U.S. patent application number 17/673986 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-04 for apparatus and method for providing map data and system thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to THINKWARE CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is THINKWARE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Won Kyung CHOI, Taekyu Han.
Application Number | 20220244053 17/673986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220244053 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHOI; Won Kyung ; et
al. |
August 4, 2022 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MAP DATA AND SYSTEM THEREOF
Abstract
A system and a method are provided that are capable of providing
map data for supporting a variety of user network environments and
selecting data zones freely. A navigation terminal includes a
reception unit adapted to receive a file in which map data of a
specific zone is stored, from a map provision server; and an
execution unit adapted to execute a navigation function on the
specific zone using the file. The file is produced by an individual
unit with respect to each of geographic areas divided by a mesh
unit having a variable size. The size of the mesh unit is decided
according to the amount of information included in the geographic
area such that the file has an equalized size.
Inventors: |
CHOI; Won Kyung;
(Seongnam-si, KR) ; Han; Taekyu; (Seongnam-si,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THINKWARE CORPORATION |
Seongnam-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
THINKWARE CORPORATION
Seongnam-si
KR
|
Appl. No.: |
17/673986 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17060832 |
Oct 1, 2020 |
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17673986 |
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16123836 |
Sep 6, 2018 |
RE48713 |
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17060832 |
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14502217 |
Sep 30, 2014 |
9436703 |
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16123836 |
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International
Class: |
G01C 21/20 20060101
G01C021/20; G06F 16/29 20060101 G06F016/29; G01C 21/00 20060101
G01C021/00; G01C 21/36 20060101 G01C021/36; G01C 21/32 20060101
G01C021/32; G01C 21/34 20060101 G01C021/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 16, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0123353 |
Claims
1. A navigation data providing method of a map provision server,
the navigation data providing method comprising: receiving, while
information regarding a geographical area is stored in the map
provision server, a request for downloading at least one file
corresponding to portion of the information from a user terminal
connected to the map provision server, wherein the portion of the
information is identified in the user terminal based on a user
input for selecting a portion of an electronic map displayed on the
user terminal, and wherein the portion of the electronic map
selected by the user input is visually highlighted with respect to
non-selected portion of the electronic map by having border lines;
and transmitting, in response to the request, the at least one file
to the user terminal, wherein the at least one file that is
transmitted is stored in a non-volatile memory of the user
terminal, and wherein the at least one file that is stored is
usable to provide the user terminal not connected to the map
provision server with a navigation service for a route including a
departure and a destination in a portion of the geographical area
corresponding to the portion of the information while the user
terminal is not connected to the map provision server.
2. The navigation data providing method of claim 1, wherein the
information regarding the geographical area includes a plurality of
files including the at least one file, wherein the plurality of
files respectively corresponds to a plurality of sub areas dividing
the geographical area, and wherein each of the plurality of files
is configured to enable route search and route guidance
independently.
3. The navigation data providing method of claim 2, wherein each of
the plurality of files includes data regarding a tile map that
divides the geographical area according to a mesh unit.
4. The navigation data providing method of claim 1, wherein the
request is distinct from another request for the navigation
service.
5. The navigation data providing method of claim 1, wherein the
non-volatile memory comprises a secure digital (SD) card.
6. The navigation data providing method of claim 1, wherein the
navigation service provided based on the at least one file is
available in the user terminal after the transmission of the at
least one file is completed.
7. The navigation data providing method of claim 6, wherein the
navigation service is distinct from another navigation service that
is available in the user terminal before transmitting at least
another file to the user terminal is completed.
8. A navigation data providing method of a user terminal, the
navigation data providing method comprising: transmitting, while
the user terminal is connected to a map provision server and
information regarding a geographical area is stored in the map
provision server, a request for downloading at least one file
corresponding to portion of the information to the map provision
server, wherein the portion of the information is identified in the
user terminal based on a user input for selecting a portion of an
electronic map displayed on the user terminal, and wherein the
portion of the electronic map selected by the user input is
visually highlighted with respect to non-selected portion of the
electronic map by having border lines; storing, in a non-volatile
memory of the user terminal, the at least one file received from
the map provision server; and providing, after the connection
between the user terminal and the map provision server is
terminated, a navigation service for a route including a departure
and a destination in a portion of the geographical area
corresponding to the portion of the information based on the at
least one file that is completely stored in the non-volatile
memory.
9. The navigation data providing method of claim 8, wherein the
information regarding the geographical area includes a plurality of
files including the at least one file, wherein the plurality of
files respectively corresponds to a plurality of sub areas dividing
the geographical area, and wherein each of the plurality of files
is configured to enable route search and route guidance
independently.
10. The navigation data providing method of claim 9, wherein each
of the plurality of files includes data regarding a tile map that
divides the geographical area according to a mesh unit.
11. The navigation data providing method of claim 8, wherein the
request is distinct from another request for the navigation
service.
12. The navigation data providing method of claim 8, wherein the
non-volatile memory comprises a secure digital (SD) card.
13. The navigation data providing method of claim 1, wherein the
navigation service provided based on the at least one file is
non-available in the user terminal before storing of the at least
one file is completed.
14. The navigation data providing method of claim 13, wherein the
navigation service is distinct from another navigation service that
is available in the user terminal before receiving at least another
file from the map provision server is completed.
15. A map provision server comprising: a memory; a communication
circuitry; and at least one processor, coupled with the memory and
the communication circuitry, configured to execute computer
readable instructions included in the memory to: receive, while
information regarding a geographical area is stored in the map
provision server, a request for downloading at least one file
corresponding to portion of the information from a user terminal
connected to the map provision server, wherein the portion of the
information is identified in the user terminal based on a user
input for selecting a portion of an electronic map displayed on the
user terminal, and wherein the portion of the electronic map
selected by the user input is visually highlighted with respect to
non-selected portion of the electronic map by having border lines;
and transmit, in response to the request, the at least one file to
the user terminal, wherein the at least one file that is
transmitted is stored in a non-volatile memory of the user
terminal, and wherein the at least one file that is stored is
usable to provide the user terminal not connected to the map
provision server with a navigation service for a route including a
departure and a destination in a portion of the geographical area
corresponding to the portion of the information while the user
terminal is not connected to the map provision server.
16. The map provision server of claim 15, wherein the information
regarding the geographical area includes a plurality of files
including the at least one file, wherein the plurality of files
respectively corresponds to a plurality of sub areas dividing the
geographical area, and wherein each of the plurality of files is
configured to enable route search and route guidance
independently.
17. The map provision server of claim 16, wherein each of the
plurality of files includes data regarding a tile map that divides
the geographical area according to a mesh unit.
18. The map provision server of claim 15, wherein the request is
distinct from another request for the navigation service.
19. The map provision server of claim 15, wherein the navigation
service provided based on the at least one file is available in the
user terminal after the transmission of the at least one file is
completed.
20. The map provision server of claim 19, wherein the navigation
service is distinct from another navigation service that is
available in the user terminal before transmitting at least another
file to the user terminal is completed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 17/060,832 filed on Oct. 1, 2020, which is a Continuation
application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/123,836 filed on Sep.
6, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. RE48,713 issued on Aug. 31, 2021, which
is a Reissue of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/502,217 filed on Sep.
30, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,436,703 issued on Sep. 6, 2016, which
claims for the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application
No. 10-2013-0123353 filed Oct. 16, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The inventive concepts described herein relate to an
apparatus and a method capable of providing map data through
network and a system including the same.
[0003] With the development of a smart phone and a mobile device, a
communication network becomes essential to use a navigation
function. However, most of existing terminals may have restrictions
on performing the navigation function: loading of mass map data in
advance, downloading of mass map data, and real-time connection to
the communication network.
[0004] Due to the above-described restrictions, a user may waste a
storage capacity or a communication packet much more than when the
user necessitates only a hoped-for function.
[0005] First, a conventional navigation system may produce
necessary information with a plurality of separate files according
to characteristics of the necessary information. For example, files
corresponding to components such as road data, background data, and
search data exist. If a file for a requested service does not
exist, it may be impossible to provide the requested service.
[0006] A file for a requested service exists by the Nation or by
the city and province. That is, the file corresponds to a
navigation service area. For example, disclosed in KR Registration
No. 1005321440000 is a technique for providing map data of areas,
divided by the mesh, to a navigation terminal using a network.
[0007] In case of the above-described conventional navigation way,
even though being a communication-type navigation system, a
navigation system must download mass map data to perform a
navigation function.
[0008] Second, in the latest communication-type navigation system,
most map data is stored at a server portion, and minimal data on
map screen display and route guidance is transmitted toward a
client terminal. In this case, it is unnecessary to early download
mass map data. However, if communication is cut off, the navigation
system may not perform its function any longer, which is fatal at
the foreign country or mountainous territory where many
communication cut-off areas exist.
[0009] With the above description, the conventional navigation
system may be of at least one of two disadvantages: downloading of
predetermined mass map data and real-time communication.
SUMMARY
[0010] One object of the inventive concept is directed to provide
map data providing apparatus and method and a system thereof
capable of performing a navigation function with a minimal capacity
with respect to a user-wanted area, without downloading unnecessary
mass data, while the navigation function is normally performed at a
communication cut-off situation.
[0011] Another object of the inventive concept is directed to
provide map data providing apparatus and method and a system
thereof capable of continuously performing a navigation function
using previously provided map data, i.e., minimizing influence due
to a communication situation, although communication is cut
off.
[0012] One aspect of embodiments of the inventive concept is
directed to provide a navigation terminal comprising a reception
unit adapted to receive a file in which map data of a specific zone
is stored, from a map provision server; and an execution unit
adapted to execute a navigation function on the specific zone using
the file, wherein the file is produced by an individual unit with
respect to each of geographic areas divided by a mesh unit having a
variable size, and wherein the size of the mesh unit is decided
according to the amount of information included in the geographic
area such that the size of the file is leveled.
[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the specific zone is selected by a
user, the reception unit is further adapted to receive files of
areas, corresponding to the specific zone selected by the user,
from among the divided geographic areas in a lump, and the files of
the areas corresponding to the specific zone selected by the user
are stored at an internal memory.
[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the reception unit is further
adapted to additionally receive files of areas included in a moving
route in a lump when the moving route gets out of the specific zone
selected by the user.
[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the specific zone is automatically
set on the basis of a current position, and the reception unit is
further adapted to receive files of both an area, corresponding to
the current position, and an area, adjacent to the current position
along a translocation direction, from among the divided geographic
areas in real time.
[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the specific zone is set with a
searched route up to a destination, and files of areas, included in
the route, from among the divided geographic areas are received in
a lump.
[0017] In exemplary embodiments, files received with respect to
some areas, predicted according to a reception frequency, from
among the divided geographic areas are stored in an internal
memory.
[0018] In exemplary embodiments, map data of areas divided in the
form of tile map according to the mesh units is stored in the files
in a vector way, respectively.
[0019] In exemplary embodiments, information needed for a map
screen display, a route search, and a route guidance is stored in
the file, and when a reception of the file is completed, the
execution unit is further adapted to hold the navigation function
on the specific zone using the file, regardless of communications
with the map provision server.
[0020] In exemplary embodiments, files produced by the individual
unit are associated with one another such that the navigation
function is connected among the geographic areas divided by the
mesh unit.
[0021] Another aspect of embodiments of the inventive concept is
directed to provide a map provision server comprising a division
unit adapted to divide a geographic area by a mesh unit having a
variable size; and a generation unit adapted to generate files of
individual units, based on map data of the areas divided by the
mesh unit, wherein the division unit decides sizes of mesh units on
the divided areas according to the amounts of information included
in the divided areas such that the sizes of the files are
leveled.
[0022] Still another aspect of embodiments of the inventive concept
is directed to provide a navigation providing method of a
navigation terminal which provides a navigation function and
includes a reception unit and an execution unit, the navigation
providing method comprising receiving, by the reception unit, a
file in which map data of a specific zone is stored, from a map
provision server; and executing, by the execution unit, a
navigation function on the specific zone using the file, wherein
the file is produced by an individual unit with respect to each of
geographic areas divided by a mesh unit having a variable size, and
wherein the size of the mesh unit is decided according to the
amount of information included in the geographic area such that the
file has an equalized size.
[0023] In accordance with embodiments of the inventive concept, an
update is partially performed by managing data using a file
database of a small divided mesh unit with respect to a geographic
area, thereby reducing an update time and increasing efficiency.
Also, the amounts of information on file databases are equalized by
making a capacity of each file database uniform using different
division units on the geographic area, thereby maximizing
efficiency of on-line or off-line update. Further, it is possible
to provide a user-required area more exactly by using a file
database of a small divided mesh unit, and a file structure is
provided which supports various network environments (on-board,
semi-board, and off-board) and processes them with one data
format.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] The above and other objects and features will become
apparent from the following description with reference to the
following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified,
and wherein
[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram for generally describing a relation
between a navigation terminal and a map provision server, according
to an embodiment of the inventive concept;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an
internal configuration of a map provision server providing file
database by a small divided mesh unit, according to an embodiment
of the inventive concept;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a method of dividing a
geographic area by mesh units with different sizes, in an
embodiment of the inventive concept;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a file database structure
on differential division areas shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment of
the inventive concept;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a navigation terminal using a file database of a small divided
mesh unit, in an embodiment of the inventive concept;
[0030] FIGS. 6 through 8 are diagrams for describing a map data
transfer way according to communication environments of a
navigation terminal, in an embodiment of the inventive concept;
and
[0031] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a navigation providing method
in which a navigation function is provided using a file database of
a small divided mesh unit, according to an embodiment of the
inventive concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings. The inventive concept, however, may be
embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as
being limited only to the illustrated embodiments. Rather, these
embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will
be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the
inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, known
processes, elements, and techniques are not described with respect
to some of the embodiments of the inventive concept. Unless
otherwise noted, like reference numerals denote like elements
throughout the attached drawings and written description, and thus
descriptions will not be repeated. In the drawings, the sizes and
relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for
clarity.
[0033] It will be understood that, although the terms "first",
"second", "third", etc., may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region,
layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the inventive concept.
[0034] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below",
"lower", "under", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein
for ease of description to describe one element or feature's
relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted
in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned
over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" or "under" other
elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other
elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" and "under"
can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device
may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other
orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein
interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood
that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it
can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more
intervening layers may also be present.
[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an"
and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and
all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Also, the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or
illustration.
[0036] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on", "connected to", "coupled to", or
"adjacent to" another element or layer, it can be directly on,
connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or
intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected
to", "directly coupled to", or "immediately adjacent to" another
element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers
present.
[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that
terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should
be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present
specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0038] In embodiments of the inventive concept, a file structure of
map data is provided which supports various user network
environments and makes a data area freely set.
[0039] In this specification, the term "map data" may mean all
forms of maps, such as, but not limited to, 2D map, 3D map, and
aerial photograph.
[0040] Embodiments of the inventive concept may be applied to a map
search field associated with a global positioning system (GPS)
and/or a geographical information system (GIS). In particular,
embodiments of the inventive concept may be applied to a personal
navigation system.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram for generally describing a relation
between a navigation terminal and a map provision server, in an
embodiment of the inventive concept. FIG. 1 shows a navigation
terminal 101 and a map provision server 102. In FIG. 1, an arrow
means that data is transmitted and received between the navigation
terminal 101 and the map provision server 102 through wired and
wireless communications.
[0042] The navigation terminal 101 means a local device capable of
searching a map. The navigation terminal 101 may mean all terminal
devices capable of providing a navigation function through the
mobile web or mobile App: including, but not limited to, PC, laptop
computer, navigation device, smart phone, tablet, digital
multimedia broadcasting (DMB), and a portable multimedia player
(PMP).
[0043] The map provision server 102 is a file database system that
stores and retains both geographic data indicating geographic
information on a map and map data including information on various
points of interest (POI) on the map. The map data may include
various forms of data, such as, but not limited to, texts, images,
moving pictures, and voices, for expression of the map or
information. The map provision server 102 may act as the platform
for providing map data to the navigation terminal 101 as a client
under a PC or mobile environment.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an
internal configuration of a map provision server providing file
database by a small divided mesh unit, in an embodiment of the
inventive concept.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a map provision server 102
according to an embodiment of the inventive concept contains a
processor 200, a memory 201, and a database 202. The processor 200
includes, but not limited to, a division unit 210, a generation
unit 220, and a provision unit 230.
[0046] The memory 201 stores a program that includes instructions
for providing all functions of providing and updating the map. For
example, the program may include instructions that make it possible
to provide map data of an area which a user or a navigation
terminal needs. For example, the memory 201 may be, but not limited
to, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an SD card,
or another storage medium.
[0047] The database 202 acts as a file database for managing map
data on the whole map. In embodiments of the inventive concept, map
data of areas divided by the mesh may be stored and managed using a
file database of an individual unit, respectively.
[0048] The processor 200 operates in response to instructions of
the program stored in the memory 201. The processor 200 may be a
microprocessor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). Below, a
detailed configuration of the processor 200 will be described.
[0049] To divide and manage map data, the division unit 210 divides
a geographic area on the whole map by the mesh. In exemplary
embodiments, the division unit 210 applies different sizes of mesh
units to areas according to the amount of data, thereby improving
efficiency of data capacity and processing speed.
[0050] When the size of the mesh unit used to divide the geographic
area is constant over the whole area, a difference in the amount of
information between a downtown area and a mountainous area may be
great, thereby causing a difference between data sizes of division
areas. This may mean that communication performance and efficiency
are lowered. To solve this problem, in exemplary embodiments, the
size of the mesh unit may be differently decided (or, variable)
according to areas such that data sizes of division areas become
uniform even though mesh units have different sizes. This may be
accomplished by equalizing the amounts of information of geographic
areas divided by the mesh.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 3 which shows a diagram for describing a
method of dividing a geographic area by mesh units with different
sizes, in an embodiment of the inventive concept, for example,
different sizes of mesh units 310 are applied to a geographic area
300 with a predetermined range. In case of dividing an area 302
(e.g., congested city area) with a large amount of information and
an area 301 (e.g., mountainous area) with a relatively small amount
of information, a mesh size to be applied to the area 302 with a
large amount of information is decided to be greater than a mesh
size to be applied to the area 301 with a relatively small amount
of information. At this time, the amounts of information of areas
(hereinafter, referred to as "division areas") divided by the mesh
are equalized such that the division areas have the same file
capacity. That is, even though one division area area-1 in the area
301 with a relatively small amount of information and one division
area area-N in the area 302 with a large amount of information are
divided using meshes with different sizes, the amount of
information included in the division area area-1 is equal or
similar to the amount of information included in the division area
area-N.
[0052] For example, it is assumed that the WGS-84 (World Geodetic
System) coordinate system is used. In this case, the size of the
mesh unit 310 may correspond to multiplication of latitude 600
sheets and longitude 450 sheets of the mesh unit 310 if the whole
earth is divided by the latitude of 0.6.degree. and the longitude
of 0.4.degree. on the basis of a middle latitude. That is, it may
correspond to an area of the earth. Moreover, the mesh unit 310 is
divided into meshes of which the sizes are variable and different
according to the amount of information, and a mesh with the
smallest size is divided into maximally 1024 areas where 1/32
division is made with the latitude of the mesh unit 310 and with
the longitude thereof, respectively. If the mesh unit 310 is
referred to as an upper mesh as an upper division unit and meshes
included in the upper mesh are referred to as lower meshes as a
lower division unit, the upper mesh corresponding to one mesh unit
310 may be divided into a plurality of lower meshes that have
different sizes according to the amount of information. If the
amount of information included in one upper mesh is very small, the
upper mesh may include one lower mesh.
[0053] Returning to FIG. 2, the generation unit 220 produces
individual unit files (or, individual files) by storing map data of
a division area in a file with respect to respective mesh units.
For example, the generation unit 220 may store map data of an area,
divided in the form of tile map according to the mesh unit, in a
vector way. Herein, a tile may mean a unit of data that one
division area includes when a geographic area is divided by the
mesh.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 4 which shows a diagram for describing a
file database structure on differential division areas shown in
FIG. 3 in an embodiment of the inventive concept, a geographic area
on the whole map is divided into a first differential division area
1 through an nth differential division are N. File databases (i.e.,
a first file database 1 through an nth file database N) are
respectively produced with respect to differentially divided areas
and are then stored in a database 202 as server storage.
[0055] A file database corresponding to a tile map may include an
index on map data of a division area as well as position
information. In exemplary embodiments, information on all
components needed for map screen display (navigation DP), route
search, and route guidance may be included in only one file
database such that a navigation function is perfectly
performed.
[0056] Moreover, one file database may further include information
on connection to a file database of an adjacent area, thereby
enabling a transfer between tile maps. Even though a file database
of a division area is individually produced, thus, association with
file databases is possible. This means that a navigation function
is connected between division areas.
[0057] Returning to FIG. 2, the provision unit 230 provides a
navigation terminal with file databases of areas corresponding to a
specific zone according to a request of the navigation terminal. At
this time, the specific zone may be set or selected by a user of
the navigation terminal, may be automatically set on the basis of a
current position of the navigation terminal, may be set with a
searched route up to a destination, or may be set with a region
that is predicted using a reception frequency at the navigation
terminal.
[0058] In exemplary embodiments, a user may only download a minimal
area using an individual unit file database on a small divided
area, and a data zone to be downloaded (e.g., map data of 100 Km
with user as the center or map data of the Seoul city) may be set
more exactly and freely.
[0059] The provision unit 230, for example, provides the navigation
terminal with file databases of areas, which correspond to a zone
selected by a user, according to a request of the navigation
terminal in a lump. Alternatively, in response to a request of the
navigation terminal, the provision unit 230 searches a route up to
a destination and provides the navigation terminal with file
databases of areas included in the searched route in a lump. Or,
based on a request of the navigation terminal, the provision unit
230 provides the navigation terminal with file databases of an
area, corresponding to a current position on the basis of a current
position of the navigation terminal, and an area adjacent to the
current position along a translocation direction in real time.
[0060] In exemplary embodiments, a file database may include
information of all components needed for route search, route
guidance, and map screen display (navigation DP). Thus, it is
possible to support a map data transfer, which enables consecutive
execution of a navigation function, with respect to all situations
regardless of on-board where a user always uses a network,
semi-board where the user partially uses the network, and off-board
where the use of network is impossible.
[0061] Below, a method of transferring map data will be more fully
described together with constituent elements of the navigation
terminal.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a navigation terminal using a file database of a small divided
mesh unit, in an embodiment of the inventive concept.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a navigation terminal 101
according to an embodiment of the inventive concept contains a
processor 500, a memory 501, and a database 502. The processor 500
includes the following: a reception unit 510 and an execution unit
520.
[0064] The memory 501 stores a program that includes instructions
for providing a navigation function. As will be described with
reference to FIG. 9, steps that the navigation terminal will
perform may be executed by the program stored in the memory 501.
The memory 501, for example, may include at least one of, but not
limited to, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an
SD card, and any other storage medium.
[0065] The database 502 acts as storage that stores and retains all
information needed to provide all functions of a system including
the navigation function. Stored in the database 502 are a file
database, in which map data of each division area is stored, as
well as low scale data and any other setup data that a map
provision server provides to perform the navigation function.
[0066] The processor 500 is a device that operates according to
instructions of the program stored in the memory 501. The processor
500 may contain a microprocessor (e.g., CPU), for example. Below, a
configuration of the processor 500 will be described in detail.
[0067] The reception unit 510 receives data, needed to perform a
navigation function, from the map provision server in association
with the map provision server. The reception unit 510 receives a
file database, in which map data of a specific zone is stored, from
the map provision server. In particular, file databases are
individually received with respect to division areas in the
specific zone. In exemplary embodiments, now that a file database
where map data is stored is individually generated every division
area, it is possible to use a way where a file stream is directly
accessed through position information. If a transfer of an
individual file database (or, a file database of an individual
unit) into a navigation terminal ends, the individual file database
may be used to continuously perform a navigation function in an
off-line environment regardless of whether the navigation terminal
communicates with the map provision server.
[0068] For example, a user selects either a peripheral area with
the specific position as the center or a specific administrative
district through an interface means of the navigation terminal. The
reception unit 510 receives file databases of areas, which
correspond to a specific zone selected by the user, from the map
provision server in a lump. Alternatively, the map provision server
searches a route up to a destination according to a request of the
navigation terminal, and the reception unit 510 receives file
databases of areas, which are included in the route thus searched,
from the map provision server in a lump. Or, the reception unit 510
receives file databases of both an area, corresponding to a current
position on the basis of a current position of the navigation
terminal, and an area adjacent to the current position along a
translocation direction in real time.
[0069] The execution unit 520 performs a navigation function on the
specific zone using a file database of an individual unit. In other
words, the execution unit 520 supports the navigation function,
including route search, route guidance, and map search, using
information of the file database (information of components
associated with an index on map data of a division area, map screen
display (navigation DP), route search, and route guidance).
[0070] A user may download map data in a way suitable for a
communication environment that a navigation terminal will use.
[0071] FIGS. 6 through 8 are diagrams for describing a map data
transfer way according to communication environments of a
navigation terminal, in an embodiment of the inventive concept.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, (1) in case a user does not want the
use of network while a navigation function is performed (on-board),
first, the reception unit 510 previously loads all file databases
on the whole map including a first file database 1 through an nth
file database N and stores them at a database 502 as local storage.
Next, the execution unit 520 processes the file databases stored in
the database 502 directly and locally such that performed is a
navigation function on a geographic area of the whole map at an
off-line environment.
[0073] (2) In case a user wants the use of network partially while
a navigation function is performed (semi-board), first, the
reception unit 510 previously loads file databases X through Z,
corresponding to a zone set by the user, from among all file
databases on the whole map including a first file database 1
through an nth file database N, and it stores them at the database
502.
[0074] In other words, to select a zone to be downloaded, a user
enters several km radius or selects a specific administrative
distinct. The map provision server selects file databases X through
Z, in which map data of the zone selected by the user is stored,
from among all file databases on the whole map including a first
file database 1 through an nth file database N, and it provides
them to a navigation terminal. For example, assuming that a
geographic area 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 is the whole map, a first
file database 1 through an nth file database N are file databases
that are produced in a one-to-one way with respect to areas of the
geographic area 300 divided with different sizes. Assuming that a
zone selected by the user is a portion A of the geographic area
300, file databases X through Z are file databases on division
areas included in a user-selected zone A as at least a part of a
first file database 1 through an nth file database N. The number of
file databases X through Z is not fixed or limited thereto. For
example, the number of file databases X through Z may be decided
according to a zone selected by a user.
[0075] At this time, the reception unit 510 receives the file
databases X through Z on the zone set by the user from the map
provision server and stores them at an internal memory of the
navigation terminal, that is, the database 502. Next, the execution
unit 520 processes file databases stored in the database 502
directly and locally such that performed is a navigation function
on a user-selected zone at an off-line environment.
[0076] In particular, if file databases of other areas other than a
previously downloaded zone is required, the reception unit 510 may
receive file databases of other areas in a lump, or in real time on
the basis of a current position. For example, when a moving route
gets out of a previously downloaded zone, the reception unit 510
further receives file databases of areas included in the moving
route in a lump. At this time, file databases of additional areas
are temporarily stored in a cache, not the database 502. However,
when a reception frequency is over a predetermined number, the
additional areas are predicted as frequently used areas. In this
case, the file databases of the additional areas may be stored at
the database 502 as additional file databases.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 7, for example, it is assumed that a user
previously downloads city A 701 and city Z 702 as selected zones.
With this assumption, in areas in the city A 701 and the city Z
702, a file database of a corresponding area is processed directly
and locally such that a navigation function is independently
performed at an off-line environment. As illustrated in FIG. 8,
however, when city A 801 and city Z 802 are not adjacent to each
other, there is not stored a moving route, which starts from a
position of the city A 801 and arrives at a specific position of
the city Z 802, that is, file databases corresponding to an area
803 between the city A 801 and the city Z 802. For this reason, a
network is temporarily activated such that file databases of areas
included in the moving route are received through connection
information between file databases in a lump. Next, at an off-line
environment, a navigation function is performed with respect to the
moving route from the city A 801 to the city Z 802 through the area
803.
[0078] (3) Returning to FIG. 6, when a user always uses the network
while the navigation function is performed (off-board), file
databases on map data are not stored in the database 502; however,
low scale data and other setup data are stored therein. In this
case, the reception unit 510 receives files of both an area
corresponding to a current position on the basis of a current
position of a navigation terminal and an area adjacent to the
current position along a translocation direction in real time. At
this time, the file databases received in real time are temporarily
stored in a cache, not the database 502. However, when a reception
frequency is over a predetermined number, the areas corresponding
to the file databases received in real time are set to frequently
used areas. In this case, the file databases received in real time
may be stored at the database 502. The execution unit 520 performs
a navigation function on a current position using the file
databases received in real time. Even though communication is cut
off with respect to an area corresponding to a reception-completed
file database, it is possible to continuously provide all
navigation functions including, but not limited to, map screen
display, route search, and route guidance, at an off-line
environment.
[0079] In embodiments of the inventive concept, it is possible to
divide a geographic area differently according to the amount of
data and level the amounts of information of division areas. Also,
a user downloads map data of a wanted zone more exactly. When
reception on the map data is completed, it is possible to perfectly
support a navigation function at an off-line environment and
provide a file structure capable of being processed according to
one data format in various communication environments.
[0080] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a navigation providing method
in which a navigation function is provided using a file database of
a small divided mesh unit, according to an embodiment of the
inventive concept. Steps of a navigation providing method according
to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be respectively
executed by a map provision server and a navigation terminal
described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 8.
[0081] The navigation terminal performs a navigation function based
on map data that the map provision server supplies.
[0082] In step S901, a division unit of the map provision server
divides a geographic area on the whole map with mesh units having
different sizes. In exemplary embodiments, the sizes of mesh units
for dividing map data vary with the amounts of information included
in division areas such that file sizes of the division areas are
leveled.
[0083] In step S902, a generation unit of the map provision server
produces individual unit file databases on the mesh units, based on
map data of division areas. At this time, the generation unit of
the map provision server produces file databases by storing map
data of areas, divided in the form of tile map according to mesh
units, in a vector way. Moreover, the file databases are stored to
include information on connection to a file database of an adjacent
area at the generation unit of the map provision server. In this
case, even though the file databases of the division areas are
individually produced, it is possible to connect the file
databases. Thus, a navigation function may be connected among the
division areas. In exemplary embodiments, information on all
components needed for map screen display (navigation DP), route
search, and route guidance may be stored in a file database of an
individual unit to implement a perfect navigation function only
using one file database.
[0084] In step S903, a provision unit of the map provision server
provides a navigation terminal with file databases of areas
belonging to a specific zone according to a request of the
navigation terminal. At this time, the specific zone may be set
(or, selected) by a user of the navigation terminal, may be
automatically set on the basis of a current position of the
navigation terminal, may be set with a searched route up to a
destination, or may be set with a region that is predicted using a
reception frequency at the navigation terminal.
[0085] In step S904, a reception unit of the navigation terminal
receives, from the map provision server, data needed to perform a
navigation function in association with the map provision server.
At this time, the reception unit of the navigation terminal
receives file databases, in which map data of a specific zone is
stored, from the map provision server. In particular, the file
databases are received by an individual unit with respect to
division areas in the specific zone.
[0086] For example, a user selects either a peripheral area with
the specific position as the center or a specific administrative
district through an interface means of the navigation terminal. The
reception unit of the map provision server receives file databases
of areas, which correspond to a specific zone selected by the user,
from the map provision server in a lump. At this time, the file
databases of the zone selected by the user may be stored at a local
database of the navigation terminal, and it may be anytime used to
perform a navigation function. Alternatively, the map provision
server searches a route up to a destination according to a request
of the navigation terminal, and a reception unit of the navigation
terminal receives file databases of areas, which are included in
the route thus searched, from the map provision server in a lump.
File databases of areas included in a route are temporarily stored
in a cache, not the local database of the navigation terminal.
However, when a reception frequency is over a predetermined number,
the areas included in the route are set to frequently used areas.
In this case, the file databases of the areas included in the route
may be stored at the database. Or, the reception unit of the
navigation terminal receives file databases of both an area,
corresponding to a current position on the basis of a current
position of the navigation terminal, and an area adjacent to the
current position along a translocation direction in real time. The
file databases received in real time on the basis of the current
position are temporarily stored in a cache, not the local database
of the navigation terminal. However, when a reception frequency is
over a predetermined number, areas corresponding to the file
databases received in real time are set to frequently used areas.
In this case, the file databases received in real time may be
selectively stored at the database.
[0087] In step S905, an execution unit of the navigation terminal
performs a navigation function on the specific zone using
individual-unit file databases. The execution unit of the
navigation terminal supports navigation functions, including route
search, route guidance, and map search, using information of the
file database (information of components associated with an index
on map data of a division area, map screen display (navigation DP),
route search, and route guidance). In particular, if a transfer of
an individual-unit file database into a navigation terminal ends,
the individual-unit file database may be used to continuously
perform a navigation function at an off-line environment regardless
of whether the navigation terminal communicates with the map
provision server.
[0088] In the above-described navigation providing method, steps
may be skipped or added on the basis of detailed contents of a
navigation terminal and a map provision server described with
reference to FIGS. 1 through 8. Further, two or more operations may
be combined, or the order of operations or their places may be
changed.
[0089] Methods according to an embodiment of the inventive concept
may be implemented with program instructions executable by various
computer systems and may be recorded at a computer-readable media.
For example, a computer-readable media may be configured to record
a program that includes steps of: receiving files, in which map
data of a specific zone is stored, from a map provision server; and
performing a navigation function on the specific zone using the
files. At this time, the files may be produced by an individual
unit with respect to geographic areas divided by mesh units having
different sizes, and the sizes of the mesh units are decided
according to the amounts of information included in the geographic
areas such that file sizes are leveled. The files may include
information needed for map screen display, route search, and route
guidance.
[0090] A program according to an embodiment of the inventive
concept may be implemented by a PC-based program or a dedicated
application installed on a mobile terminal. In exemplary
embodiments, an application for processing searched data may be
implemented in the form of program that operates independently, or
it may be implemented in the form of in-app of a specific
application such that the application can operate on the specific
application.
[0091] In accordance with an embodiment of the inventive concept,
an update is partially performed by managing data using a file
database of a small divided mesh unit with respect to a geographic
area, thereby reducing an update time and increasing efficiency.
Also, the amounts of information on file databases are equalized by
making capacities of file databases uniform using different
division units with respect to the geographic area, thereby
maximizing efficiency of on-line or off-line update. Further, it is
possible to provide a user-wanted area more exactly by using a file
database of a small divided mesh unit, and a file structure is
provided which supports various network environments (on-board,
semi-board, and off-board) and processes them with one data
format.
[0092] The units described herein may be implemented using hardware
components, software components, or a combination thereof. For
example, devices and components described therein may be
implemented using one or more general-purpose or special purpose
computers, such as, but not limited to, a processor, a controller,
an arithmetic logic unit, a digital signal processor, a
microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a
programmable logic unit, a microprocessor or any other device
capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined
manner. A processing device may run an operating system (OS) and
one or more software applications that run on the OS. The
processing device also may access, store, manipulate, process, and
create data in response to execution of the software. For the sake
of easy understanding, an embodiment of the inventive concept is
exemplified as one processing device is used; however, one skilled
in the art will appreciate that a processing device may include
multiple processing elements and multiple types of processing
elements. For example, a processing device may include multiple
processors or a processor and a controller. In addition, different
processing configurations are possible, such as parallel
processors.
[0093] The software may include a computer program, a piece of
code, an instruction, or some combination thereof, for
independently or collectively instructing or configuring the
processing device to operate as desired. Software and data may be
embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine,
component, physical or virtual equipment, computer storage medium
or device, or in a propagated signal wave capable of providing
instructions or data to or being interpreted by the processing
device. The software also may be distributed over network coupled
computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a
distributed fashion. In particular, the software and data may be
stored by one or more computer readable recording mediums.
[0094] The example embodiments may be recorded in non-transitory
computer-readable media including program instructions to perform
various operations embodied by a computer. The media may also
include, alone or in combination with the program instructions,
data files, data structures, and the like. The media and program
instructions may be those specially designed and constructed for
the purposes, or they may be of the kind well-known and available
to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of
non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic media such
as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such
as CD ROM disks and DVD; magneto-optical media such as floptical
disks; and hardware devices that are specially to store and perform
program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access
memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like. Examples of program
instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a
compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be
executed by the computer using an interpreter. The described
hardware devices may be to act as one or more software modules in
order to perform the operations of the above-described
embodiments.
[0095] While the inventive concept has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above
embodiments are not limiting, but illustrative.
* * * * *