JP5348052B2 - Map data management apparatus, map data management method, and information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

When information related to a first country selected through an information terminal is received, a server control portion of a management server classifies other countries besides the first country into a first group and a second group. If information related to a second country included in the first group is subsequently received from the information terminal (a Yes determination at step S1-14), the server control portion generates common map data that includes the first country and the second country, and controls such that the common map data is transmitted to the information terminal.

Description

  The present invention relates to a map data management device and a map data management method for managing map data classified by country. The present invention also relates to an information terminal that receives map data from a map data management device.

  In recent years, vehicles equipped with navigation devices have been shipped to multiple countries. Therefore, as a navigation device having a function of setting the destination country of the vehicle, for example, a navigation device described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In this navigation device, a user or manufacturer inputs information related to the destination country of the vehicle before shipping the vehicle, etc., and a map adapted to the circumstances of the destination country such as a border dispute with a neighboring country is displayed on the display screen. ing.

  In addition, when providing map data to users as a package that combines map data from multiple countries, the navigation device manufacturer can combine map data in consideration of border disputes and friendly relations between countries. Map data to be provided to users was created by selecting countries.

JP 2008-281353 A

  By the way, in recent years, there has been proposed a technique for causing a user to download map data and providing a map based on the downloaded map data. In such a method, there is a possibility that map data of a plurality of countries can be packaged and downloaded by a user's free selection without considering the intention of the above-mentioned package creation that has been performed by the manufacturer of the navigation device. There is. In other words, the user may be required to download map data for a plurality of countries that are not desirable to combine due to problems such as border disputes and friendly relations.

  This invention is made in view of such a situation, The objective is the map data management apparatus, map data management method, and information which can provide a user with the map data based on friendly relations between countries. To provide a terminal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 relating to a map data management device stores map data classified by country in a map data management device that transmits and receives information to and from an information terminal. Map storage means, information storage means for storing information on friendly relations between countries, and information on the first country selected by the information terminal, based on information on friendly relations between the countries, Classification means for classifying a country other than the first country into a first group and a second group different from the first group, and a first different from the first country selected by the information terminal A determination unit that determines whether or not the second country is included in the first group when information on two countries is received; and the second country is included in the first group by the determination unit Determined A generating unit that generates common map data including the first country and the second country based on map data stored in the map storage unit; and the common map data generated by the generating unit as the information And a communication control means for causing the terminal to transmit.

  According to the above configuration, when the information about the first country is received, the countries other than the first country among the plurality of countries that can provide the map data based on the information about the friendly relationship between the countries are the first. And a second group. When information about the second country is received thereafter, it is determined whether the second country is included in the first group or the second group. When it is determined that the second country is included in the first group, common map data including the first country and the second country is generated based on the map data stored in the map storage unit, Common map data is transmitted to the information terminal. Therefore, the latest map data including the first country and the second country can be provided based on the friendly relationship between the countries.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the map data management device according to the first aspect, the communication control means performs classification by the classification means when receiving information on the first country selected by the information terminal. The gist is to cause the information terminal to transmit classification information regarding at least one of the first group and the second group.

  According to the above configuration, when the classification process for a country other than the first country is completed, the classification information is transmitted to the information terminal. Therefore, when selecting a country next to the first country, the information terminal side can determine whether the country desired to be selected is included in the first group or the second group.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the map data management device according to the first or second aspect, the communication control means determines that the second country is included in the second group by the determination means. In this case, the gist is to cause the information terminal to transmit information indicating that the selection of the second country is prohibited.

  According to the above configuration, when information related to the second country included in the second group is received, the information terminal is transmitted to the effect that selection of the second country is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user who uses the information terminal to reselect the second country. Alternatively, it is possible to prompt the user who uses the information terminal to make a final determination as to whether there is no mistake in selecting the second country. The “prohibition” in the present invention is a concept that prohibits the information terminal from transmitting the map data of the selected second country, and the information terminal actually transmits the map data of the selected second country to the information terminal. It includes both a concept that prompts the user to make a final decision as to whether or not it is good.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the map data management device according to the first or second aspect, the communication control means determines that the second country is included in the second group by the determination means. In this case, the gist is to individually transmit the map data of the first country and the map data of the second country to the information terminal.

  According to the above configuration, when the second country is included in the second group, the map data for the first country and the map data for the second country are individually transmitted to the information terminal. Therefore, the map data of the first country and the map data of the second country can be provided to the user of the information terminal as desired by the user.

  Further, the invention according to claim 5 relating to the information terminal is a display means for displaying a display area for each country in the information terminal for transmitting / receiving information to / from the map data management device according to claim 2, map data Operating means operated to select a country from which to acquire the map data, information on the country selected by the operation of the operating means is transmitted to the map data management apparatus, and map data received from the map data management apparatus Terminal control means for performing storage processing for storing the information in a storage medium, and the terminal control means corresponds to a country included in the first group when the classification information is received from the map data management device The gist is to control the display means so that the display mode is different between the display area to be displayed and the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group.

  According to the above configuration, when information about the first country is transmitted from the information terminal to the map data management device, the information terminal receives the classification information from the map data management device. Then, on the display means of the information terminal, the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group and the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group are displayed in different display modes. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a user operating the information terminal will select a country included in the second group.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention relating to an information terminal, a display area for each country is displayed on an information terminal that receives map data from a map data management device and stores the received map data in a storage medium. Display means, operation means operated to select a country from which map data is to be acquired, and information related to the country selected by operation of the operation means is transmitted to the map data management apparatus, and the map data management apparatus Terminal control means for performing storage processing for storing the map data received from the storage medium in the storage medium, and the terminal control means, when the first country is selected by the operation of the operation means, the first country Information related to the country is transmitted to the map data management device, and then the countries other than the first country are classified into a first group and a second group different from the first group. When the received classification information is received from the map data management device, it is displayed in a display area corresponding to the country included in the first group and a display area corresponding to the country included in the second group. The gist of the invention is to control the display means so as to change the aspect.

  According to the above configuration, when information about the first country is transmitted from the information terminal to the map data management device, the information terminal receives the classification information from the map data management device. Then, on the display means of the information terminal, the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group and the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group are displayed in different display modes. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a user operating the information terminal will select a country included in the second group.

  The invention according to claim 7 relating to the map data management method provides map data by the map data management device when information on the first country transmitted from the information terminal is received by the map data management device. Classification step of classifying other countries other than the first country into the first group and the second group different from the first group by the map data management device based on the friendship between possible countries And after the classification step, the second country is included in the first group when information on a second country different from the first country is received by the map data management device from the information terminal. A determination step for causing the map data management device to determine whether or not the second country is included in the first group in the determination step, including the first country and the second country A generating step of generating through map data to the map data management device, and summarized in that and a transmission step of transmitting to the information terminal a common map data from the map data management device generated in the generation step.

  According to the said structure, the effect equivalent to the said map data management apparatus can be acquired.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the map data management system of 1st Embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram of a map showing the whole of Country A, Country B, Country C, Country D and Country E, (b) is a schematic diagram of a map of Country A claimed by Country A, and (c) is Country B. (D) is a schematic diagram of a map of Country C claimed by Country C, (e) is a schematic diagram of a map of Country D claimed by Country D, and (f) is an E A schematic diagram of a map of country E claimed by the country. The table | surface which shows an example of an information table. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of a navigation apparatus. The flowchart explaining the map information transmission process routine performed in a management server, and the map information acquisition process routine performed in an information terminal in 1st Embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a display screen when the first country is not yet selected, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a display screen when the first country is selected. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows a display screen when 2nd country is selected, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows a display screen when selection prohibition country is selected. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows a display screen when selection of a country is completed, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows a display screen while downloading map information. The flowchart explaining the switching determination processing routine performed with a navigation apparatus. The flowchart explaining the map information transmission process routine performed in a management server, and the map information acquisition process routine performed in an information terminal in 2nd Embodiment. In 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen when the 1st country is not yet selected, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen when the 1st country is selected. The flowchart explaining the map information transmission process routine performed in a management server, and the map information acquisition process routine performed in an information terminal in 3rd Embodiment. In 3rd Embodiment, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen when the 1st country is not yet selected, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen when the 1st country is selected. The block diagram which shows typically the map data management system of 4th Embodiment. The flowchart explaining the map information transmission process routine performed in a management server, and the map information acquisition process routine performed in an information terminal in 4th Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the map data management system 11 of this embodiment is a system that can provide map data for a country desired by a user. Such a map data management system 11 includes a management server 12 as a map data management device, and information terminals 14 (14a, 14b, 14c,...) Capable of transmitting and receiving various types of information via the management server 12 and the network 13 or the like. ing.

  The management server 12 includes a server control unit 15 as a communication control unit, a communication unit 16, a map storage unit 17 as a map storage unit, and a country information storage unit 18 as an information storage unit. The server control unit 15 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). And the server control part 15 reads the information memorize | stored in each memory | storage part 17 and 18, or outputs a control command and various information to the communication part 16, when CPU runs various programs memorize | stored in ROM suitably. To do.

  When a control command is input from the server control unit 15, the communication unit 16 transmits information based on the control command to the information terminal 14 (for example, the information terminal 14a). Further, when receiving information from the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c...), The communication unit 16 outputs the information to the server control unit 15.

  The map storage unit 17 is composed of a hard disk as an example. The map storage unit 17 includes map information (that is, country A map information 19A and country B for all countries) that can be provided to the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, ...) in this embodiment (5 countries). Map information 19B, map information for country C 19C, map information for country D 19D and map information for country E 19E) are stored. The country A map information 19 </ b> A includes country A map data 20, route data (also referred to as “route network data”) 21, and POI (Point Of Interest) data 22. Similarly, the map information 19B to 19E for countries other than the country A have map data 20, route data 21, and POI data 22 for each country.

  The route data 21 includes node data related to nodes and link data related to links. The node is set at an intersection or a road end point, and the node data includes the coordinates and identifiers of the node. The link is set between the nodes, and the link data includes a link identifier, a connection node identifier, a link cost used for route search, and the like. The POI data 22 includes data such as the name of a specific point or facility (for example, a restaurant or a hotel) and the genre (type) of the specific point or facility.

  The map data 20 for each country is map data including border lines recognized by each country. However, border lines may not be established between neighboring countries. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), country A and country C differ in the position of the border line that asserts each other, and in the vicinity of the border between country A and country C, both countries have territorial rights. There is a region 23 (hereinafter also referred to as a “first region”). In addition, Country B and Country E differ from each other in the position of their borders, and in the vicinity of the border between Country B and Country E, there is a first region 24 in which both countries claim their own territorial rights. Exists. In addition, countries C and D differ in the position of the border lines that claim each other, and in the vicinity of the border between countries C and D, there is a first region 25 in which both countries claim sovereignty. Exists.

  The map shown in FIG. 2 (b) is a map based on the map data 20 for country A recognized by country A, and the first region 23 is drawn as the territory of country A on this map. . Further, the map shown in FIG. 2C is a map based on the country B map data 20 recognized by the country B. In this map, the first region 24 is drawn as the territory of the country B. . Further, the map shown in FIG. 2 (d) is a map based on the C country map data 20 recognized by the C country. In this map, both the first regions 23 and 25 are drawn as the territory of the C country. It is. Further, the map shown in FIG. 2 (e) is a map based on the D country map data 20 recognized by the D country, and the first region 25 is drawn as the territory of the D country on this map. . The map shown in FIG. 2 (f) is a map based on the E country map data 20 recognized by the E country, and the first region 24 is drawn as the territory of the E country on this map. . That is, the map storage unit 17 stores the map data 20 classified for each country.

  The country information storage unit 18 is configured by a hard disk as an example. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the country information storage unit 18 stores an information table indicating friendly relations between countries that can provide map information. In this embodiment, this information table relates to information on whether or not a border is established between countries, and whether or not diplomatic relations between countries are good as information on friendly relations between countries. Have information. That is, the border between Country A and Country B is fixed, and the diplomatic relations between Country A and Country B are very good. In addition, the border between Country A and Country C has not been established, and the diplomatic relations between Country A and Country C are poor. In addition, the border between Country A and Country D has been established, and the diplomatic relations between Country A and Country D are very good. Moreover, while borders have been established between countries A and E, diplomatic relations between countries A and E are not very good.

  While Country B and Country C are not adjacent to each other, diplomatic relations between Country B and Country C are not very good. In addition, Country B and Country D are not adjacent to each other, and diplomatic relations between Country B and Country D are very good. In addition, the border between Country B and Country E has not been established, and the diplomatic relations between Country B and Country E are steep. The border between Country C and Country D has not been established, and the diplomatic relations between Country C and Country D are poor. In addition, Country C and Country E are not adjacent to each other, and diplomatic relations between Country C and Country E are very good. A border has been established between Country D and Country E, and diplomatic relations between Country D and Country E are very good.

  Note that the map information 19A to 19E and the information table stored in each of the storage units 17 and 18 include changes in each country's assertion (for example, the position of the claimed border line changes) and political current events in each country (for example, , Alliance relations), etc., as appropriate to the latest information.

Next, the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c ...) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the information terminal 14 (14a, 14b, 14c...) Is a terminal used at home as an example, downloads map information from the management server 12, and stores the map information in a nonvolatile storage medium. 30 is an apparatus to be stored. In the present embodiment, the non-volatile storage medium 30 indicates a storage medium that retains stored contents even when power supply to the storage medium 30 is interrupted, and includes a hard disk.

  The information terminals (14a, 14b, 14c...) Include an information terminal main body 31, a display device 33 as a display unit having a display screen 32, and an operation unit 34 (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) as an operation unit operated by a user. ). The information terminal main body 31 includes a holder portion 35 to which the storage medium 30 is detachably attached, and a controller 36 that comprehensively controls the information terminal 14.

  The controller 36 includes a terminal control unit 37, an image processing unit 38, a communication unit 39, and a terminal memory 40. The terminal control unit 37 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). The terminal control unit 37 outputs a control command corresponding to the operation status of the operation unit 34 to the communication unit 39, the image processing unit 38, or the like, or outputs a control command based on information received via the communication unit 39. The information is output to the processing unit 38 or information is stored in the storage medium 30.

  The image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 so that an image corresponding to a control command from the terminal control unit 37 is displayed on the display screen 32. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the terminal control unit 37 and the image processing unit 38 constitute a terminal control unit.

  When a control command is input from the terminal control unit 37, the communication unit 39 transmits information based on the control command to the management server 12. Further, when receiving information from the management server 12, the communication unit 39 temporarily stores the information in the terminal memory 40.

Next, a navigation device for a vehicle to which the storage medium 30 in which the map information is stored in the information terminal 14 is mounted will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, a navigation device 50 as a map display control device includes an input / output device 51 as a display means, a position detection device 52 for detecting the position of the host vehicle, and the position detection device 52. A navigation control device 53 that performs various controls based on the detection result and a holder portion 54 to which the storage medium 30 is detachably mounted are provided. The input / output device 51 includes a display 55 as a display screen, a touch panel 56 as operation means disposed on the front side of the display 55, and operation buttons 57 as operation means. In addition, the input / output device 51 includes a speaker (not shown) for performing various types of guidance to the passengers of the host vehicle by voice.

  The display 55 uses a color liquid crystal display. Although described later in detail, an image (for example, a screen for inputting a map or a destination) is displayed on the display 55 according to information output from the navigation control device 53.

  The touch panel 56 is a transparent contact detection panel overlaid on almost the entire surface of the display 55. When the user touches the touch panel 56 with a fingertip or the like in accordance with the display on the display 55, a signal corresponding to the touched position (also referred to as “display area”) on the touch panel 56 is transmitted to the navigation control device 53. Is output. The operation button 57 is operated when changing an image displayed on the display 55. For example, when a map is displayed on the display 55, when a destination button operation is performed, a signal corresponding to the operation mode is output to the navigation control device 53.

  The position detection device 52 detects a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 58 that receives information on the absolute position of the host vehicle such as latitude / longitude information from an unillustrated artificial satellite, and detects azimuth angle information indicating the traveling direction of the host vehicle. And a vehicle speed sensor 60 that detects vehicle speed information related to the traveling speed of the host vehicle.

  The navigation control device 53 includes a sensor input interface 61, a communication interface 62, an image memory 63, a navigation control unit 64, and an image processor 65. The navigation control device 53 can input / output information to / from the storage medium 30 attached to the holder unit 54. Signals from the touch panel 56 of the input / output device 51, the operation buttons 57, and the GPS receiver 58 of the position detection device 52 are input to the communication interface 62. Sensor signals from the gyro sensor 59 and the vehicle speed sensor 60 of the position detection device 52 are input to the sensor input interface 61.

  The image memory 63 stores image data for displaying an image other than a map on the display 55. For example, the image memory 63 stores an initial screen to be displayed on the display 55 when an ignition switch (not shown) of the host vehicle is turned on, an input screen for inputting a destination, and the like.

  The navigation control unit 64 controls the navigation device 50 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). For example, when the navigation control unit 64 acquires the absolute position of the host vehicle based on the GPS signal from the GPS reception unit 58, the navigation control unit 64 issues a control command to display a map around the absolute position of the host vehicle on the display 55. Output to the image processor 65. When the destination is set by the touch panel 56 or the operation button 57, the navigation control unit 64 searches for a route from the current position of the own vehicle (that is, the absolute position of the own vehicle) to the destination, A control command for displaying a map depicting the searched route on the display 55 is output to the image processor 65.

  When a control command for displaying a map on the display 55 is input from the navigation control unit 64, the image processor 65 reads map data from the storage medium 30, performs image processing, and displays a map or the like on the display 55. Let Further, when a control command for inputting a destination is input from the navigation control unit 64, the image processor 65 reads image data corresponding to the control command from the image memory 63, performs image processing, and performs display 55. Display an input screen. Therefore, in this embodiment, the navigation control unit 64 and the image processor 65 constitute display control means.

  Next, when the user downloads the map information using the map data management system 11 of the present embodiment, the map information transmission processing routine executed on the management server 12 side and the map information acquisition executed on the information terminal 14 side The processing routine will be described based on each flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and schematic diagrams of screens shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG.

First, a map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control unit 15 of the management server 12 will be described.
In the map information transmission processing routine, the server control unit 15 determines whether or not map information acquisition start information has been received from the information terminal 14 via the communication unit 16 (step S1-10). This map information acquisition start information includes identification information of the information terminal 14 (for example, the information terminal 14a) that has transmitted the information. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 specifies the information terminal 14 (for example, the information terminal 14a) that has transmitted the map information acquisition start information (step S1-11). And the server control part 15 determines whether the country name information regarding the country (for example, A country) selected with the specified information terminal 14 was received (step S1-12). In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, countries that desire to acquire map information are selected one by one by the user on the information terminal 14. Therefore, every time a country is selected on the information terminal 14 side, the management server 12 receives country name information relating to the selected country.

  When the determination result of step S1-12 is negative, the server control unit 15 repeatedly performs the determination process of step S1-12 until country name information is received from the identified information terminal 14. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S1-12 is affirmative, the server control unit 15 performs warning determination processing because it has received the country name information (step S1-13). Specifically, the server control unit 15 ends the warning determination process when the classification process (step S1-18 described later) has not been executed. On the other hand, if the classification process has been executed, the server control unit 15 determines whether the country included in the country name information received in step S1-12 (for example, country C) is included in the first group. Determine if it is included in the group.

  When the warning determination process ends, the server control unit 15 determines whether the country selected by the information terminal 14 is a selection-prohibited country as a result of the warning determination process (that is, whether the country included in the second group has been selected). No) is determined (step S1-14). Therefore, in this embodiment, the server control unit 15 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether the selected country is included in the first group or the second group. In addition, a determination step is configured by steps S1-13 and S1-14.

  When the determination result of step S1-14 is affirmative determination, the server control unit 15 selects the selected country (second country) as information that prohibits the selection of the selected country (second country). The warning information to that effect is transmitted from the communication unit 16 to the information terminal 14 identified in step S1-11 (step S1-15), and the process proceeds to step S1-12 described above. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S1-14 is affirmative determination, the server control unit 15 permits the acquisition of the map information of the selected country because the selected country is included in the first group. Is transmitted from the communication unit 16 to the information terminal 14 identified in step S1-11 (step S1-16). When the classification process is not executed, that is, when the first country is selected, the server control unit 15 determines that the determination process in step S1-14 is affirmative and performs the process in step S1-16.

  Subsequently, the server control unit 15 determines whether selection completion information has been received from the information terminal 14 identified in Step S1-11 (Step S1-17). This selection completion information is information transmitted from the information terminal 14 when the information terminal 14 side completes selection of a country in which acquisition of map information is desired. If the determination result of step S1-17 is negative, the server control unit 15 has not received selection completion information (that is, has not transmitted selection completion information at the information terminal 14), and therefore executes classification processing. (Step S1-18). Specifically, the server control unit 15 reads an information table stored in the country information storage unit 18. And the server control part 15 classify | categorizes the country (in this case B country, D country, E country) with comparatively high friendship with the country (for example, A country) already selected into the 1st group, The selected country (for example, country A) and the country having a relatively low degree of friendship (in this case, country C) are classified into a second group different from the first group. Further, when there are a plurality of selected countries (for example, when country A and country B are selected), the server control unit 15 classifies country D into the first group, while country C and country E are classified. Classify into the second group.

  In the present embodiment, “a country with a relatively high degree of friendship” and “a country with a relatively low degree of friendship” are selected countries (first country) as an example of information on friendship between countries. Are classified according to whether or not the position of the border has been determined (see FIG. 3). In other words, “a country with a relatively high degree of friendship” indicates a country where the position of the border line with the selected country has been determined, while “a country with a relatively low degree of friendship” , Indicates the country where the position of the border line with the selected country is uncertain.

  And the server control part 15 produces | generates the classification information regarding a 1st group and a 2nd group. Therefore, in this embodiment, the server control unit 15 selects a country other than the selected country (first country) based on the information on the friendly relationship between the countries stored in the country information storage unit 18. It also functions as a classification means for classifying into one group and a second group. Step S1-18 corresponds to a classification step.

  When the classification process ends, the server control unit 15 causes the information terminal 14 identified in step S1-11 to transmit the classification information generated in step S1-18 from the communication unit 16 (step S1-19). Thereafter, the server control unit 15 proceeds to step S1-12 described above.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S1-17 is affirmative, the server control unit 15 performs the map data generation process because the selection completion information has been received (step S1-20). That is, when the number of selected countries is one country (for example, when only D country is selected), the server control unit 15 reads the D country map information 19D from the map storage unit 17 and generates map data. The process ends.

  Further, when the number of selected countries is a plurality of countries (for example, three countries), the server control unit 15 maps each piece of map information 19A for each selected country (for example, Country A, Country B and Country D). 19B and 19D are read from the map storage unit 17. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 combines the map data 20 for each country included in each map information 19A, 19B, 19D to generate one common map data. Similarly, the server control unit 15 synthesizes the route data 21 and POI data 22 for each country included in each map information 19A, 19B, 19D, and generates common route data and common POI data common to each country. Then, the server control unit 15 generates common map information including the generated common map data, common route data, and common POI data. Therefore, in this embodiment, the server control unit 15 also functions as a generation unit. Step S1-20 corresponds to a generation step.

  When the map information generation process ends, the server control unit 15 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the map information (or common map information) generated in step S1-20 to the information terminal 14 specified in step S1-11. (Step S1-21). Therefore, in this embodiment, the server control unit 15 also functions as a communication control unit. Step S1-21 corresponds to a transmission step.

  Next, a map information acquisition process routine executed by the terminal control unit 37 of the information terminal 14 will be described. This map information acquisition processing routine is executed when the storage medium 30 is mounted on the holder unit 35 and an operation for acquiring map information is performed on the operation unit 34.

  In the map information acquisition processing routine, the terminal control unit 37 transmits map information acquisition start information including the identification information of the information terminal 14 from the communication unit 39 (step S2-10). Subsequently, the terminal control unit 37 displays a control command for displaying on the display screen 32 a screen for allowing the user to set the number of countries desired to be selected (hereinafter also referred to as “country number setting screen”). It outputs to the process part 38 (step S2-11). Then, the image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 to display the country number setting screen on the display screen 32.

  And the terminal control part 37 determines whether the number of countries was set by operation of the operation part 34 by a user (step S2-12). When this determination result is a negative determination, the terminal control unit 37 repeatedly performs the determination process of step S2-12 until the number of countries is set. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S2-12 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 sets “1” for the set number N because the country number (for example, 3) is set (step S2-13). . Here, based on the number of countries set by the user here, a country threshold value KN described later is set by the terminal control unit 37. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 37 sends a control command to the image processing unit 38 to display on the display screen 32 a screen for allowing the user to acquire map information (hereinafter also referred to as “map information acquisition screen”). Output (step S2-14). At this time, when the classification information has already been received from the management server 12 side, the terminal control unit 37 issues a control command to display a map information acquisition screen having a display mode corresponding to the classification information. Output to. Then, the image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 so that a map information acquisition screen corresponding to the control command input from the terminal control unit 37 is displayed on the display screen 32.

Here, the case where the classification information has not been received will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the image processing unit 38 displays a plurality of (in this embodiment, five) display areas corresponding to selectable countries on the display screen 32 of the display device 33. The display device 33 is controlled. As an example, the display area 70A corresponding to country A is displayed in a shape corresponding to the outline shape of country A, and the display area 70B corresponding to country B is displayed in a shape corresponding to the outline shape of country B. The The display area 70C corresponding to country C is displayed in a shape corresponding to the outline shape of country C, and the display area 70D corresponding to country D is displayed in a shape corresponding to the outline shape of country D. . The display area 70E corresponding to country E is displayed in a shape corresponding to the outline shape of country E. However, areas corresponding to the first areas 23, 24, and 25 that claim sovereignty between neighboring countries are indicated by a dotted line indicating the position corresponding to the border line claimed by both countries. The

  Further, the image processing unit 38 displays information on the number of countries that can be selected by the user on the upper right of the display screen 32 based on the number of countries set in step S2-12 (3 in FIG. 6A). A display area 71 (hereinafter also referred to as “selectable country display area”) 71 is displayed. In addition, the image processing unit 38 displays a display area (hereinafter, also referred to as “selection end display area”) 72 that is selected when the selection is completed, below the selectable country display area 71 on the display screen 32. Is displayed. Further, the image processing unit 38 causes the display screen 32 to display an arrow 73 (for example, a mouse pointer) that moves according to the operation status of the operation unit 34 by the user. The arrow 73 can be moved to a position corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 34 by the user on the display screen 32.

Next, a case where classification information is received when country A is selected as the first country will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the image processing unit 38 displays the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group and the country included in the second group on the display screen 32 of the display device 33. The display device 33 is controlled so that the display mode differs depending on the corresponding display area. As an example, the image processing unit 38 determines the brightness of the display areas 70B, 70D, and 70E corresponding to the countries (B country, D country, and E country) included in the first group as shown in FIG. Maintain the same level as On the other hand, the image processing unit 38 causes the luminance of the display area 70C corresponding to the country (C country) included in the second group to be lower than the luminance in the case of FIG. At this time, the image processing unit 38 causes the display corresponding to the territory of the country A to correspond to the first region 23 in which the countries A and C mutually claim sovereignty. Note that the image processing unit 38 may change the hue of the display area 70A corresponding to the selected country A to the hue of the display areas 70B to 70E corresponding to other countries not selected.

  In addition, since one country (in this case, country A) has already been selected, the image processing unit 38 changes the display content of the selectable country number display area 71 before the country A is selected (that is, the number of countries is 3). To 2).

Next, the case where the information terminal 14 receives the classification information transmitted from the management server 12 when the A country and the B country are selected will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the image processing unit 38 sets the luminance of the display area 70D corresponding to the country (Country D) included in the first group to be equal to the luminance in the case of FIG. Let it be maintained. On the other hand, the image processing unit 38 makes the luminance of the display areas 70C and 70E corresponding to the countries (C country and E country) included in the second group lower than the luminance in the case of FIG. This is because the border line between country E and country A is fixed, but the border line between country E and country B is not fixed (see FIG. 3). At this time, the image processing unit 38 displays a portion corresponding to the first region 23 in which the A country and the C country claim the sovereignty as the territory of the A country, Are regarded as the territory of country B, and are displayed corresponding to the first region 24 that claims sovereignty over each other.

  Further, since two countries (in this case, Country A and Country B) have already been selected, the image processing unit 38 changes the display contents of the selectable country number display area 71 before Country B is selected (ie, country Change the number from 2 to 1).

  Returning to FIG. 5, the terminal control unit 37 determines whether or not the Nth country (the first country when N is 1) is selected by the operation of the operation unit 34 by the user (step S2-15). . If the determination result is negative, the terminal control unit 37 repeats the process of step S2-15 until the Nth country is selected because the Nth country is not selected. However, if the selection end display area 72 of the display screen 32 is selected by the operation of the operation unit 34 by the user even if the Nth country is not selected, the terminal control unit 37 forcibly describes the process later. Control goes to step S2-22.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S2-15 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 has selected country name information about the selected country name (for example, country A) from the communication unit 39 because the Nth country has been selected. It is transmitted to the management server 12 (step S2-16). Subsequently, the terminal control unit 37 determines whether or not warning information has been received from the management server 12 (step S2-17). If the determination result is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 performs invalid display processing because it has received warning information (step S2-18). Specifically, the terminal control unit 37 outputs a control command to the image processing unit 38 to notify that the selection is invalid, that is, the selection of the second country is prohibited. Then, the image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 to display the warning screen illustrated in FIG. 7B on the display screen 32.

  For example, when country E is selected as the selection-prohibited country, the image processing unit 38 indicates on the display screen 32 that “E country cannot be selected” as shown in FIG. A display region 73 having the above is formed. In this display area 73, a display area (hereinafter, also referred to as “acknowledgement display area”) 73a having a description of “OK (ie, consent)” is formed. Then, when the approval display area 73 a is selected by operating the operation unit 34, the terminal control unit 37 outputs to the image processing unit 38 that the display area 73 is erased from the display screen 32. Then, the image processing unit 38 deletes the display area 73 from the display screen 32. Thereafter, the terminal control unit 37 moves the process to the next step S2-14.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S2-17 is negative, since the terminal control unit 37 has received the permission information, the current set number N is set based on the number of countries set in step S2-12. It is determined whether it is less than the country threshold value KN (step S2-19). In the present embodiment, the country threshold value KN is set to the same value as the country number set in step S2-12 by the terminal control unit 37. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminal control unit 37 also functions as a threshold setting unit.

  If the determination result of step S2-19 is negative (N = KN), the terminal control unit 37 proceeds to step S2-22 to be described later. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S2-19 is affirmative determination (N <KN), the terminal control unit 37 determines whether or not the classification information is received from the management server 12 (step S2-20). When this determination process is a negative determination, the terminal control unit 37 repeatedly performs the determination process of step S2-20 until the classification information is received. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S2-20 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 has received the classification information, and therefore increments the set number N by “1” (step S2-21), and the process is described above. The process proceeds to step S2-14.

  In step S2-22, the terminal control unit 37 outputs to the image processing unit 38 that the user is informed that the country selection has been completed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the image processing unit 38 forms a display area 74 having a description that “selection of the country from which the map information is acquired has been completed” in the center of the display screen 32. Let In this display area 74, a display area (hereinafter also referred to as “acknowledgement display area”) 74 a having a description of “OK (ie, approval)” and a display having a description of “redo” Area 74b (hereinafter also referred to as “invalidation display area”).

  Returning to FIG. 5, the terminal control unit 37 determines whether or not the approval display area 74a is selected by the user's operation on the operation unit 34 (step S2-23). When the invalid display area 74b is selected (No at Step S2-23), the terminal control unit 37 proceeds to Step S2-11 described above. That is, the terminal control unit 37 allows the user to select a country from the beginning.

  On the other hand, when the approval display area 74a is selected (step S2-23 is affirmative determination), the terminal control unit 37 sends selection completion information indicating that the selection of the country is completed from the communication unit 39 to the management server 12. Transmit (step S2-24). Subsequently, the terminal control unit 37 determines whether or not the reception of the map information from the management server 12 is completed (Step S2-25). If this determination result is a negative determination, the terminal control unit 37 is receiving map information, and therefore outputs a control command for informing the fact to the image processing unit 38 and until reception of the map information is completed. The determination process in step S2-25 is repeated. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the image processing unit 38 displays in the center of the display screen 32 so as to form a display area 75 having a description “Downloading. Please wait for a while.” The device 33 is controlled.

  Returning to FIG. 5, if the determination result in step S2-25 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 temporarily stores the received map information in the terminal memory 40 and then copies it to the storage medium 30. A control command to be notified is output to the image processing unit 38. Then, the image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 so as to form a display area having a description “downloading is completed” in the center of the display screen 32. And the terminal control part 37 complete | finishes a map information acquisition process routine, after performing the said display control for predetermined time (for example, 5 second).

  Next, the switching determination processing routine executed by the navigation control unit 64 of the navigation device 50 equipped with the storage medium 30 storing the map information using the map data management system 11 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. This switching determination process routine is a process for notifying the current position of the host vehicle when it cannot be displayed with the map information used at the present time.

  Now, the navigation control part 64 performs a switching determination process routine for every predetermined period (for example, 0.1 second period) set beforehand. In this switching determination processing routine, the navigation control unit 64 acquires the current position of the host vehicle based on the GPS signal input from the GPS receiving unit 58 (step S3-10). Subsequently, the navigation control unit 64 determines whether or not the current position of the host vehicle acquired in step S3-10 is not located on a map that can be displayed at this time (step S3-11). That is, the navigation control unit 64 determines whether or not the current position of the host vehicle cannot be displayed with map information (that is, map data) used when displaying a map on the display 55 of the input / output device 51. When the determination result in step S3-11 is negative, the navigation control unit 64 can display a map around the current position of the host vehicle on the display 55 with the map information used at the current time. The switching determination processing routine is once terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S3-11 is affirmative, the navigation control unit 64 cannot display the map around the current position of the host vehicle on the display 55 with the map information used at the current time. Therefore, a switching notification process is executed (step S3-12). That is, the navigation control unit 64 outputs to the image processor 65 a control command indicating that the map around the current position of the host vehicle cannot be displayed and that the map information to be used is urged to be changed. Then, the image processor 65 controls the input / output device 51 to display on the display 55 that the map around the current position of the host vehicle cannot be displayed and that the map information to be used is urged to be changed. Thereafter, the navigation control unit 64 ends the switching determination processing routine.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the management server 12, when the country name information relating to the first country (for example, country A) is received from the information terminal 14, a country other than the first country (this In this case, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E) are classified into a first group and a second group. After that, when country name information and selection completion information regarding the second country (for example, country B) included in the first group are received from the information terminal 14, the first country and the first country stored in the map storage unit 17 are stored. Based on the map information for two countries (in this case, the map information for country A 19A and the map information for country B 19B), common map information including the first country and the second country is generated, and the common map information is the information terminal 14 Sent to. Therefore, by storing the latest map information 19A to 19E for each country and the information table on the friendship between the latest countries in each storage unit 17, 18, based on the friendship between countries, the first country and The latest map information including the second country can be provided to the information terminal 14 side.

  (2) The management server 12 may receive information about the countries included in the second group from the information terminal 14. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when information regarding the country (second country) selected by the information terminal 14 is received by the management server 12, the country selected by the information terminal 14 is the first selected by the management server 12. It is determined whether it is included in the group. Then, when the selected country is included in the first group, the common map information including the map information of the selected countries is generated when the selection completion information is received thereafter. The generated common map information is transmitted to the information terminal 14. Therefore, common map information of a plurality of countries determined to be combined in a friendly relationship between countries can be provided to the user.

  (3) On the other hand, when the country selected by the information terminal 14 is included in the second group, selection of the country is prohibited. In other words, it is prohibited to cause the information terminal 14 to transmit the selected map data for the country. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from being provided with common map information of a plurality of countries (for example, Country A and Country C) that are not preferable to be combined due to friendly relations between countries.

  (4) In the present embodiment, the latest map information can be stored in the storage medium 30 that can be detached from the navigation device 50 using the information terminal 14. Therefore, it is possible not only to match the user's intention, but also to provide a map to the vehicle occupant with appropriate map information according to changes in the situation of each country, and to properly guide the route to the destination it can.

  (5) On the management server 12 side, classification processing is executed every time country name information is received from the information terminal 14 side. Therefore, the management server 12 can determine whether a selection-prohibited country has been selected according to the latest classification information.

  (6) When the classification information is received by the information terminal 14 of the present embodiment, the display screen 32 displays the display area corresponding to the country classified into the first group and the country classified into the second group. The corresponding display areas are displayed in different display modes. Therefore, the user can visually recognize a country that cannot be combined with the already selected first country (that is, a selection-prohibited country). Therefore, it can suppress that a selection prohibition country is selected by a user.

  Moreover, the information terminal 14 receives the latest classification information every time the management server 12 performs the classification process. Based on the latest classification information, display control of the display device 33 having the display screen 32 can be performed. Therefore, it can suppress that a selection prohibition country is selected by a user.

  (7) More specifically, the brightness of the display area corresponding to the country classified into the second group is lower than the brightness of the display area corresponding to the country classified into the first group. Therefore, on the display screen 32, the display area corresponding to the country classified into the first group is highlighted and displayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from selecting a selection-prohibited country by mistake, and it is possible to contribute to prompt provision of common map information composed of friendly countries.

  (8) In addition, a selectable country number display area 71 is displayed on the display screen 32 of the information terminal 14. Therefore, the user selects a country while viewing the number of selectable countries. Therefore, it is possible to allow the user to select a country efficiently.

  (9) In the navigation device 50 of the present embodiment, the current position of the host vehicle is being traveled while the host vehicle is running by mounting the storage medium 30 in which the map information generated by the map data management system 11 is stored. A surrounding map is displayed on the display 55. Therefore, a map corresponding to the latest international situation can be provided to the vehicle occupant. In addition, it is possible to save the user from taking the vehicle to a dealer or the like in order to obtain the latest map.

  (10) For example, when displaying a map based on common map information including map data for Country A and Country B on the display 55, the vehicle enters a country other than Country A and Country B (for example, Country E). In this case, the passenger of the host vehicle is notified that the map cannot be displayed with the common map information used at the present time. Therefore, it is possible to prompt a passenger who wants to travel in country E with his own vehicle to acquire map information for country E.

  (11) Furthermore, when the host vehicle having the map information of country A travels within the first region 23, the passenger of the host vehicle can recognize that the vehicle is traveling in country A. On the other hand, when the host vehicle having the map information of country C travels within the first region 23, the passenger of the host vehicle can recognize that it is traveling in country C.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in part of the contents of the map information acquisition processing routine and the map information transmission processing routine and the display mode of the display screen of the information terminal. Therefore, in the following description, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding member configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Shall.

  A map information transmission processing routine executed on the management server 12 side and a map information acquisition processing routine executed on the information terminal 14 side will be described based on each flowchart shown in FIG. 10 and a schematic diagram of a screen shown in FIG. .

First, a map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control unit 15 will be described.
Now, when the map information transmission process routine is started, the server control unit 15 sequentially performs the processes of steps S1-10 to S1-12. And when the determination result of step S1-12 becomes affirmation determination, since the server control part 15 received country name information, each process of step S1-17-S1-21 is performed sequentially. Thereafter, the server control unit 15 ends the map information acquisition processing routine.

Next, a map information acquisition process routine executed by the terminal control unit 37 will be described.
Now, when the map information acquisition process routine is started, the terminal control unit 37 sequentially performs the processes of steps S2-10 to S2-14. Then, the image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 so that a map information acquisition screen corresponding to the control command input from the terminal control unit 37 is displayed on the display screen 32.

Here, the case where the classification information has not been received will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11A, the image processing unit 38 displays substantially rectangular display areas 80A, 80B, 80C, 80D, and 80E for countries A, B, C, D, and E. 32 is arranged at substantially the center. At this time, since all the countries can be selected, the display areas 80A to 80E have the same area and are juxtaposed in the vertical direction.

Next, a case where classification information is received when country A is selected as the first country will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11B, the image processing unit 38 deletes the display area 80A for Country A that has been selected from the display screen 32. In addition, when country A is selected, the image processing unit 38 includes country C in the second group (see FIG. 3), so that the display region 80C for country C is displayed on the right end side from the center of the display screen 32. And the width of the display area 80C is made narrower than in the case of FIG. Further, the image processing unit 38 makes the display areas 80B, 80D, and 80E for the countries B, D, and E arranged in the center of the display screen 32 wider than in the case of FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the terminal control unit 37 determines whether a country where selection is prohibited (hereinafter also referred to as “selection-prohibited country”) has been selected (step S <b> 2-141). The selection-prohibited countries are countries included in the second group, and are changed as appropriate according to the countries already selected and the number of countries (that is, latest classification information). As an example, when only country A is already selected, country C corresponds to a selection-prohibited country. In addition, when country A and country B have already been selected, country C and country E correspond to prohibited countries. And when the determination result of step S2-141 is negative determination, since the selection prohibition country is not selected, the terminal control part 37 transfers the process to step S2-15 mentioned later. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S2-141 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 performs a process corresponding to step S2-18 because a selection-prohibited country has been selected. When this invalid display process ends, the terminal control unit 37 proceeds to the next step S2-15.

  In step S2-15, the terminal control unit 37 determines whether or not the Nth country has been selected based on the operation of the operation unit 34 by the user. If the determination result is negative, the terminal control unit 37 proceeds to step S2-141 described above because the Nth country has not been selected. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S2-15 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 sequentially performs each process after step S2-19. Thereafter, the terminal control unit 37 ends the map information acquisition processing routine.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects (1), (4), (6), and (8) to (11) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(12) In this embodiment, when the country name information is transmitted from the information terminal 14 to the management server 12, the information terminal 14 receives the classification information related to the first group and the second group. And in the information terminal 14, selection of the country contained in a 2nd group is prohibited based on the received classification information. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the country name information related to the second country corresponding to the selection-prohibited country from the information terminal 14 to the management server 12 due to the combination with the already selected first country. Therefore, it can suppress that common map data with the 2nd country contained in the 1st country and the 2nd group is generated.

  (13) In the present embodiment, the display area corresponding to the country classified into the second group is displayed narrower than the display area corresponding to the country classified into the first group. Therefore, on the display screen 32, the display area corresponding to the country classified into the first group is highlighted and displayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from selecting a selection-prohibited country by mistake, and it is possible to contribute to prompt provision of common map information composed of friendly countries.

  (14) Further, the display area corresponding to the country classified into the first group is displayed at the center of the display screen 32, while the display area corresponding to the country classified into the second group is displayed. It is displayed at the end of the screen 32 (right side in FIG. 11B). Therefore, compared with the case where the display area corresponding to the country classified into the second group is displayed in the center of the display screen 32, the possibility that the country classified into the second group is selected is reduced. be able to.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the information table is stored in the terminal memory of the information terminal, part of the contents of the map information acquisition process routine and the map information transmission process routine, and the display mode of the display screen of the information terminal Is different from the first and second embodiments. Therefore, in the following description, parts different from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding member configurations as those of the first and second embodiments. A duplicate description will be omitted.

  A storage area for storing the information table shown in FIG. 3 is formed in the terminal memory 40 of the information terminal 14 according to the present embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminal memory 40 functions as an information storage unit that stores information on friendly relations between countries.

  Next, regarding the map information transmission processing routine executed on the management server 12 side and the map information acquisition processing routine executed on the information terminal 14 side, each flowchart shown in FIG. 12 and a schematic diagram of the screen shown in FIG. This will be explained based on.

First, a map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control unit 15 will be described.
Now, when the map information transmission process routine is started, the server control unit 15 sequentially performs the processes of steps S1-10 and S1-11. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 determines whether or not country name information has been received (step S1-121). This country name information is information regarding a plurality of countries or one country selected by the information terminal 14. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the above-described embodiments, information regarding the selected country is collectively transmitted to the management server 12 when the selection of the country is completed on the information terminal 14 side.

  If the determination process in step S1-121 is negative, the server control unit 15 repeats the determination process in step S1-121 until country name information is received. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S1-121 is affirmative, the server control unit 15 has received each country name information, and thus sequentially performs the processes in steps S1-20 and S1-21, and then transmits map information. The processing routine ends.

Next, a map information acquisition process routine executed by the terminal control unit 37 will be described.
Now, when the map information acquisition process routine is started, the terminal control unit 37 sequentially performs the processes of steps S2-10 to S2-14. Then, the image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 so that a map information acquisition screen corresponding to the control command input from the terminal control unit 37 is displayed on the display screen 32. When the classification process (step S2-201) to be described later is not executed, that is, when the setting number N is “1”, the image processing unit 38, as shown in FIG. The display device 33 is controlled to display on the display screen 32 a screen that is substantially equivalent to the above case. On the other hand, when the classification process (step S2-201) is executed, that is, when the set number N is larger than “1”, a map information acquisition screen based on the result of the classification process is displayed on the display screen 32. .

  Here, a case where country A is already selected as the first country will be described. In this case, country B, country D, and country E are included in the first group by the classification process, while country C is included in the second group (see FIG. 3). That is, the image processing unit 38 deletes the display area 70C for country C included in the second group from the display screen 32 as shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 12, the terminal control part 37 performs each process of step S2-15, S2-141, and S2-18. And when the determination result of step S2-141 is negative determination, since the selection prohibition country is not selected, the terminal control part 37 performs the determination process of step S2-19. If the determination result is affirmative (N <KN), the terminal control unit 37 performs a classification process (step S2-201). Specifically, the terminal control unit 37 reads an information table stored in the terminal memory 40. And the terminal control part 37 classify | categorizes the country (in this case B country, D country, E country) with comparatively high friendship with the country (for example, A country) already selected into the 1st group, already The selected country (for example, country A) and the country having relatively low friendship (in this case, country C) are classified into the second group. Further, when there are a plurality of selected countries (for example, when country A and country B are selected), the terminal control unit 37 classifies country D into the first group, while country C and country E are classified. Classify into the second group.

When the classification process ends, the terminal control unit 37 performs the process of step S2-21, and shifts the process to step S2-14 described above.
On the other hand, when the determination result of step S2-19 is negative (N = KN), the terminal control unit 37 sequentially performs the processes of steps S2-22 and S2-23. If the determination result of step S2-23 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 transmits country name information from the communication unit 39 (step S2-241). For example, when the country A, the country B and the country D are selected by the user on the information terminal 14, the terminal control unit 37 transmits the country name information regarding a plurality of countries (in this case, the country A, the country B and the country D) to the communication unit. 39 to transmit. When the selected country is one country (for example, only country E), the terminal control unit 37 causes the communication unit 39 to transmit information on one country (in this case, country E) as country name information.

  Subsequently, the terminal control unit 37 performs the determination process in step S2-25. And when this determination result becomes affirmation determination, since reception of map information was completed, the terminal control part 37 complete | finishes a map information acquisition process routine.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects (4), (8) to (11) of the first and second embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.
(15) In this embodiment, the information table is stored in the terminal memory 40 of the information terminal 14. Therefore, in the information terminal 14, when the first country (for example, country A) is selected by the user, countries other than the selected country (in this case, country B, country C, country D, and country E) ) Is classified. After that, when the selected country (second country) is included in the first group, the selection is permitted, while the selected country (second country) is included in the second group. The selection is invalidated. When the country selection is completed on the information terminal 14, country name information relating to the selected country is transmitted to the management server 12.

  Then, in the management server 12, common map information for a plurality of countries corresponding to the received country name information is generated, and the generated common map information is transmitted to the information terminal 14. Therefore, by storing the latest map information 19A to 19E for each country in the map storage unit 17, the latest map information including the first country and the second country is obtained from the information terminal 14 based on the friendly relationship between the countries. Can be provided to the side.

(16) In this embodiment, since the classification process is executed by the information terminal 14, the control load on the management server 12 side can be reduced as compared with the above embodiments.
(17) Further, in the present embodiment, the display area corresponding to the country classified in the second group is erased from the display screen 32. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from selecting a selection-prohibited country.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that a map is provided to the user using map information at an information terminal that executes a map information acquisition processing routine. Therefore, in the following description, portions different from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding member configurations as the first to third embodiments. A duplicate description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the map data management system 11A of the present embodiment includes a management server 12 and an information terminal 14A (for example, a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone). The information terminal 14A is a terminal that can receive map information from the management server 12 and provide a map based on the map information to the user of the information terminal 14A. Such an information terminal 14 </ b> A further includes a display device 33 as a display unit having a display screen 32 in addition to the operation unit 34 and the controller 36 as operation units. The controller 36 further includes a GPS receiving unit 90 in addition to the terminal control unit 37, the image processing unit 38, the communication unit 39, and the terminal memory 40.

  Next, when the user downloads the map information using the map data management system 11A of the present embodiment, the map information transmission processing routine executed by the management server 12 and the map information acquisition processing routine executed by the information terminal 14A Will be described with reference to each flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a map information transmission processing routine executed by the server control unit 15 will be described.
In the map information transmission process routine, the server control unit 15 sequentially performs the processes of steps S1-10 and S1-11. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 sets “1” to the set number N (step S1-111), and determines whether or not the selectable country number information is received from the information terminal 14A specified in step S1-11. Determination is made (step S1-112). This selectable country number information is information regarding the number of countries (for example, 3) that the user desires to acquire map information on the information terminal 14A side. If the determination result of step S1-112 is negative, the server control unit 15 repeatedly performs the determination process of step S1-112 until receiving selectable country number information. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S1-112 is affirmative, the server control unit 15 performs the determination process of step S1-12 because the selectable country number information has been received.

  If the determination result of step S1-12 is affirmative, the server control unit 15 performs the process of step S1-13 because country name information has been received. When the warning determination process ends, the server control unit 15 performs the determination process of step S1-14 based on the result of the warning determination process. If this determination result is affirmative, the server control unit 15 performs the process of step S1-15 and proceeds to step S1-12 described above.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S1-14 is negative, the server control unit 15 performs the process of step S1-16 because the selected country is included in the first group, and the current set number N Is less than the country threshold value KN set based on the received selectable country number information (step S1-161). The country threshold value KN is set to the same value as the country number selected on the information terminal 14A side. And when the determination result of step S1-161 is affirmation determination (N <KN), the server control part 15 performs the process of step S1-18. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 increments the set number N by “1” (step S <b> 1-181), and proceeds to step S <b> 1-12 described above.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S1-161 is negative (N = KN), the server control unit 15 specifies selection completion information indicating that the selection of the country is completed in step S1-11. The information terminal 14A is caused to transmit from the communication unit 16 (step S1-182). Subsequently, the server control unit 15 sequentially performs steps S1-20 and S1-21, and thereafter ends the map information transmission processing routine.

  Next, a map information transmission processing routine executed by the terminal control unit 37 of the information terminal 14A will be described. This map information acquisition processing routine is executed when an operation for acquiring map information is performed on the operation unit 34.

  In the map information acquisition process routine, the terminal control unit 37 sequentially performs the processes in steps S2-10 to S2-12. If the determination result of step S2-12 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 causes the communication unit 39 to transmit selectable country number information regarding the set number of countries (for example, 3) (step S2-121). ). Subsequently, the terminal control unit 37 performs the process of step S2-14. Then, the image processing unit 38 controls the display device 33 so that a map information acquisition screen corresponding to the control command input from the terminal control unit 37 is displayed on the display screen 32 (see FIG. 6A). In the present embodiment, since it is determined on the management server 12 side whether or not the selected second country is included in the first group, the first screen (that is, the first country) is displayed on the display screen 32. The same screen is displayed regardless of whether the country is selected or the second country or later (that is, the second country).

  Subsequently, the terminal control unit 37 sequentially performs the processes of steps S2-15 to S2-18. And the terminal control part 37 determines whether selection completion information was received (step S2-181). If the determination result is negative, the terminal control unit 37 proceeds to step S2-14 described above because the user is still likely to select a country. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S2-181 is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 performs the determination process of step S2-25 because the selection completion information has been received (ie, the country has been selected by the user). . If the determination result is affirmative, the terminal control unit 37 ends the map information acquisition processing routine.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) and (4) of the first to third embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.
(18) After the classification process is performed on the management server 12 side, when the country name information is transmitted from the information terminal 14A to the management server 12, the management server 12 performs a warning determination process. When the country selected by the information terminal 14A is included in the second group, warning information is transmitted to the information terminal 14A, while the country selected by the information terminal 14A is included in the first group. Permission information is transmitted to the information terminal 14A. Then, in the information terminal 14A, when the warning information is received, a notification process is performed to prompt the user to select the Nth country again. Therefore, it can suppress that common map data with the 2nd country contained in the 1st country and the 2nd group is generated.

  (19) In this embodiment, the information terminal 14A does not determine whether or not the selected second country is included in the first group. Therefore, the control load on the information terminal 14A can be reduced.

  (20) Further, even after the execution of the classification process by the management server 12, unlike the first and second embodiments, the classification information is not transmitted to the information terminal 14A. Therefore, the control load on the management server 12 and the information terminal 14A can be reduced as much as the amount of information transmitted and received between the management server 12 and the information terminal 14A is reduced.

  (21) Furthermore, in the information terminal 14A, the display mode on the display screen 32 is not changed every time a country is selected. Therefore, the control load of the information terminal 14A accompanying display control can be reduced as compared with the above embodiments.

  (22) For example, when a map based on common map information including map data for countries A and B is displayed on the display screen 32, a user who uses the information terminal 14A is a country other than countries A and B (for example, When entering the country E, the user is notified that the map cannot be displayed with the common map information used at the present time. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user who has entered E country to obtain map information for E country.

  (23) When the user who uses the information terminal 14A having the map information of the country A is located in the first area 23, the user can be recognized that the user is in the country A. On the other hand, when the user who uses the information terminal 14A having the map information of the country C is located in the first region 23, the user can be recognized as being in the country C.

In addition, you may change said each embodiment into another embodiment as follows.
In the first embodiment, when the selection prohibited country is selected by the information terminal 14, warning information (that is, information indicating that selection is prohibited) is transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14. Then, the information terminal 14 that has received the warning information informs the user that “the position of the border cannot be specified in the already selected first country (eg, country A) and the currently selected second country (eg, country C)”. You may make it alert | report. As a result of the notification process, if the user desires to download both the map information 19A for country A and the map information 19C for country C, information indicating that may be transmitted from the information terminal 14 to the management server 12. .

  At this time, the management server 12 may individually transmit the A country map information 19A and the C country map information 19C to the information terminal 14. If comprised in this way, unlike the case of said each embodiment, the map of A country and the map of C country which are not preferable to combine can be provided to a user on the friendly relationship between countries.

  Then, in the navigation device 50 to which the storage medium 30 for separately storing the country A map information 19A and the country C map information 19C is mounted, the map using the country A map information 19A (the country A map data 20) is used. When the vehicle is displayed on the display 55, the host vehicle may enter C country. In such a case, it is notified that the host vehicle has entered the country C, and at the same time, it is determined whether the map information to be used may be switched from the country A map information 19A to the country C map information 19C. You may urge the passengers. Then, when the passenger inputs that switching is possible, the map information to be used may be switched from the A country map information 19A to the C country map information 19C. If comprised in this way, the map according to the country located at the time can be provided with respect to the passenger | crew of the own vehicle.

  In each embodiment, in step S2-18, a notification that the selected country is a selection-prohibited country may be notified by voice using a speaker or the like. Of course, both voice notification and display notification may be performed.

  -In 3rd Embodiment, you may abbreviate | omit each process of said step S2-141, S2-18. Even if comprised in this way, since the display area corresponding to a selection prohibition country is erase | eliminated from the display screen 32, it can prevent selecting a selection prohibition country.

  In the first embodiment, in the information terminal 14, the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group may be narrower than the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group. Further, the information terminal 14 may erase the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group from the display screen 32.

  Similarly, in the second embodiment, in the information terminal 14, the brightness of the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group is lower than the brightness of the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group. You may let them. Further, the information terminal 14 may erase the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group from the display screen 32.

  Similarly, in the third embodiment, in the information terminal 14, the brightness of the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group is lower than the brightness of the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group. You may let them. In the information terminal 14, the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group may be narrower than the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group.

  In each of the first to third embodiments, the information terminal 14 may pop up a screen having a display area corresponding to a country included in the first group. Even if comprised in this way, the effect substantially equivalent to embodiment of the said 1st-3rd each embodiment can be acquired.

  In each of the first and second embodiments, the information terminal 14 may blink the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group. Even if comprised in this way, the effect substantially equivalent to embodiment of the said 1st-3rd each embodiment can be acquired.

  In each of the first to third embodiments, the classification information transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14 may be information including only information regarding the countries included in the first group. In this case, in the information terminal 14 that has received the classification information, if the second country is selected, is the second country included in the classification information (ie, the country included in the first group)? It may be determined whether or not. When the second country not included in the classification information is selected, the information terminal 14 indicates that the selection is invalid because the selected country is a country included in the second group. You may notify a user. If comprised in this way, the data amount of the classification information transmitted to the information terminal 14 from the management server 12 can be decreased.

  Similarly, in each of the first to third embodiments, the classification information transmitted from the management server 12 to the information terminal 14 may be information including only information on the country included in the second group. . In this case, in the information terminal 14 that has received the classification information, if the second country is selected, is the second country included in the classification information (that is, a country included in the second group)? It may be determined whether or not. When the second country included in the classification information is selected, the user of the information terminal 14 is notified that the selection is invalid because the selected country is a country included in the second group. You may notify. If comprised in this way, the data amount of the classification information transmitted to the information terminal 14 from the management server 12 can be decreased.

  In each of the first to third embodiments, the information terminal 14 may receive classification information indicating that there is no country included in the first group. In this case, the information terminal 14 displays a display area having a description “no country is selectable”, a display area having a description “OK”, and a display having a description “redo”. The area may be displayed on the display screen 32. Then, when a display area having a description “OK” is selected by the operation of the operation unit 34 by the user, selection completion information may be transmitted to the management server 12. On the other hand, when a display area having a description of “redo” is selected by the operation of the operation unit 34 by the user, the map information acquisition process routine may be sequentially performed from the process of step S2-11.

  In each of the first to third embodiments, when the information terminal 14 receives map information from the management server 12, a map based on the map information may be displayed on the display screen 32. Further, the information terminal 14 may print a map based on the map information received from the management server 12 on a sheet using a printing device such as a printer.

-In 4th Embodiment, although the mobile telephone was mentioned as an example of 14 A of information terminals, it is not restricted to this, The navigation apparatus of a vehicle may be sufficient.
-In each of the first to fourth embodiments, the information table is information on whether or not a border is established between countries, and the diplomatic relationship between countries is good as information on friendly relations between countries. It may be a table that stores only one of the information regarding whether or not there is.

  In the first to third embodiments, the navigation control device 53 of the navigation device 50 includes route data 21 and POI data for the whole country (in this case, Country A, Country B, Country C, Country D and Country E). A storage device for storing 22 may be provided separately. In the fourth embodiment, the information terminal 14A is additionally provided with a storage device for storing the route data 21 and the POI data 22 of the whole country (in this case, A country, B country, C country, D country and E country). It may be provided. In this case, the map information 19A to 19E stored in the map storage unit 17 of the management server 12 may not include the route data 21 and the POI data 22, respectively.

  If comprised in this way, in the navigation apparatus 50 (or information terminal 14A), the facility of the country which does not have map data, and the route to this facility can be searched. And when the own vehicle (or user) moves along the searched route and enters a country (for example, country C) that does not have map data from a country (for example, country A) that has map data, It is possible to prompt switching of map data used for providing a map.

  In each embodiment, together with the map data 20, the route data 21 and the POI data 22 corresponding to the map data 20 are downloaded to the information terminal 14 (or the information terminal 14A). However, the selection of the route data 21 and the POI data 22 of the country desired by the user may be performed separately from the selection of the map data 20.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiments and other embodiments will be added below.
(A) In a map data management device that transmits and receives information to and from an information terminal,
Map storage means for storing map data classified by country,
Information storage means for storing information on friendly relations between countries;
When receiving information on the first country selected by the information terminal, based on the information on friendly relations between the countries, a country other than the first country is designated as the first group and the first group. Classifying means for classifying into different second groups;
Communication control means for transmitting classification information relating to at least one of the first group and the second group classified by the classification means;
Map data stored in the map storage means when the information on the second country classified into the first group by the classification means is received, including common map data including the first country and the second country And generating means for generating based on
The communication control unit causes the information terminal to transmit the common map data generated by the generation unit.

(B) In an information terminal that transmits / receives information to / from the map data management device described in the technical concept (a),
An operation means operated to select a country from which map data is acquired;
Terminal control means for performing storage processing for causing the map data management apparatus to transmit information on the country selected by the operation of the operation means to the map data management apparatus and storing the map data received from the map data management apparatus; Prepared,
The terminal control means
When the classification information is received from the map data management device,
The display means is controlled so that a display mode on the display screen is different between a display area corresponding to a country included in the first group and a display area corresponding to a country included in the second group. An information terminal characterized by:

(C) In an information terminal that receives map data from a map data management device and stores the received map data in a storage medium,
Information storage means for storing information on friendly relations between countries;
A display means for displaying a display area for each country;
An operation means operated to select a country from which map data is acquired;
Terminal control means for performing storage processing for causing the map data management apparatus to transmit information on the country selected by the operation of the operation means to the map data management apparatus and storing the map data received from the map data management apparatus; Prepared,
The terminal control means
When the first country is selected by the operation of the operation means,
Based on the information on the friendship between the countries stored in the information storage means, the countries other than the first country are classified into a first group and a second group different from the first group. ,
Thereafter, the display means is controlled so that the display mode is different between the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group and the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group,
Thereafter, when a second country different from the first country is selected and the second country is included in the first group,
Sending information about the first country and the second country to the map data management device;
Thereafter, when common map data including the first country and the second country is received from the map data management device,
An information terminal that performs storage processing for storing the common map data in the storage medium.

  (D) The terminal control means includes the display means so that the luminance of the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group is lower than the luminance of the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group. The information terminal according to any one of claims 6 and 7, technical idea (b) and technical idea (c).

  (E) The terminal control means controls the display means so that a display area corresponding to a country included in the first group is larger than a display area corresponding to a country included in the second group. An information terminal according to any one of claims 5 and 6, a technical idea (b) and a technical idea (c).

(F) In an information terminal that transmits / receives information to / from the map data management device according to claim 2,
A display means for displaying a display area for each country;
An operation means operated to select a country from which map data is acquired;
Terminal control means for performing storage processing for causing the map data management apparatus to transmit information on the country selected by the operation of the operation means to the map data management apparatus and storing the map data received from the map data management apparatus; Prepared,
The terminal control means
When the classification information is received from the map data management device,
Displaying the display area corresponding to the country included in the first group on the display means, and controlling the display means to erase the display area corresponding to the country included in the second group from the display means. An information terminal characterized by

  (G) The terminal control means prohibits selection of a country included in the second group when the classification information is received from the map data management device. And the information terminal according to any one of the technical ideas (b).

  (H) when the map data is stored in the storage medium, the terminal control means causes the display means to display a map based on the map data; and The information terminal according to any one of the technical ideas (b) to (g).

(Li) display means having a display screen;
When a storage medium subjected to storage processing by the information terminal according to any one of claims 5 and 6 and technical ideas (b) to (g) is attached to the storage medium And a display control means for causing the display means to display a map based on the stored map data.

(Nu) further comprising operating means operated to set the destination;
The display control means includes
When the position of the destination set by the operation of the operation means cannot be displayed by the map data used for displaying the map on the display means,
The map display control device according to the technical idea (I), which performs notification processing for prompting switching of map data.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Management server as map data management apparatus, 14, 14A ... Information terminal, 15 ... Classification means, determination means, generation means, server control part as communication control means, 17 ... map storage part as map storage means, 18 ... country information storage section as information storage means, 20 ... map data, 30 ... storage medium, 32 ... display screen, 33 ... display device as display means, 34 ... operation section as operation means, 37 ... terminal control means, Terminal control unit as threshold setting means, 40... Terminal memory as information storage means, 70A to 70E, 80A to 80E... Display area, KN.

Claims (7)

In a map data management device that transmits and receives information to and from an information terminal,
Map storage means for storing map data classified by country,
Information storage means for storing information on friendly relations between countries;
When receiving information on the first country selected by the information terminal, based on the information on friendly relations between the countries, a country other than the first country is designated as the first group and the first group. Classifying means for classifying into different second groups;
Determining means for determining whether or not the second country is included in the first group when receiving information on a second country different from the first country selected by the information terminal;
Map data stored in the map storage means, when the determination means determines that the second country is included in the first group, the common map data including the first country and the second country Generating means for generating based on
And a communication control means for causing the information terminal to transmit the common map data generated by the generating means. The communication control means includes
When receiving information on the first country selected by the information terminal,
The map data management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein classification information related to at least one of the first group and the second group classified by the classification unit is transmitted to the information terminal. The communication control unit causes the information terminal to transmit information indicating that the selection of the second country is prohibited when the determination unit determines that the second country is included in the second group. The map data management device according to claim 1 or 2. The communication control means individually determines the map data of the first country and the map data of the second country when the determination means determines that the second country is included in the second group. The map data management device according to claim 1, wherein the map data management device is transmitted to an information terminal. In the information terminal which transmits / receives information with the map data management device according to claim 2,
A display means for displaying a display area for each country;
An operation means operated to select a country from which map data is acquired;
Terminal control means for performing storage processing for causing the map data management apparatus to transmit information on the country selected by the operation of the operation means to the map data management apparatus and storing the map data received from the map data management apparatus; Prepared,
The terminal control means
When the classification information is received from the map data management device,
The display means is controlled so that a display mode is different between a display area corresponding to a country included in the first group and a display area corresponding to a country included in the second group. Information terminal. In an information terminal that receives map data from a map data management device and stores the received map data in a storage medium,
A display means for displaying a display area for each country;
An operation means operated to select a country from which map data is acquired;
Terminal control means for performing storage processing for causing the map data management apparatus to transmit information on the country selected by the operation of the operation means to the map data management apparatus and storing the map data received from the map data management apparatus; Prepared,
The terminal control means
When the first country is selected by the operation of the operation means, information on the first country is transmitted to the map data management device,
After that, when the classification information obtained by classifying other countries other than the first country into the first group and the second group different from the first group is received from the map data management device, the first data An information terminal characterized by controlling the display means so that a display mode is different between a display area corresponding to a country included in one group and a display area corresponding to a country included in the second group. When the information about the first country transmitted from the information terminal is received by the map data management device, the map data management device can provide map data based on the friendly relationship between the countries other than the first country. A classification step of causing the map data management device to classify other countries into a first group and a second group different from the first group;
Whether or not the second country is included in the first group when the map data management apparatus receives information on the second country different from the first country from the information terminal after the classification step. A determination step for causing the map data management device to determine;
A generation step of causing the map data management device to generate common map data including the first country and the second country when it is determined that the second country is included in the first group in the determination step;
A map data management method comprising: a transmission step of transmitting the common map data generated in the generation step from the map data management device to the information terminal.

Images