JP5294522B2 - Map / photo image distribution system and its client system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a map and photograph image delivery system for sending a vector map and an aerial photograph image that are required from a client system through a network by specifying display range, expansion or reduction, and movement or by a search using an area or object name. SOLUTION: A plurality of aerial photograph image information together with its geographic location information and a plurality of vector map information together with its geographic location information are stored in servers. Aerial photograph image information or vector map information regarding the geographic location included in the indicated map range are read out with applications servers 4. The read out aerial photograph image information and vector map information are combined with the geographic location and a combined image is generated. The combined image is adjusted to the screen size of display of a client terminal 1 and the adjusted image is sent to the client terminal.

Description

  The present invention relates to a map and aerial photograph image distribution system and its client system, and in particular, a display range, enlargement / reduction, and movement are designated from a client system through a network such as the Internet, or a search instruction is given by a feature name or the like. The present invention relates to a map / photo image distribution system that can transmit a vector map and an aerial photograph such as an aerial photograph or a satellite image.

Conventionally, if you want to know the surface condition of a specific area, for example, refer to a map based on each scale published by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan or refer to an aerial photograph taken from above the area. Was.
However, in the case of a map, it covers all of Japan and can be easily obtained by specifying the corresponding area, but there are limitations when you want to know the surface condition in detail. Therefore, there are many vector maps artificially given meanings according to various viewpoints.

  In addition, aerial photographs are taken from the sky above the surface of the earth, so they are not artificially implied and are shown as they are at a certain point in time. The amount of information is far greater than that of a map in that the surface entity can be seen in detail. However, it is not always possible to obtain aerial photographs of the areas that are needed, and satellite photographs are too rough to be useful. Furthermore, since it is difficult to specify a position in an aerial photograph image, it may be difficult to search for a necessary target.

  On the other hand, information on the WWW can be displayed on software called a browser due to recent high performance of computers and advances in network technology. The same information can be accessed from various terminals, and an information search service is realized. The above-mentioned maps, aerial photographs, or aerial photographs of satellite photographs can also be searched and displayed on a Web browser by accessing the server in which these are databased with a terminal through a network, such as maps and aerial photographs. You can easily get information on.

Problems to be solved by the invention

  In such an aerial photo search system on the Web, a plurality of aerial photos are stored in a server as a single aerial photo. The search for aerial photographs is performed on a page different from the aerial photograph display page on the Web, and is selected from a list of cities, towns, streets, and districts. And the selected aerial photograph is displayed using the clickable map which is the figure which showed the position of the aerial photograph with the mesh.

  By the way, since the aerial photograph stored in the server is prepared as a single photograph corresponding to a plurality of types of fixed scales, the aerial photograph cannot be enlarged and reduced at an arbitrary scale. Even when the display screen is scrolled, there is a problem that only a single photo is switched continuously, and it is not possible to display a range of photos across multiple photos as an image.

Moreover, the scrolling direction is determined. Therefore, there is a problem that it is impossible to scroll in an arbitrary direction or an arbitrary distance.
On the other hand, a system has also been proposed in which map information is imaged and this scrolling can be performed smoothly on the terminal screen. In this system, the map information and the map related information are received and displayed on the terminal via the network. However, when the information is received as an image larger in size than the screen of the terminal and displayed on the screen, The rectangular area corresponding to the screen is displayed from the image.

  According to this method, it is possible to scroll in an arbitrary direction and distance on the display screen. However, in this system, even if you can scroll arbitrarily and zoom in / out arbitrarily, that range can only be in the range of the received image, and if you try to scroll to another area, You must receive the map and map related information for the area.

Therefore, since an image having a size larger than the screen of the terminal is received each time, the amount of data to be transmitted increases, and the terminal must have a storage capacity corresponding to the amount. Then, it takes time to switch the screen display until it is received and displayed again.
Furthermore, in order to perform a search for a wider area, it is necessary to provide an aerial photograph image database in its own personal computer or in a LAN to which the personal computer is connected. This requires a corresponding storage device or storage medium, and software capable of searching and image processing must be installed in the personal computer, increasing the processing load on the personal computer.

  Accordingly, when searching for necessary aerial photographs and satellite photographs through the network, the present invention performs a position search using a vector map and superimposes the retrieved aerial photographs and satellite photographs on the selected vector map. Provided is a map / photo image distribution system that can display an image and can enlarge / reduce or move the image in the superimposed state, and can display a plurality of aerial photos in an unbroken state. For the purpose.

Means for solving the problem

  In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, in a map / photo image distribution system, an aerial photo storage means storing a plurality of aerial photo image information and geolocation information of the aerial photo, and a plurality of vector maps Vector map storage means for storing information and geographical position information of the vector map; and information reading means for reading the aerial photo image information or the vector map information relating to the geographical position included in the indicated map range; Image reading means for combining the read aerial photo image information and the read vector map information at the geographical position to generate a superimposed image; and transmitting means for transmitting the superimposed image. It was.

  The transmitting unit transmits an image obtained by adjusting the superimposed image to a screen size of a display screen, and the information reading unit includes the geographical position included in a range designated on the displayed image. The aerial photo image information or the vector map information is read out, and the read aerial photo image information or the vector map information is reduced to a specified magnification or designated on the displayed screen. The aerial photograph image information or the vector map information read from the map range is read based on the position moved in a predetermined direction from the position.

  Further, the vector map information includes feature information having geolocation information, searches for feature information designated from the vector map information, and determines a predetermined map range based on the geolocation of the feature information. Searching means for setting is provided, and the information reading means reads the aerial photograph image information or the vector map information relating to the geographical position included in the predetermined map range.

Further, according to the present invention, in the map / photo image distribution client system, the image display means for displaying the aerial photo image or the vector map on the screen, and the aerial photo image information and the vector map information relating to the requested map range at the geographical position. Receiving means for receiving the superimposed image generated by combining.
Further, the display includes a display target selection unit that selects the aerial photo image and the type of figure included in the vector map information as a display target to be displayed on the screen, and the aerial photo image related to the map range includes When not stored in the server, a message that the aerial photo image is not stored is displayed on the screen, and the aerial photo image selection of the display target selection unit is disabled or newly requested When the aerial photo image related to the map area is stored in the server, the aerial photo image can be selected.

  The superimposed image is an image adjusted to the screen size of the image display means, and the aerial photograph image relating to the geographical position included in a range designated on the image displayed on the image display means Information or the vector map information is read and created, scaled to a specified magnification of the aerial photo image information or the vector map information, or from a specified position on the image displayed on the image display means It is assumed that the aerial photograph image information or the vector map information relating to the map range is generated based on the position moved in a predetermined direction.

  Further, the superimposed image is created by the aerial photograph image information or the vector map information relating to the geographical position included in a predetermined map range set by the position information relating to the specified feature information. did.

Next, a map / photograph image distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
A feature of the map / photo image distribution system according to the present embodiment is that an aerial photograph or satellite image of a corresponding place is obtained from information such as a municipality, a railway station name, and a target name associated with a map figure on a Web browser. A function for searching and sending an aerial photograph or satellite image of the search result and an image obtained by superimposing the vector map data relating to the corresponding location to the displayed image size, and a request condition on the Web browser Aerial photos and satellite images can be displayed without interruption even if the aerial photos and satellite images are overlaid with vector map data, or enlarged, reduced, or moved in any direction It has a function that can.

  FIG. 1 shows an overview of a map / photo image distribution system in the present embodiment. The Web server 3 and the plurality of client terminals 1-1 to 1-n constituting this system are connected so that they can communicate via a network 2 such as the Internet or an intranet. The client terminals 1-1 to 1-n operate a client system for map / photo image distribution.

  The configuration on the server side will be described. Load distribution middleware is arranged in the Web server 3, and distribution is attempted when accesses from a plurality of client terminals are concentrated. Further, the load balancing middleware is relayed to search for aerial photographs and maps in response to requests from the client terminals 1-1 to 1-n, and the aerial photographs and maps are combined and transmitted to the client terminals. An application server 4-1, 4-1, an aerial photograph file server 5 storing a large number of aerial photographs or satellite photographs subjected to orthographic projection conversion, and a vector map data server 6 storing vector map data are provided.

  Here, the client system that operates in the client terminals 1-1 to 1-n is a system that executes map / photograph image distribution that operates in a Web browser, and is a dedicated system developed independently. The client system sends a search request for a geographical map position to the application servers 4-1, 4 and 4 based on information such as names linked to graphics such as administrative boundaries, stations, and targets which are constituent elements of vector map data. -2 is displayed, the vector map transmitted from the application server through the network 2 and the image data in which the aerial photograph and the satellite photograph are integrally superimposed or separate image data are displayed, and the vector map and the aerial image are displayed. A function of issuing a request for enlargement / reduction or movement of a map to the application server via the network 2 on a screen in which photographs and satellite photographs are superimposed is provided.

In the Web server 3, processing for distributing requests from a large number of client terminals 1-1 to 1-n to a plurality of application servers 4-1 or 4-2 by using load distribution middleware dedicated to the map / photo image distribution system. Done.
In the application server 4-1 or 4-2, the aerial photograph and the vector in the same region range are respectively received from the aerial photograph file server 5 and the vector map data server 6 according to the request conditions specified according to the client system of the client terminal 1. The map data is searched, and a plurality of adjacent images such as aerial photographs are combined, or an image such as an aerial photograph that is enlarged or reduced is generated. Then, the map and the photographic image are integrated or separately transmitted to the corresponding client terminal 4 via the network 2.

In the aerial photograph file server 5 provided on the server side, a large number of digital aerial photograph image data files are managed together with an information file indicating the geographical position of the aerial photograph.
Further, the vector map data server 6 provided on the server side manages vector type map data as a large number of files or using a database.

  In the vector map data file, the coordinates of a graphic representing geographical information such as topography and features are described by some kind of map projection method. The vector map data is composed of layers that are classified according to the type of display graphic and the object to be searched, and has a data structure corresponding to the type of graphic such as each point, line, and surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the facility location layer has a point data structure, the railway line layer has a line data structure, and the administrative district layer has a surface data structure.

  Further, the vector map data is managed not only by coordinate data of graphics but also by attribute information data of graphics. Graphic data and graphic attribute information are associated with each other by a graphic ID. By this association, the attribute information held by the graphic can be displayed, or conversely, the value and name of the attribute information item can be designated to search for the corresponding graphic.

Next, processing in the application server 4 that creates an image in which a vector map and an aerial photograph are superimposed in response to a request condition from the client terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, a case where a map range is designated and a vector map and an aerial photograph are transferred as images will be described.

The application server 4 receives, as request information from the client terminal 1, the image size (number of vertical and horizontal pixels), the map range (geographical coordinate values), and the display figure to be transmitted to the client terminal 1 via the Web server 3. Receives type, aerial photo display ON / OFF.
Therefore, the application server 4 reads the vector maps M1 to M3 in the request range from the vector map data server 6, as shown in FIG. The vector map to be read is selected according to the type (layer) of the display graphic included in the request information, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the vector map by three types of graphic is selected.

  In this vector map data server 6, an example of the management system regarding a plurality of vector map data is shown in FIG. In this case, since the file size is too large in one layer, the entire area is covered with a large number of mesh files and managed in units of meshes, and a database management system is not used. On the other hand, although not shown, a method of covering the entire region for each layer or each figure type can be used by using a map database management system.

  Here, the state in which the application server 4 reads the vector map data in the requested map range from the vector map data server 6 is shown in FIG. In the figure, the request map range Mr is indicated by a bold line. This request map range Mr corresponds to a display range indicated by a broken line shown on the vector map M1 shown in FIG. 2, and data is transmitted from the vector maps M1 to M3 stored in the vector map data server 6 in this range. It will be cut out.

  In the request information, it is a case where “display aerial photograph ON” is required to display an aerial photograph superimposed on the vector map, and the map scale is fixed scale when requested to enlarge or reduce In the case of (for example, 1/2500) or more, an aerial photo image file that partially overlaps the requested map range is obtained from the aerial photo file server 5 as shown in the aerial photo A shown in FIG. Search and read the data representing the photo position.

The aerial photograph A is stored in the aerial photograph file server 5, and is composed of a number of aerial photograph image files that have been subjected to orthographic projection processing. Therefore, each aerial photograph image file covers the entire area with a large number of mesh files as in the vector map data management system shown in FIG.
In the reading of the aerial photo image data, the request photo range Ar corresponds to the display range indicated by the broken line shown on the aerial photo A shown in FIG. Data is cut out from the aerial photograph A stored in the server 5.

  Here, the reason for designating “more than a certain scale” is to read a large number of aerial image files so as not to consume a large amount of memory. At this time, the address information of the central position of the request map range is checked from the administrative zone layer of the vector map, and used as message information. As shown in FIG. 10A, this address information is displayed in the message field at the bottom of the screen of the client terminal 1.

  Above, if there is no aerial image file corresponding to the requested map range, there is no aerial photo to read, so prepare the image vector map and the message information “No aerial photo” for transmission To do. If “Aerial photo display is ON” and the map scale is less than a certain scale (for example, 1/2500), the message information “Aerial photo will appear when the scale is increased” is displayed. Prepare for transmission. As shown in FIG. 10 (c), this message information is displayed in the message field at the bottom of the screen of the client terminal 1.

When “display aerial photo display OFF” is selected in the request information, it indicates that the aerial photo is not displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1, so the aerial photo file is not read.
In the application server 4, the vector map and the aerial photograph image relating to the read request range are displayed at a scale corresponding to the display image size (pixel) displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1. This display is not necessarily performed on the screen of the server 4, but may be formed virtually on the memory.

The vector map is drawn based on a preset diagram for each type of display graphic. However, if the content of the request information is “aerial photo display OFF” or less than a certain scale, only the vector map is drawn.
Next, the aerial photograph A and the vector maps M1 and M3 are superimposed. This is displayed and imaged, and the image portion AMr in the request range is cut out.

  Then, the application server 4 transmits to the client terminal 1 layer information, a map of the request range, geographic coordinate values of the upper left and lower right of the aerial photograph, a superimposed image of the generated aerial photograph and vector map, and message information. At the time of transmission, in order to reduce the amount of client data transmission, an image file obtained by converting the generated aerial photograph and vector map superimposed image into a JPEG or GIF file is used. Furthermore, the file size of the superimposed image transmitted from the application server 4 to the client terminal 1 is substantially constant without depending on the size of the original vector map data or aerial photograph image file.

Further, the map of the request range and the geographical coordinate values at the upper left and lower right of the aerial photograph are for acquiring an arbitrary coordinate position on the map image displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1.
Here, in the application server 4, the aerial photograph image data is read from the aerial photograph file server 5 and the vector map data is read from the vector map data file, and the aerial photograph and the vector map are superimposed on the requested map range. The creation of an image will be described with reference to FIG.

  A large number of aerial photograph images themselves stored in the aerial photograph file server 5 do not have geographical position information regarding the place indicated by the aerial photograph image. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a position information file representing the geographical position of the aerial photograph is prepared as a pair separately from the aerial photograph image file. The aerial photograph image file includes the vertical and horizontal pixel number information related to the file in addition to the image data itself, and the position information file includes 1-pixel maps in the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the aerial photograph image. The upper size and the coordinate values of the X axis and the Y axis related to the center of the upper left pixel of the aerial image on the map are included. Since the coordinate value on the map of the pixel at the upper left of the aerial image is known, the range of the aerial image on the map can be specified based on the pixel number information in the aerial image file .

  On the other hand, each vector map stored in the vector map data server 6 is managed by coordinate data, and has different coordinate systems depending on the projection method of the map. Therefore, the coordinate value of the position information file that manages the geographical position of the aerial photograph image is described as a value corresponding to the coordinate system based on the map projection method. This position information file can identify where the aerial image is located on the vector map, and can superimpose the aerial image and the vector map on the same geographical location.

Next, an operation process of the application server 4 when a display position of a place name, a feature, etc. is determined by searching and a vector map and an aerial photograph are transferred as images will be described.
The difference from the case where the map range is specified is that the map range in the request information from the client terminal 1 is the name to be searched (layer name, various text data included in the specific attribute information managed by the layer) Is replaced by.

  In this case, first, the search target name is searched in the vector map data server 6. When a corresponding name is found, a predetermined map range centering on the position is set. This map range is preset in the application server 4. If the corresponding name is not found, the message information “No corresponding search target is found” is transmitted to the client terminal 1.

  When the corresponding name is found, the map range is set, so if the request information is "Aerial photo display ON" and the map scale is a certain scale (for example, 1/2500) or more Refers to the data representing the position of the aerial photograph, reads the corresponding aerial photograph image data, and sets the scale according to the image size displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1.

The subsequent processing is the same as that when the map range is specified.
In the above, the operation processing of the application server that plays a characteristic role in the map / photo image distribution system according to the present embodiment has been mainly described. Next, referring to each figure following FIG. Processing of the distribution system will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a communication procedure between the client terminal and the server when the client system of the map / photo image distribution system is activated, and is described separately for the client side and the server side. On the server side, a web server 3 and an application server 4 for processing a request from a client system via the web server are provided.

  First, the user searches for an aerial photograph image in a desired map range using a map / photo image distribution system and tries to display it on the screen of the client terminal 1. At this time, if the user operates the client terminal 1 to access the Web server 3 via the network 2 and becomes able to communicate, the user transmits a client system file download request to the Web server 3. (Step S50).

Therefore, the Web server 3 receives a request from the client terminal 1 and returns a client system file to the client terminal 1 (step S51).
The client terminal 1 reads the transmitted client system file (step S52), and the client system is automatically activated (step S53). Then, the client terminal 1 displays an initial menu screen for the map / photo image distribution system.

Simultaneously with the display of the initial menu screen, the client system requests the server for layer information and a whole area map for selecting a map range as a request (step S54). The Web server 3 relays this request to the application server 4.
The application server 4 that has received the request prepares layer information according to the request contents, further creates a map image of the entire area (step S55), and transmits each information to the client terminal 1 that has made the request (step S56). .

  The client terminal 1 receives each piece of information, sets layer information, and displays a map image of the entire area on the screen (step S57). The client system is set so that the process automatically proceeds after the request instruction is transmitted. Then, after the client system is activated in the client terminal 1, the screen configuration is such that it can be operated interactively.

Next, search for an aerial photograph in the desired map range, display the necessary map figure superimposed on the aerial photograph, enlarge / reduce the superimposed image, or move the display range Will be described with reference to FIGS.
The flow diagram of FIG. 6 shows an outline of processing when enlarging / reducing the superimposed image or moving the display range. First, the client terminal 1 selects a display graphic to be superimposed on the aerial photograph. The operation of enlarging / reducing and moving the superimposed image is started (step S60), and request conditions such as image size, requested map range, display graphic ON / OFF, and aerial photo display ON / OFF are requested to the server. (Step S61). Since the image size is preset in the client terminal 1, this set value is transmitted.

  The application server 4 reads the vector map of the request range and the aerial photograph image in accordance with the received request condition, performs the overlay processing of the read vector map and the aerial photograph image, and cuts out to the requested image size. Then, message information relating to the image center position is created (step S62).

Next, the superimposed image, the geographical coordinate value of the vector map and the aerial photograph image, the message information, etc. created above are transmitted to the client terminal (step S63).
The client terminal 1 can display a superimposed image of a vector map and an aerial photograph related to a desired map range in accordance with each information transmitted from the application server 4 (step S64).

  As described above, in the map / photograph image distribution system according to the present embodiment, the client terminal 1 does not perform the enlargement / reduction or movement process on the acquired superimposed image, and the enlargement / reduction or movement request condition. Is sent to the application server 4 to perform processing relating to enlargement / reduction or movement within the application server 4, and the image data converted into the image size of the client terminal 1 is transmitted to the client terminal 1.

Here, the details of the processing related to Step S62 and Step S63 in the application server 4 are shown in the processing flow in FIG.
In step S70, the contents of step S61 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are the same. In the application server 4, the image size, the range of the vector map, the type of display figure, the aerial photograph ON / OFF, etc. It is transmitted from the terminal 1 via the Web server 3.

Therefore, the vector map of the requested range is read from the vector map data server 6 (step S71), and the scale processing is performed according to the image size (step S72). Then, the processed vector map is sent to the superimposed image creation process in step S73.
On the other hand, in the request information, when the aerial photograph display ON is selected for “aerial photograph display ON / OFF” and the selected scale is greater than a certain value, for example, 1/2500 or greater (step S74). Y), the aerial photograph image data in the requested map range is read by the aerial photograph file server 5 (step S75) o.

Therefore, if the corresponding aerial photograph data is stored in the aerial photograph file server 5 (Y), the corresponding aerial photograph data is read out, and the scale process is performed in the same manner as the process of step S72 (step S77). The scale process is performed in the same manner as a process for superimposing.
After the aerial photograph data scale processing is performed, in step S73, the vector map and the aerial photograph are superimposed, and a superimposed image cut out to the requested image size is created.

  By the way, in step S74, when the aerial photo display ON is not selected for “aerial photo display ON / OFF” or the selected scale is less than a certain scale, for example, less than 1/2500, (N) The aerial photograph data is not read, and the process proceeds to step S73. At this time, in step S73, only the vector map matched to the image size is created as a superimposed image, or only the vector map is drawn.

  If the aerial photograph in the requested range does not exist in the aerial photograph file server 5 in step S76 (N), the process proceeds to step S73 without performing the aerial photograph data reading process. Also at this time, in step S73, only the vector map adapted to the image size is created as a superimposed image, or only the vector map is drawn. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, message information that can display “There is no aerial photograph in this area” is transmitted to the message field on the screen of the client terminal 1.

  In step S73, when the vector map and the aerial photograph are superimposed and a superimposed image is created, the geographical coordinate values of the vector map and the aerial photograph are transmitted to the client terminal 1 that has transmitted the request information. , Send a vector map and aerial image overlay image, message information. At the time of this transmission, the layer information including the layer information is sent to the client terminal 1 to facilitate subsequent request operations and the like at the client terminal 1.

The processing in the application server 4 according to the request information transmitted from the client terminal 1 has been described above. Next, functions in the client terminal 1 in which the client system is operating will be described.
The function of selecting a figure to be superimposed on the aerial photograph in step S60 and step S61 will be described with reference to the operation procedure shown in FIGS.

  First, on the client terminal 1 in which the client system is operating, the screen P1 in FIG. 9 is displayed. The screen P is provided with a selection check box for “display graphic” as a menu for executing various functions, and buttons “enlarge range”, “zoom”, “move”, and “search”, and a predetermined image size. A screen for displaying an aerial photograph image and a superimposed image of a vector map and a message information field are provided.

  It was shown that the type of figure can be selected by checking the corresponding check box displayed under “Display figure” on the screen P1. And the example which selected "railway" "road" "river" as a figure on the screen P11 was shown. The number of figures to be selected can be determined depending on which figure the user wants to overlay on the aerial photograph, and one or a plurality of figures can be selected.

When the “aerial photograph” check box is checked, a vector figure is superimposed on the aerial photograph, so that the server is requested to turn on the display of the aerial photograph image.
As shown in the screen P11, first, the user checks a necessary graphic with respect to a check box of a displayed graphic (step S80). In the screen P11 of FIG. 9, when checked, the color changes from white to black.

If a check is entered for the required figure, the button “SET” is clicked (step S81). Here, the client terminal 1 requests the server side for an aerial photograph and a vector map corresponding to the current display range of the checked display graphic according to the setting input (step S82).
The application server 4 receives the selected display graphic type together with other request information, and superimposes the vector map including the selected display graphic on the aerial photograph according to the processing flow of FIG. It cuts out to the image size of a display screen, and produces a superimposed image (step S83).

The client terminal 1 receives the superimposed image created by the client server 4 (step S84). Then, this superimposed image is displayed on a predetermined screen (step S85).
As described above, the target display graphic is displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1 without being subjected to image processing such as superposition in the client terminal 1 while being superimposed on the aerial photograph in the necessary range.

  Next, a case where a range is designated and enlargedly displayed on the aerial photograph and vector map superimposed image displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 shows a processing flow for expanding the designated range in the client terminal 1, and FIG. 12 shows an example of the display screen at that time.

The screen P2 shown in FIG. 12 is the same as the display state of the screen P11 of FIG. 9, and a vector map and aerial photographs related to the display figures “railway”, “road”, and “river” are displayed as superimposed images. ing. Therefore, the menu button “expand range” on the screen P2 is clicked (step S110).
When “range expansion” is selected, a target range to be expanded on the display screen can be designated by a box using a mouse. A frame indicated by a broken line can be drawn by designating, for example, two diagonal vertices of a rectangular range with the mouse on the display screen of the screen P2, and this frame is set as a designated map range (step S111).

  When the designated range is specified on the display screen, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, two diagonal vertices of the designated map range indicated by a broken line, that is, a “+” sign Read the coordinate value of the position indicated by. Here, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the designated range is similar to the display image, it may be transmitted to the server as the designated map range as it is, but the designated range is similar to the display image. Otherwise, the display image obtained in the designated range is stored in the display screen, so that the coordinate value of the position indicated by the symbol “” in FIG. 13A is used so that the designated range is similar to the display screen. The correction calculation is performed as the specified map range. By including this corrected coordinate value in the request information to the server together with the image size, the application server 4 can cut out the image size suitable for the display screen from the enlarged superimposed image.

Then, for the display graphic checked as shown on the screen P2, an aerial photograph and vector map in the designated map range are requested to the server side as request information (step S112). In response to this request, the application server 4 performs the processing shown in FIG. 7 (step S113).
Therefore, the application server 4 transmits the superimposed image created by performing the enlargement process to the client terminal 1 (step S114), and the superimposed image of the aerial photograph and vector map enlarged for the designated map range is the client terminal 1's. It is displayed on the screen (step S115).

Note that the screen P21 in FIG. 12 shows a state in which a superimposed image of the designated map range enlarged so as to fit in the display screen is displayed when the designated range is not similar to the display screen as indicated by a broken line. Yes.
As described above, an aerial photograph and vector map superimposed image can be enlarged and displayed by designating an arbitrary map range on the display screen. Even in the case of an image based on either an aerial photograph or a vector map, an enlarged display can be performed in the same manner as in the case of a superimposed image.

In the above description, the case where the designated map range is arbitrarily specified on the display screen and the superimposed image is enlarged and displayed has been described. Next, the client terminal 1 displays the image on the map by selecting the fixed zoom ratio. A case where the image is enlarged / reduced around the screen will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 15, since the menu button “zoom” is provided on the screen P3, when the user clicks this “zoom” button (step S140), a list of zoom rates is displayed. Therefore, a desired zoom rate is selected from the zoom rate list (step S141). In the example shown on the screen P3, a state where ½ times is selected is shown.

  When the zoom ratio is selected, the client terminal 1 sets the original map range changed with the zoom ratio around the display screen on the display screen (step S142). As shown on the screen P31, a frame indicated by a broken line that halves the original display screen is the requested map range. As shown in FIG. 13B, the coordinate values related to the two vertices of the diagonal of the map range are obtained, or the zoom ratio is fixed with the display screen as the center. You may set this coordinate value.

Therefore, the server side is requested for an aerial photograph and a vector map within the set requested map range for the checked display graphic (step S143).
The application server 4 performs an aerial photograph and vector map overlay process shown in FIG. 7 on the basis of the requested request information (step S144), cuts out the overlay image with an image size, and sends this image to the client terminal 1. Is transmitted (step S145).

Then, the client terminal 1 displays on the screen a superimposed image of the aerial photograph and the vector map transmitted from the application server 4 and converted into the selected zoom rate (step S146).
As described above, the aerial photograph and vector map superimposed image can be enlarged and reduced by designating the map range based on the fixed zoom rate with the display screen as the center. Note that even in the case of an image of either an aerial photograph or a vector map, enlargement / reduction display can be performed at a fixed zoom rate, as in the case of a superimposed image.

Next, with respect to the image displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1, a case where an image obtained by moving an arbitrary position in the image in an arbitrary direction by an arbitrary distance is displayed with reference to FIGS. While explaining.
As shown in the screen P4 of FIG. 17, the menu button “move” provided at the top of the screen P4 is clicked (step S160).

  When the “Move” button is selected, drag and drop operations can be performed with the mouse on the display screen, and the display map is moved to the original position as indicated by the arrow on the display screen. A drag-and-drop operation is performed with the mouse from (black circle) to the position of the moving destination (arrowhead) separated by an arbitrary distance (step S161).

  The requested range of the aerial photograph and vector map is set using the position dropped out with the mouse, that is, the position of the arrowhead as the center reference (step S162). As shown on the screen P41 in FIG. 17, a range surrounded by a broken line in the display screen is a required range. In the same manner as shown in FIG. 13, the coordinate values of the two diagonal vertices of this required range are obtained and the range is set.

Then, the server side is requested for the set range of aerial photographs and vector maps for the checked notation graphic (step S163).
Based on the requested request information, the application server 4 performs an aerial photograph and vector map overlay process as shown in FIG. 7 (step S164).

The application server 4 cuts out the superimposed image shifted to the original position as the image after movement, and transmits this image to the client terminal 1 (step S165).
Then, the client terminal 1 displays the superimposed image of the aerial photograph and the vector map transmitted from the application server 4 and adjusted for movement on the screen (step S166).

As described above, by dragging and dropping the mouse on the display screen of the client terminal 1, an arbitrary position in the superimposed image of the aerial photograph and the vector map is moved in an arbitrary direction by an arbitrary distance. Can be displayed.
Up to now, by specifying the map range in the display image of the aerial photograph and vector map superimposed image with a Web browser, it can be enlarged and reduced without interruption, and it can be moved and displayed in any direction The function was explained.

Next, with the web browser overlaid with the aerial photo and vector map, search for the aerial photo of the location using information such as the city name, railway station name, and target name associated with the map graphic. Functions that can be displayed will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 18 shows the communication procedure between the client side and the server side in the process of acquiring the aerial photograph and the vector map by specifying the name of the search target, and the map range as described above is specified. The difference from the processing procedure when the aerial photograph and the vector map are overlapped is that the map range in the request information from the client terminal 1 is the name of the search target (the layer name, the specific managed by the layer). The text data of the name included in the attribute information).

Request information including the image size, search target name, display graphic ON / OFF, and aerial photo display ON / OFF is transmitted from the client terminal 1 to the server side (steps S180 and S181).
The application server 4 searches the search target, sets the map range, reads the vector map data and the aerial photograph image data based on the map range, performs the overlay process of the vector map and the aerial photograph, and sets the image size. A superimposed image cut out in step S182 is created (step S182). Address information at the center position of the image is created for display in the message field of the display screen. Then, for example, when the corresponding feature name is not found, message information indicating that “the corresponding search target is not found” is created.

And the process in step S183 and step S184 is the same as the content in step S63 and step S64.
Next, operation processing of the application server 4 in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to the processing flow of FIG.
First, the request information in step S181 is transmitted from the client terminal 1 to the application server 4 via the Web server 3 (step S190). In the request information, the name of the search target is specified.

  Therefore, the application server 4 searches the stored data in the vector map data server 6 with the name to be searched (step S191). When the corresponding name is found, a predetermined map range centering on the position related to the name is set (step S192). This map range is preset in the application server 4. When the corresponding name is not found, message information indicating that “the corresponding search target is not found” is created for transmission to the client terminal 1.

Since the map range is set, the vector map data of the corresponding map range is read from the vector map data server 6, and the scale setting process is performed (step S193). Then, in order to superimpose the vector map data in the corresponding map range on the aerial photograph image, the process proceeds to step S194.
On the other hand, if the request information in step S190 is “aerial photo display ON” and the map scale is a certain scale (for example, 1/2500) or more (Y in step S195), in step S192 With reference to the set map range, the aerial photograph image data of the corresponding map range is read from the aerial photograph file server 5 (step S196).

At this time, when the aerial photograph image data of the corresponding map range can be read (Y in step S197), the scale setting process is performed on the aerial photograph image (step S198), and the corresponding map range is added to the aerial photograph image. To superimpose vector map data, the process proceeds to step S194.
By the way, in step S195, the display of the aerial photograph is selected for “aerial photograph display ON / OFF”, or if the selected scale is less than a certain scale, for example, less than 1/2500 (N), The process proceeds to step S194 without reading photographic image data. At this time, in step S194, only the vector map data in the corresponding map range is transmitted instead of the superimposed image. Alternatively, the data may be used as a superimposed image.

  In step S197, when the aerial photograph in the requested range is not in the aerial photograph file server 5 (N), the process proceeds to step S194 without performing the aerial photograph image data reading process. Also at this time, in step S194, only the vector map data in the corresponding map range is created as a superimposed image. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, message information that can display “There is no aerial photograph in this area” is created in the message column on the screen of the client terminal 1.

  In step S194, the vector map data in the corresponding map range and the aerial photograph image are superimposed to create a superimposed image cut out to the image size displayed on the screen of the client terminal 1. The subsequent processing in step S199 is the same as the processing in step S78 of FIG. 7, and the created superimposed image is transmitted to the client terminal 1 together with other information.

Next, regarding the processing procedure on the client side in the communication procedure between the client side and the server side regarding the map / photograph image distribution system shown in FIG. 18, refer to the processing flow in FIG. 20 and the screen example in FIG. explain.
As shown in FIG. 21, a menu button “search” is provided at the top of the screen P5 displayed on the client terminal 1, and when this “search” button is clicked (step S200), a search window is displayed on the screen. Is opened. This search window is provided with selection buttons such as “address”, “station name”, and “facility” for selecting a search object item.

  Any item such as “address”, “station name”, and “facility” is selected (step S201). The screen P5 shown in FIG. 21 shows a state where the “address” button is clicked as a search target item. When “Address” is selected, “Prefecture”, “City”, “Character” is displayed in the drop-down menu, and you can select from the combo box shown by the arrow or from the list of search results by text input The name of the target search object is selected and set (step S202). The screen P5 shows the case where “address” is selected, but the same applies to other “station names” and “facility”.

  When the “display” button or the “search” button is clicked (step S203), the server side is requested for an aerial photograph and a vector map based on the input search condition for the checked display graphic (step S204). Next, the application server 4 creates an overlay of the aerial photograph and the vector map according to the search condition according to the processing flow shown in FIG. 19 (step 205).

The superimposed image of the aerial photograph and the vector map is received from the application server 4 (step S206), and this superimposed image is displayed on the screen (step S207).
As described above, you can search for aerial photos of relevant locations using information such as city names, train station names, and target names associated with map shapes using a web browser. It can be displayed in a superimposed state.

Effect of the invention

  In the map / photograph image distribution system according to the present invention, the client system searches the geographical map range or place with the information managed integrally with the figure on the map, and the aerial photograph image relating to the relevant range or place Requested a superimposed image of the vector map, and managed the vector map and aerial photos separately on the server side.

  Therefore, in the client system using the Web browser, it is possible to search for information on features managed by the vector map, and easily browse the target aerial photograph. In addition, the aerial photograph image can be browsed and displayed in the same state as when many aerial photograph images corresponding to the request are all joined. And even if there are images having different resolutions in a large number of aerial photo images, these aerial photo images can be joined at the resolution, and are not affected by the difference in resolution.

Further, the display scale can be enlarged / reduced or moved in an arbitrary direction in the display image on the screen of the client system.
Furthermore, since the aerial photograph and the vector map can be displayed in a superimposed state on the screen of the client system, the geographical position and the feature displayed in the aerial photograph can be easily understood.

  It is a figure explaining the outline | summary of the map and photograph image delivery system by this invention.   It is a figure explaining a mode that a superimposed image is created from a vector map and an aerial photograph.   It is a figure explaining the management format of a vector map data file, and showing the example of the request range with respect to vector map data.   It is a figure which shows the file format showing the geographical position of an aerial photograph image, and the file format of vector map data.   It is a flowchart explaining the communication procedure of a client terminal and a server at the time of starting of the client system of a map and photograph image delivery system.   It is a flowchart explaining the communication procedure between the client and the server when the map / aerial photo is enlarged, reduced or moved in the map / photo image distribution system.   It is a flowchart explaining the process of the application server when a map range is designated and a vector map and an aerial photograph are transferred as images.   It is a flowchart which shows the change procedure of the display figure after a client system starting.   It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen at the time of the display figure change in a client terminal.   It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the message display in a client terminal.   It is a figure explaining the process in the case of expanding the designated range in a client system.   It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen at the time of the designation | designated range expansion in a client terminal.   It is a figure explaining the range specification in a display screen.   It is a flowchart explaining the process which expands and reduces the display image of the map and aerial photograph in a client terminal by zoom ratio change.   It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen at the time of zoom ratio change in a client terminal.   It is a flowchart explaining the process which moves and displays the image of the map and aerial photograph in a client terminal.   It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen at the time of the image movement of the map in a client terminal, and an aerial photograph.   It is a flowchart explaining the communication procedure between the client terminal and the server when the map / aerial photograph image display in the map / photo image distribution system is searched by specifying the feature name.   It is a flowchart explaining the process of an application server in the case of transferring the vector map and aerial photograph which were searched by specifying the feature name as an image.   It is a flowchart explaining the process in which the display image of the map and aerial photograph in a client terminal is searched by designation | designated of a feature name.   It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen at the time of the image search of the map and aerial photograph in a client terminal.

1-1 to 1-n ... Client terminal 2 ... Network 3 ... Web server 4-1, 4-2 ... Application server 5 ... Aerial photograph file server 6 ... Vector map data server

Claims (10)

A plurality of aerial photographic image information, and aerial photograph image storing means for storing the geographical location information of the air in the photographic image,
A vector map storage means for storing a plurality of vector map information and geolocation information of the vector map;
Information reading means for reading out the vector map information relating to the geographical position included in the designated map range, and further reading out the aerial photo image information relating to the geographical position when the scale of the map is not less than a certain scale;
When the aerial photo image information is not read, an image is generated from the read vector map information. When the aerial photo image information is read, the read vector map information and the aerial photo image information are Image generating means for generating an image by combining and superimposing at the geographical position;
A map / photo image distribution system comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the image.
2. The information reading unit according to claim 1, wherein when the display of the aerial photograph image is instructed and the scale of the map is equal to or larger than a predetermined scale, the aerial photograph image information relating to the geographical position is further read. Map / photo image distribution system.
The map / photograph image distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits an image obtained by adjusting the image to a screen size of a display screen.
The information reading means reads the vector map information relating to the geographical position included in a range designated on a displayed image, or the vector map information and the aerial photograph image information. The map / photographic image delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The said information reading means reduces the read said vector map information or the said vector map information, and the said aerial photograph image information to the designated magnification | multiplying_factor. Map / photo image distribution system.
The information reading means is the vector map information read from the map range or the vector map information and the aerial photograph image based on a position moved in a predetermined direction from a specified position on the displayed screen. 5. The map / photo image distribution system according to claim 1, wherein information is read out.
The vector map information includes search target information having geolocation information,
Search means for searching for search target information designated from the vector map information, and setting a predetermined map range based on the geographical position of the target information,
The said information reading means reads the said vector map information which concerns on the said geolocation included in the said predetermined map range, or the said vector map information and the said aerial photograph image information, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Map / photo image distribution system.
Image display means for displaying an aerial photo image and / or vector map on the screen;
The map range designated on the screen is requested to the system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the image generated from the vector map information related to the geographic location included in the map range, or the geographic location A map / photo image distribution client system comprising: communication means for aligning the vector map information and aerial photo image information related to and receiving the superimposed image from the system.
9. The map / photo image distribution client system according to claim 8, further comprising display target selection means for selecting the aerial photo image and the type of display graphic included in the vector map information as a display target to be displayed on the screen. .
  When the aerial photograph image related to the geographical position included in the map range is not stored in the system, a message that the aerial photograph image is not stored is displayed on the screen, and the display target selecting unit The aerial photograph image selection is disabled, or the aerial photograph image is selected when the aerial photograph image related to the geographical location included in the newly requested map range is stored in the system. 9. The map / photo image distribution client system according to 9.

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