JP2003005629A - Map display system, memory device, information terminal device, direction information transmission program, map information display program and program recording media - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a map display system that can control the rotation of a displayed map information to the actual direction, composed of a memory device and an information terminal device. SOLUTION: A direction information detected by a direction detecting means that consists of a magnetic sensor 101 and a direction detecting part 102 of a memory module 1 equipped with a map display terminal, is transmitted as electric signal to the map display terminal through a direction information transmission part 106. The direction information from the memory module 1 is received at a map display end as electric signal. The map information on the display element of the map display terminal is rotated to adapt to the actual direction based on the direction information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a map display system for displaying and providing map information, a memory device constituting the map display system, an information terminal device, an orientation information sending program used in the map information system, and a map information display. The present invention relates to a program and a program recording medium that records the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Notebook personal computers (notebook personal computers), PDAs (Personal Digi)
Various information terminal devices suitable for carrying have come to be used, such as a personal assistant (Tal Assistant) and a mobile phone terminal. These information terminal devices include LCD (Li
A display element such as a quid crystal display) is provided so that various information can be displayed.

[0003] Then, when going out, the map information of the neighborhood is displayed on the display element of the information terminal device so that the route to the destination can be easily and accurately grasped. Is becoming. The map information displayed on the display element of the information terminal device may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium that can be loaded into the information terminal device, or downloaded from a server device provided on the Internet. Has been made possible.

However, when the map information is displayed on the display element of the information terminal device, the orientation of the map information is predetermined and displayed. For example, the map information is displayed on the display element so that the upper end direction of the display element faces north as seen from the user. For this reason, the user has to look at the map information displayed on the display element in consideration of the direction in which he / she is actually facing, and therefore the direction on the displayed map may be mistaken for the actual direction. is there.

Therefore, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-91970, a magnetic sensor and an azimuth detecting means are built in, and the map information to be displayed is rotated based on the azimuth detected by these. Thus, there is proposed a portable navigation device capable of matching the actual azimuth and the azimuth on the displayed map. In the case of this portable navigation device, the user is not aware of the difference between the actual orientation and the orientation of the displayed map, so the displayed map information can be used without making a mistake in the actual orientation. To be able to.

[0006]

By the way, if an information terminal device capable of displaying map information, such as a notebook computer, a PDA, or a mobile phone terminal, can be provided with a magnetic sensor or a direction detecting means, those information terminal devices can be provided. Also in the above, the orientation of the user and the orientation of the displayed map information can be matched.

However, the existing notebook computer, PD
A. Providing a magnetic sensor or a direction detecting means in an information terminal device such as a mobile phone terminal is time-consuming, costly and unrealistic. In addition, it is not preferable to mount the magnetic sensor or the azimuth detecting means because the information terminal device may be enlarged.

Therefore, the user himself or herself simply detects the azimuth using a conventional compass (azimuth magnetic needle), and based on the detected azimuth, the map information displayed on the display element of the information terminal device is displayed. It is possible to make the orientation of the user coincide with the orientation of the displayed map information by rotating. However, in the case of this method, since the display of the map information is changed by the manual operation of the user, it is considered that it takes time and labor and accuracy may be impaired.

In view of the above, the present invention provides a map display system capable of controlling the rotation of the displayed map information so as to match the actual orientation, a memory device constituting this system, an information terminal device, and an orientation information transmission program. , A map information display program and a program recording medium are provided.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems, a map display system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an information terminal device and a memory device detachably attached to the information terminal device. In the map display system, the memory device includes an azimuth detecting unit that detects an azimuth according to the geomagnetism, a memory that stores information indicating the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting unit, and the memory unit that is stored in the memory. A signal converting unit that converts the information indicating the azimuth into a transmitting signal, and a transmitting unit that transmits the transmitting signal converted by the signal converting unit to the information terminal device in which the own device is mounted. The information terminal device includes a display element for displaying map information, a reception means for receiving the transmission signal transmitted from the transmission means of the memory device mounted on the own device, and the memory. Correction value calculation means for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth by the transmission signal received by the reception means according to the connection position of the device to the own device, and the correction value from the correction value calculation means. Display control means for rotating and controlling the map information displayed on the display element based on the information indicating the azimuth after being corrected according to the above.

According to the map display system of the first aspect, the information indicating the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting means of the memory device mounted on the information terminal device is transmitted through the sending means as a signal for transmitting an electric signal. It is sent to the information terminal device. In the information terminal device, the receiving means receives the information indicating the azimuth as a transmission signal from the memory device.

Then, a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth is calculated by the correction value calculating means in accordance with the connection position of the memory device to the information terminal device, and based on the information indicating the azimuth corrected in accordance with the correction value. , The map information is rotated and displayed on the display element.

Thus, if the information terminal device is capable of mounting the memory device, the information indicating the azimuth from the memory device is received, and the map information is rotationally controlled using the azimuth information after the correction processing for the own device. By doing so, the map information can be displayed on the display element of the information terminal device in a mode that matches the actual orientation. Moreover, if there is only one memory device, it can be mounted on various information terminal devices for use.

A map display system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a map display system comprising an information terminal device and a memory device detachably attached to the information terminal device. Is an azimuth detecting means for detecting an azimuth according to the geomagnetism, a memory for storing information indicating the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting means, and converting the information indicating the azimuth stored in the memory into a transmission signal. And a sending means for sending the transmission signal converted by the signal converting means to the information terminal device on which the own device is mounted, the information terminal device displaying map information. A display element, a receiving means for receiving the transmission signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the memory device mounted on the own device, and a connection position of the memory device to the own device. A correction value calculation means for calculating a correction value for information indicating the azimuth by the transmission signal received by the reception means, and information indicating the azimuth after correction according to the correction value from the correction value calculation means. Sending means for forming rotation control information based on the rotation control information, and sending it to a server device provided on the network for providing map information, and receiving rotation-controlled map information sent from the server device. Means for receiving map information,
Display control means for displaying the map information received by the map information receiving means on the display element.

According to the map display system of the second aspect, the information indicating the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting means of the memory device mounted on the information terminal device is transmitted through the sending means as a signal for transmitting an electric signal. It is sent to the information terminal device. In the information terminal device, the information indicating the direction as the transmission signal from the memory device is received by the receiving means.

Then, the correction value calculation means calculates a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth in accordance with the connection position of the memory device to the information terminal device, and based on the information indicating the azimuth corrected in accordance with the correction value. The rotation control information is formed and transmitted to the server device connected to the network.

In response to the request from the portable terminal device, the server device controls the rotation of the predetermined map information and transmits it to the requesting information terminal device. The rotation-controlled map information is received and can be displayed on the display element.

With this, in the case of the information terminal device to which the memory device can be attached, the rotation control information is received by using the information indicating the direction after receiving the information indicating the direction from the memory device and correcting the own device. Is formed and transmitted to the server device to obtain rotation-controlled map information, and the map information can be displayed on the display element of the information terminal device in a manner that matches the actual orientation. it can.

In this case, the map information is stored in the server device,
Further, since the rotation control of the map information according to the actual azimuth is performed on the server device side, the load on the information terminal device can be reduced. Moreover, if there is only one memory device, it can be mounted on various information terminal devices for use.

A map display system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the map display system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the memory device displays the orientation detected by the orientation detecting means. A display element for displaying is provided.

According to the map display system of the third aspect, the memory device is provided with the display element for displaying the azimuth, and when the memory device is detached from the information terminal device, it is a so-called compass by itself. Be made available as.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A map display system, a memory device, an information terminal device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
An embodiment of the azimuth information transmission program, the map information display program, and the program recording medium will be described.

[First Embodiment] [Appearance of Memory Module and Map Display Terminal] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of a memory module 1 to which a memory device according to the present invention is applied. 2 is
It is a figure for demonstrating the external appearance of the map display system comprised by mounting the memory module 1 to the map display terminal 2 to which the information terminal device by this invention was applied.
That is, the map display system shown in FIG. 2 is an application of the map display system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the memory module 1 of this embodiment includes a magnetic sensor 101 and an azimuth detecting section 1.
02, and a flash memory 10
8. An interface terminal (hereinafter abbreviated as I / F terminal) 106 is provided, and by mounting it on another device,
The external memory unit 12 has a function as a so-called memory card that can be used as an external memory of the other device.

Then, the memory module 1 stores information (azimuth information) indicating the azimuth detected by the magnetic sensor 101 and the azimuth detector 102 of the compass unit 11 in the external memory unit 1.
It is possible to temporarily record in the flash memory 108 of No. 2 and send the recorded azimuth information to the electronic device in which the memory module 1 is mounted through the I / F terminal 106.

The compass unit 11 is provided with the azimuth information display unit 103, the lens unit 110, and the scale 111, so that the memory module 1 can be used as a single compass even when it is not attached to an electronic device. I am able to do it. Lens part 11 of compass part 11
0 and the scale 111 are provided for convenience when the memory module 1 is used as a single compass and used together with a map shown on paper.

As shown in FIG. 2, the memory module 1 includes an external memory attachment / detachment portion (external memory slot).
By mounting it on the map display terminal 2 which is an information terminal device equipped with the
To be able to offer.

As described above, the map display terminal 2 includes the external memory slot, the map information display section 204 formed by the LCD, and the operation keys 207.
Etc., the map information recorded in a recording medium such as a memory of the own device can be read and displayed on the LCD 204.

Then, the map display terminal 2 rotates the map information displayed on the LCD 204 based on the azimuth information from the memory module 1 so that the azimuth of the map information can match the actual azimuth. ing.
This allows the user to use the displayed map information as it is without having to look at the map information displayed on the LCD 204 in consideration of the direction in which the user is facing. I have to.

[Regarding Memory Module] Next, the configuration of the memory module 1 of this embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the memory module 1 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the memory module 1 according to the present embodiment has a CPU (Central Proc).
essing Unit) 100, azimuth detecting unit 102,
Direction information display (LCD) 103, ROM (Read
The only memory 104, the operation keys 105, the azimuth information conversion unit 107, and the azimuth information storage unit (flash memory) 108 are connected through the system bus 109,
Further, the azimuth detecting unit 102 includes a magnetic sensor 101.
However, in the azimuth information conversion unit 107, the azimuth information transmission unit 106
Are connected and configured.

The CPU 100 controls each part of the memory module 1 of this embodiment. ROM10
Reference numeral 4 denotes various programs to be executed by the CPU 100 and constant tables necessary for executing the programs. Flash memory 10
Reference numeral 8 is for temporarily storing data such as azimuth information.

The operation key 105 is used to instruct the CPU 100 of the memory module 1 to start the azimuth detecting process. And CPU1
When 00 is instructed to start the azimuth detecting process, 00 controls the magnetic sensor 101 via the azimuth detecting means 102 to detect the azimuth.

The azimuth sensor 101 detects geomagnetism under the control of the CPU 100 and supplies the detected output to the azimuth detecting unit 102. The azimuth detecting unit 102 converts the detection output (azimuth information) from the magnetic sensor 101 into azimuth information represented by an angle value in which the clockwise direction is positive from the reference direction of the memory module 1 to obtain usable azimuth information. To detect. The reference direction of the memory module 1 is
In FIG. 1, as indicated by an arrow K, this is the direction of the major axis (longitudinal) of the memory module 1 in which the external memory unit 12 is not connected.

The azimuth information (angle value) detected by the azimuth detecting unit 102 is recorded in the flash memory 108 as the azimuth information storing unit by the function of the CPU 100. Then, the azimuth information recorded in the flash memory 108 is converted by the azimuth information conversion unit 107 into a format suitable for the map display terminal 2 in which the memory module 1 is mounted, and the I / F terminal as the azimuth information transmission unit. It is sent to the map display terminal through 106.

The I / F terminal 106 as the azimuth information sending unit is generally a connector terminal. However, using a wireless I / F such as so-called Bluetooth, or using a cable (wired I / F),
It is also possible to connect the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2.

However, the connection by the wireless I / F or the cable cannot fix the relative positional relationship between the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2 in many cases. Therefore, the rotation control of the map information displayed on the LCD 204 of the map display terminal 2 cannot be accurately performed based on the azimuth information from the memory module 1, and the displayed azimuth and the actual azimuth are large. The possibility of slippage increases.

Therefore, as in the map display system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the memory module 1 is mounted (loaded) in the external memory slot of the map display terminal 2, By making the relative positional relationship with the map display terminal 2 uniquely determined, in order to make the azimuth of the displayed map information and the actual azimuth coincide, the detected azimuth information is used. It is possible to relatively easily perform a calibration process, which will be described later, for performing a correction according to the own device.

Even when the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2 are connected using a wireless I / F or a cable, the relative positional relationship between the two can be fixedly determined. If possible, it is possible to match the orientation of the displayed map information with the actual orientation.

Further, in the memory module 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a azimuth information display section 103 of the LCD formed in a circle is provided around the lens section 110,
Based on the detected azimuth information, for example, the north azimuth is displayed with two lines and the other three azimuths (south, east, and west) are displayed with one line so that the azimuth can be notified. . That is, as described above, the memory module 1 alone is designed to function as a compass.

As described above, the memory module 1 of this embodiment can be attached to various electronic devices in which an external memory can be attached and detached, and can provide orientation information to the electronic devices. In addition, in the electronic device in which the memory module 1 is mounted, the direction information from the memory module 1 can be received and used, and in the same manner as when reading data from a normal external memory, if necessary. It is also possible to obtain the direction information from the memory module 1 and use this.

[Map Display Terminal] Next, the structure of the map display terminal 2 of this embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the map display terminal 2 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the map display terminal 2 of this embodiment has a CPU 200, an orientation information input section 202,
Map information rotation control unit 203, clock circuit 205, ROM2
06, operation keys 207, azimuth information calibration unit 208, azimuth information storage unit 209, system bus 210
Further, the azimuth information input unit 202 is connected to the azimuth information receiving unit 201, and the map information rotation control unit 203 is connected to the map information display unit (LCD) 204.

The CPU 200 controls each part of the map display terminal 2 of this embodiment. Also, ROM2
Reference numeral 06 denotes various programs to be executed by the CPU 200, and a constant table required when the programs are executed. The RAM 209 serving as the azimuth information storage unit temporarily stores various data such as azimuth information. It is meant to be stored in. In addition, the operation key 20
Reference numeral 7 is for receiving various instruction inputs from the user and notifying the CPU 200 of them.

As shown in FIG. 2, the azimuth information sent from the azimuth information sending means 106 of the memory module 1 mounted on the map display terminal 2 is the azimuth information receiving section of the map display terminal shown in FIG. The data is received by 201 and supplied to the azimuth information input unit 202. The azimuth information input unit 202 converts the azimuth information from the azimuth information reception unit 201 into a data format that can be processed by the own device and accepts it.

The azimuth information received by the azimuth information input unit 202 is written in the RAM 209 through the system bus 210 under the control of the CPU 200. In this way, the azimuth information from the memory module 1 is supplied to the map display terminal 2. However, the azimuth information supplied to the map display terminal may not be used as it is.

For example, the reference azimuth of the memory module 1 and the reference azimuth of the map display terminal 2 may not match depending on the position of the external memory slot of the map display terminal. In such a case, the azimuth information from the memory module 1 must be calibrated (corrected) and used in the map display terminal 2, for example.
The azimuth information calibration unit 208 is therefor.

This calibration is necessary for the map display terminal 2 to grasp the relative positional relationship when the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2 are connected. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the calibration. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6C, and D, a plurality of positional relationships between the map display terminal and the memory module 1 connected thereto can be considered.

As described above, the memory module has the reference of the azimuth information (reference azimuth). In this embodiment, as indicated by an arrow K in FIG. 1, the direction in which the external memory unit 12 is not attached is the reference azimuth (0 degree) in the long axis direction of the memory module 1. Then, the azimuth detecting unit 102 built in the memory module 1
Is configured to detect the information from the magnetic sensor 101 from the reference azimuth of the memory module 1 as an angle value in which the clockwise direction is positive.

In each of the four examples shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6C and D, the user having the map display terminal 2 is
This is an example of a case of facing north and aligning the north of the map displayed on the LCD 204 of the map display terminal 2 with the TOP (upper) of the map display terminal 2. Various types of map display terminals 2 can be configured, and external memory slots can be provided at various positions.

Different angle values are sent to the map display terminal depending on the direction in which the memory module 1 is inserted into the external memory slots of various map display terminals. Therefore, it is necessary to calibrate the azimuth information from the memory module 1 in advance when controlling the rotation of the map information, to have correction information for the azimuth information, and to use the information to correct.

Example 1 shown in FIG. 5A is the TO of the map display terminal.
This is the case where the P (up) direction and the reference azimuth of the memory module 1 match. In this case, the calibration value (correction value) for the azimuth information is 0 degree. If the north is in the direction of 90 degrees (facing the west), the angle value of 90 degrees is used as it is for the rotation control of the map information, and the north of the map is rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction to be displayed. The actual orientation and the orientation (direction) of the map match.

The example 2 shown in FIG. 5B is a case where the memory module 1 is mounted and used laterally from the right side of the map display terminal, and it can be said that the TOP direction of the terminal is 270 degrees. Even when facing north, the memory module 1 outputs an angle value of 270 degrees. On the map display terminal,
270 degrees cannot be used as it is when controlling the rotation of map information, and the actual orientation (north) can be obtained by subtracting 270 degrees from the orientation information supplied from the memory module 1 (-270 degrees) to obtain 0 degrees. The orientation of the map information displayed as is the same.

For example, in the case where the north is in the direction of 180 degrees (facing the east), 180 degrees is sent from the memory module 1, but it is corrected by the calibration value -270 degrees,
If the map information is rotated and displayed by −90 degrees (counterclockwise 90 degrees), the actual orientation and the orientation of the map information match. Thus, the calibration value for the azimuth information in the case of Example 2 shown in FIG. 5B is -270.
It is degree.

Example 3 shown in FIG. 6C is the TO of the map display terminal.
This is a case where the memory module 1 is connected to the map display terminal so that P is located at a position of 180 degrees. In this case, the calibration value may be -180 degrees. Figure 6
Example 4 shown in D is a case where the memory module 1 is connected to the map display terminal so that the TOP of the map display terminal is at the position of 90 degrees. In this case, the calibration value may be -90 degrees. If the north is in the direction of 270 degrees (towards the south), the angle value of 270 degrees is sent from the memory module 1, but the calibration value is -90.
The 180 °, which is the azimuth information obtained by correcting the map information in degrees, is the angle at which the map information is rotated.

In this way, each map display terminal is displayed by correcting the azimuth information with the calibration value (correction value) for the azimuth information from the memory module 1 according to the position of the external memory slot of the own device. It is possible to match the orientation of the map with the actual orientation.

Therefore, the azimuth information calibration unit 208 determines the calibration value for the azimuth information from the memory module 1 according to the position of the external memory slot of the own device. For example, the CPU 200 corrects the azimuth information by using the calibration value determined by the azimuth information calibration unit 208.

In this embodiment, RA
M209 or CPU2 from a recording medium (not shown)
When the map information rotation control unit 203 controls the rotation of the map information read by 00 on the basis of the corrected azimuth information and displays the map information on the LCD 204, L
It is possible to match the orientation of the map information displayed on the CD 204 with the actual orientation.

[Operation of Map Display System] FIG. 7
3 is a flow chart for explaining an operation in the map display system including the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2 of this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 7 is a preparation process for connecting the memory module 1 on the map display terminal 2 side, for example, inputting (registering) to the map information terminal 2 that the memory module 1 has been connected.
After performing necessary processing such as starting the map information display software, the CPU 100 of the memory module 1 and the CP of the map display terminal 2 are processed.
This is the process performed in U200.

That is, in the flow chart shown in FIG. 7, the actual azimuth is detected by the memory module 1,
It shows an operation in the map display system when the map information displayed on the LCD 04 of the map display terminal to which the memory module 1 is connected (mounted) is rotationally controlled and displayed according to the actual azimuth.

Since the processing in the memory module 1 and the processing in the map display terminal 2 are closely related to each other, the processing in the memory module 1 and the processing in the map display terminal 2 are performed as shown in FIG. The operation of the map display system is represented by one flow chart. Then, as will be described later in detail, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the processing from step 301 to step 304 is the processing in the memory module 1, and step 3
The processing from 05 to step 310 is processing in the map display terminal 2.

The operation of the map display system will be described in detail below. As described above, in the map display system, after the predetermined preparation process is completed, the CPU 100 of the memory module 1 determines whether the operation key 105 is operated to instruct the start of the direction detection (step). 301). When it is determined in the determination process of step 301 that the start of the direction detection has not been instructed, the process of step 301 is repeated, and the process waits until the operation key 105 is operated.

When it is determined in step 301 that the operation key 105 has been operated to instruct the start of azimuth detection, the CPU 10 of the memory module 1 is determined.
0 controls the magnetic sensor 101 to detect the direction (step 302). Then, the CPU 100 controls the azimuth detecting unit 102 to convert the detection output from the magnetic sensor 101 into an angle value from the reference azimuth and detect the azimuth information in a usable format (step 303).

The detected azimuth information is once stored in the flash memory 108 or directly supplied to the azimuth information conversion unit 107, and converted into a format suitable for the map display terminal 2 and transmitted. It is converted into an electric signal for use in the map display terminal 2 and transmitted to the map display terminal 2 through the azimuth information transmitting unit 106 (step 304).

The processing from the next step 305 is processing on the map display terminal 2 side. First, the CP of the map display terminal 2
The U200 controls the azimuth information receiving unit 201 to receive the azimuth information from the memory module 1, converts the received azimuth information into a format that can be processed by the azimuth information input unit 202, and It is recorded in the RAM 209 (step 305).

Then, the CPU 200 proceeds to step 305.
It is determined whether or not the calibration has been completed in order to know whether or not the azimuth information received at is valid for itself, that is, whether or not it can be used as it is (step 306). Whether or not the calibration has been completed is written, for example, after execution of the calibration, flag information indicating whether or not the calibration is completed is written in the RAM 209 of the map display terminal.

This flag information is, for example, turned on ("1") when the calibration has been completed, and turned off ("0") when the calibration has not been performed. By checking this flag information, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not calibration has been completed.

If it is determined in the determination processing of step 306 that calibration has not been performed, the above-described calibration processing is executed (step 30).
7). That is, the map display terminal 2 determines the calibration value (correction value) based on the positional relationship between the map display terminal 2 and the memory module 1 mounted on the map display terminal 2 in step 307).

When the map display terminal 2 has only one external memory slot for receiving the memory module 1, the calibration value is uniquely determined, and that value is used. However, in the case where the map display terminal 2 has a plurality of external memory slots, or the installation direction of the external memory slots can be changed, etc., the map display terminal 2 and A calibration process that determines a calibration value based on the positional relationship with the mounted memory module 1 is required.

When the calibration process is performed in step 307, the flag information about the calibration is turned on (“1”) in this embodiment, and the process returns from step 301 to the memory module. Wait for the operation key input to start the direction detection in 1. By doing so, the detected azimuth information from the memory module 1 can be obtained after determining the calibration value, so that the azimuth information can be corrected immediately, and the subsequent processing can be performed accurately. It can be performed smoothly and smoothly.

When it is determined in step 306 that the calibration has been completed, the CPU 200 of the map display terminal 2 uses the calibration value determined by the calibration process as described above, and the memory module The direction information from 1 is corrected, and the corrected direction information (angle value) is calculated (step 30).
8).

Then, the CPU 200 of the map display terminal 2
Controls the map information rotation control unit 203 to control the rotation of the direction of the map information to be displayed using the corrected direction information, and performs the map information rotation conversion to match the actual direction (step 309). ), The map information which has been subjected to this rotation conversion is displayed on the LCD 204 (step 310).

As a result, the LCD 20 of the map display terminal 2
The azimuth of the map information displayed in 4 corresponds to the actual azimuth. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the user has to look at the map information while considering the difference between the actual direction and the direction of the map information displayed on the LCD 204 of the map display terminal.

In FIG. 7, the calibration process is performed in step 307 after the map display terminal 2 receives the azimuth information. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the calibration process may of course be performed immediately after the memory module 1 is connected to the map display terminal.

Further, the map display terminal 2 of this embodiment
Includes a clock circuit 205 that provides the current time,
By storing the azimuth information provided, the azimuth information providing time, the identifier of the displayed map information, and the like in the RAM 209 or the flash memory 108 of the memory module 1, the RAM 209 and the flash memory 10 can be stored later.
The information recorded in 8 can be used for confirming the route taken.

In this embodiment, the azimuth information transmission program for sequentially executing the processes of step 301 to step 304 shown in FIG. 7 is recorded in the ROM 104 of the memory module 1 and provided, and FIG. The map information display program that sequentially executes the processes of steps 305 to 310 shown in FIG.
It is provided by being recorded in the ROM 206.

Further, the above-mentioned azimuth information transmission program,
The map information display program may be recorded and provided in the flash memory 108 of the memory module 1, and the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2 may read and use these programs. That is, an external memory including the flash memory 108 of the memory module 1 can be used as a program recording medium.

Of course, from various recording media such as a CD-ROM in which the necessary programs are recorded, the necessary programs are downloaded to the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2 via a personal computer, for example.
It is also possible to execute processing according to a predetermined procedure.

In the memory module 1 shown in FIG. 3, the function of the azimuth detecting unit 102 for detecting azimuth information as an available angle value based on the detection output from the magnetic sensor 101, and the azimuth information. It is also possible to realize the function of the azimuth information conversion unit 107 for converting the signal into a signal of a format transmitted through the azimuth information transmission unit 106 as a function of the CPU 100 by a program executed by the CPU 100.

Similarly, in the map display terminal 2 shown in FIG. 4, the azimuth information input unit for converting the azimuth information received by the azimuth information receiving unit 201 into a signal in a format which can be processed by the azimuth information receiving unit. The CPU 200 has the function of 202, the function of the azimuth information calibration unit 208 that determines the calibration value, and the function of the map information rotation control unit 203 that controls the rotation of the map information using the azimuth information corrected by the calibration value. It is also possible to realize it as a function of the CPU 200 by a program to be executed.

[Second Embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, the map information is described as existing on the map display terminal 2 side. That is, the map information is recorded in a built-in memory of the map display terminal 2 or a recording medium loaded in the map display terminal 2, or is provided from another information device or the like connected to the map display terminal. Is. However, it is not limited to this.

Map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment
Is capable of obtaining map information from a server device provided on a network such as the Internet. Then, in the second embodiment, the rotation control of the map information is also performed by the processing on the server device side that provides the map information.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment. The map display terminal 4 is configured such that the memory module 1 according to the first embodiment described above can be attached and detached. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment is provided with a map information reception unit 401, a map information rotation control information output unit 402, and a map information rotation control information generation unit 403. It is a thing. Further, the map information rotation control unit 203 included in the map display terminal 2 of the first embodiment is not included.

The other parts than these are configured in the same manner as the map display terminal 2 of the first embodiment described above. For this reason, in the map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the parts similar to those of the map display terminal 2 of the first embodiment described above are
The same reference numeral as that of the map display terminal 2 of the embodiment of
Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment also determines the calibration value based on the positional relationship between the self-device and the memory module 1 mounted on the self-device, and calibrates the calibration value. The orientation value from the memory module 1 can be corrected to that which can be used by the own device by using the operation value.

Further, as described above, the map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment communicates to enable access to a predetermined server device for providing map information provided on the network. It has a function. Then, the server device can be accessed and the target map information can be provided from the server device.

In this case, in the map display terminal 4 according to the second embodiment, the map information rotation control information generating section 40 is used.
In 3, the rotation control information, which is information relating to the rotation control of the map information requested to be provided, is generated based on the corrected azimuth information, and this is output to the server device that provides the map information. It can be sent through the unit 402.

Incidentally, the map information rotation control information generation section 403.
In the above, instead of simply calculating the rotation angle of the map information and using this as the rotation control information, the rotation control information in a format that allows the server device to easily rotate the map information (rotation processing) is used. It is generated based on the azimuth information.

Further, which map information to provide may be sent to the server together with the rotation control information to be sent, or prior to sending the rotation control information.
It is also possible to send a request for providing map information separately from the rotation control information.

In the server device which provides the map information, the map information is rotationally converted by controlling the rotation of the map information requested to be provided based on the rotational control information from the map display terminal. The subsequent map information is transmitted to the requesting map display terminal 4.

The map information after rotation conversion from this server device is received by the map information receiving unit 401 of the map display terminal 4, and the map information after rotation conversion is displayed on the LCD 204 under the control of the CPU 400.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the map display system including the memory module 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 and the map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment. Is. In FIG. 9, the processing from step 301 to step 307 is the same processing as the processing of the map display system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

In the map display system according to the second embodiment, the rotation angle of the map information is calculated by the map information rotation control information generation section 403 using the corrected azimuth information using the calibration value. The rotation control information is calculated and generated (step 501), and the generated rotation control information is notified to the server device providing the map information through the map information rotation control information output unit 402 (step 5).
02).

According to the rotation control information, the server device rotationally converts the requested map information and transmits the rotationally converted map information. The map information receiving unit 401 of the map display terminal 4 receives the map information. (Step 503). Then, under the control of the CPU 400, the map information receiving unit 401
The rotation-converted map information received by is used to display the map information on the LCD 204 (step 50).
4).

As described above, the map display terminal 4 of the second embodiment obtains the azimuth information from the memory module 1 connected to it, and generates the rotation control information based on the azimuth information. By sending to the server device,
The target map information rotated according to the actual orientation can be obtained from the server device and displayed.

Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a large amount of map information on the side of the map display terminal 4 in advance, and since it is not necessary to rotate and convert the map information in the map display terminal 4, the load on the map display terminal is reduced. It can be reduced significantly. The map display terminal 4 is suitable for application to, for example, a communication terminal device such as a mobile phone terminal capable of communicating with a map database server provided on the Internet.

As can be seen from the above description of the first and second embodiments, a map display terminal capable of displaying map information but having no built-in azimuth detecting means is provided with the azimuth detecting means of the present invention. By installing a memory module, it is possible to display a map that matches the actual orientation. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of using a compass to know the azimuth and the trouble of adjusting the orientation of the map while comparing the azimuth indicated by the compass with the azimuth of the map information.

Since the memory module can be connected to various information terminals having an external memory slot, the memory module can be shared by a plurality of information terminals. Therefore, in the case of having a plurality of such information terminals, it is better to replace the memory module with azimuth detecting means and use the size of the information terminal, as compared with having the information terminals each having an azimuth detecting means. It is possible to save cost.

In addition, when traveling overseas, etc., who do not have an electronic map,
Or, if you need to use a normal map printed on paper because it cannot be obtained from the server, the memory module itself has a function as a compass, so for example, compared to the case of using a map display terminal with built-in direction detection means. Therefore, it is lightweight and easy to operate, and can provide a feeling of use close to that of a normal compass. Further, in the case of a map display terminal having a built-in azimuth detecting means, it is possible that the azimuth detecting means cannot be used unless a map is displayed, but the memory module according to the present invention is convenient because it can be used alone.

Incidentally, also in the second embodiment,
An azimuth information transmission program for sequentially executing each processing of step 301 to step 304 shown in FIG. 9 is recorded and provided in the ROM 104 of the memory module 1, and each processing of step 305 to step 504 shown in FIG. The map information display program for sequentially executing is recorded in the ROM 206 of the map display terminal 4 and provided.

In addition, the above-mentioned azimuth information transmission program,
The map information display program may be recorded and provided in the flash memory 108 of the memory module 1, and the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 4 may read and use these programs. That is, an external memory including the flash memory 108 of the memory module 1 can be used as a program recording medium.

Of course, from various recording media such as a CD-ROM in which necessary programs are recorded, the necessary programs are downloaded to the memory module 1 and the map display terminal 2 via a personal computer,
It is the same in the second embodiment that the processing according to a predetermined procedure can be executed.

In the map display terminal 4 shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 200 executes the function of the azimuth information input unit 202, the function of the azimuth information calibration unit 208, and the function of the map information rotation control information generation unit 403. It is also possible to realize it as a function of the CPU 200 by a program to be executed.

In addition, in the second embodiment,
The map information requested by the server device side that provides the map information is easily rotated by the rotation control information from the map display terminal, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, after the target map information is obtained from the server device, the map display terminal 4 may rotate and convert the map information.

In the first and second embodiments, the so-called calibration process is automatically determined according to the positional relationship between the map display terminal and the memory module 1 attached to the map display terminal. However, it is not limited to this. The calibration value to be used may be determined by the user himself performing a setting operation on the map display terminal 2 or the map display terminal 4.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the memory module 1 temporarily fetches the detected azimuth information into its own flash memory 108 and then
This is sent to the map display terminal to which it is connected. By doing so, the map display terminal to which the memory module 1 is attached can also read and use the orientation information recorded in the flash memory 108 of the memory module 1 as needed. However, it is not limited to this.

For example, the azimuth information detected by the memory module 1 is immediately sent to the map display terminal without being recorded in the flash memory 108, and the R of the map display terminal is read.
It can also be recorded in the AM 209 and used. In this case, the flash memory 108 of the memory module 1 can be selectively used, for example, by using it exclusively for the program recording medium.

The writing and reading of data to and from the flash memory and RAM are performed by the CPU 100 and the CPU 2.
00, CPU 400, etc. That is, the CPU of each device such as the memory module 1, the map display device 2, and the map display device 4 realizes a data reading function and a data writing function.

As described above, the map display terminal has a relatively large display screen and is used in addition to a communication terminal device such as a mobile phone terminal capable of displaying map information and a PDA.
And other various information terminal devices.

Also, the information terminal device according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle-mounted map display terminal. In the case of an on-vehicle map display terminal, a GPS system is generally installed, and the position and direction can be accurately grasped, but, for example, in case of bad weather, radio waves from the artificial satellite can be well received. Even if it is not possible, it is possible to display the map information in a manner that matches the actual orientation.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the memory module is provided with the scale and the loupe, but these are not always necessary. That is,
The memory module does not need to be provided with a scale or a magnifying glass, and if the orientation can be displayed on the display screen of the map display, it is not necessary to provide the memory module with an orientation information display unit constituted by, for example, an LCD. However, as described above, by providing these, the memory module can be used alone, which is convenient.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to display a map suitable for an actual direction, and therefore, it is troublesome to use a compass to know the direction and the direction and map information indicated by the compass. It is possible to save the trouble of adjusting the orientation of the map while comparing it with the direction of.

Further, when the user has a plurality of information terminal devices capable of displaying a map, the memory module with the direction detecting means can be replaced and used, and the direction detecting means is incorporated in each of the information terminal devices. Compared with, the waste of the size and cost of the information terminal can be eliminated.

[0114] In addition, such as overseas travel, without an electronic map,
Or, if it is necessary to use a normal map printed on paper because it cannot be obtained from the server, the memory module itself has a function as a compass, so it is lighter than using the direction detection means built into the information terminal. It is easy to operate and can provide a usability similar to that of a normal compass.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an external appearance of a memory module to which an embodiment of a memory device of this embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the map display terminal in which the memory module shown in FIG. 1 is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a memory module shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the map display terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the necessity of a calibration process performed on orientation information from a memory module.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the necessity of a calibration process performed on orientation information from a memory module.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a map display system formed by a memory module and a map display terminal.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a map display terminal to which another embodiment of the information terminal device according to the present invention is applied.

9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the map display system formed by the memory module and the map display terminal shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Memory module, 11 ... Compass part, 12 ... External memory part, 100 ... CPU, 101 ... Magnetic sensor, 1
02 ... azimuth detection unit, 103 ... azimuth information display unit (LC
D), 104 ... ROM, 105 ... Operation keys, 106 ... Direction information sending section, 107 ... Direction information conversion section, 108 ... Direction information storage section (flash memory), 109 ... System bus, 2, 4 ... Map display terminal, 200 ... CPU, 201 ...
Direction information receiving unit, 202 ... Direction information input unit, 203 ... Map information rotation control unit, 204 ... Map information display unit (LC
D), 205 ... Clock circuit, 206 ... ROM, 207 ... Operation keys, 208 ... Direction information calibration unit, 20
9 ... Direction information storage unit (RAM), 210 ... System bus, 401 ... Map information receiving unit, 402 ... Map information rotation control information output unit, 403 ... Map information rotation control information generating unit

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A map display system comprising an information terminal device and a memory device which is attachable to and detachable from the information terminal device, wherein the memory device detects an azimuth in accordance with geomagnetism. A memory for storing information indicating the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting means, a signal converting means for converting the information indicating the azimuth stored in the memory into a transmission signal, and the signal converting means for converting the information. And a transmission means for transmitting the transmission signal to the information terminal device on which the own device is mounted, the information terminal device comprising a display element for displaying map information, and the memory mounted on the own device. Receiving means for receiving the transmitting signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the device, and the transmitting signal received by the receiving means according to a connection position of the memory device to the own device Correction value calculation means for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth, and based on the information indicating the azimuth after correction according to the correction value from the correction value calculation means, the display on the display element is performed. A map display system comprising: a display control unit that controls the rotation display of map information. 2. A map display system comprising an information terminal device and a memory device detachably attached to the information terminal device, wherein the memory device detects an azimuth in accordance with geomagnetism. A memory for storing information indicating the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting means, a signal converting means for converting the information indicating the azimuth stored in the memory into a transmission signal, and the signal converting means for converting the information. And a transmission means for transmitting the transmission signal to the information terminal device on which the own device is mounted, the information terminal device comprising a display element for displaying map information, and the memory mounted on the own device. Receiving means for receiving the transmitting signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the device, and the transmitting signal received by the receiving means according to a connection position of the memory device to the own device Correction value calculation means for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the bearing, and rotation control information is formed based on the information indicating the bearing after being corrected according to the correction value from the correction value calculation means. Sending means for sending the map information to a server device provided on the network to provide map information, map information receiving means for receiving the rotation-controlled map information sent from the server device, and the map information A map display system comprising: display control means for displaying the map information received by a receiving means on the display element. 3. The map display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the memory device includes a display element for displaying the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting means. system. 4. A memory device which is attachable to and detachable from an information terminal device capable of displaying map information, and an azimuth detecting means for detecting an azimuth according to geomagnetism, and an azimuth detecting means for detecting the azimuth. A memory for storing information indicating the azimuth, a signal conversion unit for converting the information indicating the azimuth stored in the memory into a transmission signal, and the own device for transmitting the transmission signal converted by the signal conversion unit. A memory device, comprising: sending means for sending to the mounted information terminal device. 5. The memory device according to claim 4, further comprising a display element for displaying the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting means. 6. An information terminal device in which a memory device can be attached and detached, the display device displaying map information, and information indicating a direction transmitted from the memory device mounted on the own device. From the correction value calculation means, a reception means for receiving, a correction value calculation means for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth received by the reception means according to the mounting position of the memory device to the own device. An information terminal device, comprising: a display control unit that controls rotation display of the map information displayed on the display element based on information indicating the azimuth after being corrected according to the correction value. 7. An information terminal device to which a memory device can be attached / detached, wherein a display element for displaying map information and a sending means of the memory device mounted on the device itself are sent. Receiving means for receiving information indicating the azimuth, and correction value calculating means for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth by the electric signal received by the receiving means according to the connection position of the memory device to the own device. A server device provided on the network for forming rotation control information based on the information indicating the azimuth after correction according to the correction value from the correction value calculation means and providing the rotation control information to the map information. Sending means for sending to, a map information receiving means for receiving rotation-controlled map information sent from the server device, and the map information receiving means for receiving the map information The information terminal device characterized by comprising a display control means for displaying on said display device Figure information. 8. A computer of a memory device comprising an azimuth detecting means for detecting an azimuth according to geomagnetism, a memory for storing information indicating the azimuth, and a connection end for connecting the own device and an information terminal device. An azimuth detecting step of detecting an azimuth through the azimuth detecting means, a signal converting step of converting the information indicating the azimuth detected in the azimuth detecting step into a transmission signal, and a conversion signal converting into a transmission signal in the signal conversion step. And an azimuth information transmitting program for transmitting the information indicating the azimuth through the connection end. 9. A computer of an information terminal device comprising a display element for displaying map information and a receiving means for receiving information indicating an azimuth transmitted from a memory device mounted on the own device, through the receiving means. A receiving step of receiving information indicating the azimuth from the memory device, and a correction value calculation for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth received in the receiving step according to a connection position of the memory device to the own device. And a display control step of rotating and controlling the map information displayed on the display element based on the information indicating the azimuth after being corrected according to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculating step. A map information display program. 10. Communication is performed between a display device for displaying map information, a receiving means for receiving information indicating a direction transmitted from a memory device mounted on the device itself, and a server device on a network. In a computer of an information terminal device having a communication function capable of receiving, a receiving step of receiving information indicating an azimuth from the memory device through the receiving means, and depending on a connection position to the own device of the memory device, Rotation control information based on a correction value calculation step for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth received in the reception step, and information indicating the azimuth after correction according to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step And sending it to a server device provided on the network to provide map information, A map information receiving step of receiving rotation-controlled map information sent from the server device, and a display control step of displaying the map information received in the map information receiving step on the display element are executed. Map information display program. 11. A computer of a memory device comprising an azimuth detecting means for detecting an azimuth according to geomagnetism, a memory for storing information indicating the azimuth, and a connection end for connecting the own device and an information terminal device. An azimuth detecting step of detecting an azimuth through the azimuth detecting means, a signal converting step of converting the information indicating the azimuth detected in the azimuth detecting step into a transmission signal, and a conversion signal converting into a transmission signal in the signal conversion step. And a program recording medium for recording an azimuth information transmitting program for executing a transmitting step of transmitting the information indicating the azimuth through the connection end. 12. A computer of an information terminal device, comprising: a display element for displaying map information; and a receiving means for receiving information indicating a direction transmitted from a memory device mounted on the own device, from the memory device. A receiving step of receiving the information indicating the azimuth through the receiving means, and a correction value calculating step of calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth received in the receiving step according to the connection position of the memory device to the own device. And a display control step of rotating and controlling the map information displayed on the display element based on information indicating the azimuth after being corrected according to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculating step. A program recording medium recording a map information display program. 13. Communication is performed between a display device for displaying map information, a receiving means for receiving information indicating a direction transmitted from a memory device mounted on the device itself, and a server device on a network. In a computer of an information terminal device having a communication function capable of receiving, a receiving step of receiving information indicating an azimuth from the memory device through the receiving means, and depending on a connection position to the own device of the memory device, Rotation control information based on a correction value calculation step for calculating a correction value for the information indicating the azimuth received in the reception step, and information indicating the azimuth after correction according to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step And sending it to a server device provided on the network to provide map information, A map information receiving step of receiving rotation-controlled map information sent from the server device, and a display control step of displaying the map information received in the map information receiving step on the display element are executed. A program recording medium recording a map information display program.