Map display device

Abstract

To easily comprehend a position of a port of a business operator that a user is interested in.SOLUTION: A user terminal 20 comprises a display 27. The display 27 is configured to display, on a map, a plurality of icons respectively representing positions of a plurality of ports operated for a rental business of moving bodies. The display 27 displays the plurality of icons such that each of the icons is distinguished in accordance with a business operator that operates a port at a position indicated by an icon. When two or more ports out of the plurality of ports are installed in the same area, the display 27 displays a single representative icon representing the two or more ports on the map, in place of two or more icons each representing the two or more ports out of the plurality of icons. The representative icon represents two or more business operators operating the two or more ports in a manner of distinguishable from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a map display device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5611081 (Patent Document 1) discloses a navigation device. This device includes an area information search unit and an area drawing unit. The area drawing unit draws a symbol image representing a facility-intensive area on a position on a map displayed on a display corresponding to a representative position within the facility-intensive area, superimposed on the area information searched by the area information search unit. At this time, the area drawing unit draws a symbol image representing the facility-intensive area in a display form or color corresponding to the total number of facilities existing in the facility-intensive area (see

[0026] and FIG. 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the rental business of moving bodies (for example, automobiles, bicycles, or electric kick scooters), the location of ports is important information for users. This is because where the moving body can be rented or returned is directly related to the convenience of the user. There is a need for users to easily grasp the locations of ports they are interested in. In particular, users may want to easily grasp the locations of ports of operators they are interested in.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a map display device for easily grasping the locations of ports of operators that users are interested in.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The map display device of the present disclosure includes a display. The display is configured to display a plurality of icons on a map, each representing the location of a plurality of ports operated for the rental business of a moving body. Each of the plurality of ports is operated by one of a plurality of operators conducting the rental business. The display displays the plurality of icons such that each of the plurality of icons is distinguished according to the operator operating the port at the location represented by the icon. When two or more of the plurality of ports are installed within the same area, the display displays, on the map, a single representative icon representing two or more ports instead of two or more icons each representing one of the two or more ports. The representative icon represents two or more operators operating two or more ports in a distinguishable manner from each other.

[0007] With the above configuration, in order for the user to distinguish and recognize each operator operating the ports within the above area, it is not necessary to visually recognize the two or more icons one by one, and it is only necessary to visually recognize the representative icon. As a result, the user can easily grasp, based on the representative icon, the location of the ports of the operator in which the user is interested (whether the ports of the operator are installed within the above area).

[0008] In one aspect, two or more operators are respectively associated with two or more colors. The representative icon includes two or more regions respectively represented by the two or more colors.

[0009] Colors can effectively appeal to the user's vision. With the above configuration, each region of the representative icon represents the operator associated with the color representing the region. Thereby, the user can particularly easily (intuitively) distinguish and recognize each of the two or more operators.

[0010] In a certain situation, for each of two or more regions, the area of the region is larger as the total number of ports operated by the operator associated with the color representing the region within the area is larger, or each of the two or more regions is arranged so as to be lined up in descending order of the total number.

[0011] With the above configuration, each of the two or more operators is distinguished on the representative icon according to the total number of ports operated by the operator in the area. Thereby, it is possible to easily let the user recognize how many ports of each operator are installed within the area, and in particular, it is possible to easily let the user recognize the operator with the largest total number.

[0012] In a certain situation, for each of two or more regions, the area of the region is larger as the total number is larger. The representative icon includes two or more concentric circles. The region represented by the color associated with the operator with the largest total number of ports operated within the area among the two or more operators is the central region of the representative icon surrounded by the innermost circle among the two or more circles.

[0013] Since the central region is arranged at the center of the representative icon, it is considered that it is easier for the user to intuitively recognize than other regions among the two or more regions. With the above configuration, the operator with the largest total number of ports is represented by the central region. As a result, it is possible to let the user particularly intuitively recognize the operator with the largest total number.

[0014] In a certain situation, the color representing the central region is the corporate color of the operator with the largest total number. The central region includes the logo of the operator with the largest total number.

[0015] Each of the corporate color and logo of the operator with the largest total number more effectively makes the user associate with the operator with the largest total number. With the above configuration, when the user visually recognizes the representative icon, the user visually recognizes both the corporate color and the logo of the operator with the largest total number. Thereby, it is possible to more surely let the user recognize the operator with the largest total number.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the position of the port of the operator that the user is interested in can be easily grasped.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. Each of the embodiments and their modification examples may be combined with each other as appropriate.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the map display system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the map display system 1 includes a server 10 and a user terminal 20.

[0020] Server 10 communicates with other devices (e.g., user terminal 20) through network NW. Server 10 stores map DB (Database) 12 and port DB 14. Map DB 12 contains various map data. Port DB 14 contains various information about ports operated for the rental (sharing) business of mobile bodies. A port is a space used for renting or returning mobile bodies. The mobile body is, for example, a bicycle, an electric kick scooter, a motorcycle, or an automobile.

[0021] Port DB 14 includes ID information 142, type information 144, installation location information 146, and operator information 148. ID information 142 represents the identification information of the corresponding port. Type information 144 represents the type of mobile body rented or returned at the corresponding port. Installation location information 146 represents the installation location of the corresponding port. Operator information 148 represents the name of the operator who operates the corresponding port. In this example, a plurality of operators (including the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator described later) are conducting the rental business of mobile bodies.

[0022] User terminal 20 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone and functions as a portable map display device operated by the user. User terminal 20 includes a storage device 21, a communication device 22, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 23, an HMI device 24, and a control device 28.

[0023] Storage device 21 stores a map application. Communication device 22 communicates with server 10 through network NW. GPS 23 acquires position information indicating the current position of the user.

[0024] The HMI device 24 is, for example, a touch screen and includes an input interface (I / F) 26 and a display 27. The input interface 26 receives operations by the user (user operations). The user operations include a search operation for searching for a port on a map displayed using a map application. The user operations further include screen operations such as swiping, pinching in (zooming in), and pinching out (zooming out). The display 27 is configured to display a map and display icons of various ports on the map according to a signal transmitted from the server 10 (details will be described later). The display 27 is also configured to display the current position of the user on the map according to the position information of the GPS 24. The area represented by the map automatically changes when the user moves and the current position changes, or changes in response to a screen operation such as swiping.

[0025] The control device 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (both not shown). The CPU executes various arithmetic processes. The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores programs executed by the CPU. The control device 28 detects user operations performed on the HMI device 24. The control device 28 executes various determination processes and controls the communication device 22 and the display 27 in response to the user operations.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the HMI device 24 of the user terminal 20. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the moving body used in the rental business is a bicycle.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2(A), the screen 100 includes a map 102, a current location icon CP, a search window 105, and an icon group gr.

[0028] Map 102 is displayed during the use of the map application and represents the target area (in this example, the area around the user's current location). The user terminal 20 receives map information transmitted from the server 10 based on the map DB 12 and displays the map 102 according to this map information. The map information includes target area information representing the target area. The current location icon CP is displayed according to the position information of the GPS 23 and represents the user's current location. In addition to the current location icon CP, the search window 105, and the icon group gr on the map 102, other objects (not shown) representing facilities such as stores are assumed to be displayed.

[0029] A search word is input by the user into the search window 105. In this example, it is assumed that the user has performed a search operation to search for ports for rental bicycles (bike sharing) on the map 102. In response to the search operation, the control device 28 of the user terminal 20 controls the communication device 22 to transmit a request signal for requesting port information to the server 10. The port information includes information representing the number, installation location, and operator of the ports within the area around the user's current location. The request signal includes the search word input into the search window 105 and the position information representing the user's current location.

[0030] In response to the request signal, the server 10 determines the ports and their operators within the above area. This determination process is executed according to the search word and the user's position information included in the request signal, and the type information 144, installation location information 146, and operator information 148 of the port DB 14. The server 10 generates port information according to the result of the above determination and transmits it to the user terminal 20. When the communication device 22 receives the port information, the control device 28 controls the display 27 to display the icon group gr on the map 102.

[0031] The icon group gr includes N (N≥2) icons (in this example, icons 106A, 106B, 107A, 107B, 108A). These icons represent the positions of the ports P1A, P1B, P2A, P2B, P3A respectively.

[0032] These ports are installed within the area represented by map 102 and are operated by any one of the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator. Specifically, ports P1A and P1B are operated by the first operator, ports P2A and P2B are operated by the second operator, and port P3A is operated by the third operator.

[0033] Display 27 displays icon group gr such that each icon in icon group gr is distinguished according to the operator who operates the port at the position represented by the icon.

[0034] For example, icons 106A and 106B representing the positions of the ports of the first operator are graphically distinguished and displayed from icons 107A, 107B, and 108A representing the positions of the ports of other operators (in this example, the second operator and the third operator). In this example, the first operator is associated with a first color (for example, red), and icons 106A and 106B are represented by this color.

[0035] Similarly, icons 107A and 107B representing the positions of the ports of the second operator are graphically distinguished and displayed from icon 108A representing the position of the port of the third operator. In this example, the second operator is associated with a second color (for example, blue), and icons 107A and 107B are represented by this color. The third operator is associated with a third color (for example, green), and icon 108A is represented by this color.

[0036] By displaying icon group gr in this way, the user can intuitively recognize which operator each icon represents the position of the port being operated by. As a result, the user can easily grasp the positions of the ports of the operator of interest (for example, the user's favorite operator, in one example, the operator for which the user has registered as a member).

[0037] When the user touches any of the icons in the icon group gr, the display 27 may display detailed information about the port at the position represented by the touched icon or display a user interface for reserving the port. The detailed information about the port includes, for example, the address of the port, the available time of the port, the operator of the port, and the number of bicycles that can be rented and returned at the port.

[0038] Figure 2(B) is shown as a comparative example when the single icon described later is not displayed. Referring to Figure 2(B), the screen 120 is different from the screen 100 in that the icon group gr further includes icons 106C to 106E, 107C, 107D, and 108B. These icons represent the positions of ports P1C to P1E, P2C, P2D, and P3B, respectively.

[0039] Each of the ports P1C to P1E, P2C, P2D, and P3B is operated by one of the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator. Specifically, ports P1C to P1E are operated by the first operator, ports P2C and P2D are operated by the second operator, and port P3B is operated by the third operator.

[0040] Icons 106B to 106E, 107C, 107D, and 108B are also represented as an icon set is. Ports P1B to P1E, P2C, P2D, and P3B are densely installed within the same area (area AR). Icons 106B to 106E, 107C, 107D, and 108B correspond to an example of the "two or more icons" of the present disclosure. Ports P1B to P1E, P2C, P2D, and P3B correspond to an example of the "two or more ports" of the present disclosure.

[0041] Area AR is an area having a predetermined shape and size. An area where a large number (specifically, a predetermined number or more) of ports are densely located, such as area AR, is also referred to as a "port dense area".

[0042] Users often search for ports while away from home. Since the user terminal 20 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, the display 27 is generally small. On the other hand, in recent years, the number of operators entering the mobile rental business has been increasing. As a result, among the various ports operated by various operators, a situation is likely to occur where a user tries to search for a port operated by an operator of interest (for example, a user's favorite operator, or in one example, an operator for which the user has registered as a member) using the user terminal 20 having a display 27 of limited size. In such a case, the need for the user to easily grasp the location information of the ports of the operator of interest can become particularly prominent.

[0043] However, in the comparative example of FIG. 2(B), since a large number of ports are densely installed in the area AR, a large number of icons belonging to the icon set is are also densely arranged. As a result, the user may not be able to easily grasp based on these icons the location of the port of the operator of interest (whether the port of the operator is installed in the area AR).

[0044] The user terminal 20 according to the present embodiment has a configuration for addressing the above problems. This will be described below.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the HMI device 24 of the user terminal 20 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3(A), this example is different from the comparative example of FIG. 2(B) in that the display 27 displays the screen 150 instead of the screen 120. The screen 150 includes a representative icon 200 instead of the icon set is.

[0046] The representative icon 200 is displayed on the map 102 as a single icon. The representative icon 200 represents the ports P1B to P1E, P2C, P2D, P3B in the area AR instead of the icons 106B to 106E, 107C, 107D, 108B. The representative icon 200 represents the total number n (n = 7 in this example) of ports in the area AR in its central region.

[0047] The representative icon 200 represents (in other words, represents the breakdown of the port operators within the area AR) the two or more operators (in this example, the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator) who operate these ports in a distinguishable manner from each other. Specifically, the representative icon 200 includes regions 205, 210, and 215. Region 205 is represented by a first color associated with the first operator. Region 210 is represented by a second color associated with the second operator. Region 215 is represented by a third color associated with the third operator. Regions 205, 210, and 215 correspond to an example of the "two or more regions" of the present disclosure.

[0048] According to the representative icon 200, in order for the user to distinguish and recognize each operator who operates the ports within the area AR, it is not necessary for the user to visually recognize each of the icons 106B to 106E, 107C, 107D, and 108B in FIG. 2(B) one by one. The user only needs to visually recognize the representative icon 200. As a result, the user can easily grasp based on the representative icon 200 the position of the ports of the operator that the user is interested in (whether the ports of the operator are installed within the area AR).

[0049] In the embodiment, the representative icon 200 includes regions 205, 210, and 215 respectively assigned to the first to third operators. Each region is assigned a color associated with the corresponding operator. Since the color can effectively appeal to the user's vision, the user can particularly easily (intuitively) distinguish and recognize the operators who operate the ports within the area AR based on the representative icon 200.

[0050] For each of regions 205, 210, and 215, the area of the region is larger as the total number of ports operated by the operator associated with the color representing the region within area AR is larger. For example, within area AR, the first operator operates four ports P1B to P1E, the second operator operates two ports P2C and P2D, and the third operator operates one port P3B. Thus, among regions 205, 210, and 215, the area of region 205 is the largest, the area of region 210 is the second largest, and the area of region 215 is the smallest.

[0051] With such a configuration, each of the port operators within area AR is distinguished on the representative icon 200 according to the total number of ports that the operator operates within area AR. Specifically, each operator is displayed such that the area assigned to the operator becomes larger as the total number is larger. Thereby, it is possible to easily let the user recognize how many ports of each operator are installed within area AR, and in particular, it is possible to easily let the user recognize the operator with the largest total number (hereinafter, also referred to as the "most ports operator"). In this example, the most ports operator is the first operator.

[0052] The size (area) of the representative icon 200 may be determined according to the total number n of ports within area AR. In this example, the representative icon 200 has a size that is n (= 7) times that of other icons such as icon 106A (hereinafter, also referred to as "normal icons"). With such a configuration, since the representative icon 200 becomes larger as the number of ports within area AR is larger, it is possible to more easily let the user recognize information regarding these ports. Note that the total number n of ports within area AR corresponds to the number obtained by summing up the total number of ports that each operator operates within area AR for each operator.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3(B), this example is different from the example of FIG. 3(A) in that the display 27 displays the screen 160 instead of the screen 150. The screen 160 includes a representative icon 200a instead of the representative icon 200.

[0054] The representative icon 200a is different from the representative icon 200 in that it has the same size as a normal icon. In other respects, the representative icon 200a is the same as the representative icon 200 (for example, the areas 205a to 205c of the representative icon 200a are assigned to the first to third operators respectively).

[0055] With such a configuration, while avoiding a situation where other objects (such as facilities like stores) near the representative icon 200a are covered and hidden by the representative icon 200a on the map 102 of the display 27 of limited size, each operator of the ports within the area AR can be easily recognized by the user.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed in the present embodiment. This flowchart is started when the above-described search operation is performed on the HMI device 24, when the current position of the user changes, when a screen operation (such as a swipe, pinch-in, pinch-out, etc.) is performed by the user, or when a predetermined period has elapsed. Hereinafter, steps are abbreviated as "S". The control device 28 executes the following S105, S120, S130, and S135 by executing the program stored in its memory.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, the control device 28 of the user terminal 20 controls the communication device 22 to transmit a request signal for requesting port information to the server 10 (S105).

[0058] In response to the request signal, the server 10 determines the target area and determines the ports and their operators within the area (S210). The server 10 generates the above-described target area information and port information according to the result of S210 and transmits them to the user terminal 20 (S215).

[0059] In response to receiving the target area information and port information, the control device 28 of the user terminal 20 determines whether there is a port-dense area within the target area (S120). For example, the control device 28 virtually divides the target area on the map into a plurality of areas each having a predetermined shape and size, and determines whether a predetermined number or more of ports are concentrated in at least one of these areas according to the target area information and port information.

[0060] If there is a port-dense area (YES in S120), the control device 28 controls the display 27 to display a representative icon representing a large number of ports in the area on the map 102 together with other normal icons (S130). In the example of Fig. 3(A), the control device 28 controls the display 27 to display the representative icon 200 on the map 102 together with the icons 106A, 107A, 107B, 108A.

[0061] If there is no port-dense area (NO in S120), the control device 28 controls the display 27 to display an icon group consisting of normal icons (for example, the icon group gr in Fig. 2(A)) on the map 102 (S135). After S130 and S135, the process proceeds to return.

[0062] As described above, according to the embodiment, when there is a port-dense area, the representative icon is displayed on the map 102. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the positions of the ports of the operator in which the user is interested based on the representative icon.

[0063] <Modification Example 1 of the Embodiment> The representative icon may be different from the representative icon 200 or 200a (Fig. 3) as long as it distinguishes and represents the operators of the ports in the port-dense area.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the representative icon in this Modification 1. Referring to FIG. 5, the representative icon 300 includes circles C1, C2, and C3, and is used in place of the representative icon 200 or 200a. These circles are arranged concentrically. Circle C1 is arranged innermost among the circles C1 to C3. Circle C2 is arranged between circle C1 and circle C3. Circle C3 corresponds to the outer periphery (outline) of the representative icon 300.

[0065] The representative icon 300 includes regions 305, 310, and 315. Region 305 is displayed as the central region of the representative icon 300 surrounded by circle C1, and is represented by the first color associated with the first operator, similar to region 205 (FIG. 3). Region 310 is arranged between circles C1 and C2, and is represented by the second color associated with the second operator, similar to region 210. Region 315 is arranged between circles C2 and C3, and is represented by the third color associated with the third operator, similar to region 215.

[0066] Also in this example, each operator is distinguished on the representative icon 300 according to the total number of ports operated by the operator in the area AR. Specifically, each operator is displayed such that the area assigned to the operator becomes larger as the total number is larger. In this example, since the total number is largest in the order of the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator, region 305 is the largest, region 310 is the second largest, and region 315 is the third largest.

[0067] Since region 305 is arranged at the center of the representative icon 300, it is considered that it is easier for the user to recognize intuitively than regions 310 and 315. As a result, the first operator, who is the largest operator in the area AR, is indicated by the central region (region 305) of the representative icon 300. As a result, the largest operator can be made to be recognized by the user particularly intuitively.

[0068] In this example, the color representing region 305 is the corporate color of the largest operator (the first operator), and region 305 includes the logo (for example, "T") of the operator.

[0069] Each of the corporate colors and logos of the operators makes it easier for users to associate with the respective operators. With the above configuration, when the user views the representative icon 300, the user views both the corporate color and logo of the first operator, which is the most numerous operator. As a result, the user can be surely made to recognize that the most numerous operator is the first operator. As a result, when the operator that the user is interested in is the first operator, the user can surely grasp that the port of the operator is installed within the area AR.

[0070] In this example, only the area 305 out of the areas 305, 310, and 315 includes the logo of the operator. As a result, the information regarding the operator is reduced as compared with an example in which the areas 310 and 315 also include the logos of the second operator and the third operator, respectively. As a result, it is possible to more easily make the user recognize that the first operator is the most numerous operator.

[0071] <Modification Example 2 of the Embodiment> In this modification example, still another example of the representative icon will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining various representative icons in this modification example 2.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6(A), the representative icon 400 is different from the representative icons 200, 200a, and 300 in that it is represented by a pie chart, but is the same as these representative icons in that it represents the operators of the ports within the area AR in a distinguishable manner. The representative icon 400 includes areas 405, 410, and 415.

[0073] The area 405 is represented by a first color associated with the first operator and includes the logo (“T”) of the first operator. The area 410 is represented by a second color associated with the second operator and includes the logo (“U”) of the second operator. The area 415 is represented by a third color associated with the third operator and includes the logo (“V”) of the third operator.

[0074] In the representative icon 400, the size of each area is related to the ratio of the total number of ports operated by the operator representing the area within the port-intensive area to the total number n of ports within the area. For example, the larger the total number (ratio) of the operator, the larger the area of the area allocated to the operator. In this example, the areas 405, 410, and 415 are in descending order of the above area.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 6(B), the representative icon 450 is different from the representative icon 400 in that it is not represented by color (monochrome), but is the same as the representative icon 400 in that it represents the port operators within the area AR in a distinguishable manner from each other. The representative icon 450 includes areas 455, 460, and 465. The areas 455, 460, and 465 respectively include the logos of the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator. Also in the representative icon 450, the larger the total number (ratio) of the operator, the larger the area of the area allocated to the operator. Note that it is not essential that the area of the representative icon is larger as the total number is larger, and as will be described below, it may be arranged in descending order of the total number.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6(C), the representative icon 500 is different from the representative icons 200, 200a, 300, 400, and 450 in that it is not circular (in this example, it is polygonal), but is the same as these representative icons in that it represents the port operators within the area AR in a distinguishable manner from each other.

[0077] The representative icon 500 includes areas 505, 510, and 515. The area 505 is represented by the first color and includes the logo of the first operator. The area 410 is represented by the second color and includes the logo of the second operator. The area 415 is represented by the third color and includes the logo of the third operator. In this example, the areas of the three areas are the same as each other.

[0078] Each of areas 505, 510, and 515 is arranged so that the operators representing the areas are ordered in descending order of the total number of ports they operate within the port-intensive area. In this example, since the total numbers are in the order of the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator, areas 505, 510, and 515 are arranged in this order from top to bottom. Note that these areas may be arranged side by side. For example, areas 505, 510, and 515 may be arranged in this order from left (or right).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6(D), representative icon 550 is different from representative icon 500 in that it is represented by a colorless (monochrome) dot, but is the same as representative icon 500 in that it represents the port operators within area AR in a distinguishable manner from each other. Representative icon 550 includes areas 555, 560, and 565. Areas 555, 560, and 565 each include the logos of the first operator, the second operator, and the third operator, respectively. Each of these areas is arranged so as to be ordered in descending order of the aforementioned total number, similar to the example of FIG. 6(C).

[0080] Each of representative icons 400, 450, 500, and 550 can be used in place of representative icons 200, 200a, or 300. According to representative icons 400, 450, 500, and 550, a user can easily recognize the breakdown of the port operators within area AR, similar to representative icons 200, 200a, and 300. Therefore, the user can easily grasp whether the number of ports of an operator of interest is installed within area AR.

[0081] <Other Variations> In the foregoing embodiments and their variations 1 and 2, it is assumed that the mobile object used in the rental business of mobile objects is a bicycle, but it may also be an electric kick scooter, a motorcycle, or a vehicle. In this case, the ports operated by the operator correspond to the spaces used for renting / returning the above mobile objects. For example, when the above mobile object is a vehicle, the parking lot for renting / returning corresponds to the "port".

[0082] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 1 Map display system, 10 Server, 20 User terminal, 27 Display, 28 Control device, 100, 120, 150, 160 Screens, 106A, 106B, 106C, 106E, 107A, 107B, 107C, 107D, 108A, 108B Icons, 200, 200a, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550 Representative icons.

Claims

1. A display configured to display a plurality of icons on a map, each representing the location of a plurality of ports operated for a rental business of mobile bodies, each of the plurality of ports is operated by any one of a plurality of operators who carry out the rental business, the display displays the plurality of icons such that each of the plurality of icons is distinguished according to the operator who operates the port at the location represented by the icon, when two or more of the plurality of ports are installed within the same area, the display displays, on the map, a single representative icon representing the two or more ports instead of the two or more icons respectively representing the two or more ports, the representative icon represents the two or more operators who operate the two or more ports in a distinguishable manner, a map display device.

2. the two or more operators are respectively associated with two or more colors, the representative icon includes two or more areas respectively represented by the two or more colors, the map display device according to claim 1.

3. for each of the two or more areas, the area of the area is larger as the total number of ports operated by the operator associated with the color representing the area within the area is larger, or each of the two or more areas is arranged so as to be arranged in descending order of the total number, the map display device according to claim 2.

4. for each of the two or more areas, the area of the area is larger as the total number is larger, the representative icon includes two or more concentric circles, the area represented by the color associated with the operator who operates the largest number of ports within the area among the two or more operators is the central area of the representative icon surrounded by the innermost circle among the two or more circles, the map display device according to claim 3.

5. the color representing the central area is the corporate color of the operator with the largest number of ports, the central area includes the logo of the operator with the largest number of ports, the map display device according to claim 4.

Images