JP2007147632A - Method of providing route, method of guiding route, charging method, server for providing route, user terminal, charging server, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a route providing method and a route providing server capable of generating route information indicating a route up to a destination, using maps prepared about district areas different individually and prepared in different forms each other. <P>SOLUTION: The route providing server 5 receives the maps prepared about the different district areas from a map server 4 via a communication network 6, and joins together the received maps, based on reference points indicated in the maps. The route providing server 5 receives the destination in response to the present point of a mobile terminal 8 transmitted from the map server 4 and retrieved information input into the mobile terminal 8, and generates the route information (in concretely saying, the route information arrayed with the reference points in order along the route) indicating the route from the present position up to the destination, using the received present point and destination, and the joined map. The route providing server 5 provides the generated route information to the mobile terminal 8 via the communication network 6 and a radio base station 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a route providing method and route providing server for providing route information indicating a route from a desired point to a destination to a user terminal via a communication line, and a route guidance method for performing route guidance using the route information. The present invention also relates to a user terminal, a charging method for charging a user who uses the user terminal, and a charging server.

  Conventionally, a pedestrian navigation system that provides route information indicating a route from a current location to a destination to a user terminal via a communication line has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-81957) discloses a pedestrian navigation system that stores a map for generating route information in a navigation server. In this system, a navigation server generates route information indicating a route from a desired point to a destination using a stored map, and provides the route information to a user terminal via a communication line.

  Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-162246) describes a route guidance system including a plurality of embedded information terminals embedded in a sidewalk, a mobile terminal owned by a user, and a server. Yes.

  In the route guidance system described in Patent Document 2, a server receives a target location output from a portable terminal via an embedded information terminal, and refers to map data such as an electronic map stored in the server. A route to the target location is determined, and the determined route is transmitted to the portable terminal via the embedded information terminal.

  However, in the case of the navigation system for pedestrians described in Patent Document 1 and the route guidance system described in Patent Document 2, a route is generated using map data stored in the server. We were unable to provide a route to a destination not shown in the data.

  For example, when “E store” is not indicated in the map data in the server, the above system cannot provide a route to the E store.

  Therefore, when information indicating the route to the destination cannot be obtained using the pedestrian navigation system, the user sequentially accesses, for example, a plurality of map servers that provide maps created for different regions. In addition, a troublesome work is required in which a map that is considered necessary is acquired from a plurality of map servers, and a route to the destination must be selected by itself while referring to the acquired map.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an operation in which a user acquires a map that is considered necessary from a plurality of map servers that provide maps created for different regions.

  FIG. 11A shows a map (17 coordinate system map) 201 provided by Company A (map company). The map 201 shows the current location of the user 200. The “E store” is not shown at the point 201a where the “E store” as the ground exists.

  FIG. 11B shows a map (deformation map) 202 provided by company C (content company). “E store” 202a is described in the map 202, but its exact position is unknown. It is.

  FIG. 11C shows a map (original format map) 203 provided by E store, and clearly shows a point 203a where “E store” exists.

  When the user checks the route to “E store”, the map 201 shown in FIG. 11A is acquired from the map server of company A, and the map 202 shown in FIG. 11B is acquired from the map server of company C. The troublesome work of acquiring and obtaining the map 203 shown in FIG. 11C from the map server of the E store is necessary, and further, the route to the destination (E store) is referred to by referring to the acquired map. The troublesome work of having to make a selection is also required.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of an operation in which a user reads out a map that is considered necessary from a plurality of map servers that provide maps created for different regions.

  FIG. 12 (a) shows a map (UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinate system map) 204 provided by Company B (map company). The map 204 shows the current location of the user 200. However, the “D museum” is not shown at the point 204 a where the “D museum” that is the destination of the user 200 exists.

  FIG. 12B shows a map (barrier-free route map) 205 provided by D city (local government), and shows “D museum” 205a.

  When the user examines the route to “D Museum”, the map 204 shown in FIG. 12A is acquired from the map server of company B, and the map 205 shown in FIG. The troublesome work of obtaining is necessary, and the troublesome work of selecting the route to the destination by referring to the obtained map is also necessary.

  Therefore, the route providing server acquires a map considered necessary from each of a plurality of map servers each having a plurality of maps created for different regions, and the route providing server determines a route using the acquired map. It is conceivable to provide the determined route to the user terminal.

  However, maps provided by a plurality of map servers may be created in different formats (for example, different coordinate systems or different projections).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, a map handled by one server is a 17 coordinate system map, a map handled by another server is a UTM coordinate system map, and a map handled by another server is map creation. It may be a map (for example, a simple guide map) created in the original format of the user.

  Since maps created in different formats cannot be accurately overlapped or joined together, it is extremely difficult to simply determine a route using these maps.

  In Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-230369), when the maps are switched and displayed so that the user can easily understand the correspondence of the maps created in different formats, they are different from each other. The electronic map display apparatus which displays the display which shows the same point on the maps produced in the format on each map is described.

However, Patent Document 3 does not describe anything about connecting points created in different formats and determining a route using the connected maps.
JP 2002-81957 A JP 2002-162246 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-230469

  In the case of the navigation system for pedestrians described in Patent Document 1 and the route guidance system described in Patent Document 2, the route is generated using the map data stored in the server. We were unable to provide a route to a destination not shown.

  Therefore, when information indicating the route to the destination is not obtained using the pedestrian navigation system, the user can, for example, from a plurality of map servers that provide a plurality of maps created for different regions. The troublesome work of reading out a map that seems to be necessary and having to select the route to the destination by yourself while referring to the read map becomes necessary.

  Therefore, the route providing server acquires a map considered necessary from each of a plurality of map servers that provide a plurality of maps created for different regions, and the route providing server determines a route using the acquired map. It is conceivable to provide the determined route to the user terminal, but when maps provided by multiple map servers are created in different formats, these maps can be accurately superimposed or connected together It is extremely difficult to simply determine a route using these maps.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a route providing method and a route providing server capable of generating route information indicating a route to a destination using maps created for different regions and created in different formats. Is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a route guidance method and a user terminal that perform route guidance using route information provided by the route providing method or the route providing server.

  In order to achieve the above object, a route providing method of the present invention is a route providing method for providing route information indicating a route from a desired point to a destination to a user terminal via a communication line. A route from a map server having a plurality of maps created for different regions, each having a reference point for connecting maps, to a destination according to search information input from the user terminal from the desired point A map information receiving step for receiving a map including at least a part of the map via a communication line, and connecting the maps received in the map information receiving step based on the reference point, and using the connected map, the route A route information generating step for generating route information indicating the above and a transmission step for transmitting the route information to the user terminal via a communication line, That.

  The route providing server of the present invention is a route providing server that provides route information indicating a route from a desired point to a destination to a user terminal via a communication line, and is a reference for connecting a plurality of maps. At least a part of a route from a map server having a plurality of maps created for different regions to a destination according to search information input from the user terminal from the desired point. A map information receiving unit that receives a map including a communication line and a map received by the map information receiving unit are connected based on the reference point, and route information indicating the route is generated using the connected map. It includes a route information generation unit and a transmission unit that transmits the route information to the user terminal via a communication line.

  According to the route providing method and the route providing server of the present invention, a plurality of maps created for different regions are connected based on a reference point, and route information indicating a route is generated using the connected maps. Even if a plurality of maps created for a region are created in different formats, route information indicating a route to the destination can be generated using these maps. Therefore, it becomes possible to acquire a plurality of maps for determining a route from a plurality of map servers.

  The plurality of maps stored in the map server are preferably different in format.

  Further, it is preferable that the map server has a map showing a route from the reference point to the destination as the map, and generates the route information based on the reference point.

  In addition, if a map in which an arrow indicating the route is added to the received map is generated as the route information, route information that can be easily understood by the user can be provided.

  In addition, a map in which an identification information transmission unit that is provided with identification information and transmits the identification information to the user terminal receives a map indicated as a reference point for connecting the map via a communication line, and exists in the route You may make it produce | generate the path | route information containing the order information which ranked the identification information provided to the identification information transmission part according to this path | route.

  In the above case, the user of the user terminal that has received the route information checks whether the received identification information is included in the route information when the user terminal receives the identification information transmitted from the identification information transmission unit. By doing so, it is possible to confirm whether or not the current route is wrong.

  The route guidance method of the present invention is a route guidance method in which a user terminal performs route guidance using route information provided by the route providing method, and the route information transmitted in the transmission step is transmitted through a communication line. A path information receiving step for receiving the identification information, an identification information receiving step for receiving the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit, and an identification information in which the identification information received in the identification information receiving step is included in the path information The first notification step for notifying that the vehicle is traveling on the correct route and / or if the identification information does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information And a second notification step for notifying that the route is being followed.

  The user terminal according to the present invention is a user terminal that performs route guidance using route information provided from the route providing server, and that receives route information transmitted from the transmission unit via a communication line. The information receiving unit, the identification information receiving unit that receives the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit, and the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit correspond to the identification information included in the route information In some cases, the first notifying unit for notifying that the vehicle is traveling on the correct route and / or the vehicle is traveling on the wrong route if the identification information does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information. And a second notification unit for notifying that.

  According to the route guidance method and the user terminal of the present invention, when the received identification information corresponds to the identification information included in the route information, notification and / or identification information indicating that the correct route is being followed. Is not corresponding to the identification information included in the route information, it notifies the user that the current route is incorrect. It becomes possible to inform.

  The route guidance method of the present invention is a route guidance method in which a user terminal performs route guidance using route information provided by the route providing method, and the route information transmitted in the transmission step is transmitted through a communication line. Included in the route information, a route information receiving step for receiving the route information, a display step for displaying route guidance according to the route information, an identification information receiving step for receiving the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit, and the route information. A display switching step of switching the route guidance display when the identification information corresponding to the identification information being received is received in the identification information receiving step.

  The user terminal according to the present invention is a user terminal that performs route guidance using route information provided from the route providing server, and that receives route information transmitted from the transmission unit via a communication line. An information receiving unit, a display unit for displaying route guidance according to the route information, an identification information receiving unit for receiving identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit, and identification information included in the route information And a display switching unit that switches display contents of the route guidance display when the corresponding identification information is received by the identification information receiving unit.

  According to the route guidance method and the user terminal of the present invention, when the identification information corresponding to the identification information included in the route information is received, the display contents of the route guidance display are switched, so that the user of the user terminal can easily understand. A possible route guidance display can be executed.

  In addition, a map with an arrow indicating the route on the map is received as the route information, and a map with an arrow indicating the route is displayed on the map as the route guidance display, and is included in the route information. It is desirable to switch the map displayed as the route guidance display when receiving the identification information corresponding to the identification information. In this case, it is possible to execute route guidance display that can be more easily understood by the user of the user terminal.

  The charging method of the present invention is a charging method for charging a user of a user terminal that receives the route information provided by the route providing method via a communication line, and the user terminal receives the identification information. An acquisition step of acquiring charging information indicating that the identification information transmitted from the transmission unit has been received via a communication line; and a charging step of charging the user of the user terminal based on the charging information It is characterized by that.

  The billing server of the present invention is a billing server that bills a user of a user terminal that receives route information provided by the route providing server via a communication line, and the user terminal receives the identification information. An acquisition unit that acquires charging information indicating that the identification information transmitted from the transmission unit has been received via a communication line; and a charging unit that charges the user of the user terminal based on the charging information It is characterized by that.

  According to the charging method and the charging server of the present invention, it is possible to charge the user who uses the identification information transmission unit, manage the identification information transmission unit, and according to the usage status of the identification information transmission unit. It is possible to realize a business that earns revenue by collecting usage fees.

  According to the route providing method and the route providing server of the present invention, a plurality of maps created for different regions are connected based on a reference point, and route information indicating a route is generated using the connected maps. Even if a plurality of maps created for a region are created in different formats, route information indicating a route to the destination can be generated using these maps. Therefore, it becomes possible to acquire a plurality of maps for determining a route from a plurality of map servers.

  Further, according to the route guidance method and the user terminal of the present invention, if the received identification information corresponds to the identification information included in the route information, it is notified that the vehicle is traveling on the correct route and / or If the identification information does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information, the user terminal user is notified whether or not the current route is wrong. It is possible to notify automatically.

  In addition, according to the route guidance method and the user terminal of the present invention, when the identification information corresponding to the identification information included in the route information is received, the display content of the route guidance display is switched, so that the user of the user terminal is easy It is possible to execute route guidance display that can be easily understood.

  In addition, according to the charging method and the charging server of the present invention, it is possible to charge a user who uses the identification information transmission unit, manage the identification information transmission unit, and check the usage status of the identification information transmission unit. It is possible to realize a business that earns revenue by collecting usage fees accordingly.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a route providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The route providing system includes an identification information transmission unit 1, a network 2, a management server 3, a map server 4, a route providing server 5, a communication network 6 as a communication line, a radio base station 7, a user terminal Mobile terminal 8 and billing server 9. The map server 4 includes map servers 41 to 45.

  The identification information transmission unit 1 is provided with identification information and transmits the identification information to the adjacent mobile terminal 8. For example, a plurality of identification information transmission units 1 are installed on the sidewalk or in the vicinity of the sidewalk. A plurality of identification information transmission units 1 are installed at different locations. The identification information transmission unit 1 may be connected to the management server 3 via the network 2 or may not be connected to the network 2.

  For example, the identification information transmitting unit 1 transmits the identification information using a radio wave that allows the mobile terminal 8 existing in an area within a radius of 2 m of the identification information transmitting unit 1 to receive the identification information. Therefore, when the portable terminal 8 exists at a position where the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit 1 can be received, the portable terminal 8 receives the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit 1.

  The mobile terminal 8 in the state of being close to the identification information transmitting unit 1 is not limited to the mobile terminal 8 existing in an area within a radius of 2 m of the identification information transmitting unit 1 and can be appropriately changed.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the identification information transmission unit 1. The appearance of the identification information transmission unit 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2 and can be changed as appropriate.

  In FIG. 2, the identification information transmission unit 1 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 5 cm to 10 cm, and includes a transmission / reception unit 11 that transmits identification information to the mobile terminal 8 and a solar cell light receiving unit 12 as a power source.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific installation example of the identification information transmission unit 1. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the identification information transmission unit 1 is installed on the utility pole 101 or the outer wall, and FIG. 3B is an explanation showing an example in which the identification information transmission unit 1 is embedded in the ground 102. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example in which the identification information transmission unit 1 is installed in the illumination unit 103 installed on the ceiling. The installation location of the identification information transmission unit 1 is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 3 and can be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the identification information transmission unit 1. In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 4, the identification information transmission unit 1 includes a transmission / reception unit 11, a solar cell light receiving unit 12, a memory 13, a control unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 transmits information to the mobile terminal 8 wirelessly. The solar cell light receiving unit 12 functions as a power source for the identification information transmitting unit 1.

  The memory 13 stores the identification information given to the identification information transmission unit 1. In the present embodiment, the location information indicating the location where the identification information transmission unit 1 is installed is used as the identification information stored in the memory 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, encrypted location information obtained by encrypting the location information is used as identification information stored in the memory 13. However, the identification information may not be encrypted.

  The identification information is not limited to the location information and can be changed as appropriate. For example, identification number information indicating an identification number assigned to the identification information transmission unit 1 may be used as the identification information.

  The memory 13 may store guidance information in addition to the identification information. As guidance information, for example, there is information showing the content related to the place where the identification information transmission unit 1 is installed. The guide information stored in the memory 13 may be set by the management server 3. In this case, the guide information can be easily changed.

  The control unit 14 controls the operation of the identification information transmission unit 1. For example, the control unit 14 transmits information stored in the memory 13 (identification information and guidance information if stored) to the mobile terminal 8 via the transmission / reception unit 11. Further, the control unit 14 stores guide information transmitted from the management server 3 to the communication unit 15 via the network 2 in the memory 13.

  The communication unit 15 is connected to the management server 3 via the network 2 and communicates with the management server 3 via the network 2. The management server 3 manages the identification information transmission unit 1.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the map server 4 includes a plurality of map servers, and includes a plurality of maps that are created in mutually different formats (for example, different coordinate systems or different projections) and that indicate reference points for map connection. .

  In the present embodiment, the map server 4 includes map servers 41 to 45 as a plurality of map servers. The map servers 41 to 4 have a plurality of maps created for different areas. Note that the map server 4 is not limited to one composed of five map servers, and any map server 4 may be used as long as it has a plurality of maps created in different formats and indicated with reference points for map connection. The number of map servers may be different from five.

  In the present embodiment, location information indicating the installation location of the identification information transmission unit 1 is used as a reference point for map connection. Therefore, each of the map servers 41 to 45 has a map on which the installation location of the identification information transmission unit 1 is shown. Each of the map servers 41 to 45 has a map indicating a facility name such as a building name or a store name showing a route from the reference point. In addition, search information (for example, a restaurant name and menu in the case of a restaurant) is stored in association with each facility name included in the map.

  Each of the map servers 41 to 45 may be operated by different operators. In this embodiment, the map server 41 is operated for a fee by a company A which is a map company, the map server 42 is operated for free by a company B which is a map company, and the map server 43 is operated by a company C which is a content company. It is assumed that the map server 44 is operated free of charge by the municipality D city, and the map server 45 is operated free of charge by a general store.

  The map server 41 includes a server 41a and a map database 41b. The map database 42 includes a server 42a and a map database 42b, the map database 43 includes the server 43a and the map database 43b, the map database 44 includes the server 44a and the map database 44b, and the map database 45 includes the server 45a and the map. Database 45b.

  The map database 41b stores a map that the map server 41 has. The map database 42b stores a map of the map server 42, the map database 43b stores a map of the map server 43, the map database 44b stores a map of the map server 44, and the map database 45b is a map server. The map which 45 has is stored.

  In this embodiment, the map database 41b corresponding to the server 41a stores a map showing the whole country by a 17 coordinate system map, and the map database 42b corresponding to the server 42a stores a map showing the whole country by a UTM coordinate system map. The map database 43b corresponding to the server 43a stores a deformed map showing a predetermined area, the map database 44b corresponding to the server 44a stores a barrier-free map of D city, and the map database 45b corresponding to the server 45a. Is assumed to store a map of the original format showing the general store as an operator and its surroundings.

  When each of the servers 41a to 45a receives the current location of the mobile terminal 8 and the search information input to the mobile terminal 8, each of the servers 41a to 45a has at least one route from the current location to the destination (facility name) corresponding to the search information. The map including the section is extracted from the map database corresponding to each of the servers 41 a to 45 a, and the extracted map, the current location, and the destination are transmitted to the route providing server 5 via the communication network 6.

  The route providing server 5 is connected to the map server 4 and the billing server 9 via the communication network 6, and is connected to the portable terminal 8 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7.

  The route providing server 5 uses the map provided from the map server 4 and the current location of the mobile terminal 8 and the destination according to the search information input to the mobile terminal 8 from the current location of the mobile terminal 8 to the mobile terminal 8. Route information indicating a route to the destination corresponding to the input search information is generated.

  The route providing server 5 provides the generated route information to the mobile terminal 8 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the route providing server 5. In FIG. 5, the same components as those shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the route providing server 5 includes a communication unit 51, a search information input screen storage unit 52, an input screen output unit 53, and a route information generation unit 54. The route information generation unit 54 includes a map storage unit 54a, a map connection unit 54b, and a route determination unit 54c.

  A communication unit 51 as a map information receiving unit and a transmission unit receives the map and the current location and destination of the mobile terminal 8 from the map server 4 via the communication network 6, and receives the route information generated by the route information generation unit 54. The data is transmitted to the mobile terminal 8 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7.

  The search information input screen storage unit 52 stores search information input screen information indicating a search information input screen for inputting search information (for example, the name or feature of the destination) for searching for a destination. ing.

  The input screen output unit 53 is the search information stored in the search information input screen storage unit 52 for the mobile terminal 8 that has accessed the route providing server 5 via the radio base station 7 and the communication network 6. Send screen information for input.

  When the mobile terminal 8 is operated by the user, the search information input screen is input with search information for searching for a destination in the screen, and when the search information is instructed to be executed, the map server 4 is a screen having a function of causing the map servers 41 to 45 included in 4 to transmit the current location of the mobile terminal 8 and the search information.

  The map storage unit 54a stores the maps transmitted from the map servers 41 to 45.

  The map connection unit 54b connects the maps stored in the map storage unit 54a based on a reference point (in this embodiment, the installation location of the identification information transmission unit 1).

  The route determination unit 54c receives the current location of the mobile terminal 8 transmitted from the map server 4 and the destination according to the search information input to the mobile terminal 8, and the received current location and destination are connected to the map connection unit 54b. Using the combined map, route information indicating a route from the current location to the destination is generated.

  Specifically, the route determination unit 54c obtains a route connecting the current location and the destination using a map connecting the current location and the destination, selects a reference point existing on the obtained route, and selects Order information (route information) is generated by ranking the reference points in the route order.

  In addition, as for the route determination part 54c, it is desirable to further generate | occur | produce the map which added the arrow which shows the path | route from the present location to the destination on each map stored in the map storage part 54a as route information.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 8 provides route guidance to the user using the route information provided from the route providing server 5 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the mobile terminal 8. In FIG. 6, the same components as those shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 8 includes an identification information receiving unit 81, a mobile phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82, a control unit 83, a memory 84, a display unit 85, and an input unit 86.

  The identification information receiving unit 81 receives the identification information transmitted by the adjacent identification information transmitting unit 1.

  A cellular phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82 as a route information receiving unit performs wireless communication with the wireless base station 7.

  For example, when the input unit 86 is operated by the user to access the route providing server 5, the mobile phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82 transmits a signal for accessing the route providing server 5 to the radio base station 7 and the communication network 6. To the route providing server 5 via Further, the cellular phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82 receives the search information input screen information transmitted from the route providing server 5. In addition, the mobile phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82 transmits the current location of the mobile terminal 8 and the search information to the map server 4.

  Further, the cellular phone signal transmission / reception unit 82 receives route information provided from the route providing server 5 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7.

  The control unit 83 controls the operation of the mobile terminal 8.

  For example, the control unit 83 stores the route information provided from the route providing server 5 in the memory 84.

  The control unit 83 that functions as a notification unit in cooperation with the display unit 85 corresponds to the identification information included in the route information (for example, reception) when the identification information received by the identification information reception unit 81 If the received identification information is the same as the identification information included in the route information, or if the received identification information is information obtained by encrypting the identification information included in the route information) That the identification information does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information (for example, the received identification information is different from the identification information included in the route information). If the received identification information is different from the information obtained by encrypting the identification information included in the path information), the display unit 85 displays that the wrong path is being traveled.

  The control unit 83 may display on the display unit 85 that the correct route is being traveled and may not display on the display unit 85 that the wrong route is being traveled. May be displayed on the display unit 85 instead of being displayed on the display unit 85.

  The display unit 85 performs route guidance display according to the route information. The control unit 83 serving as a display switching unit switches the display content of the route guidance display displayed on the display unit 85 when the identification information included in the route information is received by the identification information receiving unit 81.

  In the present embodiment, the cellular phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82 receives a map in which an arrow indicating a route is added to the map received by the route providing server 5 from the map server 4 as route information, and the display unit 85 displays the map on the map. A map with an arrow indicating the route is displayed as a route guidance display. When the identification information receiving unit 81 receives the identification information included in the route information, the control unit 83 displays the map as a route guidance display. Switch the map.

  In addition, the control unit 83 transmits billing information (identification information) indicating that the identification information receiving unit 81 has received the identification information transmitted from the identification information transmitting unit 1 from the mobile phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82 to the radio base station 7 and the communication. The data is transmitted to the accounting server 9 via the network 6 (see FIG. 1).

  Returning to FIG. 1, the charging server 9 charges the user of the portable terminal that receives the route information provided by the route providing server 5 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the accounting server 9. In FIG. 7, the same components as those shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, charging server 9 includes a communication unit 91 and a charging unit 92.

  The communication unit 91 receives billing information (identification information) transmitted from the mobile terminal 8 via the wireless base station 7 and the communication network 6. The charging unit 92 charges the user of the mobile terminal 8 based on the charging information. Further, the charging unit 92 decrypts the identification information and transmits the decrypted identification information to the mobile terminal 8.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the route providing system of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the route providing system will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 83 in the mobile terminal 8 encrypts the identification information (location information indicating the installation location of the identification information receiving unit 81 as the identification information in this embodiment) from the identification information transmitting unit 1 that the identification information receiving unit 81 is closest to. When the received encrypted location information is used), the received identification information is stored in the memory 84 (step 8a). In this embodiment, the identification information stored in the memory 84 is used as information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 8.

  In this state, when the user of the mobile terminal 8 operates the input unit 86 so as to access the route providing server 5 (step 8b), the control unit 83 transmits a signal for accessing the route providing server 5 as a mobile phone signal. The data is transmitted from the transceiver 82 to the route providing server 5 via the wireless base station 7 and the communication network 6 (step 8c).

  The input screen output unit 53 in the route providing server 5 stores the search information input screen storage unit 52 for the mobile terminal 8 that has accessed the route providing server 5 via the wireless base station 7 and the communication network 6. The stored search information input screen information is transmitted (step 8d).

  In the search information input screen, when the user operates the input unit 86 in the mobile terminal 8, search information for searching for a destination is input in the screen, and execution of the search by the search information is performed. Is a screen having a function of transmitting the current location of the mobile terminal 8 and the search information to each of the map servers 41 to 45 of the map server 4.

  The control unit 83 in the portable terminal 8 displays a search information input screen corresponding to the search information input screen information provided from the route providing server 5 on the display unit 85 (step 8e).

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search information input screen. In FIG. 9, the search information input screen 110 includes a search information input field 111 and a transmission execution unit 112.

  The user of the portable terminal 8 operates the input unit 86 to input search information in the search information input field 111. The search information input in the search information input field 111 may be information for searching for a destination such as a destination name or destination characteristics. Therefore, for example, when a restaurant with a menu of “Miso katsu” is the destination, “miso katsu” may be entered in the search information input field 111.

  When the input of the search information in the search information input field 111 is completed, the user of the portable terminal 8 operates the input unit 86 and clicks the transmission execution unit 112 in the search information input screen (step 8f).

  When the transmission execution unit 112 is clicked, the control unit 83 of the mobile terminal 8 transmits the identification information (billing information) stored in the memory 84 from the mobile phone signal transmission / reception unit 82 to the radio base station 7 and the communication network 6. To the billing server 9 (step 8g).

  When the billing server 9 receives the identification information transmitted from the portable terminal 8, the billing server 9 decrypts the received identification information, specifically, the encrypted location information obtained by encrypting the location information indicating the installation location of the identification information receiving unit 81. The location information indicating the installation location of the identification information receiving unit 81 is generated (step 8h), and the generated location information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 8 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7 (step 8i).

  The billing server 9 charges the user of the portable terminal 8 that has transmitted the location information with the transmission of the location information to the portable terminal 8 (step 8j).

  When receiving the location information transmitted from the billing server 9, the mobile terminal 8 sets the received location information as information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 8, and inputs the information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 8 and the search information input field 111. The retrieved search information is transmitted to the map server 4 via the radio base station 7 and the communication network 6 (step 8k).

  Each of the map servers 41 to 45 constituting the map server 4 reads out a map corresponding to the information indicating the current location and / or the search information transmitted from the mobile terminal 8 from each map database (step 8l).

  For example, each of the map servers 41 to 45 searches for a destination corresponding to the search information, and reads a map including the searched destination from the map database. In addition, when the destination corresponding to search information is not found in the map servers 41-45, the map containing the destination is not read.

  Each of the map servers 41 to 45 reads a map including the current location from the map database. If no map corresponding to the current location is found in the map servers 41 to 45, the map including the current location is not read.

  Each of the map servers 41 to 45 reads a map including the current location and the destination from the map database. In addition, when the map corresponding to the present location and the destination is not found in the map servers 41 to 45, the map including the current location and the destination is not read.

  Therefore, when any of the map servers 41 to 45 reads a map, the map server 4 reads a map including at least a part of the route from the current location to the destination.

  Each of the map servers 41 to 45 transmits the read map, the current location, and the destination to the route guidance server 5 via the communication network 6 (step 8m).

  The communication unit 51 of the route guidance server 5 stores the map transmitted from the map server 4 in the map storage unit 54a, and outputs the current location and the destination transmitted from the map server 4 to the route determination unit 54c.

  The map connection unit 54b connects the maps stored in the map storage unit 54a based on the reference point (the installation location of the identification information transmission unit 1 in this embodiment) of the map.

  The route determination unit 54c generates route information indicating a route from the current location to the destination using the current location and the destination, the map joined by the map connection unit 54b, and the current location and the destination. Specifically, the route determination unit 54c obtains a route connecting the current location and the destination using a map connecting the current location and the destination (step 8n), and determines a reference point existing on the obtained route. Order information (route information) is generated by selecting and ranking the selected reference points in the route order (step 8o).

  In the present embodiment, the route determination unit 54c further generates a map in which an arrow indicating a route from the current location to the destination is added to each map stored in the map storage unit 54a as route information.

  The communication unit 51 transmits the route information generated by the route determination unit 54c to the mobile terminal 8 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7 (step 8p).

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining operations of the map server 4 and the route providing server 5 when “E store” or “D museum” is input as search information. In the present embodiment, the map server 41 and the map server 42 have a map showing the current location of the mobile terminal 8, and the map server 43 and the map server 45 have a map showing "E store", It is assumed that the map server 44 has a map indicating “D museum”.

  FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing a map 10a showing the current location of the mobile terminal 8 that the map server 41 has, and FIG. 10B shows “E” that the map server 43 has. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram showing a map 10c showing “E store” that the map server 45 has.

  FIG. 10D is an explanatory diagram showing a map 10d showing the current location of the mobile terminal 8 that the map server 42 has, and FIG. 10E has the map server 44. It is explanatory drawing which showed the map 10e which showed "D museum."

  Hereinafter, the operation when “E store” is input as the search information will be described in detail.

  The server 41a in the map server 41 reads the map 10a indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 8 from the map database 41b, and provides a route for the read map, the current location, and the destination “E store” via the communication network 6. Send to server 5.

  The server 43a in the map server 43 reads the map 10b indicating "E store" from the map database 43b, and provides a route for the read map, the current location and the destination "E store" via the communication network 6. Send to server 5.

  The server 45a in the map server 45 reads a map 10c indicating "E store" from the map database 45b, and provides a route for the read map, the current location and the destination "E store" via the communication network 6. Send to server 5.

  The route providing server 5 connects the maps transmitted from the map servers 41, 43, and 45 based on the reference point (installation location of the identification information transmitting unit 1) of the map, and connects the connected map and the map. Using the indicated reference point, the current location and the destination, obtain a route that connects the current location and the destination, select a reference point that exists on the obtained route, and order information that ranks the selected reference points in the route order (Route information) is generated, and further, a map (route information) with an arrow indicating the route from the current position to the destination is added on each map (see FIG. 10).

  Further, for example, when the user of the portable terminal 8 arrives at “D Museum” with reference to the map 10 d and the map 10 e, when “E store” is input on the search information input screen, the server in the map server 44 44 a reads the map 10 e showing the current location of the mobile terminal 8 from the map database 44 b, and transmits the read map, the current location, and the destination “D Museum” to the route providing server 5 via the communication network 6.

  The server 43a in the map server 43 reads the map 10b indicating "E store" from the map database 43b, and provides a route for the read map, the current location and the destination "E store" via the communication network 6. Send to server 5.

  The server 45a in the map server 45 reads a map 10c indicating "E store" from the map database 45b, and provides a route for the read map, the current location and the destination "E store" via the communication network 6. Send to server 5.

  The route providing server 5 connects the maps transmitted from the map servers 44, 43 and 45 based on the reference point (installation location of the identification information transmitting unit 1) of the map, and connects the connected map and the map. Using the indicated reference point, the current location and the destination, obtain a route that connects the current location and the destination, select a reference point that exists on the obtained route, and order information that ranks the selected reference points in the route order (Route information) is generated, and further, a map (route information) with an arrow indicating the route from the current position to the destination is added on each map (see FIG. 10).

  The mobile phone signal transmitting / receiving unit 82 in the mobile terminal 8 receives route information provided from the route providing server 5 via the communication network 6 and the wireless base station 7.

  The control unit 83 stores the provided route information received by the mobile phone signal transmission / reception unit 82 in the memory 84.

  Subsequently, the control unit 83 causes the display unit 85 to perform route guidance display according to the route information stored in the memory 84. Specifically, the control unit 83 displays the route in the map shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C in which the current location of the mobile terminal 8 is displayed in the map included in the route information. The map 10a) to which the indicated arrow is added is displayed on the display unit 85 as a route guidance display (step 8q).

  The user of the mobile terminal 8 proceeds toward the destination according to the route guidance display displayed on the display unit 85 of the mobile terminal 8.

  If the mobile terminal 8 receives the identification information from the identification information transmitting unit 1 while the user of the mobile terminal 8 advances (step 8r), the control unit 83 in the mobile terminal 8 uses the received identification information as the route information. It is determined whether or not the route information included is supported.

  In this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 8 receives the identification information from the identification information transmitting unit 1, the mobile terminal 8 transmits the received identification information to the charging server 9, causes the charging server 9 to decode the identification information, and charges the decoded identification information. It is acquired from the server 9, and it is determined whether or not the acquired identification information is included in the route information. The billing server 9 may bill the user of the mobile terminal 8 that has transmitted the identification information when the identification information is decrypted.

  When the received identification information corresponds to the identification information included in the route information, the control unit 83 in the portable terminal 8 displays a display for notifying that the vehicle is traveling on the correct route. The route guidance display is switched after the display is completed (in the map shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the map is switched to the map 10b or the map 10c to which the arrow indicating the route is added). Step 8s).

  Note that the control unit 83 in the mobile terminal 8 displays a notification for notifying that a correct route is being followed when the reception order of the received identification information corresponds to the order information included in the route information. May be executed by the display unit 85.

  When the received identification information does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information, the control unit 83 in the portable terminal 8 displays a display for notifying that the user is traveling on the wrong route. 85 (step 8s).

  In addition, the control unit 83 in the mobile terminal 8 is used for notifying that the user is traveling on an incorrect route when the reception order of the received identification information does not correspond to the order information included in the route information. You may make it display on the display part 85. FIG.

  According to the route providing server 5 of the present embodiment, maps created in different formats are joined based on the reference points, and route information indicating the route is generated using the joined maps. It is possible to generate route information indicating a route to the destination using a map created in (1) and showing different contents. Therefore, for example, it is possible to acquire a plurality of maps for determining a route from a plurality of map servers operated by a third party.

  Further, when an owner of a general store or the like operates a map server that provides a map showing a route to the store, the installation location of the identification information transmission unit 1 and the route from the installation location of the identification information transmission unit 1 to the store It is possible to operate a map server that can be used by the route providing server 5 simply by creating a map showing Therefore, the store information can be provided to the user of the mobile terminal 8 via the route providing server 5, and the user of the mobile terminal 8 can be guided to his / her store.

  In addition, if a road administrator such as a local government operates a map server that provides barrier-free route information indicating a reference point, it provides barrier-free route information to the user of the portable terminal 8 via the route providing server 5. Is possible.

  Further, the operator of the route providing server 5 can obtain a price for providing the route provided by the route providing server 5. Telecommunications companies are also expected to increase data communications fees. Further, the administrator of the identification information transmission unit 1 can collect a registration management fee from the installer who installs the identification information transmission unit 1, and can collect a usage fee from a user who uses the identification information transmission unit 1. It becomes possible.

  Further, according to the mobile terminal 8 of the present embodiment, when the received identification information corresponds to the identification information included in the route information, it is notified that the correct route is being traveled and / or the identification information is If it does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information, it will notify the user that he / she is traveling on the wrong route, so it is possible to automatically inform the user whether the current route is wrong. Become.

  Note that the mobile terminal 8 may not perform the notification. In this case, for example, when the mobile terminal 8 receives the identification information transmitted from the identification information transmission unit 1 and displays the received identification information on the display unit 85, the user of the mobile terminal 8 can identify the identification information. It is possible to compare the identification information transmitted from the transmission unit 1 with the route information, and it is possible to confirm whether or not the current route is incorrect.

  In addition, according to the mobile terminal 8 of the present embodiment, when the identification information corresponding to the identification information included in the route information is received, the display content of the route guidance display is switched, so that the user of the user terminal can easily understand. A possible route guidance display can be executed.

  Further, according to the accounting server 9 of the present embodiment, it is possible to charge the user who uses the identification information transmission unit 1, manage the identification information transmission unit 1, and use the identification information transmission unit 1. It is possible to realize a business that earns profits by collecting usage fees according to the situation.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the illustrated configuration is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration.

  For example, the search information input screen is provided with an instruction display unit for instructing to use only a map server that is free of charge as a map server, and when this instruction display unit is clicked, the map server 4 Among them, the map for route determination may be read using only a free map server (in this embodiment, the map server 42, the map server 44, and the map server 45).

  The route providing server 5 includes a memory that records a program that causes a computer to execute the process performed by the route providing server 5, and a computer that executes a process performed by the route providing server 5 according to the program recorded in the memory. It can also be realized by configuration.

  The mobile terminal 8 is realized by a configuration including a memory that records a program that causes a computer to execute processing performed by the mobile terminal 8 and a computer that executes processing performed by the mobile terminal 8 according to the program recorded in the memory. You can also

It is the block diagram which showed the route | root provision system of one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the external appearance of the identification information transmission part 1 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example of installation of the identification information transmission part 1 shown in FIG. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the identification information transmission part 1 shown in FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the path | route provision server of one Example of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the portable terminal of one Example of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the accounting server of one Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the path | route provision system shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the search information input screen which the portable terminal shown in FIG. 1 displays. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the map server and route provision server shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the conventional route search. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the conventional route search.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Identification information transmission part 11 Transmission / reception part 12 Solar cell light reception part 13 Memory 14 Control part 15 Communication part 2 Network 3 Management server 4 Map server 41-45 Map server 41a-45a Server 41b-45b Map database 5 Path | route provision server 51 Communication part 52 Search information input screen storage unit 53 Input screen output unit 54 Route information generation unit 54a Map storage unit 54b Map connection unit 54c Route determination unit 6 Communication network 7 Wireless base station 8 Mobile terminal 81 Identification information reception unit 82 Mobile phone signal Transmission / reception unit 83 Control unit 84 Memory 85 Display unit 86 Input unit 9 Accounting server 91 Communication unit 92 Accounting unit

Claims (21)

A route providing method for providing route information indicating a route from a desired point to a destination to a user terminal via a communication line,
From a map server having a reference point for connecting a plurality of maps, each having a plurality of maps created for different regions, from the desired point to a destination according to the search information input from the user terminal A map information receiving step for receiving a map including at least a part of the route of, via a communication line;
A route information generating step for connecting the maps received in the map information receiving step based on the reference points, and generating route information indicating the route using the connected maps;
And a transmission step of transmitting the route information to the user terminal via a communication line. The route providing method according to claim 1,
The route providing method, wherein the plurality of maps stored in the map server have different formats. In the route provision method according to claim 1 or 2,
The map server has a map showing a route from the reference point to a destination as the map,
The route information generating step generates the route information based on the reference point. The route providing method according to claim 3, wherein
The route information generating step generates a map in which an arrow indicating the route is added to the map received in the map information receiving step as the route information. The route providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The map information receiving step receives, via a communication line, a map in which identification information is given and an installation location of an identification information transmission unit that transmits the identification information to the user terminal is indicated as a reference point for the map connection;
The route information generating step generates route information including order information in which identification information given to an identification information transmission unit existing in the route is ranked according to the route. A route guidance method in which a user terminal performs route guidance using route information provided by the route providing method according to claim 5,
A route information reception step of receiving the route information transmitted in the transmission step via a communication line;
An identification information receiving step for receiving the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit;
A first notification step for notifying that a correct route is being followed and / or the identification information when the identification information received in the identification information receiving step corresponds to the identification information included in the route information; And a second notification step of notifying that the vehicle is traveling on an incorrect route when the route information does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information. A route guidance method in which a user terminal performs route guidance using route information provided by the route providing method according to claim 5,
A route information reception step of receiving the route information transmitted in the transmission step via a communication line;
A display step of performing route guidance display according to the route information;
An identification information receiving step for receiving the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit;
A route guidance method comprising: a display switching step for switching the route guidance display when the identification information corresponding to the identification information included in the route information is received in the identification information receiving step. The route guidance method according to claim 7,
The route information receiving step receives, as the route information, a map in which an arrow indicating the route is added to the map received in the map information receiving step.
The display step displays a map with an arrow indicating a route on the map as the route guidance display,
The display switching step switches the map displayed as the route guidance display when the identification information corresponding to the identification information included in the route information is received in the identification information receiving step. Route guidance method. A charging method for charging a user of a user terminal that receives route information provided by the route providing method according to claim 5 via a communication line,
An acquisition step of acquiring charging information indicating that the user terminal has received the identification information transmitted from the identification information transmitting unit via a communication line;
And a charging step of charging the user of the user terminal based on the charging information. A route providing server that provides route information indicating a route from a desired point to a destination to a user terminal via a communication line,
From a map server having a reference point for connecting a plurality of maps, each having a plurality of maps created for different regions, to the destination according to the search information input from the user terminal from the desired point A map information receiving unit that receives a map including at least a part of the route via a communication line;
A route information generating unit that connects the maps received by the map information receiving unit based on the reference point, and generates route information indicating the route using the connected map;
A route providing server, comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the route information to the user terminal via a communication line. The route providing server according to claim 10,
The route providing server, wherein the maps stored in the map server have different formats. In the route provision server according to claim 10 or 11,
The map server has a map showing a route from the reference point to a destination as the map,
The route information generation unit generates the route information based on the reference point. In the route provision server according to claim 12,
The route information generating unit, as the route information, generates a map in which an arrow indicating the route is added to the map received by the map information receiving unit. The route providing server according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
The map information receiving unit receives a map in which an identification information is given and the identification information transmitting unit that transmits the identification information to the user terminal is indicated as a reference point for the map connection via a communication line.
The route information generation unit generates route information including order information in which identification information given to an identification information transmission unit existing in the route is ranked according to the route. A user terminal that performs route guidance using route information provided from the route providing server according to claim 14,
A route information receiving unit that receives the route information transmitted from the transmitting unit via a communication line;
An identification information receiver for receiving identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitter;
The first notification unit for notifying that the correct route is being followed and / or the identification information when the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit corresponds to the identification information included in the route information. And a second notification unit for notifying that the vehicle is traveling on an incorrect route when the information does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information. A user terminal that performs route guidance using route information provided from the route providing server according to claim 14,
A route information receiving unit that receives the route information transmitted from the transmitting unit via a communication line;
A display unit for displaying route guidance according to the route information;
An identification information receiver for receiving identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitter;
A user terminal comprising: a display switching unit that switches display contents of the route guidance display when the identification information receiving unit receives identification information corresponding to identification information included in the route information. The user terminal according to claim 16, wherein
The route information receiving unit receives, as the route information, a map with an arrow indicating the route added to the map received by the map information receiving unit,
The display unit displays a map with an arrow indicating a route on the map as the route guidance display,
The display switching unit switches a map displayed as the route guidance display when the identification information corresponding to the identification information included in the route information is received by the identification information receiving unit. User terminal. A billing server that charges a user of a user terminal that receives route information provided by the route providing server according to claim 14 via a communication line,
An acquisition unit for acquiring, via a communication line, billing information indicating that the user terminal has received identification information transmitted from the identification information transmission unit;
A billing unit that bills a user of the user terminal based on the billing information. A program for causing a computer to execute route providing processing for providing route information indicating a route from a desired point to a destination to a user terminal via a communication line,
From a map server having a reference point for connecting a plurality of maps, each having a plurality of maps created for different regions, from the desired point to a destination according to the search information input from the user terminal A map information receiving process for receiving a map including at least a part of the route via a communication line;
A route information generating process for connecting the maps received in the map information receiving process based on the reference points, and generating route information indicating the route using the connected maps;
A program causing a computer to execute transmission processing for transmitting the route information to the user terminal via a communication line. A program for causing a computer to execute route guidance processing using route information provided from the route providing server according to claim 14,
Route information reception processing for receiving the route information transmitted from the transmission unit via a communication line;
An identification information receiving process for receiving the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting unit;
A first notification process for notifying that a correct path is being followed and / or the identification information when the identification information received in the identification information reception process corresponds to the identification information included in the path information; If the computer does not correspond to the identification information included in the route information, the program causes the computer to execute a second notification process for notifying that an incorrect route is being followed. A program for causing a computer to execute route guidance processing using route information provided from the route providing server according to claim 14,
Route information reception processing for receiving the route information transmitted from the transmission unit via a communication line;
Display processing for executing route guidance display according to the route information;
An identification information reception processing unit for receiving identification information transmitted by the identification information transmission unit;
A program for causing a computer to execute display switching processing for switching display contents of the route guidance display when identification information corresponding to identification information included in the route information is received in the identification information reception processing. .

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