayed by the area frame drawing unit 234. The image of the area frame D may be scroll-displayed by moving it together.

  Alternatively, with respect to the image of layer C including the area frame D, the image data of layer B including the figure r representing the shape of the guide route currently displayed by the guide route drawing means 232 without moving the drawing position is read. The image of layer B may be scrolled so that the area frame D moves to the center of the second display area 204b by moving the drawing position with respect to the movement of the touch operation or the drag operation.

  In this case, the drawing magnification is always set when the image data of the figure r is drawn on the VRAM 205b so that the whole figure r is displayed at an optimum magnification that fits in the display area (second display area 204b) of the layer B. If controlled, the scale of the figure r may not be appropriate due to the relationship with the size of the area frame D. Therefore, it is preferable that the drawing magnification of the figure r is scroll-displayed while being fixed until the shape or the like is changed. .

  When the image of the area frame D of the layer C is moved with respect to the image of the layer B by the scroll operation from the operation input unit 206, the map image of the layer A is updated by the map drawing unit 231 so that the first display area The map 204a is scrolled. That is, when the map is scrolled in the first display area 204a, map image data in a range corresponding to the area of the layer B surrounded by the area frame D displayed in the second display area 204b is displayed as a map image. The map is read out from the storage means 221 and the map drawing means 231 draws it in the VRAM 205a to display a map in the first display area 204a, and the read area is moved in accordance with the movement of the area frame D. A map of the display area 204a is scroll-displayed.

  The update process for scrolling and displaying the map image of layer A may be controlled to be performed each time according to the movement of the touch operation or the movement of the drag operation according to the scroll operation with respect to layer C. When the display process is not in time due to the performance of the device 20, control may be performed so that the display is redisplayed when the touch operation or the drag operation is completed.

  When the scroll operation such as the touch operation or the drag operation on the second display area 204b by the operation input means 206 is finished and the scroll display of the first display area 204a is finished, the scroll input operation from the operation input means 206 is finished. Then, the drawing for the images of layer B and layer C output to the display means 204 is finished. Here, the operation for ending the scroll mode is performed by menu selection, double-clicking, or the like by the operation input means 206, as in the operation for starting the scroll mode.

4 to 8 are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens of the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a map screen including the departure point displayed in the normal map display mode when the route is searched, and FIG. 5 shows a scroll immediately before the scroll operation is started from the map display shown in FIG. An example of the map screen displayed in the mode is shown.

  6 shows an example of a map screen displayed when the scroll operation is started from the map display shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 shows a case where the scroll operation is further continued from the map display shown in FIG. An example of the map screen including the displayed destination point is shown, and FIG. 8 shows an example of the map screen displayed by switching from the map display shown in FIG. 7 to the normal map display mode.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control of the display control unit 205, the first display area 204a for displaying a map image M _1, the symbol S and the guide route R indicating the start point based on the route search result. The map _{M 1} other route image, such as roads and railways, an icon image _I 1 ~I ₃ of various POI are included. The symbol S indicating the departure point is displayed at the center of the screen as the initial display position immediately before the start of the scroll operation.

Next, when an operation for starting the scroll mode is performed from the operation input unit 206, the display control unit 205 controls to switch to the scroll mode as shown in FIG. 5 and is preset in the center on the first display area 204a. The second display area 204b having the specified size is displayed in a single-color translucent manner so as to overlap. In the second display area 204b, a graphic r representing the shape of the entire guide route connecting both the starting point S and the destination point G is displayed, and the map displayed in the first display area 204a. Show area frame D ₁ corresponding to the rectangular area.

At this time, the area frame has a size of a guidance route (graphic r) including the departure point S and destination point G of the layer B displayed at a magnification that fits in the second display region 204b, and the first display region 204a. its size is set corresponding to the display magnification of the map image M ₁ of the displayed layer a.

That is, the size of the area frame is set at a predetermined ratio, such as a region surrounded by the area frame D on the virtual map including the guide route of the layer B is matched with the map image M ₁ of area of the layer A .

Then, when the area frame D ₁ by scroll operation from the operation input unit 206 moves 5 to the position of the area frame D ₂ indicated by a broken line, as shown in FIG. 6, under the control of the display control unit 205, first map image display area 204a displays the map image M ₂ layer a corresponding to the area surrounded by the scroll display has been area frame D ₂ of.

The map _{M 2} other routes images such also roads and railways and map image _{M 1,} icon image _I 4 ~I ₆ Various POI are included. Further, the first display area 204a for displaying the guiding route R to another map image M _2.

Further, when the area frame D ₂ by scrolling operation from the operation input unit 206 moves to the position of the area frame D ₃ indicated by broken lines in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 7, the control of the display control unit 205, first map image display area 204a further displays a map image M ₃ layer a corresponding to the area surrounded by the scroll display has been area frame D ₂ of.

In addition to route images, such as same roads and railways in the map M ₃ and the map image M _1, it contains the icon image of the various kinds of POI, if necessary. Further, the first display area 204a for displaying the symbols G and the guide route R indicating the destination point based on the route search result in addition to the map image M _3.

  Then, when the scroll mode end operation is performed from the operation input unit 206, the display of the second display area 204b disappears as shown in FIG. 8 by the control of the display control unit 205, and only the first display area 204a is displayed. Is displayed.

  Next, the operation of the map scroll display in the terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the map scroll display in the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation procedure shown in FIG. 9 is realized by the control unit 201 of the terminal device 20 executing a control program stored in the ROM.

First, based on the route search result distributed from the map distribution server 30, the terminal device 20 displays a map image including the current position stored in the map image storage unit 221 as a layer A image to be output to the display unit 204 and a guide. The map image (for example, M ₁ shown in FIG. 4) of the route search result is displayed on the display unit 204 by drawing the image of the guidance route near the current position stored in the route storage unit 222 in the VRAM 205a.

  When a scroll mode start operation is performed from the operation input unit 206 by menu selection, double click, or the like, guidance is provided as a layer B image to be output to the display unit 204 under the control of the display control unit 205 in the process of step S401. The route drawing unit 232 draws the image data of the figure r representing the shape of the guide route in the VRAM 205b, and the area frame drawing unit 234 outputs the image data of the area frame D to the VRAM 205c as the layer C image to be output to the display unit 204. draw. As a result, the display unit 204 displays the second display area 204b composed of the layer B image and the layer C image (see, for example, FIG. 5).

  After the scroll mode starts, in step S402, the scroll detection means 207 detects whether or not there is a scroll operation for the second display area 204b displayed on the display means 204 from the operation input means 206, and performs the scroll operation. If detected, the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if the scroll operation is not detected, the process returns to step S402.

  In the process of step S403, the scroll determination means 208 detects the scroll direction and the scroll amount from the detection result of the scroll detection means 207 by the control of the control means 201. In the process of step S404, the area is controlled by the area frame movement control means 209. The frame drawing unit 234 draws the image data of the area frame D as the layer C image to be output to the display unit 204 on the VRAM 205c while changing the drawing position according to the scroll direction and the scroll amount detected by the scroll determination unit 208. To do. As a result, the image of the area frame D is scroll-displayed in the second display area 204b (see, for example, FIGS. 6 and 7).

  In step S405, the map drawing unit 231 controls the display control unit 205 to display the layer A image output to the display unit 204 in the area of the layer B surrounded by the newly drawn area frame D. In response, the map image data read from the map image storage means 221 is drawn in the VRAM 205a. Thereby, the map image is scroll-displayed in the first display area 204a (see, for example, FIGS. 6 and 7).

  Subsequently, in the process of step S406, the scroll detecting means 207 detects whether or not the scroll operation detected in the process of step S402 has ended. If the end of the scroll operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S407. On the other hand, if the end of the scroll operation is not detected, the process returns to step S403.

  Then, in the process of step S407, it is determined whether or not an operation for ending the scroll mode has been performed from the operation input unit 206. If it is determined that the operation for ending the scroll mode has been performed, the process proceeds to the process of step S408. If the mode end operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S402.

  In the process of step S408, when an operation for ending the scroll mode is performed from the operation input unit 206 by menu selection, double-clicking, or the like, a drawing process for the layer B image by the guide route drawing unit 232 is controlled by the display control unit 205. Then, the drawing process for the image of layer C by the area frame drawing means 234 is terminated and only the map image of layer A is displayed (see, for example, FIG. 8).

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the amount of scrolling performed once by the pointing device is adjusted by the magnification used for drawing the figure using the relative characteristics of the position information such as the figure representing the shape of the guide route. Therefore, it is possible to set the amount of scrolling once and the maximum amount to an optimum amount.

  For this reason, for example, the relative positional relationship (for example, the shape of the guide route) from the departure point to the destination (or current location) is drawn on a predetermined layer (relative drawing layer) on a map screen displaying a detailed area. Then, by scrolling the layer, it is possible to grasp the whole from the starting point to the destination (or current location) by one scroll operation.

  In addition, since the scroll operation is performed on the second display area 204b on which the guidance route is displayed, the user can move the map area currently displayed on the first display area 204a from the display area to the guidance route. It is possible to intuitively confirm the relative position.

  In the above embodiment, as a figure using the relative characteristics of the position information, the symbol indicating the starting point S and the destination point G as shown in FIG. 10A and the shape of the guide route r connecting the two points are used. Although the case of displaying is described, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 10 (b), only the shape of the route itself is displayed by extracting the main guide points and connecting them. Also, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), not only the symbols indicating the departure point S and the destination point G, but also main guidance points (for example, branch points and interchanges) along the route can be identified. It may be displayed in a shape with some characteristics.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the case where there is a guidance route based on the route search result distributed from the map distribution server 30 in the image of layer B displayed on the display unit 204 has been described, but in the second embodiment, the display unit 204 is displayed. A case where the layer B image displayed on the screen includes POI information based on the peripheral search result distributed from the map distribution server 30 will be described.

   FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a terminal device and a map distribution server according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the navigation system 10 ′ according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal device 20 ′ and a map distribution server 30, which are connected to each other via a network 12. The terminal device 20 ′ according to the second embodiment is different from that described above in that the terminal device 20 ′ further includes a POI determination unit 210 and the configuration of the POI data acquisition unit 213 ′, the POI data storage unit 223 ′, and the POI data drawing unit 233 ′. Other than the terminal device 20 according to the first embodiment, the configuration is the same. For this reason, the same components in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description of each operation is omitted.

  The POI data acquisition means 213 ′ requests the map distribution server 30 to search for a POI existing within a predetermined range from the current position based on the current position detected by the position detection means 203, or a display means. The POI searched by the map distribution server 30 is acquired by requesting to search for a POI within a predetermined range from the cursor point on 204, and stored in the POI data storage means 223 ′.

  The POI data storage unit 223 ′ stores the POI data acquired from the map distribution server 30 when a POI data acquisition unit 213 ′ requests a peripheral search for the POI. The POI data stored in the POI data storage unit 223 ′ is displayed by the display control unit 205 as a POI icon such as a POI marker at a corresponding position on the map image displayed on the display unit 204.

  Further, the POI data drawing unit 233 ′ is present within a predetermined range obtained as a peripheral search result as an image of layer B output to the display unit 204 based on the POI data stored in the POI data storage unit 223 ′. Image data of a figure p (for example, a black circle ●) representing the position of the POI is drawn on the VRAM 205b.

  The POI data drawing unit 233 ′ starts the drawing process of the image data of the figure p on the VRAM 205b by the operation of starting the scroll mode from the operation input unit 206. When drawing the image data of the figure p representing the position of the POI in the VRAM 205b, the optimum magnification at which all POIs obtained as a result of the peripheral search are within the display area (second display area 204b) of the layer B As shown in FIG. 2, the drawing process is executed while controlling the drawing magnification according to the retrieved POI distribution. The POI data drawing unit 233 ′ ends the drawing process of the image data of the graphic p when an operation for ending the scroll mode is performed from the operation input unit 206.

  Further, the POI data drawing unit 233 ′, based on the POI data stored in the POI data storage unit 223 ′, converts the POI basic information existing in the area frame D as the layer B image to be output to the display unit 204 into the VRAM 205b. To draw. The layer B image data related to this POI basic information is displayed as a third display area 204 c on the display screen of the display means 204.

  The third display area 204c is displayed so as to overlap the first display area 204a in the same manner as the second display area 204b, and the size thereof is changed according to the number of POIs present in the area frame D. Also good. In addition, since it is displayed so as to overlap the first display area 204a, it is displayed in a single-color translucent manner so that the map displayed in the first display area is not difficult to see, like the second display area 204b. However, it is preferable to control so that the portion of the first display area 204a that overlaps the third display area 204c is not displayed with priority given to the ease of viewing the basic information of the POI.

  Note that the POI data drawing unit 233 ′ is an image such as a POI icon as a layer A image output to the display unit 204 based on the POI information stored in the POI data storage unit 223 ′ in the same manner as the POI data drawing unit 233. Data is drawn in the VRAM 205a.

  The POI determination unit 210 detects whether or not a POI exists in the area of the layer B included in the area frame D based on the positional relationship between the figure p of the layer B and the area frame D of the layer C. This is because the position information of the POI obtained by the peripheral search stored in the POI data storage means 223 ′ is compared with the position information of the first display area 204a that is currently displayed. What is necessary is just to discriminate | determine whether the POI of a desired category is contained in 204a. Basic information about the POI detected by the POI determination unit 210 is displayed on the display unit 204.

  12 to 15 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen of the terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows an example of a map screen including the current location displayed in the normal map display mode when the vicinity is searched, and FIG. 13 shows the scroll immediately before the scroll operation is started from the map display shown in FIG. An example of the map screen displayed in the mode is shown.

  14 shows an example of a map screen displayed when the scroll operation is started from the map display shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 shows the basic information of POI displayed from the map display shown in FIG. An example of a map screen is shown.

As shown in FIG. 12, under the control of the display control unit 205, points to the first display region 204a representing the map image _{M 4,} an icon image _I 7 _{~I 10} and the current position of the various POI based around Results Mark C is displayed. A point mark C indicating the current position is displayed at the center of the screen as an initial display position immediately before the start of the scroll operation.

Next, when an operation for starting the scroll mode is performed from the operation input unit 206, the display control unit 205 controls to switch to the scroll mode as shown in FIG. 13, and is set in advance at the center on the first display area 204a. The second display area 204b having the specified size is displayed in a single-color translucent manner so as to overlap. In the second display area 204b, a graphic p representing the position of the POI existing within the predetermined range obtained as a result of the peripheral search is displayed, and the rectangular shape of the map displayed in the first display area 204a Show area frame D ₄ corresponding to the region.

At this time, the area frame includes the size of the POI distribution (figure p) of layer B displayed at a magnification that fits in the second display area 204b, and the map image M of layer A displayed in the first display area 204a. The display magnification is set to correspond to the display magnification of ₄ .

When the area frame D ₄ by scroll operation from the operation input means 206 moves to the position of the area frame D ₅ shown by a broken line in FIG. 13, as shown in FIG. 14, under the control of the display control unit 205, first map image display area 204a displays the map image M ₅ layer a corresponding to the region surrounded by the area frame D ₅ being scrolled displayed. The map M ₅ are included in addition, various POI icon image I ₁₁ of the line image, such as same roads and railways and map image M _4.

At this time, since the area frame D ₅ includes the graphic p ₁₁ representing the position of the POI, this is detected by the POI determination means 210 and, as shown in FIG. A third display area 204c having a preset size is displayed on the lower side of one display area 204a.

This third display area 204c, basic information about the POI icon images _{I 11} corresponding to the graphic _{p 11} is displayed. The basic information is displayed, POI names and contacts corresponding to the icon image I ₁₁ (such as a phone number), and the like linked to open the details in a separate window.

  Next, the operation of the map scroll display in the terminal device according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the map scroll display in the terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation procedure shown in FIG. 16 is realized by the control unit 201 of the terminal device 20 executing a control program stored in the ROM.

First, based on the peripheral search result distributed from the map distribution server 30, the terminal device 20 displays a map image or POI including the current position stored in the map image storage unit 221 as an image of layer A output to the display unit 204. A map image (for example, M ₄ shown in FIG. 12) of the peripheral search result is displayed on the display unit 204 by drawing the POI icon image existing in the vicinity of the current position stored in the data storage unit 223 ′ on the VRAM 205a. To do.

  When an operation for starting the scroll mode is performed from the operation input unit 206 by menu selection, double click, or the like, POI data is output as a layer B image to be output to the display unit 204 under the control of the control unit 201 in the process of step S501. The drawing unit 233 ′ draws the image data of the figure p representing the position of the POI in the VRAM 205b, and the area frame drawing unit 234 draws the image data of the area frame D in the VRAM 205c as the layer C image to be output to the display unit 204. To do. As a result, the second display area 204b composed of the layer B image and the layer C image is displayed on the display means 204 (see, for example, FIG. 13).

  After the scroll mode is started, in step S502, the scroll detecting unit 207 detects whether or not there is a scroll operation on the second display area 204b displayed on the display unit 204 from the operation input unit 206, and performs the scroll operation. If detected, the process proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if the scroll operation is not detected, the process returns to step S502.

  In the process of step S503, the scroll determination means 208 detects the scroll direction and the scroll amount from the detection result of the scroll detection means 207 under the control of the control means 201, and the area frame movement control means 209 controls the area in the process of step S504. The frame drawing unit 234 draws the image data of the area frame D as the layer C image to be output to the display unit 204 on the VRAM 205c while changing the drawing position according to the scroll direction and the scroll amount detected by the scroll determination unit 208. To do. As a result, the image of the area frame D is scroll-displayed in the second display area 204b (see, for example, FIG. 14).

  In step S505, the map drawing unit 231 controls the control unit 201 according to the area of the layer B surrounded by the newly drawn area frame D as the layer A image to be output to the display unit 204. The map image data read from the map image storage means 221 is drawn in the VRAM 205a. Thereby, the map image is scroll-displayed in the first display area 204a (see, for example, FIG. 14).

  Subsequently, in the process of step S506, the POI determination unit 210 detects whether or not the POI exists in the area of the layer B included in the newly drawn area frame D. If the POI is detected, the step S507 is performed. On the other hand, if no POI is detected, the process proceeds to step S508.

  In the processing of step S507, the POI data drawing unit 233 ′ controls the POI data included in the newly drawn area frame D as the layer B image to be output to the display unit 204 under the control of the control unit 201. The data is read from the storage unit 223 ′ and drawn in the VRAM 205b (see, for example, FIG. 15).

  In the process of step S508, the scroll detection unit 207 detects whether or not the scroll operation detected in the process of step S502 has ended. If the end of the scroll operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if the end of the scroll operation is not detected, the process returns to step S503.

  In step S509, it is determined whether or not an operation for ending the scroll mode has been performed from the operation input unit 206. If it is determined that an operation for ending the scroll mode has been performed, the process proceeds to step S510. If the mode end operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S502.

  In the processing of step S510, when an operation for ending the scroll mode is performed from the operation input unit 206 by menu selection, double-clicking, or the like, the POI data drawing unit 233 ′ draws the layer B image under the control of the display control unit 205. The processing and the drawing processing for the layer C image by the area frame drawing means 234 are terminated, and only the map image of the layer A is displayed.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the amount of scrolling performed once by the pointing device is used for drawing a figure using the relative characteristics of position information such as a figure representing the distribution of POI obtained by the peripheral search. Therefore, the amount of scrolling and the maximum amount can be set to the optimum amount.

  For this reason, for example, on a map screen displaying a detailed area, the relative positional relationship (for example, the shape of distribution) of a plurality of searched POIs is drawn on a predetermined layer (relative drawing layer), and this layer is displayed on this layer. On the other hand, by scrolling, it is possible to grasp the entire peripheral search result with a single scroll operation.

  In addition, since the scroll operation is performed on the second display area 204b where the POI position is displayed, the user can grasp the position and direction of the current map scrolling, the POI distribution, etc. from the display screen. It becomes possible to do.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the second display area 204b (relative drawing layer) is arranged on the first display area 204a (display area layer) and displayed in a superimposed manner has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The relative drawing layer and the display area layer may be displayed in separate windows or displays (two-screen displays).

  Moreover, although the said Example demonstrated as a communication-type navigation system which consists of a terminal device and a map delivery server, it will not be restricted to this, A terminal device and map delivery will be possible if update of map information is manageable. The present invention may be applied when the map information is downloaded to an information device that operates as a stand-alone server integrated with the information terminal and the map information is displayed by the information terminal alone.

10. Navigation system 12 ... Network 20, 20 '... Terminal devices 201, 301 ... Control means 202, 302 ... Communication means 203 ... Position detection means 204 ··· Display means 205 ··· Display control means 206 ··· Operation input means 207 ··· Scroll detection means 208 ··· Scroll determination means 209 ··· Area frame movement control means 210 ··· ... POI determination means 211 ... Map acquisition means 212 ... Guide route acquisition means 212
213, 213 '... POI data acquisition means 221 ... map image storage means 222 ... guide route storage means 223, 223' ... POI data storage means 231 ... map drawing means 232 ... Guidance route drawing means 233, 233 '... POI data drawing means 234 ... Area frame drawing means 30 ... Map distribution server 303 ... Map search means 304 ... Route search means 305... POI data search means 311... Map database 312... Network database 313.

Claims (24)

A map distribution server and a terminal device are provided, the map distribution server sends map information stored in the map database to the terminal device, and displays a predetermined map image to the user based on the map information received by the terminal device. A map display system,
The terminal device
Display means for displaying various images including the map image on a display screen;
The various images displayed on the display means are managed as different layers, and the first layer that performs display control on the map image and the relative characteristics of position information including a wider range than the map image are used. A second layer that performs display control on the displayed graphic image and a third layer that performs display control on the frame image representing the display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image are displayed on the display unit. Display control means,
Operation input means for receiving an operation input for the image of each layer;
With
The map display system, wherein the display control means scrolls the map image in the first layer in accordance with a scroll operation for moving a relative position between the graphic image and the frame image by the operation input means.   The map display system according to claim 1, wherein the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a graphic indicating a shape of a route searched as route guidance information.   The display control means controls the size of the graphic image in the second layer so that the entire graphic indicating the shape of the route retrieved as the route guidance information is within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The map display system according to claim 2, wherein:   The map display system according to claim 1, wherein the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a marker indicating a position of a facility searched as peripheral guidance information.   The display control means controls the size of the graphic image in the second layer so that markers indicating the positions of all facilities searched as the surrounding guidance information are within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The map display system according to claim 4, wherein: A scroll mode for scrolling the map image;
The display control means controls to display the second and third layers superimposed on the first layer when the operation by the operation input means is a switching operation to a scroll mode. The map display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   7. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the operation by the operation input unit is a scroll operation, the display control unit determines a movement amount of the relative position and controls scrolling of the map image. The map display system according to any one of the above.   2. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the operation by the operation input unit is a scroll operation, the display control unit determines a movement amount of the relative position and controls the size of the graphic image and the frame image. The map display system according to claim 7. A terminal device that receives map information stored in a map database from a map distribution server and displays a predetermined map image for a user based on the received map information,
Display means for displaying various images including the map image on a display screen;
The various images displayed on the display means are managed as different layers, and the first layer that performs display control on the map image and the relative characteristics of position information including a wider range than the map image are used. A second layer that performs display control on the displayed graphic image and a third layer that performs display control on the frame image representing the display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image are displayed on the display unit. Display control means,
Operation input means for receiving an operation input for the image of each layer;
With
The terminal device characterized in that the display control means scrolls the map image in the first layer in accordance with a scroll operation for moving a relative position between the graphic image and the frame image by the operation input means.   The terminal device according to claim 9, wherein the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a graphic indicating a shape of a route searched as route guidance information.   The display control means controls the size of the graphic image in the second layer so that the entire graphic indicating the shape of the route retrieved as the route guidance information is within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The terminal device according to claim 10.   The terminal device according to claim 9, wherein the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a marker indicating a position of a facility searched as peripheral guidance information.   The display control means controls the size of the graphic image in the second layer so that markers indicating the positions of all facilities searched as the surrounding guidance information are within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The terminal device according to claim 12. A scroll mode for scrolling the map image;
The display control means controls to display the second and third layers superimposed on the first layer when the operation by the operation input means is a switching operation to a scroll mode. The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 13.   15. The display control unit according to claim 9, wherein when the operation by the operation input unit is a scroll operation, the display control unit determines a movement amount of the relative position and controls scrolling of the map image. The terminal device according to any one of claims.   The display control means determines the amount of movement of the relative position and controls the size of the graphic image and the frame image when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation. The map display system according to any one of claims 15 to 15. A map display method in a terminal device that receives map information stored in a map database from a map distribution server and displays a predetermined map image for a user based on the received map information,
The terminal device
Display means for displaying various images including the map image on a display screen;
The various images displayed on the display means are managed as different layers, and the first layer that performs display control on the map image and the relative characteristics of position information including a wider range than the map image are used. A second layer that performs display control on the displayed graphic image and a third layer that performs display control on the frame image representing the display range corresponding to the map image on the graphic image are displayed on the display unit. Display control means,
Operation input means for receiving an operation input for the image of each layer;
Comprising the control of the display control means,
A first step of displaying the map image;
A second step of displaying the graphic image and the frame image;
A third step of scrolling the map image in the first layer in accordance with a scroll operation for moving a relative position between the graphic image and the frame image by the operation input means;
A map display method characterized by comprising:   The map display method according to claim 17, wherein the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a graphic indicating a shape of a route searched as route guidance information.   In the second step, the size of the graphic image is controlled in the second layer so that the entire graphic indicating the shape of the route retrieved as the route guidance information is within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The map display method according to claim 18, wherein:   The map display method according to claim 17, wherein the graphic using the relative characteristic of the position information is a marker indicating a position of a facility searched as peripheral guidance information.   In the second step, the size of the graphic image is controlled in the second layer so that markers indicating the positions of all facilities searched as the surrounding guidance information are within a predetermined display area of the display screen. The map display method according to claim 20, wherein: The terminal device has a scroll mode for scrolling the map image,
The map display method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein when the operation by the operation input means is a switching operation to a scroll mode, the steps after the second step are performed. .   23. In the third step, when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation, the amount of movement of the relative position is determined to control scrolling of the map image. The map display method according to any one of the above.   The size of the graphic image and the frame image is controlled by determining the amount of movement of the relative position when the operation by the operation input means is a scroll operation in the third step. The map display method according to any one of claims 17 to 23.

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