Title: Communication-type navigation apparatus and server device
Abstract: A communication type navigation apparatus can communicate with a server device via a communication path. The navigation apparatus requests route search, and the server device executes route search to produce route information of a searched route. Then, the meshes necessary to travel along the searched route are determined, and the navigation apparatus obtains necessary mesh data from the server device. The navigation apparatus may request newer mesh data to the server device based on the updating information of the mesh data. By appropriately determining the mesh data to be and not to be downloaded from the server device, the communication cost necessary for obtaining the mesh data can be saved.
Patent Number: 6,889,134 Issued on 05/03/2005 to Nakane, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Nakane; Yuusuke (Tokyo-to, JP);
Fukushima; Atsuhiko (Kawagoe, JP);
Takenaka; Toyohiro (Kawagoe, JP);
Takenaga; Takashi (Tokyo-to, JP);
Koga; Yuji (Kawagoe, JP)
|
| Assignee:
|
Pioneer Corporation (Tokyo-to, JP);
Increment P Corporation (Tokyo-to, JP)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
231363 |
| Filed:
|
August 30, 2002 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Aug 31, 2001[JP] | 2001-263165 |
| Aug 31, 2001[JP] | 2001-263173 |
| Sep 03, 2001[JP] | 2001-266002 |
| Sep 03, 2001[JP] | 2001-266021 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
701/202; 340/995.19; 342/357.09; 345/619; 382/232 |
| Intern'l Class: |
G06K 009/36; G01C021/32 |
| Field of Search: |
701/202,209,208,210,205,212
340/995.19,995.12,995.14,990,988,995,998
345/619,620,425
382/232
455/302,456,457
705/52
342/357.09
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 5699255 | Dec., 1997 | Ellis et al.
| |
| 5845228 | Dec., 1998 | Uekawa et al.
| |
| 5917436 | Jun., 1999 | Endo et al.
| |
| 5919245 | Jul., 1999 | Nomura.
| |
| 6122594 | Sep., 2000 | Tamaki et al.
| |
| 6178377 | Jan., 2001 | Ishihara et al.
| |
| 6233521 | May., 2001 | Nomura.
| |
| 6292743 | Sep., 2001 | Pu et al.
| |
| 6324467 | Nov., 2001 | Machii et al.
| |
| 6356839 | Mar., 2002 | Monde et al.
| |
| 6603407 | Aug., 2003 | Endo et al.
| |
| 2001/0051851 | Dec., 2001 | Suzuki et al.
| |
| 2002/0040271 | Apr., 2002 | Park et al.
| |
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 19755610 | Jun., 1999 | DE.
| |
| 0 786 646 | Jul., 1997 | EP.
| |
| 1 085 345 | Mar., 2001 | EP.
| |
| 7-262495 | Oct., 1995 | JP.
| |
| 10-096644 | Apr., 1998 | JP.
| |
| WO 9909374 | Feb., 1999 | WO.
| |
Primary Examiner: Black; Thomas G.
Assistant Examiner: To; Tuan C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Claims
1. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus via a communication path, comprising:
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce route information of
a searched route;
a determination unit which determines meshes corresponding to road zone, other
than a highway zone, of roads on the searched route; and
a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information and updating
information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus.
2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit comprises
a unit which transmits highway mode data corresponding to the highway zone to the
communication type navigation apparatus.
3. A communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server
device via a communication path, the server device comprises a search unit which
receives a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus
and executes route search to produce route information of a searched route; a determination
unit which determines meshes corresponding to road zone, other than a highway zone,
of roads on the searched route: and a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification
information and updating information of the determined meshes, and the route information,
to the communication-type navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation
apparatus comprising:
a map data storage unit which stores mesh data; and
a mesh request unit which compares the mesh identification information and the
updating information transmitted from the server device with the mesh identification
information and the updating information stored in the map data storage unit to
determine the mesh data to be obtained from the server device and which requests
the determined mesh data to the server device.
4. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:
a unit which receives the mesh data, that the mesh request unit has requested,
from the server device; and
a guide unit which performs route guide by using the mesh data and the route
information received from the server device.
5. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 4, further
comprising a unit which receives highway mode data corresponding to the highway
zone from the server device, and wherein the route guide unit performs the route
guide by using the highway mode data within the highway zone and performs the route
guide by using the mesh data and the route information within zones other than
the highway zone.
6. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the map data storage unit stores map data for broad area display, and wherein the
route guide unit performs the route guide in a highway mode by using the map data
for broad area display and performs the route guide by using the mesh data and
the route information within zones other than the highway zone.
7. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus via a communication path, comprising:
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce route information of
a searched route;
a mesh determination unit which determines meshes corresponding to predetermined
road zone on the searched route: and
a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information and updating
information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus.
8. The server device according to claim 7, wherein the mesh determination unit
determines meshes within a predetermined range from a destination included in the
route search request.
9. The server device according to claim 7, wherein the mesh determination unit
determines meshes within a zone that a user designates by using the communication-type
navigation apparatus.
10. The server device according to claim 7, wherein the mesh determination unit
determines meshes including roads other than major roads on the searched route.
11. A communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server
device via a communication path, the server device comprises a search unit which
receives a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus
and executes route search to produce route information of a searched route; a mesh
determination unit which determines meshes corresponding to predetermined road
zone on the searched route: and a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification
information and updating information of the determined meshes, and the route information,
to the communication-type navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation
apparatus comprising:
a map data storage unit which stores mesh data; and
a mesh request unit which compares the mesh identification information and the
updating information transmitted from the server device with the mesh identification
information and the updating information stored in the map data storage unit to
determine the mesh data to be obtained from the server device and which requests
the determined mesh data to the server device.
12. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising:
a unit which receives the mesh data, that the mesh request unit has requested,
from the server device; and
a guide unit which performs route guide by using the mesh data and the route
information received from the server device.
13. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 12, further
comprising a unit which receives guide information corresponding to zones other
than the predetermined zone from the server device, and wherein the route guide
unit performs the route guide by presenting the guide information within the zones
other than the predetermined zone and performs the route guide by using the mesh
data and the route information within the predetermined zone.
14. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the map data storage unit stores the map data for broad area display, and wherein
the route guide unit performs route guide by presenting the guide information by
using the map data for broad area display within zones other than the predetermined
zone and performs the route guide by using the mesh data and the route information
within the predetermined area.
15. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the mesh request unit separately requests the mesh data to be obtained to the server
device when each mesh data becomes necessary for the route guide.
16. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the mesh request unit requests the mesh data corresponding to the meshes that are
not stored in the map data storage unit, out of the meshes necessary to travel
along the searched route.
17. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the mesh request unit requests the mesh data corresponding to the meshes having
the updating information older than the updating information transmitted from the
server device, out of the meshes necessary to travel along the searched route.
18. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus via a communication path, comprising:
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce route information of
a searched route;
a determination unit which determines meshes necessary to travel along the searched
route; and
a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information and updating
information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus.
19. The server device according to claim 18, further comprising a unit which
receives a mesh data request of some meshes, out of the meshes necessary to travel
along the searched route, from the communication-type navigation apparatus, and
which transmits newest mesh data for the requested meshes to the communication-type
navigation apparatus.
20. A communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server
device via a communication path, the server device comprising a search unit which
receives a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus
and executes route search to produce route information of a searched route; a determination
unit which determines meshes necessary to travel along the searched route; and
a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information and updating
information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation apparatus comprising:
a map data storage unit which stores a plurality of mesh data; and
a mesh request unit which compares the mesh identification information and the
updating information of the meshes necessary to travel along the searched route
with the mesh identification information and the updating information stored in
the map data storage unit to determine the mesh data to be obtained from the server
device, and which requests the determined mesh data to the server device.
21. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
the mesh request unit requests the mesh data corresponding to the meshes that are
not stored in the map data storage unit, out of the meshes necessary to travel
along the searched route.
22. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
the mesh request unit requests the mesh data having the updating information older
than the updating information transmitted from the server device, out of the meshes
necessary to travel along the searched route.
23. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
the mesh request unit requests all of the mesh data to be obtained from the server
device all at once.
24. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising:
a unit which receives the mesh data, that the mesh request unit has requested,
from the server device; and
a unit which performs route guide based on the route information.
25. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
the mesh request unit separately requests the mesh data to be obtained to the server
device when each mesh data becomes necessary for the route guide.
26. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
the map data storage unit comprises:
a pre-install data storage unit which stores pre-install data; and
a cache memory unit which stores mesh data obtained during travel.
27. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus, comprising:
a map database which stores a plurality of mesh data;
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus, which executes route search to produce route information
of a searched route and which transmits the route information to the communication-type
navigation apparatus; and
an updating data transmission unit which receives the mesh identification information
and updating information of the mesh data, that is necessary to travel along the
searched route and that is stored in the communication-type navigation apparatus,
which obtains mesh data, having the updating information newer than that of the
mesh data stored in the communication-type navigation apparatus, from the map database,
and which transmits the obtained mesh data to the communication-type navigation
apparatus.
28. A communication-type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server
device via a communication path, the server device comprising a map database which
stores a plurality of mesh data; a search unit which receives a route search request
from the communication-type navigation apparatus, which executes route search to
produce route information of a searched route and which transmits the route information
to the communication-type navigation apparatus; and an updating data transmission
unit which receives the mesh identification information and updating information
of the mesh data, that is necessary to travel along the searched route and that
is stored in the communication-type navigation apparatus, which obtains mesh data,
having the updating information newer than that of the mesh data stored in the
communication-type navigation apparatus, from the map database, and which transmits
the obtained mesh data to the communication-type navigation apparatus, the navigation
apparatus comprising:
a map data storage unit which stores a plurality of mesh data; and
an updating information transmission unit which receives the route information,
which determines the mesh data necessary to travel along the searched route, and
which transmits the mesh identification information and the updating information
of the mesh data stored in the map data storage unit, out of the mesh data necessary
to travel along the searched route, to the server device.
29. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 28, wherein
the updating information transmission unit transmits all of the mesh identification
information and the updating information all at once.
30. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 28, further
comprising a unit which performs route guide based on the route information.
31. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 28, wherein
the updating information transmission unit separately transmits the mesh identification
information and the updating information of the mesh data, that is necessary to
travel along the searched route and that is stored in the map data storage unit,
to the server device when each of the mesh identification information and the updating
information become necessary during the route guide.
32. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 28, wherein
the map data storage unit comprises:
a pre-install data storage unit which stores pre-install data; and
a cache memory unit which stores mesh data obtained during travel.
33. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus via a communication path, comprising:
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce route information of
a searched route;
a mesh determination unit which determines meshes necessary to travel along the
searched route;
a unit which determines whether or not the processing burden of the server device
is higher than a predetermined burden level at the time when the server device
receives the route search request; and
a transmission unit which transmits the route information to the communication-type
navigation unit when the processing burden of the server device is higher than
the predetermined processing burden level, and transmits the mesh identification
information and the updating information as well as the route information to the
communication-type navigation apparatus when the processing burden of the server
device is not higher than the predetermined burden level.
34. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus via a communication path, comprising:
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce route information of
a searched route;
a determination unit which determines blocks including meshes necessary to travel
along the searched route; and
a transmission unit which transmits block identification information and updating
information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus.
35. The server device according to claim 34, further comprising a unit which
receives a mesh data request of meshes included in the blocks from the communication-type
navigation apparatus, and which transmits newest mesh data for the requested meshes
to the communication-type navigation apparatus.
36. A communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server
device via a communication path, the server device comprising a search unit which
receives a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus
and executes route search to produce route information of a searched route; a determination
unit which determines blocks including meshes necessary to travel along the searched
route; and a transmission unit which transmits block identification information
and updating information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to
the communication-type navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation
apparatus comprising:
a map data storage unit which stores a plurality of mesh data; and
a mesh request unit which compares the mesh identification information and the
updating information of the meshes included in the block whose block identification
is received with the mesh identification information and the updating information
stored in the map data storage unit to determine the mesh data to be obtained from
the server device, and which requests the determined mesh data to the server device.
37. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
the mesh request unit requests the mesh data corresponding to the meshes that are
not stored in the map data storage unit, out of the meshes included in the blocks.
38. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
the mesh request unit requests the mesh data having the updating information older
than the updating information transmitted from the server device, out of the meshes
included in the blocks.
39. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
the mesh request unit requests all of the mesh data to be obtained from the server
device all at once.
40. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising:
a unit which receives the mesh data, that the mesh request unit has requested,
from the server device; and
a unit which performs route guide based on the route information.
41. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
the mesh request unit separately requests the mesh data to be obtained to the server
device when each mesh data becomes necessary for the route guide.
42. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
the map data storage unit comprises:
a pre-install data storage unit which stores pre-install data; and
a cache memory unit which stores mesh data obtained during travel.
43. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus, comprising:
a map database which stores a plurality of mesh data;
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus, which executes route search to produce route information
of a searched route and which transmits the route information to the communication-type
navigation apparatus; and
an updating data transmission unit which receives the mesh identification information
and updating information of the mesh data of blocks including meshes necessary
to travel along the searched route, which obtains mesh data of the blocks, having
the updating information newer than that of the blocks received, from the map database,
and which transmits the obtained mesh data to the communication-type navigation
apparatus.
44. A communication-type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server
device via a communication path, the server device comprising a map database which
stores a plurality of mesh data; a search unit which receives a route search request
from the communication-type navigation apparatus, which executes route search to
produce route information of a searched route and which transmits the route information
to the communication-type navigation apparatus; and an updating data transmission
unit which receives the mesh identification information and updating information
of the mesh data of blocks including meshes necessary to travel along the searched
route, which obtains mesh data of the blocks, having the updating information newer
than that of the blocks received, from the map database, and which transmits the
obtained mesh data to the communication-type navigation apparatus, the navigation
apparatus comprising:
a map data storage unit which stores a plurality of mesh data; and
an updating information transmission unit which receives the route information,
which determines the blocks including the meshes necessary to travel along the
searched route, and which transmits the block identification information and the
updating information to the server device.
45. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 44, wherein
the updating information transmission unit transmits all of the block identification
information and the updating information all at once.
46. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 44, further
comprising a unit which performs route guide based on the route information.
47. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 44, wherein
the updating information transmission unit separately transmits the block identification
information and the updating information of the mesh data, that is necessary to
travel along the searched route and that is stored in the map data storage unit,
to the server device when each of the mesh identification information and the updating
information become necessary during the route guide.
48. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 44, wherein
the map data storage unit comprises:
a pre-install data storage unit which stores pre-install data; and
a cache memory unit which stores mesh data obtained during travel.
49. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus, comprising:
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce route information of
a searched route;
a layer selection unit which selects layer of the mesh data necessary to travel
along the searched route based on the route information; and
a transmission unit which transmits layer data of the selected layer and the
route information to the communication-type navigation apparatus.
50. A server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation
apparatus, comprising:
a search unit which receives a route search request from the communication-type
navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce route information of
a searched route;
a layer selection unit which selects layer of the mesh data necessary to travel
along the searched route based on the route information; and
a transmission unit which transmits identification information and updating information
of layer data of the selected layer and the route information to the communication-type
navigation apparatus.
51. The server device according to claim 50, wherein the layer selection unit
selects the layer data of all layers for the meshes that include the searched route
and selects the layer data of a portion of the layers for the meshes that do not
include the searched route.
52. The server device according to claim 50, wherein the layer selection unit
selects the layer data of all layers for the meshes within a predetermined range
from a destination and selects the layer data of a portion of the layers for the
meshes outside of the predetermined range.
53. The server device according to claim 50, wherein the layer selection unit
does not select layers including only highway or toll road if the route search
request includes such a condition that highway or toll road is not used.
54. The server device according to claim 50, wherein the layer selection unit
selects only specific layers predetermined according to a purpose of route search
if the route search request includes a designation of the purpose of the route search.
55. The server device according to claim 50, wherein, if the route search request
includes such a condition that specific layer is not used, the layer selection
unit does not select the specific layer.
56. The server device according to claim 50, wherein, if the searched route includes
highway zone, the layer selection unit selects the layer including only road data
of the highway for the meshes corresponding to the highway zone.
57. The server device according to claim 50, wherein, if the route search request
includes a maximum communication charge necessary for obtaining map data, the layer
selection unit selects the layers within the maximum communication charge.
58. A communication-type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server
device via a communication path, the server device comprising a transmission unit
which receives route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus,
executes route search to produce route information of a searched route and transmits
the route information to the navigation apparatus, the navigation apparatus comprising:
a layer selection unit which selects layers of mesh data necessary to travel
along the searched route based on the route information transmitted from the server
device; and
a request unit which requests the layer data of the selected layers to the server
device.
59. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 58, wherein
the layer selection unit selects the layer data of all layers for the meshes that
include the searched route and selects the layer data of a portion of the layers
for the meshes that do not include the searched route.
60. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 58, wherein
the layer selection unit selects the layer data of all layers for the meshes within
a predetermined range from a destination and selects the layer data of a portion
of the layers for the meshes outside of the predetermined range.
61. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 58, wherein
the layer selection unit does not select layers including only highway or toll
road if the route search request includes such a condition that highway or toll
road is not used.
62. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 58, wherein
the layer selection unit selects only specific layers predetermined according to
a purpose of route search if the route search request includes a designation of
the purpose of the route search.
63. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 58, wherein,
if the route search request includes such a condition that specific layer is not
used, the layer selection unit does not select the specific layer.
64. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 58, wherein,
if the searched route includes highway zone, the layer selection unit selects the
layer including only road data of the highway for the meshes corresponding to the
highway zone.
65. The communication-type navigation apparatus according to claim 58, wherein,
if the route search request includes a maximum communication charge necessary for
obtaining map data, the layer selection unit selects the layers within the maximum
communication charge.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention belongs to a technical field of a communication-type navigation
apparatus, and more particularly to process of obtaining and updating map data,
executed at the time of a route guide and a route search.
2. Description of Related Art
A known navigation apparatus utilizes map data stored in a map data storage medium
such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (DVD-Read Only Memory).
Namely, the navigation apparatus includes a drive unit for the map data storage
medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, and reads out map data around the current
position of the vehicle according to the movement of the vehicle to display the
map data on a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like attached on the vehicle
near a driving seat of the vehicle.
However, in case of using such a storage medium as a data supply source
of map data, there is a problem that frequently updating the map data is difficult.
The map data is updated in accordance with the expansion of road network. Also,
the map data used by the navigation apparatus includes, in addition to road data,
information such as neighboring facilities and/or shops (e.g., road-side shops,
gas stations and so on). Recently, shops open and shut up relatively frequently.
A user who always needs new information should frequently buy and change the map
data storage medium, and this is burdensome for the user. In addition, a new edition
of map data storage medium is put into the market every certain time period, e.g.,
every 6 months or every year, and hence the user cannot catch up with the on-going
real change of the shops or stores even if he or she buys a new edition every time.
Moreover, recently functions of the navigation apparatus are being improved
and sophisticated, and the map data includes more auxiliary data, other than the
road data. Hence, the navigation apparatus needs to employ a microprocessor having
high-speed processing capability to enable sophisticated route search and/or route
guide. This increases the size and the cost of the navigation apparatus.
In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, recently a communication-type
navigation system has been proposed. In such a communication-type navigation system,
a navigation apparatus installed on a vehicle and a map data providing center on
a communication network communicate with each other by wireless communication,
and map data is downloaded from the map data providing center to the navigation
apparatus on the vehicle. The navigation apparatus stores the downloaded map data
in an internal storage medium such as a hard disk, and performs map display and/or
route guide by using the stored map data. Examples of such a communication-type
navigation apparatus are disclosed in Japanese Patent Applications Laid-Open under
No. 7-262495 and No. 10-96644.
In such a communication-type navigation system, by updating the map database
on
the map data providing center side, a user can always obtain and use newest map
data by communication with the map data providing center.
A route search is known as a useful function of a navigation apparatus. The route
search is a function that calculates and displays a travel route to a destination
designated by the user, and the calculation of the travel route is basically executed
based on the map data. In order to guide the user to drive along the travel route
obtained by the route search, the navigation apparatus needs to have map data covering
the travel route.
However, in a communication-type navigation apparatus, the map data is basically
obtained by the communication with the map data providing center. Therefore, if
all necessary map data covering the travel route to a far destination is downloaded
from the map data providing center by communication, considerable communication
cost is required. Therefore, it is desired that the user can obtain only necessary
map data or road data dependently upon various situation.
In addition, the map data is periodically updated, and it is preferred to obtain
and use as new map data as possible to effectively utilize the functions of the
navigation apparatus such as the route search function. Hence, ideally it is preferred
to obtain newest version for all map data covering the travel route determined
by the route search. However, in consideration of communication cost, it is required
to efficiently update only necessary map data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication-type navigation
apparatus and a server device that enable the user to efficiently obtain and update
map data at the time of route search.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server
device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation apparatus via
a communication path, including: a search unit which receives a route search request
from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes route search to produce
route information of a searched route; a determination unit which determines meshes
corresponding to road zone, other than a highway zone, of roads on the searched
route: and a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information
and updating information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to
the communication-type navigation apparatus. During the highway zone, detailed
mesh data are not always necessary. This server device performs necessary map updating
for only the mesh data within the zone other than the highway zone, and hence necessary
map data may be updated with saving the communication cost.
The transmission unit may include a unit which transmits highway mode data corresponding
to the highway zone to the communication type navigation apparatus. In this feature,
the server device transmits the highway mode data for the highway zone included
in the searched route, and hence the navigation apparatus can perform route guide
by the highway mode. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to obtain newest mesh data
in the highway zone.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server device
via a communication path, the server device includes a search unit which receives
a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes
route search to produce route information of a searched route; a determination
unit which determines meshes corresponding to road zone, other than a highway zone,
of roads on the searched route: and a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification
information and updating information of the determined meshes, and the route information,
to the communication-type navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation
apparatus including: a map data storage unit which stores mesh data; a mesh request
unit which compares the mesh identification information and the updating information
transmitted from the server device with the mesh identification information and
the updating information stored in the map data storage unit to determine the mesh
data to be obtained from the server device and which requests the determined mesh
data to the server device. Since the mesh data which the server device transmits
in response to the route request does not include the highway zone, unnecessary
mesh data is not requested to the server. Thus, the map data can be obtained and
updated with saving the communication cost.
The communication-type navigation apparatus may further include: a unit which
receives the mesh data, that the mesh request unit has requested, from the server
device; and a guide unit which performs route guide by using the mesh data and
the route information received from the server device. In this feature, the route
guide is performed by using the mesh data and route information received from the
server device. Since the mesh data transmitted to the navigation apparatus correspond
to the zones other than the highway zone, the detailed route guide can be provided
to the user with the newest map data for the zones other than the highway zone.
The communication-type navigation apparatus may further include a unit which
receives highway mode data corresponding to the highway zone from the server device,
and the route guide unit may perform the route guide by using the highway mode
data within the highway zone and performs the route guide by using the mesh data
and the route information within zones other than the highway zone. By this feature,
route guide is performed within the highway zone on the searched route based on
the highway mode data transmitted from the server device, and the detailed route
guide is performed within the zones other than the highway zone based on the newest
mesh data.
The map data storage unit may store map data for broad area display, and the
route guide unit may perform the route guide in a highway mode by using the map
data for broad area display and performs the route guide by using the mesh data
and the route information within zones other than the highway zone. By this feature,
route guide is performed within the highway zone on the searched route based on
the map data for broad area display stored in the map data storage unit, and the
detailed route guide is performed within the zones other than the highway zone
based on the newest mesh data.
According still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation apparatus
via a communication path, including: a search unit which receives a route search
request from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes route search
to produce route information of a searched route; a mesh determination unit which
determines meshes corresponding to predetermined road zone on the searched route:
and a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information and updating
information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus. The predetermined zone is determined to be a zone in which
detailed mesh data is effectively used. Therefore, by performing necessary map
updating for only the mesh data within the predetermined zone, the navigation apparatus
can save the communication cost.
The mesh determination unit may determine meshes within a predetermined range
from a destination included in the route search request. By this feature, since
the navigation apparatus can obtain newest map data around the destination of the
route search request, detailed and accurate route guide can be provided around
the destination.
The mesh determination unit may determine meshes within a zone that a user designates
by using the communication-type navigation apparatus. Since the navigation apparatus
can obtain newest mesh data within the zone designated by the user, detailed and
accurate route guide can be provided within the zone that the user designated.
The mesh determination unit may determine meshes including roads other than major
roads on the searched route. During traveling on the major road on the searched
route, detailed map data is unnecessary. Therefore, the navigation apparatus obtains
newest map data, if necessary, for the roads other than the major roads to perform
route guide.
According still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server device
via a communication path, the server device includes a search unit which receives
a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes
route search to produce route information of a searched route; a mesh determination
unit which determines meshes corresponding to predetermined road zone on the searched
route: and a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information
and updating information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to
the communication-type navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation
apparatus including: a map data storage unit which stores mesh data; a mesh request
unit which compares the mesh identification information and the updating information
transmitted from the server device with the mesh identification information and
the updating information stored in the map data storage unit to determine the mesh
data to be obtained from the server device and which requests the determined mesh
data to the server device. The mesh data transmitted from the server device in
response to the route search request includes only for the predetermined zone in
which the mesh data is effectively used. Therefore, the navigation apparatus does
not request unnecessary data to the server device, and the map data can be obtained
and updated with saving the communication cost.
The communication-type navigation apparatus may further include: a unit which
receives the mesh data, that the mesh request unit has requested, from the server
device; and a guide unit which performs route guide by using the mesh data and
the route information received from the server device. By this feature, the route
guide is performed based on the mesh data and the route information received from
the server device. At that time, since the mesh data are for the predetermined
zone in which the mesh data is effectively used, the detailed route guide is provided
with the newest map data within the predetermined zone.
The communication-type navigation apparatus may further include a unit which
receives guide information corresponding to zones other than the predetermined
zone from the server device, and wherein the route guide unit performs the route
guide by presenting the guide information within the zones other than the predetermined
zone and performs the route guide by using the mesh data and the route information
within the predetermined zone. By this feature, within the zone other than the
predetermined zone, the route guide is performed by presenting the guide information
transmitted from the server device. Within the predetermined zone, the detailed
route guide is performed by using the newest mesh data. The guide information is
a simple data such as a driving information at the next route point (e.g., Turn
left at the intersection, etc.) and does not include map data, the required communication
cost may be reduced.
The map data storage unit may store the map data for broad area display, and
the route guide unit may perform route guide by presenting the guide information
by using the map data for broad area display within zones other than the predetermined
zone and performs the route guide by using the mesh data and the route information
within the predetermined area. By this feature, within the zone other than the
predetermined zone, the route guide is performed by presenting the guide information
based on the map data for broad area display which is stored in the map data storage
unit. Within the predetermined zone, the detailed route guide is performed by using
the newest mesh data. The guide information is a simple data such as a driving
information at the next route point (e.g., Turn left at the intersection, etc.)
and does not include map data, the required communication cost may be reduced.
The mesh request unit may separately requests the mesh data to be obtained to
the server device when each mesh data becomes necessary for the route guide. By
this, even if the travel route is changed, it is possible to avoid that the mesh
data already obtained is not wasted.
The mesh request unit may request the mesh data corresponding to the meshes that
area not stored in the map data storage unit, out of the meshes necessary to travel
along the searched route. By this feature, mesh data of the meshes that are not
stored in the map data storage unit and necessary to travel along the searched
route is obtained from the server device.
The mesh request unit may request the mesh data corresponding to the meshes having
the updating information older than the updating information transmitted from the
server device, out of the meshes necessary to travel along the searched route.
By this feature, if the mesh data which is necessary to travel along the searched
route and is stored in the navigation apparatus is old, new mesh data is obtained
from the server device.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation apparatus
via a communication path, including: a search unit which receives a route search
request from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes route search
to produce route information of a searched route; a determination unit which determines
meshes necessary to travel along the searched route; and a transmission unit which
transmits mesh identification information and updating information of the determined
meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type navigation apparatus.
Therefore, since the updating information of the meshes necessary in association
with the searched route are provided, the navigation apparatus can update the map
data by using the updating information.
The server device may further include a unit which receives a mesh data request
of some meshes, out of the meshes necessary to travel along the searched route,
from the communication-type navigation apparatus, and which transmits newest mesh
data for the requested meshes to the communication-type navigation apparatus. By
this feature, newest mesh data is provided for the mesh data requested by the navigation
apparatus based on the updating information.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a server device which can communicate with a communication-type navigation apparatus
via a communication path, including: a search unit which receives a route search
request from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes route search
to produce route information of a searched route; a determination unit which determines
blocks including meshes necessary to travel along the searched route; and a transmission
unit which transmits block identification information and updating information
of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus. By this, since the updating information of the blocks necessary
in association with the searched route are provided, the navigation apparatus can
update the map data by using the updating information.
The server device may further include a unit which receives a mesh data request
of meshes included in the blocks from the communication-type navigation apparatus,
and which transmits newest mesh data for the requested meshes to the communication-type
navigation apparatus. By this feature, newest mesh data is provided for the mesh
data requested by the navigation apparatus based on the updating information.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server device
via a communication path, the server device including a search unit which receives
a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes
route search to produce route information of a searched route; a determination
unit which determines meshes necessary to travel along the searched route; and
a transmission unit which transmits mesh identification information and updating
information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to the communication-type
navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation apparatus including: a
map data storage unit which stores a plurality of mesh data; a mesh request unit
which compares the mesh identification information and the updating information
of the meshes necessary to travel along the searched route with the mesh identification
information and the updating information stored in the map data storage unit to
determine the mesh data to be obtained from the server device, and which requests
the determined mesh data to the server device.
The above communication-type navigation apparatus receives the mesh identification
information and updating information of the meshes necessary to travel along the
searched route, and determines the necessary mesh data by comparing those meshes
with the meshed stored in the navigation apparatus. The determined necessary mesh
data is requested to the server device. Thus, the necessary mesh data can be obtained
in connection with the route search.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a communication type navigation apparatus which can communicate with a server device
via a communication path, the server device including a search unit which receives
a route search request from the communication-type navigation apparatus and executes
route search to produce route information of a searched route; a determination
unit which determines blocks including meshes necessary to travel along the searched
route; and a transmission unit which transmits block identification information
and updating information of the determined meshes, and the route information, to
the communication-type navigation apparatus, the communication-type navigation
apparatus including: a map data storage unit which stores a plurality of mesh data;
a mesh request unit which compares the mesh identification information and the
updating information of the meshes included in the block whose block identification
is received with the mesh identification information and the updating information
stored in the map data storage unit to determine the mesh data to be obtained from
the server device, and which requests the determined mesh data to the server device.
The mesh request unit may request the mesh data corresponding to the meshes that
are not stored in the map data storage unit, out of the meshes necessary to travel
along the searched route. Also, the mesh request unit may request the mesh data
corresponding to the meshes that are not stored in the map data storage unit, out
of the meshes included in the blocks. By this feature, the mesh data which is necessary
to travel along the searched route and is not stored in the navigation apparatus
yet is obtained from the server device.
The mesh request unit may request the mesh data having the updating information
older than the updating information transmitted from the server device, out of
the meshes necessary to travel along the searched route. Also, the mesh request
unit may request the mesh data having the updating information older than the updating
information transmitted from the server device, out of the meshes included in the
blocks. By this feature, if the mesh data that is necessary to travel along the
searched route and is stored in the navigation apparatus is old, new
