U.S. patent application number 11/023543 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-26 for map data processing unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Ikeuchi, Tomoya, Mikuriya, Makoto, Shimotani, Mitsuo, Umezu, Masaharu.
Application Number | 20050114019 11/023543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32985033 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050114019 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Umezu, Masaharu ; et
al. |
May 26, 2005 |
Map data processing unit
Abstract
A map data processing unit includes a batch update section and
dynamic update section. A type of update data fed from an update
data input section is decided using header information. If the
update data is route search data, the batch update section
collectively updates all the map data to latest version map data
according to the update data from the update data input section. If
the update data is not the route search data, the dynamic update
section updates the map data to the latest version map data
according to the update data every time the map data becomes
necessary. Thus performing the collective or dynamic update
according to the type of the update data enables the update to the
latest map data without affecting the operation speed of a
navigation function, with minimizing the time precluding the use of
the navigation function.
Inventors: |
Umezu, Masaharu; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Ikeuchi, Tomoya; (Tokyo, JP) ; Mikuriya,
Makoto; (Tokyo, JP) ; Shimotani, Mitsuo;
(Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
|
Family ID: |
32985033 |
Appl. No.: |
11/023543 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11023543 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
|
|
|
10668997 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/414 ;
340/995.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 21/32 20130101;
Y10S 707/99953 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/210 ;
701/208; 340/995.1 |
International
Class: |
G01C 021/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 25, 2003 |
JP |
2003-83103 |
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. A map data processing unit comprising: an update data input
section for inputting update data for updating old version map data
to latest version map data; an update data recording section for
recording the update data input by said update data input section;
an update section for updating, when a map data request from an
application occurs, the old version map data to the latest version
map data in accordance with the old version map data and the update
data stored in said update data recording section, which old
version map data and update data correspond to the map data
associated with the map data request from the application; a map
data storing section for storing the map data; a display section
for displaying a processing result of the map data; a manipulation
section for performing input manipulation for processing the map
data; and a control section for carrying out overall control.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a map data processing unit
capable of updating map data without affecting the operation speed
of its navigation function with minimizing the time of precluding
the use of the navigation function.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] A conventional vehicle-mounted navigation system or the like
usually operates on map data stored in a recording medium such as a
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and updates the map data by changing the CD-ROM
or DVD-ROM. The method, however, cannot update the data frequently,
only once or twice a year at most, and hence it cannot always
provide the latest map data.
[0005] In contrast with this, a method is proposed of updating the
map data in a shorter period of time by storing the map data in a
rewritable medium (refer to Relevant Reference 1, for example).
[0006] Relevant Reference 1: Japanese patent application laid-open
No. 2002-49624 (page 4, FIG. 7).
[0007] With such an arrangement, the conventional map data
processing unit updates the map data when it becomes necessary.
Thus, when using a plurality of map data in processing such as
route search, it imposes a heavy load on the navigation system,
thereby presenting a problem of retarding the operation.
[0008] In addition, carrying out the update processing of all the
map data at once offers a problem of precluding the use of the
vehicle-mounted navigation because the update processing takes a
lot of time. For example, to rewrite all the map data by reading
data from a DVD-ROM, about nine gigabit data must be read. Since a
current DVD-ROM drive usually reads about 1-2 MB per second, it
takes about 1-2 hours to read the map data, with precluding the use
of the navigation during that time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is implemented to solve the foregoing
problem. It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a map data processing unit capable of updating the map data
without affecting the operation speed of its navigation function
with minimizing the time of disabling the navigation function.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a map data processing unit that has a function of
updating map data, and includes a display section for performing
various types of display including display of a processing result
of the map data, a manipulation section for carrying out input
manipulation for processing the map data, and a control section for
performing entire control, the map data processing unit including:
an update data input section for inputting update data for updating
the map data to latest version map data; a batch update section for
collectively updating all the map data to the latest version map
data in accordance with the update data fed from the update data
input section; a dynamic update section for updating the map data
to the latest version map data in accordance with the update data
fed from the update data input section every time the map data
becomes necessary; an update method selecting section for selecting
one of the batch update section and dynamic update section in
response to the update data; and a map data storing section for
storing the map data.
[0011] Thus, the map data processing unit can switch the update
method between the batch update and the dynamic update in response
to the update data. As a result, it offers an advantage of being
able to perform the update to the latest version map data without
affecting the operation speed of the navigation, with minimizing
the time of precluding the use of the navigation.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a map data processing unit that has a function of
updating map data, and includes a display section for performing
various types of display including display of a processing result
of the map data, a manipulation section for carrying out input
manipulation for processing the map data, and a control section for
performing entire control, the map data processing unit including:
a post-update data cache section for temporarily storing, in a
cache, latest version map data to be read in response to a request
for map data; an update data input section for inputting update
data for updating the map data to the latest version map data, when
the post-update data cache section does not store the map data; and
a dynamic update section for updating, when the update data input
section inputs the update data, old version map data to latest
version map data to be stored in the cache, in accordance with the
update data fed from the update data input section every time a
request for the map data occurs.
[0013] Thus, the map data processing unit can utilize the latest
version map data by only reading it from the cache using the
post-update data cache section, if the map data associated with the
request from an application is stored in the cache by the
post-update data cache section. As a result, it offers an advantage
of being able to reduce the time of the dynamic update
processing.
[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a map data processing unit including: an update data
input section for inputting update data for updating old version
map data to latest version map data; an update data recording
section for recording the update data input by the update data
input section; an update section for updating, when a map data
request from an application occurs, the old version map data to the
latest version map data in accordance with the old version map data
and the update data stored in the update data recording section,
which old version map data and update data correspond to the map
data associated with the map data request from the application; a
map data storing section for storing the map data; a display
section for displaying a processing result of the map data; a
manipulation section for performing input manipulation for
processing the map data; and a control section for carrying out
overall control.
[0015] Thus, the map data processing unit offers an advantage of
being able to use the update data input section for other purposes
during the navigation operation by inputting from the update data
input section the update data for updating the map data associated
with the request for the map data from the application at a timing
different from the timing during the navigation operation, and by
recording the update data into the update data recording
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 1 of a map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an
update method selecting section of the embodiment 1 of the map data
processing unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a batch
update section of the embodiment 1 of the map data processing unit
in accordance with the present-invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
dynamic update section of the embodiment 1 of the map data
processing unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a format of the map data
stored in a map data storing section of the embodiment 1 of the map
data processing unit in accordance with the present;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a format of the map data
format stored in the map data storing section of the embodiment 1
of the map data processing unit in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a format of local data of
the embodiment 1 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a format of differential
update data of the embodiment 1 of the map data processing unit in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a format of update data of
the embodiment 1 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
batch update section of an embodiment 2 of the map data processing
unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
batch update section of an embodiment 3 of the map data processing
unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
dynamic update section of the embodiment 3 of the map data
processing unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 4 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by a differential data update section in the
embodiment 4 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by the differential data update section in an
embodiment 5 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 6 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by a post-update data cache section in the embodiment
6 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 7 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 8 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 9 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by a current position acquisition section of the
embodiment 9 of the map data processing unit in accordance with the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 10 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by the current position acquisition section and
pre-update section in the embodiment 10 of the map data processing
unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 11 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data using a location registration section and post-update
data cache section of the embodiment 11 of the map data processing
unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 12 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data using the location registration section and pre-update
data recording section of the embodiment 12 of the map data
processing unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 13 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data using a driving history storing section and
post-update data cache section of the embodiment 13 of the map data
processing unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 14 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data using the driving history storing section and
pre-update section of the embodiment 14 of the map data processing
unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 15 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the update data
recording operation into the update data recording section of the
embodiment 15 of the map data processing unit in accordance with
the present invention; and
[0049] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by the dynamic update section of the embodiment 15 of
the map data processing unit in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
[0051] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
embodiment 1 of the map data processing unit. It comprises a map
data storing section 101 for storing map data; an update data input
section 102 for inputting update data; a batch update section 103
for collectively updating the map data stored in the map data
storing section 101 using one or more update data input via the
update data input section 102; a dynamic update section 104 for
updating the map data stored in the map data storing section 101
using one or more update data input via the update data input
section 102 when necessary; an update method selecting section 105
for selecting one of the batch update section 103 and dynamic
update section 104 in response to differential data; a display
section 106 for carrying out display based on the map data; a
manipulation section 107 for carrying out various manipulations;
and a control section 108 for controlling the entire system.
[0052] The map data storing section 101 for storing the map data
consists of a rewritable medium such as a hard disk for storing the
map data after update. The update data input section 102 for
inputting the update data consists of a data storing medium such as
a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or memory card. The batch update section 103
collectively updates the map data stored in the map data storing
section 101 using one or more update data supplied from the update
data input section 102. The dynamic update section 104 updates the
map data stored in the map data storing section 101 using one or
more update data supplied from the update data input section 102 as
needed. The update method selecting section 105 selects one of the
batch update section 103 and dynamic update section 104 in response
to the update data. The display section 106 carries out the display
in accordance with the map data.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a format of the map data
stored in the map data storing section 101; and FIG. 6 is a diagram
illustrating a format of a map data file stored in the map data
storing section 101.
[0054] The map data consists of files, each of which includes one
type of data. Each file contains header information and a plurality
of local data (data #0-data #n). The header information consists of
a data type, data version, file size and the number of the data as
illustrated in FIG. 6. The data type indicates whether the data is
used for map display, for location, for route search or for route
guidance corresponding to the individual functions of the
navigation system.
[0055] The local data refers to data on individual regions obtained
by dividing the entire area. For example, data on whole Japan as
illustrated in FIG. 5 correspond to the entire map data file as
illustrated in FIG. 6, and the individual areas indicated by a mesh
in FIG. 5 correspond to local data (local data #0-#n).
[0056] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating formats of the local data.
FIG. 7(a) illustrates a format of the local data used for map
display. It includes the data size of the local data; the data
range of the local data; and data actually used for the map display
such as road line coordinate strings representing geometry of
roads, background line coordinate strings representing geometry of
rivers, railroads and the like, display character strings for
displaying place names and the like, and display symbols for
representing entities such as a school and hospital. FIG. 7(b)
illustrates a format of the local data for route search. It
includes the data size of the local data; the data range of the
local data; node data mainly representing intersections; link data
representing the road data, and traffic regulation data.
[0057] As for the update data input via the update data input
section 102 as shown in FIG. 1, there are two types of data: a
complete set of update data for replacing the old map data; and
differential update data for carrying out the update in accordance
with the difference between the old version and latest version of
the map data. The format of the complete set of update data is the
same as that of the map data illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a format of the
differential update data. Just as the map data, the differential
update data consists of files, each of which includes one type of
data. Each file contains header information and a plurality of
update data #0-#n. The update data #0-#n correspond to the local
data #0-#n as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0059] The header information consists of information items
indicating a data type, a corresponding data version, a post-update
data version, a file size and the number of the update data. The
data type corresponds to the data type of the map data of FIG. 6.
The corresponding data version indicates the version of the map
data to be updated. For example, when the corresponding data
version is version 1.0, and the post-update data version is version
1.1, the differential update data is the data for updating the map
data of version 1.0 to the map data of version 1.1.
[0060] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a format of the update data
consisting of a data size indicating the size of the update data
itself, a post-update data size indicating the size of the map data
after the update, and the body of the update data for carrying out
the map update.
[0061] Next, the operation of the present embodiment 1 will be
described.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
update method selecting section 105 in the embodiment 1 of the map
data processing unit. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the
operation of the batch update section 103, and FIG. 4 is a
flowchart illustrating the operation of the dynamic update section
104.
[0063] First, the operation of the update method selecting section
105 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2.
The update method selecting section 105 acquires header information
of the update data from the update data input section 102 at step
ST1201. Subsequently, the update method selecting section 105
decides the data type of the header information at step ST1202. If
it is the data for route search, the update method selecting
section 105 has the batch update section 103 carry out the batch
update at step ST1203. If the data is not the data for route
search, the update method selecting section 105 registers the data
as the data to be subjected to the dynamic update at step ST1204.
Finally, the update method selecting section 105 makes a decision
as to whether the header information of all the data has been input
at step ST1205, and terminates the processing if the input has been
completed. Otherwise, the update method selecting section 105
repeats the processing from step ST1201.
[0064] Next, the operation of the batch update section 103 will be
described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0065] The batch update section 103 deletes the map data to be
updated at step ST1401, and records the corresponding complete set
of update data in the map data storing section 101 at step ST1402.
Then, the batch update section 103 changes the file name of the
complete set of update data to that of the deleted map data at step
ST1403.
[0066] Next, the operation of the dynamic update section 104 will
be described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0067] In response to a request for map data from the application
at step ST1301, the dynamic update section 104 reads the map data
from the map data storing section 101 at step ST1302. Then, the
dynamic update section 104 makes a decision as to whether the data
to be subjected to the dynamic update corresponding to the read map
data is present or not at step ST1303. If the data is not present,
the dynamic update section 104 terminates the processing.
Otherwise, the dynamic update section 104 acquires the
corresponding update data at step ST1304, and updates the map at
step ST1305.
[0068] Thus, the batch update section 103 updates the set of data
for route search to the latest version map data, and records the
latest version map data in the map data storing section 101. On the
other hand, the dynamic update section 104 updates each of the
remaining data every time the application requires it.
[0069] The processing time of FIG. 3 is nearly the read time of the
complete set of update data, which corresponds to the size of the
map data for route search of about several tens of megabytes. Thus,
the processing can be completed in several tens of seconds in the
case of reading the data from the DVD-ROM.
[0070] Although the foregoing description is made by way of example
in which the data for route search is subjected to the batch update
processing, data other than the route search data, which are
considered to be rather small in size, can be used as the data to
be subjected to the batch update processing.
[0071] In addition, although the target data to be subjected to the
batch update processing is decided according to the data type, this
is not essential. For example, the target data to be subjected to
the batch update processing can be decided according to the data
size rather than the data type.
[0072] Furthermore, although the update data input section 102 is
assumed to be a data storing medium, this is not essential. For
example, the update data can be input via various types of
communication means such as a mobile phone, DSRC (Dedicated Short
Range Communication), Bluetooth, and wireless LAN.
[0073] As described above, the present embodiment 1 makes a
decision as to the processing time and storage capacity required
for carrying out the batch update processing from the map data
type, map data size and the like; selects the data to be subjected
the batch update; carries out the batch update processing; and
carries out the dynamic update processing of the remaining data as
needed. Thus, the present embodiment 1 offers an advantage of being
able to provide a map data processing unit capable of updating to
the latest map data without affecting the operation speed of the
navigation function, with minimizing the time of disabling the
navigation function.
Embodiment 2
[0074] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
batch update section of the present embodiment 2 of the map data
processing unit. The configuration of the map data processing unit
to which the batch update section of the present embodiment 2 is
applied is the same as that of FIG. 1.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 10, the operation of the batch update
section of the map data processing unit will be described.
[0076] The batch update section moves the map data to be updated to
another directory to keep the map data before the update at step
ST1501. It records the corresponding complete set of update data
into the map data storing section 101 at step ST1502, and changes
the file name of the complete set of update data at step
ST1503.
[0077] Thus, the present embodiment 2 keeps the map data before the
update. Accordingly, it offers an advantage of being able to
recover the state before the update with ease, and hence to provide
the map data processing unit capable of carrying out the navigation
using the map data of the previous version.
Embodiment 3
[0078] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
batch update section of the present embodiment 3 of the map data
processing unit; and FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the
operation of its dynamic update section. The configuration of the
map data processing unit to which the batch update section and
dynamic update section of the present embodiment 3 are applied is
the same as that of FIG. 1.
[0079] Referring to the flowchart of FIGS. 11 and 12, the operation
of the present embodiment 3 will be described.
[0080] First, the operation of the batch update section 103 will be
described with reference to FIG. 11. The batch update section 103
clears a batch update completion flag at step ST3001 to indicate
that the batch update has not yet been completed. Then, the batch
update section 103 records the corresponding complete set of update
data in the map data storing section 101 at step ST3002, and
displays a batch update preparation completion telop on the display
section 106 shown in FIG. 1 at step ST3003. Subsequently, the batch
update section 103 deletes the map data at step ST3004, and changes
the file name of the complete set of update data for the batch
update to the file name of the deleted map data at step ST3005.
Finally, the batch update section 103 sets the batch update
completion flag at step ST3006 to indicate that the batch update
has been completed.
[0081] Next, the operation of the dynamic update section 104 will
be described with reference to FIG. 12.
[0082] In response to a map data request from an application at
step ST3101, the dynamic update section 104 reads the appropriate
map data from the map data storing section 101 at step ST3102.
Then, the dynamic update section 104 checks the batch update
completion flag to decide as to whether the batch update completion
flag has been cleared or not at step ST3103. If it has been
cleared, and hence indicates that the batch update has not yet been
completed, the dynamic update section 104 terminates the dynamic
update processing. As a result, the navigation is available using
the old version map data read from the map data storing section 101
in response to the map data request from the application even
during the batch update. On the other hand, if the batch update
completion flag has been set, and hence indicates that the batch
update has been completed, the dynamic update section 104 makes a
decision as to whether the data to be subjected to the dynamic
update corresponding to the map data read from the map data storing
section 101 is present or not at step ST3104. If it is not present,
the dynamic update section 104 terminates the dynamic update
processing. In contrast, if it is present, the dynamic update
section 104 acquires the corresponding update data at step ST3105,
and updates the map in accordance with the dynamic update
processing at step ST3106.
[0083] As described above, the present embodiment 3 can read, in
response to the map data request from the application, the old
version map data from the map data storing section 101 even during
the batch update processing that continues until the batch update
is completed and the batch update completion flag is set, thereby
making available the navigation using the old version map data.
Thus, the present embodiment 3 offers an advantage of being able to
provide the map data processing unit capable of increasing the
convenience of users.
Embodiment 4
[0084] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 4 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 13,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 1 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here.
[0085] In the present embodiment 4 of the map data processing unit,
the batch update section 103 comprises a differential data update
section 201 and an entire data update section 202.
[0086] The differential data update section 201 carries out the map
update in accordance with the differential data between the old
version and latest version map data. In contrast, the entire data
update section 202 carries out the map update by rewriting the old
complete set of map data to the latest version map data in
accordance with the corresponding new complete set of update
data.
[0087] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by the differential data update section 201. On the
other hand, the flow of the update operation of the map data by the
entire data update section 202 is given by FIG. 3 described in
connection with the foregoing embodiment 1.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 14, the map update operation by the
differential data update section 201 will be described.
[0089] First, the differential data update section 201 reads the
old version map data recorded in the map data storing section 101
at step ST1601. Second, the differential data update section 201
acquires the corresponding differential update data from the update
data input section 102 at step ST1602, and updates the map in
accordance with the old version map data and differential update
data at step ST1603. Then, the differential data update section 201
records the post-update map data in the map data storing section
101 at step ST1604.
[0090] Subsequently, the differential data update section 201 makes
a decision as to whether all the data have been updated or not at
step ST1605. If the map data that has not yet been updated is left,
the differential data update section 201 repeats the processing
from step ST1601. In contrast, if it completes the update of all
the map data, the differential data update section 201 deletes the
map data before the update at step ST1606. Then, the differential
data update section 201 changes the file name of the map data after
the update to that of the map data before the update at step
ST1607.
[0091] As described above, the present embodiment 4 enables the
batch update using the complete set of update data or the
differential update data. Thus, it offers an advantage of being
able to provide the map data processing unit capable of reducing
the amount of the update data.
Embodiment 5
[0092] In the present embodiment 5 of the map data processing unit,
the batch update section 103 has also the differential data update
section and entire data update section as in the embodiment 4 of
the map data processing unit. The entire data update section
updates the map data just as that of the foregoing embodiment 4.
However, the differential data update section updates the map data
in a different manner. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the
update operation of the map data by the differential data update
section.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 15, the update operation of the map data
by the differential data update section of the present embodiment 5
will be described.
[0094] The differential data update section reads the map data
recorded in the map data storing section 101 at step ST1701, and
acquires the differential update data from the update data input
section 102 at step ST1702. Then, the differential data update
section updates the map at step ST1703, and records the map data
after the update in the map data storing section 101 at step
ST1704. Subsequently, the differential data update section makes a
decision as to whether it updates all the data at step ST1705. If
the map data that has not yet been updated is left, the
differential data update section repeats the processing from step
ST1701. If the update of all the map data has been completed, the
differential data update section moves the map data before the
update to another directory at step ST1706, and changes the file
name of the map data after the update at step ST1707.
[0095] Thus, the present embodiment 5 stores the map data before
the update to the separate directory. Accordingly, it offers an
advantage of being able to provide the map data processing unit
capable of recovering the state before the update with ease.
[0096] In addition, the present embodiment 5 can carry out the
batch update by using either the complete set of update data or the
differential update data. Thus, it offers an advantage of being
able to provide the map data processing unit capable of reducing
the amount of the update data by using the differential update
data.
Embodiment 6
[0097] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 6 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 16,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 1 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here. The
present embodiment 6 of the map data processing unit comprises a
post-update data cache section 301 for caching the map data updated
by the dynamic update section 104, and a deletion data decision
section 302 for deciding map data to be deleted among the map data
cached.
[0098] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data using the post-update data cache section 301 in the
embodiment 6 of the map data processing unit.
[0099] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 17, the operation will be
described.
[0100] When a request for map data is delivered from an application
at step ST1801, the control section 108 makes a decision as to
whether the requested map data is present in the cache or not at
step ST1802. If the map data is present in the cache, the control
section 108 reads the appropriate map data from the cache at step
ST1803. Then, after updating the access history of the cache at
step ST1804, the control section 108 terminates the processing. In
contrast, if the map data is not present in the cache, the control
section 108 reads the appropriate map data from the map data
storing section 101 at step ST1805, and acquires the corresponding
differential update data from the update data input section 102 at
step ST1806. Then, the control section 108 has the dynamic update
section 104 update the map at step ST1807. Subsequently, the
control section 108 makes a decision as to whether the cache has
available space or not at step ST1808. If it has no available
space, the control section 108 deletes the oldest map data in the
access history from the cache at step ST1809. In contrast, if the
cache includes available space, or after deleting the oldest map
data in the access history from the cache, the control section 108
writes the updated map data into the cache at step ST1810. Finally,
after setting the access history at step ST1811, the control
section 108 terminates the processing.
[0101] As described above, the present embodiment 6 includes the
post-update data cache section 301. Accordingly, if the post-update
data cache section 301 includes the map data requested from the
application, the present embodiment 6 can utilize the map data of
the latest version by only reading the map data by the post-update
data cache section 301. Consequently, the present embodiment 6
offers an advantage of being able to provide the map data
processing unit capable of reducing the time of the dynamic update
processing.
Embodiment 7
[0102] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 7 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 18,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 16 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here. The
present embodiment 7 of the map data processing unit comprises a
pre-update section 401 for carrying out map update beforehand, and
a pre-update data decision section 402 for deciding the map data to
be updated by the pre-update section 401 beforehand.
[0103] According to the present embodiment 7, the pre-update data
decision section 402 decides the map data to be updated by the
pre-update section 401 beforehand, and the pre-update section 401
carries out the map update beforehand and stores the map data into
the post-update data cache in advance. Accordingly, the present
embodiment 7 offers an advantage of being able to provide a map
data processing unit capable of reducing the time of the dynamic
update processing of the map data used at a high frequency by
storing the highly used map data in the post-update data cache.
Embodiment 8
[0104] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 8 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 19,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 18 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here. The
present embodiment 8 of the map data processing unit comprises a
pre-update data recording section 501 for recording the map data
updated by the pre-update section 401 in advance. According to the
present embodiment 8, the pre-update data recording section 501
stores the map data updated in advance. Consequently, if the stored
map data is the map data used at high frequency, the present
embodiment 8 offers an advantage of being able to provide a map
data processing unit capable of reducing the time of the dynamic
update processing of the highly used map data.
Embodiment 9
[0105] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 9 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 20,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 18 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here. The
present embodiment 9 of the map data processing unit comprises a
current position acquisition section 601 for detecting the position
of a vehicle it belongs to.
[0106] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by using the current position acquisition section 601
in the embodiment 9 of the map data processing unit.
[0107] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 21, the operation will be
described.
[0108] First, the pre-update section 401 acquires the current
position from the current position acquisition section 601 at step
ST1901. Second, the pre-update section 401 reads the map data
around the current position from the map data storing section 101
at step ST1902, and acquires the differential update data
corresponding to the map data from the update data input section
102 at step ST1903. Then, the pre-update section 401 updates the
map at step ST1904. Subsequently, the pre-update section 401 has
the post-update data cache section 301 write the updated map data
into the cache at step ST1905, and sets the access history at step
ST1906. Finally, the pre-update section 401 makes a decision as to
whether all the surrounding maps have been read at step ST1907, and
terminates the processing if all the maps have been read. If there
is some map data left, the pre-update section 401 repeats the
processing from step ST1902.
[0109] According to the present embodiment 9, the post-update data
cache stores the update data around the position of the vehicle
(current position). Thus, the present embodiment 9 offers an
advantage of being able to provide a map data processing unit
capable of reducing the time of the dynamic update processing of
the map data around the position of the vehicle, which is used at
high frequency.
Embodiment 10
[0110] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 10 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 22,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 20 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here.
[0111] The present embodiment 10 of the map data processing unit
comprises a pre-update data recording section 501. The pre-update
data recording section 501 stores the map data updated by the
pre-update section 401 in advance.
[0112] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by using the current position acquisition section 601
and pre-update section 401 in the embodiment 10 of the map data
processing unit.
[0113] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 23, the operation will be
described.
[0114] First, the pre-update section 401 acquires the current
position from the current position acquisition section 601 at step
ST2001. Subsequently, the pre-update section 401 reads the map data
around the current position from the map data storing section 101
at step ST2002, and acquires the corresponding differential update
data from the update data input section 102 at step ST2003,
followed by updating the map at step ST2004. Then, the pre-update
section 401 writes the map data updated in advance into the
pre-update data recording section 501 at step ST2005, and makes a
decision as to whether all the surrounding maps have been read at
step ST2006. If all the surrounding maps have been read, the
pre-update section 401 terminates the processing. In contrast, when
the map data that has not yet been read is left, the pre-update
section 401 repeats the processing from step ST2002.
[0115] According to the present embodiment 10, the pre-update data
recording section 501 stores the map data updated in advance by the
pre-update section 401. Thus, the present embodiment 10 offers an
advantage of being able to provide a map data processing unit
capable of reducing the time of the dynamic update processing of
the map data around the position of the vehicle, which is used at
high frequency.
Embodiment 11
[0116] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 11 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 24,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 18 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here.
[0117] The present embodiment 11 of the map data processing unit
comprises a location registration section 801 for carrying out
location registration.
[0118] Next, the operation of the present embodiment 11 will be
described.
[0119] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data using the location registration section 801 and
post-update data cache section 301 of the embodiment 11 of the map
data processing unit. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 25, the
operation will be described.
[0120] First, the pre-update section 401 acquires a registration
position from the location registration section 801 at step
ST2101.
[0121] Subsequently, the pre-update section 401 reads the map data
around the registration position from the map data storing section
101 at step ST2102, and acquires the corresponding differential
update data from the update data input section 102 at step ST2103,
followed by updating the map at step ST2104.
[0122] Then, the pre-update section 401 has the post-update data
cache section 301 write the updated map data into the cache at step
ST2105, and sets the access history at step ST2106. Subsequently,
the pre-update section 401 makes a decision as to whether all the
surrounding maps have been read or not at step ST2107. If all the
surrounding maps have been read, the pre-update section 401
terminates the processing. If there is some map data left, the
pre-update section 401 repeats the processing from step ST2102.
[0123] According to the present embodiment 11, the post-update data
cache stores the update data around the registration position.
Thus, the present embodiment 11 offers an advantage of being able
to provide a map data processing unit capable of reducing the time
of the dynamic update processing of the map data around the
registration location, which is used at high frequency.
Embodiment 12
[0124] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 12 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 26,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 24 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here.
[0125] The present embodiment 12 of the map data processing unit
comprises a pre-update data recording section 501 which is not
installed in the foregoing embodiment 11. The pre-update data
recording section 501 stores the map data updated by the pre-update
section 401 in advance as described above in the foregoing
embodiment 10.
[0126] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by using the location registration section 801 and
pre-update data recording section 501 in the embodiment 12 of the
map data processing unit. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 27,
the operation will be described.
[0127] First, the pre-update section 401 acquires the registration
position from the location registration section 801 at step ST2201.
Subsequently, the pre-update section 401 reads the map data around
registration position from the map data storing section 101 at step
ST2202, and acquires the corresponding differential update data
from the update data input section 102 at step ST2203, followed by
updating the map at step ST2204. Then, the pre-update section 401
writes the updated map data into the pre-update data recording
section 501 at step ST2205, and makes a decision as to whether all
the surrounding maps have been read at step ST2206. If all the
surrounding maps have been read, the pre-update section 401
terminates the processing. In contrast, when the map data that has
not yet been read is left, the pre-update section 401 repeats the
processing from step ST2202.
[0128] According to the present embodiment 12, the pre-update data
recording section 501 stores the map data around the registration
position. Thus, the present embodiment 12 offers an advantage of
being able to provide a map data processing unit capable of
reducing the time of the dynamic update processing of the map data
around the registration location which is used at high
frequency.
Embodiment 13
[0129] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 13 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 28,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 18 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here. The
present embodiment 28 of the map data processing unit comprises a
driving history storing section 1001 for storing driving
history.
[0130] Next, the operation of the present embodiment 13 will be
described.
[0131] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by using the driving history storing section 1001 and
post-update data cache section 301 in the embodiment 13 of the map
data processing unit. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 29, the
operation will be described.
[0132] First, the pre-update section 401 acquires the driving
history position from the driving history storing section 1001 at
step ST2301. Then, the pre-update section 401 reads the map data
around the driving history position from the map data storing
section 101 at step ST2302, and acquires the corresponding
differential update data from the update data input section 102 at
step ST2303, followed by updating the map at step ST2304.
Subsequently, the pre-update section 401 has the post-update data
cache section 301 write the updated map data into the cache at step
ST2305, and sets the access history at step ST2306. Finally, the
pre-update section 401 makes a decision as to whether all the
surrounding maps have been read or not at step ST2307. If all the
maps have been read, the pre-update section 401 terminates the
processing. If there is some map data left, the pre-update section
401 repeats the processing from step ST2302.
[0133] According to the present embodiment 13, the post-update data
cache stores the updated map data around the driving history
position. Thus, the present embodiment 13 offers an advantage of
being able to provide a map data processing unit capable of
reducing the time of the dynamic update processing of the map data
around the driving history position which is used at high
frequency.
Embodiment 14
[0134] FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 14 of the map data processing unit. The present
embodiment 14 of map data processing unit comprises the pre-update
data recording section 501 the foregoing embodiment 13 of the map
data processing unit lacks. As described above in connection with
the foregoing embodiment 12, the pre-update data recording section
501 records the map data updated by the pre-update section 401 in
advance. In FIG. 30, since the remaining configuration is the same
as that of the foregoing embodiment 13 of map data processing unit,
their description is omitted here by designating the same or like
portions to those of FIG. 28 by the same reference numerals.
[0135] Next, the operation of the present embodiment 14 will be
described.
[0136] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the update operation of
the map data by using the driving history storing section 1001 and
pre-update section 401 in the present embodiment 14 of the map data
processing unit. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 31, the
operation will be described.
[0137] First, the pre-update section 401 acquires the driving
history position from the driving history storing section 1001 at
step ST2401. Second, the pre-update section 401 reads the map data
around the driving history position from the map data storing
section 101 at step ST2402, acquires the corresponding differential
update data from the update data input section 102 at step ST2403,
and updates the map at step ST2404. Then, the pre-update section
401 writes the updated map data into the pre-update data recording
section 501 at step ST2405. Finally, the pre-update section 401
makes a decision as to whether all the surrounding maps have been
read at step ST2406. If all the maps have been read, the pre-update
section 401 terminates the processing. If there is some map data
left, the pre-update section 401 repeats the processing from step
ST2402.
[0138] Incidentally, as the driving history, it is possible to use
not only coordinates of places passed by in actual drives, but also
coordinates of destinations or places on a route which are set in
route search, or coordinates of places of a search route.
[0139] As described above, according to the present embodiment 14,
the pre-update data recording section 501 stores the map data
updated by using the map data around the driving history position
and the corresponding differential update data. Thus, the present
embodiment 14 offers an advantage of being able to provide a map
data processing unit capable of reducing the time of the dynamic
update processing of the map data around the driving history
position, which is used at high frequency.
Embodiment 15
[0140] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
present embodiment 15 of the map data processing unit. In FIG. 32,
the same or like portions to those of FIG. 1 are designated by the
same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here. The
present embodiment 15 of the map data processing unit comprises an
update data recording section 3201 for recording the update data
fed from the update data input section 102.
[0141] Next, the operation of the present embodiment 15 will be
described.
[0142] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the update data
recording operation into the update data recording section 3201 of
the embodiment 15, and FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating the
update operation of the map data by the dynamic update section 104
of the embodiment 15.
[0143] Referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 33 and 34, the
operation will be described.
[0144] First, the recording operation of the update data into the
update data recording section 3201 will be described with reference
to the flowchart of FIG. 33. The control section 108 acquires the
update data from the update data input section 102 at a timing
different from the timing of a navigation operation at step ST3301,
and records the update data in the update data recording section
3201 at step ST3302. Subsequently, the control section 108 makes a
decision as to whether all the update data have been input or not
at step ST3303. If the input has been completed, the control
section 108 terminates the processing, and otherwise it repeats the
processing from step ST3301.
[0145] Next, the operation of the dynamic update section 104 will
be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34. In
response to a request for map data from an application at step
ST3401, the dynamic update section 104 reads the appropriate map
data from the map data storing section 101 at step ST3402. Then,
the dynamic update section 104 reads the update data corresponding
to the read map data from the update data recording section 3201 at
step ST3403, followed by updating the map at step ST3404.
[0146] Thus, the present embodiment 15 updates the map in
accordance with the update data recorded in the update data
recording section 3201. Therefore it is not necessary to input the
update data from the update data input section 102 during the
navigation operation. This makes it possible to use the update data
input section 102 for other purposes during the navigation
operation. For example, when the update data input section 102 is a
DVD, it can carry out DVD video replay during the navigation
operation. When the update data input section 102 is a memory card,
it is applicable to other navigation data exchange.
[0147] Furthermore, the speed-up of the map update itself can be
expected by using a high-speed medium such as a hard disk as the
update data recording section 3201.
[0148] Although the foregoing description is made assuming that the
update data recording section 3201 is installed separately from the
map data storing section 101, they may be incorporated into the
same medium. For example, the same hard disk can record the map
data and the update data.
[0149] As described above, the present embodiment 15 offers an
advantage of being able to provide a map data processing unit
capable of using the update data input section 102 for other
purposes during the navigation operation by recording the update
data into the update data recording section 3201 at a timing
different from the navigation operation period.
* * * * *