JP4791649B2 - Electronic map data, display control device and computer program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electronic map data including attribute information for specifying a state of a boundary region of a road, and map display using the electronic map data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the use of map data digitized so as to be usable by computers (hereinafter referred to as “electronic map data”) has become widespread. The electronic map data is used for displaying a map on a so-called personal computer, a vehicle-mounted navigation system, providing a map via the Internet, and creating a map as a printed matter.
[0003]
Electronic map data tends to include more information to help intuitive understanding of the map. For example, background information such as buildings is prepared as three-dimensional data, and three-dimensional map display is performed by computer graphics. In the two-dimensional display, types such as national roads and prefectural roads are prepared as attribute information, and display is performed by changing the color of the road based on the attribute information.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the actual situation is hardly reflected in the boundary area of the road, that is, the edge line of the road and the area along the edge line. For example, road edges may actually be provided with guardrails, sound insulation walls, etc., but such information is not included in the map data. There are various types of sidewalks on the side of the road, such as a sidewalk with a step of tens of centimeters from the road, or a sidewalk with a simple line on the shoulder, but such information is included in the map data. It wasn't. As described above, the situation of the boundary region of the road has a great influence on the intuitive grasp of the map, but the map display appropriately reflecting these has not been made.
[0005]
This invention is made | formed in view of this subject, and it aims at providing the technique which implement | achieves the map display which reflected the condition of the boundary area of a road appropriately.
[0006]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, the present invention uses a data structure including closed graphic data, edge line data, edge line attribute data, and group data for roads in electronic map data usable by a computer. . The closed graphic data is data that defines the shape of the road as a closed graphic. Usually, a polygon can be used. The edge line data is data that defines the edge line of the road. As the edge line data, both a polygonal line and a curved line can be used. The edge line attribute data is information for specifying the state of at least a part of the road boundary region. The boundary area means an edge line and an area along the edge line. A region with a predetermined width inside and outside the road is included. The group data is data that associates these data. The unit of association can be arbitrarily set. For example, association can be performed in units of road sections delimited by intersections.
[0007]
According to the data structure of the present invention, the attribute information of the boundary area can be included in the map data by the edge line attribute data. By using the edge line attribute data, it is possible to display a map that appropriately reflects the state of the road boundary region.
[0008]
The edge line attribute data can be data specifying the type of edge line, for example. In other words, the boundary portion corresponding to the edge line of the road can be information indicating the type such as a guard rail, a sound insulation wall, a step, or a median strip. More detailed information may be included depending on the type of guardrail or the like.
[0009]
The attribute “central divider” is effective when a road is defined as being duplicated. In the present invention, a road can be defined by a closed figure in units of lanes. In such a case, a plurality of closed figures are defined adjacent to each other in the width direction (hereinafter referred to as “duplicating”). In a duplicated road, the edge line data may be defined only at both ends of the road, or may be defined for each closed figure. When edge line data is defined for each closed figure, at least one edge line becomes a boundary with an adjacent lane. Therefore, for this edge line, there is a possibility that the attribute “center separation band” is given as edge line attribute data. As the edge line attribute data in the case of duplication, information such as “normal lane”, “passing prohibition”, and “protruding prohibition” may be given.
[0010]
The edge line attribute data may be data that specifies the type of the area along the edge line outside the closed graphic. For example, it is possible to have information such as the type of sidewalk next to the road, that is, a sidewalk provided with a step of several tens of centimeters from the road, or a sidewalk with a simple line drawn on the shoulder. Information such as the presence of fields, fields, rivers, and buildings may also be provided. The duplicated road may have information such as “other lanes” and information such as “lanes in the same direction” and “opposite lanes”.
[0011]
The edge line attribute data can also be data specifying the type of the area along the edge line inside the closed figure. For example, it is possible to provide information such as restriction information such as parking prohibition, the presence / absence of construction, the presence / absence of a side road, and the presence / absence of a parking meter. In a complex road, information such as the presence or absence of an uphill lane or a bus lane may be provided.
[0012]
In the present invention, the edge line is set to a constant range continuous along the closed figure. The number of edge lines varies depending on how the closed figure is defined. Moreover, a single edge line may be defined for a continuous range, or the edge line may be defined by being divided into a plurality of sections.
[0013]
By dividing into multiple sections, there is an advantage that the attribute of the boundary area can be flexibly defined regardless of the method of defining the closed figure. As an example, let us consider a case where a section defined by intersections is defined by one closed figure. In this case, the situation of the boundary region may change in the middle of the section. For example, the case where the sound insulation wall is provided to the middle of the section corresponds. In such a case, the above situation can be properly reflected as attribute information by defining the edge line separately for the part with the sound insulation wall and the part without the sound insulation wall.
[0014]
In the present invention, it is desirable that the edge line attribute data is provided separately from the attributes of the entire road. That is, it is desirable to include road attribute data related to the attribute of the entire road as data separated from the edge line attribute data. In this case, naturally, the group data is associated with the road attribute data.
[0015]
By dividing the road attribute data and the edge line attribute data, there is an advantage that the data can be easily managed and updated. The road attributes include, for example, information on the type of road such as a national road and a prefectural road, information on the shape of the road such as the number of lanes and the road width, and information on traffic restrictions such as one-way traffic. These pieces of attribute information have a relatively small variation compared to the state of the boundary region. Therefore, by dividing the road attribute data and the edge line attribute data, the two can be individually updated, and management of information related to the boundary region can be facilitated.
[0016]
The classification of road attribute data and edge line attribute data is advantageous in setting each attribute data. As an example, consider the case where closed figure data is defined by duplication. Since each closed figure differs only in the lane, the type of road is common. On the other hand, edge lines are not always common. This is because there is a case where a sound insulation wall is provided only on one shoulder of the road. If the road attribute data and the edge line attribute data are set without being divided, it is necessary to prepare the attribute data individually for each closed figure. On the other hand, when road attribute data and edge line attribute data are separated, it is sufficient to set only the edge line attribute data individually. Road attribute data can be shared or copied by each closed figure. It can be simplified. Here, the case where the road attribute data is simplified is illustrated, but similarly, the case where the edge line attribute data can be simplified is also conceivable.
[0017]
In addition to the electronic map data described above, the present invention can be configured in various modes. For example, you may comprise as the production | generation apparatus and production | generation method which produce | generate the electronic map data of this invention.
[0018]
Moreover, it can also be comprised as a display control apparatus which produces | generates the display data for displaying a map on a predetermined | prescribed display part using the aspect equivalent to the subcombination of the electronic map data of this invention, ie, electronic map data. You may comprise as a map display apparatus combined with the display part. As the display unit, a display such as a navigation system or a computer, or a projection device such as a liquid crystal projector can be used.
[0019]
The electronic map data of the present invention described above is used for display. The display control device can be configured to include a closed graphic display control unit and an edge line display control unit. The closed graphic display control unit generates data for performing road map display based on the closed graphic data. The edge line display control unit generates data for displaying a map of the boundary area in a display mode set in advance according to the edge line attribute data.
[0020]
By doing so, a map display appropriately reflecting the edge line attribute data can be performed. Various settings can be made for the display mode of the boundary region. For example, when the edge line attribute data is data indicating the type of edge line, the color, line width, line type, etc. of the edge line can be changed according to the type. If the edge line attribute data is data indicating the type of the area inside or outside the closed graphic, the display color, symbol, or the like can be changed according to the type.
[0021]
When reflecting edge line attribute data, it is desirable to display a three-dimensional map. By using the edge line attribute data, three-dimensional display that appropriately reflects the situation of the boundary region is possible, and intuitive understanding becomes easy. Since the three-dimensional display is performed to help intuitive grasp of the map, the edge line attribute data can greatly improve the convenience of the three-dimensional display.
[0022]
The present invention may be configured as a program that realizes the functions of the electronic map data generation device, the display device, and the display control device described above. Moreover, you may comprise as a recording medium which recorded these programs and electronic map data. The recording medium includes a flexible disk, CD-ROM, magneto-optical disk, IC card, ROM cartridge, punch card, printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, an internal storage device of a computer (memory such as RAM or ROM). ) And external storage devices can be used.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The embodiment of the present invention will be described by dividing it into the following items.
A. Configuration of map data generator:
[0024]
A. Configuration of map data generator:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the map data generating apparatus. The map data generation device 20 is a device that generates a map database 14 used for map display on a computer. In the present embodiment, the map data generation device 20 is constructed by installing map data generation software in a personal computer. The map database 14 is configured in a server connected to the map data generation device 20 via a network. The map database 14 may be configured integrally with the map data generation device 20.
[0025]
The map data generation device 20 is provided with the functional blocks shown in the figure. Illustrations of basic functions such as command input from an operator and display control on a personal computer are omitted. Each functional block has a function of generating map data to be stored in the map database 14.
[0026]
The road data generation unit 21 generates road data. The road data has a data structure including information on position and shape, and attribute information. The former is composed of a closed shape (hereinafter referred to as a polygon) and an edge line corresponding to the boundary line between the road and other regions. Polygon data is generated by the polygon generation unit 21a, and edge line data is generated by the edge line generation unit 21b. Attribute information is generated individually for polygons and edge lines. The attribute information for the polygon is generated by the road attribute generation unit 21c, and the attribute information for the edge line is generated by the edge line attribute generation unit 21d. As described above, the attribute data is generated by classifying the two, and thus there is an advantage that the data can be easily managed and updated. These data corresponding to a single road are related by group data. The group data is generated by the group data generation unit 21e. The structure of the road data will be described in detail later.
[0027]
Backgrounds other than roads, that is, data such as railways, buildings, and rivers are generated by the background data generation unit 22. The destination data generation unit 23 generates a destination database including buildings that can be selected as destinations in route search using map data. The destination data generation unit 23 and the background data generation unit 22 cooperate with each other so that the background data can be identified from the name of the destination. The character data generation unit 24 generates character data such as place names, and the symbol data generation unit 25 generates symbol data for displaying one-way traffic and other traffic regulation information. The character data and the symbol data are set in such a manner that the content of the mark is divided into multiple stages according to the display scale of the map.
[0028]
The integration unit 30 has a function of integrating the data generated in each functional block described above as one map data and outputting it to the map database 14. The map data may be recorded on a DVD-ROM or other recording medium ME.
[0029]
B. Road data structure:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of road data. In the present embodiment, the road data is configured in units of sections delimited by intersections. A road is schematically shown in the center of the figure. In this example, two intersections CS1 and CS2 are included. Therefore, for example, the section Rd1 delimited by both intersections is treated as a single road. By doing so, it is possible to avoid an intersection from being included in the road data, and to simplify the data structure. Of course, the road data may be defined including an intersection.
[0030]
In the drawing, the configuration of road data is exemplified for the road located on the left side of the intersection CS1. As described above, the road data is composed of the polygon POLY and the edge lines L1 and L2. The edge lines L1 and L2 are shown at positions shifted in order to facilitate the distinction from the polygon POLY.
[0031]
Data related to the polygon POLY (hereinafter referred to as “polygon data”) is shown in the lower part of the figure. The data includes shape data and road Attribute data. The shape data is data that sequentially defines the coordinates of the vertices of the polygon POLY. In the example in the figure, the vertex of the polygon POLY is defined by points a, c, f, and d. Therefore, in the shape data, the coordinates of the point a (Xa, Ya), the coordinates of the point c (Xc, Yc), etc. Define sequentially. In this embodiment, coordinates are defined in two dimensions, but may be defined in three dimensions. In the example shown in the figure, the polygon POLY is defined by four vertices. However, the polygon POLY may be defined by more points such as a curved road.
[0032]
road The attribute data includes the type of road, traffic restrictions, the number of lanes, and the like. The type of road means classification of national roads, prefectural roads, etc., and in the example shown in the figure, this road is indicated as “national road”. The traffic regulation includes information such as the maximum speed and one-way traffic, and the example shown in the figure shows that the maximum speed is 60 km / h. In the example of the figure, the lane information indicates that this road is four lanes. Road road The attribute data is information that defines attributes related to the entire road in this way, and can include various information such as information related to the elevation relationship of the road in addition to the above-described contents.
[0033]
Data related to the edge line L1 (hereinafter referred to as “edge line data”) is shown in the upper part of the figure. In the drawing, the data structure is illustrated only for the edge line L1, but data having the same structure is prepared for the edge line L2. Data on edge line L1 Borderline Shape data and Borderline Attribute data. Borderline The shape data is data that sequentially defines the coordinates of the vertices of the edge line L1. In the example of the figure, the vertex of the edge line L1 is defined by points a and b. Borderline In the shape data, the coordinates of the point a (Xa, Ya), the coordinates of the point b (Xb, Yb), etc. are sequentially defined. These points are not necessarily included in the polygon POLY. This is because the vertex of the polygon POLY and the end point of the edge line L1 may deviate at the intersection CS1 as illustrated. Of course, the setting may be such that each point defining the edge line L1 is included in each point defining the polygon POLY.
[0034]
Borderline The attribute data includes attribute information about the road boundary region. In the drawing, the case of including the type of the edge line itself, the type of the area A0 outside the road, and the type of the area Ai on the road side is illustrated. As a kind of edge line itself, classification, such as a sound insulation wall and a guardrail, is contained, for example. The classification of the area A0 includes classification of fields, rivers, sidewalks, side roads, and the like. The classification of the area Ai includes classification of the road near the edge line, for example, information about the lane near the edge line. Such information includes information such as the upslope lane and the presence or absence of a parking meter.
[0035]
The ranges of the areas A0 and Ai can be arbitrarily set. these Borderline Since the attribute data is used to realize a map display that helps intuitive understanding, the ranges of the areas Ao and Ai can be set from this viewpoint. If the targets of the areas Ao and Ai are extremely narrow, sufficient information cannot be included to help intuitive understanding. Borderline The amount of data to be held as attribute data becomes enormous. The ranges of the areas Ao and Ai can be set in consideration of, for example, a human viewing angle.
[0036]
Polygon data and edge line data are each assigned group data. The group data is data that associates polygon data and edge line data. The data illustrated in the figure is group data “1”. This value means that these data are data corresponding to a common road and the identification number is 1. In addition, the attribute information of the edge line data may include information regarding the type of the road, and the group data may be configured by including the type information in the identification number described above.
[0037]
C. Road data generation:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the road polygon generation process. This corresponds to the function of the road data generation unit 21 and is a process executed by the CPU of the map data generation device 20 in terms of hardware.
[0038]
In this process, the CPU first generates road position data (step S10). That is, the center line of the road is set as line data. This setting may be acquired from an existing database, or may be set by inputting data by an operator. Road position data can be set based on, for example, a 1/5000 topographic map issued by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.
[0039]
The outline of road data is also illustrated in the figure. In this embodiment, the intersection is set as one node, and the road data is set in units between the intersections. “●” shown in the figure corresponds to an intersection, that is, a node. The area in the figure includes eight road data R1 to R8 in units of the nodes. At this time, attribute information including level data is attached to each road. Level data is data that quantizes the height of a road. For example, “LEVEL = 0” is set for the road R4, which means that it is a road on the ground surface. The road R5 is set to “LEVEL = 20”, which means that it is an elevated road. Therefore, the intersection of R4 and R5 is not a node.
[0040]
Next, the CPU polygonizes the road data thus obtained (step S12). That is, a graphic is generated in which each road has a predetermined width. The width may be a predetermined constant value or may be set according to road lane information. At this point, a plurality of polygons are overlapped at the intersection.
[0041]
When the polygon generation is completed, the CPU generates an edge line (step S14). The edge line is a portion indicated by a thick line in the figure, and corresponds to two sides along the width of each road in the outer periphery of each polygon. Here, the overlapping of polygons is not considered. As will be described later, unnecessary edge lines are removed by post-processing, and at this time, the entire circumference of the polygon including the direction of dividing the road may be used as the edge line.
[0042]
In this embodiment, as described above, the polygon and the edge line are generated as separate objects. In this way, by generating polygons and edge lines with different objects, each can have unique attribute information, and it is possible to efficiently manage a wide range of information and display flexibility. Can be improved. For example, the line type, thickness, and color of the edge line can be flexibly changed regardless of the polygon, and the edge line can be displayed as a sound insulation wall of a certain height when performing 3D display. be able to.
[0043]
In the figure, the state of edge line generation is shown by taking the road R2 as an example. As illustrated, edge lines e1 and e2 are generated separately from the polygon p1 of the road R2. However, since both are data representing the road R2, they are associated by group data. In this embodiment, the group data includes a code representing the type of road and a group number for identifying the road. Each polygon and edge line has attribute information individually, and group data is included in this attribute information. By referring to the group number included in the attribute information of the polygon and the group number included in the attribute information of the edge line, the polygon and the edge line corresponding to one road can be easily specified.
[0044]
Next, the CPU cuts unnecessary edge lines and polygons (step S16). For example, in the process of step S14, since the edge line enters the intersection, the edge line is cut so as to remain on the outer periphery of the intersection. In the example in the figure, the polygon is not cut, but the polygon is also cut as necessary. In this embodiment, polygons are generated by dividing them by nodes. Therefore, depending on the order in which polygons are drawn within an intersection, it may be as if a relatively important road such as a national road is divided by other roads within the intersection. There is a possibility of being drawn. Polygon cutting can be performed as appropriate in order to avoid such unnatural drawing. In this embodiment, since the polygon and the edge line are generated as separate objects, there is an advantage that the cutting process can be easily performed without affecting the other shape.
[0045]
Here, the case where polygon data is generated from line segment data corresponding to the center line is illustrated, but it is also possible to generate road data using polygons from the beginning.
[0046]
D. Configuration of map display device:
Next, the use of the electronic map data generated by the map data generation device 20 will be exemplified. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the map display device. The configuration as an in-vehicle navigation system is illustrated.
[0047]
The map display device according to the embodiment includes a main body 100, a control unit 110, and a disk drive 103. The main body 100 includes a display 101 for displaying a map, a menu, and the like, and an operation unit 102 for inputting commands. The operation unit 102 can move the cursor displayed on the map or change the display scale of the map by the operation.
[0048]
A recording medium ME on which map data is recorded can be inserted into the disk drive 103. In this embodiment, a DVD-ROM is used as the recording medium ME. The map data described above is stored in the recording medium ME. In addition to this, a destination database used for route search is also registered in the recording medium ME.
[0049]
The control unit 110 is configured as a microcomputer having a CPU and a memory therein. The control unit 110 controls the map display on the display 101 based on the command input from the operation unit 102, the current position of the vehicle, and the like by the function of each functional block shown in the figure. A command from the operation unit 102 is acquired by the command input unit 116 and transferred to the reference unit 114. The command includes an instruction regarding a scale of map display, an instruction as to whether or not to perform 3D display, and the like.
[0050]
The current position of the vehicle is specified by the position detection unit 112 based on analysis of radio waves received by a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna 104. As a method for specifying the current position, various known techniques such as a hybrid method including collation between a GPS reception result and map data can be applied, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0051]
The reference unit 114 identifies map data used for display based on the command and the current position, and reads necessary data around the current position from the recording medium ME. The read data is generated by the 3D processing unit 119 to generate graphics data for three-dimensional display, and then transferred to the display control unit 118 to be displayed on the display 101. When generating graphics data, the display database 120 is referred to. The display database 120 is a database that associates road attribute information with display modes. For example, for a road (see FIG. 2) whose edge line attribute information is “sound insulation wall”, the display database 120 has a typical sound insulation wall. Form Data is provided, so that the map display is performed in the state where the sound insulation wall exists in the edge line part.
[0052]
Various modes can be provided for displaying the map. For example, a mode in which only one of two-dimensional display and three-dimensional display is displayed, a mode in which both are displayed together, and the like can be considered. When both are mixed, for example, a method of providing a window 101A in the screen of the display 101 can be adopted.
[0053]
E. Map display processing:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the map display process. Here, the process for performing the three-dimensional display is illustrated. In this process, the CPU first inputs map data (step S30). The map data is input based on the current position detected by the position detection unit 112, the display scale input by the command input unit 116, and the like.
[0054]
Next, the CPU executes polygon generation processing relating to roads based on the input map data (step S32). This process is different from the process shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 3 is a process of generating polygon data as map data, whereas this process is a process of generating display polygons based on polygon data included in the map data. For example, processing for setting the shape of a closed graphic for display based on shape data included in polygon data, processing for setting a color for filling a closed graphic with reference to attribute information, and the like are included.
[0055]
Thereafter, the CPU performs a process of setting the display mode of the boundary area based on the edge line attribute data (step S34). As described above, the control unit 110 includes a display database 120, which is a typical example for performing display according to edge line attribute data. Form Contains data. In the process of step S34, the CPU refers to this database and sets the display mode. In this embodiment, the edge line attribute data also includes information related to areas outside the road and on the road side (areas Ao and Ai in FIG. 2). Therefore, depending on the content of the edge line attribute data, not only the road edge line display mode but also the road itself and the background display mode may be set in the process of step S34.
[0056]
When the preparation of 3D data is completed in this way, the CPU performs 3D graphics data generation processing and displays it on the display 101 (steps S36 and S38). Three-dimensional display data is generated based on the prepared 3D data. Since various existing techniques can be applied to the graphics processing in this step, detailed description is omitted.
[0057]
In the 3D display, it is normal to display the background of a building or the like in combination with the road in a three-dimensional manner. As for the background, 3D data that can be used for 3D graphics processing may be prepared in advance as map data, or may be generated in a 3D processing routine in the same manner as a road. In the latter case, a method of generating three-dimensional data based on a two-dimensional shape prepared as map data and height information prepared as attribute information can be applied.
[0058]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the edge line attribute data and the display mode. Borderline Borderline In the attribute data, when “stepped sidewalk” is set as the attribute of the area Ao outside the road, a sidewalk with a step with respect to the road is displayed as illustrated. The display database 120 is preliminarily provided with the data indicated by the arrow in the region Ao in the figure, and the illustrated display is performed using this data. Similarly, when “side road” is set as the attribute of the area Ao outside the road, the side road is displayed as illustrated. In this case, the display database 120 is preliminarily provided with the separation road between the main road and the side road and the display data for the side road, and the display shown in FIG. In addition, the attribute of the area Ao can include various types such as a background with a stepped sidewalk, a field, a river, and the like.
[0059]
Below, the display mode of the area Ai on the road side is illustrated. When “parking meter” is set as the attribute of this area, a parking frame (hatched portion in the figure) is displayed on the road as illustrated. The display database 120 is provided with data for displaying this frame on the road. When “parking (stop) parking prohibition” is set as an attribute, a curb indicating parking (stopping) parking prohibition is displayed on the shoulder as illustrated. The display database 120 is provided with data for displaying the curb. In addition, various attributes can be set in the area Ai.
[0060]
In FIG. 6, illustrations of the attributes and display modes of the edge lines themselves are omitted. However, as with the areas Ao and Ai, the display data provided in the display database 120 is also used for the edge lines according to the attributes. Display can be performed.
[0061]
According to the electronic map data of the present embodiment described above and the map display device using the electronic map data, Borderline By utilizing the attribute data, it is possible to display a map that appropriately reflects the situation of the road boundary region. Therefore, a map display that is easy to grasp can be realized. Especially for 3D display Borderline By using the attribute data, it is easy to intuitively understand the map, and the convenience of three-dimensional display can be greatly improved.
[0062]
F. Variations:
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of the edge line attribute data. Here, a case where road data is defined by adjoining a plurality of polygons in the width direction (hereinafter referred to as “duplicating”) is illustrated. The up lane is defined by polygon POLY1 and edge lines L11 and L12, and the down lane is defined by polygon POLY2 and edge lines L21, L22a and L22b. These data are related as one group. It is not always necessary to distinguish between uplink and downlink in the recovery, and various settings are possible. For example, the main line and the side road may be duplicated and defined by individual polygons.
[0063]
Attribute data is prepared for each polygon and edge line. Here, a modification of the edge line attribute data will be described, focusing on the edge lines L21, L22a, and L22b of the down lane.
[0064]
Regarding the edge line L21, the area Ao outside the road and the area Ai on the road side exist in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. In this example, the area Ao outside the road is substantially an up lane. Therefore, the edge line L21 Borderline The attribute data can include a “median strip” as the type of edge line. In other words, Borderline The attribute data is not limited to information indicating the road shoulder state. In the area Ao Borderline The attribute data may include information such as “opposite lane”. In other words, the area Ao outside the road Borderline The attribute data is not necessarily limited to types other than roads, such as sidewalks and backgrounds. Also, the edge line L21 Borderline The attribute data can also include regulation information such as “prohibit overtaking”. In other words, Borderline The attribute data can include not only restriction information such as parking prohibition but also restriction information related to vehicle travel.
[0065]
The edge lines L22a and L22b are examples defined by dividing a continuous section into two edge lines. Borderline Attribute data is prepared for each edge line. In the example in the figure, for the road side area, the attributes of “parking prohibited” (hatching area in the figure) for the edge line L22a and “parking available” for the edge line L22b are set. In this way, by dividing and setting the edge line data, it is possible to relatively easily set and manage data reflecting the attributes of each section when the boundary region has different attributes for each section. Become. In FIG. 7, the compounded road is targeted, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied when the road is defined by a single polygon as in the embodiment.
[0066]
In the embodiment, the case where three-dimensional display is performed is illustrated, but the edge line is displayed when two-dimensional display is performed. Borderline The attribute data may be used. For example, Borderline Depending on the attribute data, the display color, line type, thickness, etc. of the road edge line can be switched and displayed. Similarly for the area outside the road and the area on the road side, Borderline The display color, symbol, etc. can be switched according to the attribute data.
[0067]
In the embodiment, an example of using the electronic map data is shown by taking an in-vehicle navigation system as an example. The electronic map data generated in this embodiment can be used in the same way in map display software provided as computer application software.
[0068]
In the embodiment (see FIG. 5), the mode in which the map data is read from the recording medium ME and displayed is exemplified. On the other hand, you may take the aspect which receives and displays map data via a network.
[0069]
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that various configurations can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each of the above processes may be realized by hardware as well as by software.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of a map data generation device.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of road data.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of road polygon generation processing.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a map display device.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of map display processing.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between edge line attribute data and a display mode.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of edge line attribute data.
[Explanation of symbols]
14 ... Map database
20 ... Map data generator
21 ... Road data generation unit
21a ... Polygon generator
21b. Edge line generator
21c ... Road attribute generation unit
21d: Edge attribute generation unit
21e ... Group data generation unit
22 ... Background data generator
23 ... Destination data generation unit
24: Character data generation unit
25. Symbol data generation unit
30 ... Integration Department
100 ... body
101 ... Display
101A ... Window
102 ... operation unit
103 ... disk drive
110 ... Control unit
112 ... Position detection unit
114 ... Reference part
116: Command input part
118: Display control unit
120 ... display database

Claims (5)

A computer is available , electronic map data stored in a storage unit of the computer ,
Closed figure data that defines the shape of the road as a closed figure,
Edge line shape data that sequentially defines the coordinates of the vertexes of the edge line corresponding to the boundary line between the road and the other area represented by the closed figure data, the external area along the edge line outside the closed figure, and the closed figure Are associated with edge line attribute data including information specifying each type of internal region along the edge line, and edge line data defining the edge line ;
And form data for displaying a shape corresponding to the type of the external area or the internal area of the edge line attribute data,
Computer reads the edge line data included in the display range from the storage unit, and selection unit of the computer to select the form data based on the internal type and an external type of edge line attribute data of said edge line data The electronic map data , wherein the display control unit of the computer is used for arranging the form data in a region along the edge line shape data of the edge line data and displaying it on the display unit of the computer . The electronic map data according to claim 1,
The edge line is electronic map data set by being divided into a plurality of continuous sections along the closed figure. The electronic map data according to claim 1,
The edge attribute data includes road attribute data relating to the attribute of the entire road associated with the edge line data and the edge line attribute data, as data separated from the edge line attribute data ,
The electronic map data , wherein the computer is further used for setting a fill color of the closed figure data based on the road attribute data and displaying the same on the display unit . A display control device that displays a map on a predetermined display unit using electronic map data stored in a storage unit ,
The electronic map data is
Closed figure data that defines the shape of the road as a closed figure,
Edge line shape data that sequentially defines the coordinates of the vertexes of the edge line corresponding to the boundary line between the road and the other area represented by the closed figure data, the external area along the edge line outside the closed figure, and the closed figure Are associated with edge line attribute data including information specifying each type of internal region along the edge line, and edge line data defining the edge line ;
And form data for displaying a shape corresponding to the type of the external area or the internal area of the edge line attribute data,
The edge line data included in the display range is read from the storage unit, and the selection unit of the computer selects the form data based on the internal type and the external type of the edge line attribute data of the edge line data, and the computer The display control unit arranges the form data in a region along the edge line shape data of the edge line data and displays the form data on the display unit of the computer . A computer program for causing a computer to display a map on a predetermined display unit using electronic map data stored in a storage unit,
The electronic map data is
Closed figure data that defines the shape of the road as a closed figure,
Edge line shape data that sequentially defines the coordinates of the vertexes of the edge line corresponding to the boundary line between the road and the other area represented by the closed figure data, the external area along the edge line outside the closed figure, and the closed figure Are associated with edge line attribute data including information specifying each type of internal region along the edge line, and edge line data defining the edge line ;
And form data for displaying a shape corresponding to the type of the external area or the internal area of the edge line attribute data,
The edge line data included in the display range is read from the storage unit, and the selection unit of the computer selects the form data based on the internal type and the external type of the edge line attribute data of the edge line data, and the computer A computer program for causing the computer to realize a function of displaying the form data on a display unit of the computer by arranging the form data in an area along the edge line data of the edge line data .

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