Map information providing system, map information providing method, and map information providing program

Abstract

To provide a map information providing system, map information providing method and map information providing program that can provide map information, suppressing discomfort felt by a provided person.SOLUTION: A navigation system 1 (a map information providing system) comprises: a storage unit 10 that stores navigation-purpose map information 11 (first map information), and self-driving-purpose map information 12 (second map information) different in one part of an update period from the navigation-purpose map information 11 (the first map information); and a map information providing unit 40 that, when the self-driving-purpose map information 12 (the second map information) is updated based on information newer than the navigation-purpose map information 11 (the first map information) at a time of providing map information, and the self-driving-purpose map information 12 (the second map information) is required for providing the map information, provides the map information, using the self-driving-purpose map information 12 (the second map information).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a map information providing system, a map information providing method, and a map information providing program for providing map information. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as an example of a map information providing system, a navigation system that provides driving guidance such as route guidance to a destination to a driver is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Most of such navigation systems provide map information using navigation map information stored in an internal storage unit, search for the optimal route to the destination, and provide route guidance based on the search results.

[0003] Some navigation systems are connected to a network environment and receive updates of navigation map information from a server on the network as needed. These updates enable the navigation system to recognize newly constructed roads, etc., thereby improving the accuracy of guidance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-173286 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-described navigation system, the navigation map information is often updated at fixed intervals because the update process takes time and costs. For this reason, the navigation map information tends to be updated over a long period, such as every six months. As a result, depending on the timing of driving guidance, a discrepancy may occur between the map information provided by the navigation system and the actual road environment, which may cause discomfort to the driver.

[0006] Although the discomfort that recipients may feel from map information provided by a map information providing system has been explained using a navigation system as an example, such discomfort may occur not only in navigation systems but also in any system that provides map information.

[0007] Therefore, one example of the objective of the present invention is to provide a map information providing system, a map information providing method, and a map information providing program that can provide map information while minimizing the sense of discomfort felt by the recipient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the map information providing system of the present invention described in claim 1 is characterized by comprising: a memory unit that stores first map information and second map information that has an update period that differs from that of the first map information for at least some period of time; and a map information providing unit that provides map information using the second map information when the second map information is updated based on information that is newer than the first map information at the time of providing the map information and the second map information is necessary to provide the map information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a navigation system according to an embodiment of a map information providing system of the present invention; [Figure 2]2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of map information for navigation and map information for automatic driving shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed in the navigation system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating how composite map display data is created from map information for automatic driving and map information for navigation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram in which the display format of each map image in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 4 is switched to three-dimensional display. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the first driving guidance shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic view of how the first driving guidance is performed in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. A map information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores first map information and second map information that has been updated at least partially differently from the first map information. The map information providing system also includes a map information providing unit that, when the second map information has been updated based on information that is newer than the first map information at the time the map information is provided, combines the second map information with the first map information and provides the map information.

[0011] In the map information providing system of this embodiment, first map information and second map information, which have at least some periodic update times different from each other, are stored in a storage unit. If the second map information has been updated based on information newer than the first map information at the time of providing the map information, the map information providing unit combines the second map information with the first map information to provide the map information. That is, even if there is a mismatch between the actual road environment and the first map information, map information based on the second map information, which has a higher degree of matching with the actual road environment than the first map information, is provided. Furthermore, even if there is a lack of information in the second map information, the map information can be provided by supplementing it with the second map information. In this way, the map information providing system of this embodiment can provide map information while minimizing the sense of discomfort felt by the recipient.

[0012] In the map information providing system of this embodiment, the first map information is navigation map information having image information for providing driving guidance to a vehicle driver, and the second map information is automatic driving map information having control information for automatic driving of the vehicle.

[0013] Generally, map information for automatic driving is required to closely match the actual road environment due to its nature as used for automatic driving. Therefore, map information for automatic driving is updated at shorter intervals than map information for navigation, which is updated at longer intervals as described above. In the map information providing system of this embodiment, if the map information for automatic driving has been updated based on newer information than the map information for navigation at the time of providing the map information, the map information providing unit combines the map information for automatic driving with the map information for navigation to provide the map information. In other words, even if a mismatch occurs between the actual road environment and the map information for navigation, map information based on the map information for automatic driving that closely matches the actual road environment is provided. Furthermore, various information that tends to be lacking in map information for automatic driving, which is not intended for driver reference, can be supplemented with map information for navigation, which is intended for driver reference, to provide the map information. In this way, the map information providing system of this embodiment can provide map information while suppressing any discomfort felt by the driver.

[0014] Furthermore, in the map information providing system of this embodiment, the map information providing unit includes a map display data creation unit, a synthesis unit, and a guidance unit. The map display data creation unit creates map display data for autonomous driving to visualize control information in the map information for autonomous driving. The synthesis unit synthesizes non-included objects in the map information for navigation that are not included in the map display data for autonomous driving into the map display data for autonomous driving. The guidance unit provides driving guidance based on the synthesis result of the synthesis unit.

[0015] Note that the map display data for autonomous driving referred to here means data for visualizing the control information in the map information for autonomous driving and showing it to the driver, but does not mean that such data is used for autonomous driving.Autonomous driving is performed solely using the control information in the map information for autonomous driving.

[0016] As described above, map information for autonomous driving that is not intended for reference by the driver may not include information about image objects such as buildings around roads. According to the map information providing system of this embodiment, such non-included objects are extracted from the image objects in the map information for navigation. These non-included objects are then combined with map display data for autonomous driving. This makes it possible to provide map information in the form of driving guidance while further minimizing any sense of discomfort felt by the driver.

[0017] Furthermore, in the map information providing system of this embodiment, if the non-containing object interferes with or comes close to an image object that constitutes the map display data for autonomous driving, the compositing unit performs the following process: In this case, the compositing unit completes the compositing process without using the non-containing object, or combines the non-containing object separately from the image object that constitutes the map display data for autonomous driving.

[0018] The non-included objects are based on navigation map information and may be outdated compared to the map display data for autonomous driving. Therefore, when non-included objects are combined with the map display data for autonomous driving, they may interfere with or be close to image objects in the map display data for autonomous driving. In the map information providing system of this embodiment, in such cases, the combining unit completes the combination without using the non-included objects, or combines the non-included objects separately from the image objects constituting the map display data for autonomous driving. Completing the combination without using the non-included objects can reduce visual discomfort in the map display data for autonomous driving. Furthermore, combining non-included objects separately from the image objects in the map display data for autonomous driving can reduce visual discomfort due to interference or proximity and can also inform the driver that the non-included objects may differ from their actual appearance. Thus, the map information providing system of this embodiment can provide driving guidance while further reducing discomfort felt by the driver.

[0019] Furthermore, a map information providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an update determination step and a map information providing step. The update determination step is a step of determining whether second map information, which has been updated at least partially differently from the first map information at the time of providing the map information, has been updated based on newer information than the first map information. The map information providing step is a step of combining the second map information with the first map information and providing the map information when it is determined that the second map information has been updated based on newer information than the first map information.

[0020] In the map information providing method of this embodiment, if the second map information has been updated based on information newer than the first map information at the time of providing the map information, the map information is provided by combining the second map information with the first map information. This makes it possible to provide map information while minimizing the sense of incongruity felt by the recipient.

[0021] Furthermore, a map information providing program according to an embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute the map information providing method according to the above-described embodiment, thereby enabling the map information to be provided while minimizing the sense of discomfort felt by the recipient.

[0022] In this embodiment, the "point at which map information is provided" refers to the point at which the map information is displayed as an image to a recipient such as a vehicle driver. [Example]

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a navigation system according to an embodiment of the map information providing system of the present invention.

[0025] The navigation system 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed in a vehicle with an automatic driving function and provides driving guidance to the driver, and is equipped with a memory unit 10, a navigation update unit 20, an automatic driving update unit 30, and a map information provision unit 40.

[0026] The storage unit 10 stores navigation map information 11 (first map information) and automatic driving map information 12 (second map information), which have different update periods for at least a portion of the time. The navigation map information 11 has image information for providing driving guidance to the driver of the vehicle. The automatic driving map information 12 has control information for automatic driving of the vehicle. Note that the update periods of the navigation map information 11 and the automatic driving map information 12 may be different throughout the entire period, or may be different for some periods and the same for other periods.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the navigation map information and the automatic driving map information shown in FIG.

[0028] The navigation map information 11 includes a road network 11a, background data 11b, name data 11c, and route guidance data 11d. The road network 11a is information representing the road configuration in the map information, with road links 11a-1 dividing roads into predetermined sections. Each road link 11a-1 is assigned attribute information such as the road width and number of lanes. The background data 11b is information representing buildings and facilities around the road. The name data 11c is information representing the names of the road and surrounding buildings and facilities. The route guidance data 11d is information provided during driving guidance, and includes guidance point data 11d-1, lane data 11d-2, and direction sign data 11d-3. The guidance point data 11d-1 is information representing points on the map where information such as right or left turns at intersections should be provided, and the information to be provided at those points. The lane data 11d-2 is information representing the direction of travel of lanes on a road, using arrows or the like. The direction sign data 11d-3 is information imitating road signs that indicate directions such as Nagoya and Tokyo with arrows and place names.

[0029] The navigation map information 11 is referenced by a navigation application program (hereinafter referred to as the navigation application) 45a that implements each function of the guidance unit 45 shown in FIG. 1. The navigation application 45a references the road network 11a and the vehicle's position to recognize the vehicle's position on the road network 11a. It also uses the road network 11a to search for an optimal guide route based on the vehicle's position and destination. It then visualizes and displays the navigation map information 11 for a predetermined area centered on the vehicle's position, and provides route guidance along the searched guide route. In this route guidance, various image information represented by lane data 11d-2 and direction sign data 11d-3 for the road on which the vehicle is traveling is superimposed on the navigation map information 11. In addition, when the vehicle approaches the position represented by the guide point data 11d-1, the content represented by the guide point data 11d-1 is provided to the driver in the form of images and audio.

[0030] The map information for autonomous driving 12 includes a lane network 12a. The lane network 12a is an example of control information used for autonomous driving, and represents the road configuration in detail using lane links 12a-1 in which lanes on a road are separated by predetermined sections.

[0031] The autonomous driving map information 12 is referenced by an autonomous driving application program (hereinafter referred to as the autonomous driving application) 46, which performs driving control for autonomous driving of a vehicle. The autonomous driving application 46 references the lane network 12a and the vehicle's position to recognize the vehicle's detailed position on a lane-by-lane basis in the lane network 12a. The autonomous driving application 46 also uses the lane network 12a to search for a detailed driving route, including lane changes, from the vehicle's position, destination, and a point on the guidance route calculated using the navigation map information 11.

[0032] In the navigation system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the navigation map information 11 and the automatic driving map information 12 are stored in the storage unit 10. The navigation update unit 20 updates the navigation map information 11 at regular intervals, such as every six months. The navigation map information 11 is updated in response to an instruction from a server on a network to which the navigation system 1 is connected, when the server receives update information from the manufacturer of the navigation map information 11. Meanwhile, the automatic driving update unit 30 updates the navigation map information 11 in response to an instruction from the server, based on information about road construction and the like collected over a short period of time, such as one month. As described above, the automatic driving map information 12 is required to closely match the actual road environment due to its nature as being used for automatic driving, and is therefore updated at shorter intervals than the navigation map information 11, which is updated at longer intervals as described above.

[0033] 1 provides driving guidance while combining the map information for automatic driving 12 with the map information for navigation 11 to provide map information if the map information for automatic driving 12 has been updated based on newer information than the map information for navigation 11 at the time driving guidance is provided. Also, if the map information for automatic driving 12 has been updated based on newer information than the map information for navigation 11 at the time driving guidance is provided and it is determined that the map information for automatic driving 12 is necessary for driving guidance, the map information providing unit 40 provides driving guidance using the map information for automatic driving 12. The map information providing unit 40 includes an update determination unit 41, a necessity determination unit 42, a map display data creation unit 43, a synthesis unit 44, and a guidance unit 45.

[0034] The update determination unit 41 determines whether the automatic driving map information 12 has been updated based on information newer than the navigation map information 11 at the time driving guidance is executed. The necessity determination unit 42 determines whether the guide route in the driving guidance includes the contents of the update information in the automatic driving map information 12, and further determines whether the contents will affect the driving guidance, such as changes in road connectivity or major changes in shape. Based on these determinations, the necessity determination unit 42 determines whether the contents of the automatic driving map information 12 are necessary for the driving guidance. The map display data creation unit 43 creates automatic driving map display data that visualizes the control information in the automatic driving map information 12 for a specified area centered on the vehicle's position.

[0035] The synthesis unit 44 synthesizes non-included objects that are not included in the map display data for automatic driving, among the image objects in the navigation map information 11, with the map display data for automatic driving to create synthesized map display data. In this embodiment, if a non-included object interferes with an image object that constitutes the map display data for automatic driving, the synthesis unit 44 synthesizes the non-included object separately from the image object that constitutes the map display data for automatic driving.

[0036] The guidance unit 45 provides driving guidance based on the synthesis result of the synthesis unit 44. In this embodiment, the guidance unit 45 also provides driving guidance according to the respective determination results of the update determination unit 41 and the necessity determination unit 42. The guidance unit 45 includes a display unit 451, a route search unit 452, a switching determination unit 453, and a route guidance unit 454.

[0037] The display unit 451 displays the navigation map information 11 and the composite map display data in a switchable manner. The route search unit 452 performs a route search using either the navigation map information 11 or the automatic driving map information 12, depending on the respective determination results of the update determination unit 41 and the necessity determination unit 42. The switching determination unit 453 causes the display unit 451 to display the composite map display data when the vehicle's position is within an update area corresponding to the update information in the automatic driving map information 12, and causes the display unit 451 to display the navigation map information 11 when the vehicle is outside the update area. The route guidance unit 454 uses the display information of the display unit 451 to provide route guidance depending on the respective determination results of the update determination unit 41 and the necessity determination unit 42.

[0038] Next, as an embodiment of the map information providing method of the present invention, the processing executed by the navigation system 1 described above will be described with reference to the following flowchart, although it will overlap somewhat with the description so far.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed in the navigation system shown in FIG.

[0040] The process shown in this flowchart starts when the navigation system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is powered on. When the process starts, the vehicle's position is first acquired by a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like installed in the vehicle (step S101). Next, the driver inputs navigation conditions via a predetermined input unit in the navigation system 1 (step S102). Here, the driving destination and the like are input.

[0041] Next, in an update process that is executed as needed separately from the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3, the update determination unit 41 determines whether the automatic driving map information 12 has been updated based on newer information than the navigation map information 11 (step S103). If the automatic driving map information 12 has been updated based on new information (Yes determination in step S103), the necessity determination unit 42 determines whether the contents of the automatic driving map information 12 are necessary for driving guidance (step S104).

[0042] The determination in step S104 is made using the vehicle position acquired in step S101, the destination input as a navigation condition in step S102, and the updated content of the map information for autonomous driving 12 as follows.

[0043] First, as a premise for this determination, it is assumed that while navigation map information 11 is updated collectively for a wide area such as the entire country, autonomous driving map information 12 is updated for a local area that includes locations where road construction has been performed, or for specific roads such as expressways. In light of this, the determination here first determines whether the content of the update information in autonomous driving map information 12 is included in the guided route in the driving guidance. Note that the guided route here does not refer to a route searched by route search unit 452, as will be described later, but rather refers to a rough estimated route estimated from the vehicle position acquired in step S101 and the destination input in step S102.

[0044] Specifically, the determination of whether the contents of the update information are included in the guided route is performed as follows: That is, it is determined whether at least one of the vehicle's position as the starting point of this envisaged route, the destination as the end point, and a predetermined point on the envisaged route is included in the update area or a specific road. The specific road here refers to a road such as an expressway or a main road that is expected to be set as a route for automated driving.

[0045] Furthermore, it is also determined whether the content of the update information in the map information for automatic driving 12 includes content that will affect the driving guidance, such as changes in road connectivity or major changes in road shape. In this way, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the content of the update information in the map information for automatic driving 12 is included in the guide route in the driving guidance, and whether the content is a substantial change that will affect the driving guidance. In step S104, based on this determination, it is determined whether the content of the map information for automatic driving is necessary for the driving guidance.

[0046] If it is determined that the contents of the automatic driving map information 12 are necessary (Yes in step S104), the map display data creation unit 43 creates automatic driving map display data from the automatic driving map information 12 (step S105). Next, the synthesis unit 44 extracts the non-included objects from the image objects in the navigation map information 11 and synthesizes them with the automatic driving map display data to create synthesized map display data (step S106).

[0047] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how composite map display data is created from autonomous driving map information and navigation map information. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the map images in Fig. 4 with the display format switched to three-dimensional display.

[0048] In Fig. 4, the upper left side shows an image displayed using the map display data for automatic driving (referred to as an automatic driving map image Im11), and the upper right side shows an image displayed using the navigation map information 11 (referred to as a navigation map image Im12). The lower side shows an image displayed using the composite map display data obtained by synthesis (referred to as a composite map image Im13). Similarly, in Fig. 5, the upper left side shows the automatic driving map image Im11 in three-dimensional format, the upper right side shows the navigation map image Im12 in three-dimensional format, and the lower side shows a composite map image Im23 in three-dimensional format.

[0049] First, the creation of map display data for automatic driving and the display of the map image Im11 for automatic driving will be described. As described above, in the map information for automatic driving 12, the road configuration is represented in detail by lane using lane links 12a-1. The map display data creation unit 43 in Fig. 1 creates map display data for automatic driving to visualize roads so that they are easy for the driver to see by bundling the lane links 12a-1 in the map information for automatic driving 12 by road. The image displayed using this map display data for automatic driving is the map image Im11 for automatic driving.

[0050] In this example, a crossroad R11 is shown in the center of both the map image for autonomous driving Im11 and the map image for navigation Im12. In the map image for autonomous driving Im11, the upper vertical road R112 located above the horizontal road R111 in the figure has been updated to a route that slopes diagonally upward to the right.

[0051] In this embodiment, automated driving is performed on major roads such as expressways and trunk roads. For this reason, the automated driving map information 12 is created to cover only these major roads. On the other hand, the navigation map information 11 is basically created to cover all roads. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the automated driving map image Im11 based on the automated driving map information 12 displays only the intersection R11, which is a major road. In contrast, the navigation map image Im12 based on the navigation map information 11 also displays two narrow streets R113a and R113b in addition to the intersection R11.

[0052] Furthermore, the map information for autonomous driving 12 does not include various data relating to the background around the roads, which is not necessary for autonomous driving, and in the examples of Figures 4 and 5, only the above-mentioned intersection R11 is displayed in the map image for autonomous driving Im11. In contrast, the map information for navigation 11 includes background data 11b and name data 11c, as described with reference to Figure 2. In the examples of Figures 4 and 5, within the area partitioned by the intersection R11, an image object Im12a for "△△ Hospital" is displayed in the lower left area of ​​the figures, and an image object Im12b for "○○ Elementary School" is displayed in the upper right area of ​​the figures.

[0053] However, in the navigation map image Im12 based on the navigation map information 11 that has been updated earlier than the automatic driving map information 12, the upper vertical road R112 has not been updated and extends straight in the vertical direction.

[0054] 1 extracts the following image objects as non-included objects from the navigation map information 11. That is, the compositing unit 44 extracts two narrow streets R113a and R113b that are not included in the autonomous driving map image Im11, as well as an image object Im12a for "△△ Hospital" and an image object Im12b for "○○ Elementary School" as non-included objects. The compositing unit 44 then combines these non-included objects with the autonomous driving map image display data to obtain composite map image display data for displaying a composite map image Im13.

[0055] 4 and 5, the image object Im12b for "XX Elementary School" interferes with the updated upper longitudinal road R112 in the map image for autonomous driving Im11. Furthermore, of the two narrow streets R113a and R113b, the narrow street R113b in the upper left of the figure, which was connected to the upper longitudinal road R112 before the update, is now separated from the updated upper longitudinal road R112. In this embodiment, the composition unit 44 composes these image objects that do not fit the updated map image for autonomous driving Im11, distinguishing them from other image objects. While the format for this distinction is not specified here, examples include a format in which the image is displayed as a lighter image than the other image objects, or a format in which the image is displayed in a different color from the other image objects.

[0056] 3, the composite map image Im13 is obtained as described above, and then the route search unit 452 shown in Fig. 1 searches for a route to the destination using the autonomous driving map information 12 (step S107).Then, the guidance unit 45 provides a first driving guidance (described below) based on the composite map image Im13 obtained in step S106 and the search results in step S107 (step S200).

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the automatic driving map information 12 has not been updated based on newer information than the navigation map information 11 (No in step S103), a normal route search is performed using the navigation map information 11 (step S108). Also, if it is determined in step S104 that the automatic driving map information 12 is unnecessary (No in step S104), a normal route search is performed in step S108. Then, following this normal route search, a second driving guidance, which is normal driving guidance using the navigation map information 11, is executed (step S109). The second driving guidance in step S109 is a conventionally known process performed in a general navigation system, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The following describes the first driving guidance performed in step S200.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the first driving guidance shown in FIG.

[0059] When the first driving guidance starts, first, the position of the moving vehicle is acquired (step S201). Next, it is determined whether the acquired position is included in the update area or specific road corresponding to the update information in the map information for autonomous driving 12 (step S202). If the vehicle position is included in the update area or specific road (Yes determination in step S202), it is further determined whether the update content in the map information for autonomous driving 12 will affect the driving guidance.

[0060] If the update contents affect the driving guidance (Yes in step S203), the switching determination unit 453 in Fig. 1 causes the display unit 451 to display the composite map image Im13 obtained in step S106 in Fig. 3 (step S204). Then, in step S204, the route guidance unit 454 in Fig. 1 performs route guidance using the map information for autonomous driving 12. In this route guidance, the guide route searched for using the map information for autonomous driving 12 is displayed in bold on the composite map image Im13.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the vehicle position is outside the update area (No in step S202), or if it is determined in step S203 that the update content will not affect the driving guidance (No in step S203), the following process is performed. That is, in these cases, the switching determination unit 453 in FIG. 1 causes the display unit 451 to display the navigation map image Im12 based on the navigation map information 11 (step S205). Then, in this step S205, the route guidance unit 454 in FIG. 1 performs route guidance using the navigation map information 11.

[0062] Note that, unlike this embodiment, the processing of steps S202 to S205 may be a process of determining whether the acquired position is a position where the vehicle is estimated to be located in the update area after a certain period of time, and switching the image depending on the result of that determination.

[0063] Following the processing of step S204 or step S205, it is determined whether the vehicle has reached the destination (step S206). If the vehicle has not yet reached the destination (No determination in step S206), the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent processes are repeated. Once the vehicle has reached the destination (Yes determination in step S206), the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 3, and the first driving guidance (step S200) ends. With the end of the first driving guidance in step S200 or the second driving guidance in step S109, the series of processes represented by the flowchart of FIG. 3 ends.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic view of how the first driving guidance is performed in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0065] In the example of Fig. 7, information on the first and second update areas Ar11, Ar12 and the specific road R12 has been updated in the autonomous driving map information 12. Fig. 7 shows a starting point ST11 of the driving guidance, a destination GL11, and a searched guide route RT11. In this example, the starting point ST11 and the guide route RT11 overlap with the first and second update areas Ar11, Ar12, respectively, and a portion of the final route leading to the destination overlaps with the specific road R12.

[0066] In this example, when the first driving guidance is performed according to the flowchart in Fig. 6, first, the composite map image Im13 is displayed from the start of guidance until the vehicle's position leaves the first update area Ar11. Then, once the vehicle leaves the first update area Ar11, the displayed map image switches to the navigation map image Im12. Next, when the vehicle enters the second update area Ar12, the displayed map image switches to the composite map image Im13, and once the vehicle leaves the second update area Ar12, the displayed map image switches back to the navigation map image Im12. Thereafter, the navigation map image Im12 is displayed until the vehicle enters the specific road R12, at which point the displayed map image switches to the composite map image Im13, and the composite map image Im13 continues to be displayed until the destination is reached.

[0067] The navigation system 1 of this embodiment is configured by a computer. The computer stores a map information providing program that causes the computer to execute the map information providing method shown in the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 6. The navigation system 1 shown in Figure 1 is constructed by the computer operating in accordance with this map information providing program.

[0068] In the navigation system 1 of the present embodiment described above, the storage unit 10 stores the navigation map information 11 (first map information) and the automatic driving map information 12 (second map information), which have different update dates. If the automatic driving map information 12 has been updated based on newer information than the navigation map information 11 at the time the map information providing unit 40 provides the map information to the driver by displaying an image or the like, the map information providing unit 40 combines the navigation map information 11 with the automatic driving map information 12 to provide the map information. In other words, even if there is a mismatch between the actual road environment and the navigation map information 11, map information is provided based on the automatic driving map information 12, which has a higher degree of consistency with the actual road environment than the navigation map information 11. Furthermore, the navigation map information 11 can be used to provide map information by compensating for any information deficiencies in the automatic driving map information 12. In this way, the navigation system 1 of the present embodiment can provide map information while minimizing any discomfort felt by the driver who receives the map information.

[0069] In the navigation system 1 of this embodiment, the map information for automatic driving 12, which is not intended to be referenced by the driver, does not include information about image objects such as buildings around roads. According to the navigation system 1 of this embodiment, such non-included objects are extracted from the navigation map information 11 and combined with the map display data for automatic driving 12. This makes it possible to provide driving guidance while further reducing the sense of discomfort felt by the driver.

[0070] Furthermore, since the non-included objects that the compositing unit 44 combines with the map display data for automatic driving are based on the navigation map information 11, the information may be outdated compared to the map display data for automatic driving. Therefore, when a non-included object is combined with the map display data for automatic driving, it may interfere with the image objects that make up the map display data for automatic driving. In such cases, the navigation system 1 of this embodiment combines the non-included object while distinguishing it from the image objects that make up the map display data for automatic driving. By combining the non-included object while distinguishing it from the image objects that make up the map display data for automatic driving, it is possible to reduce the visual discomfort caused by interference and further inform the driver that the non-included object may differ from its actual appearance. In this way, the navigation system 1 of this embodiment can provide driving guidance while further reducing the discomfort felt by the driver.

[0071] Furthermore, in the navigation system 1 of this embodiment, the use of the automatic driving map information 12 (second map information) is limited to cases where the automatic driving map information 12 is necessary for driving guidance. This allows, for example, when updates to the automatic driving map information 12 are substantially unrelated to the provision of map information, to use the navigation map information 11 (first map information) without performing processing that increases the burden, such as switching map information. As such, the navigation system 1 of this embodiment can reduce inconsistencies with the actual road environment while suppressing an increase in processing burden, thereby providing map information while minimizing any sense of discomfort felt by the driver. Furthermore, the navigation system 1 of this embodiment can utilize image information for the driver in the navigation map information 11 while suppressing inconsistencies with the actual road environment, thereby providing driving guidance while minimizing any sense of discomfort felt by the driver.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of this embodiment, the need for the map information for automatic driving 12 is determined by comparing the guide route with update information in the map information for automatic driving 12. This effectively reduces discrepancies between the driving guidance and the actual road environment, while minimizing the use of the map information for automatic driving 12, which tends to lack information for the driver compared to the map information for navigation 11.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of this embodiment, when images are displayed based on map information during driving guidance, the navigation map image Im12 and the composite map image Im13, which is generated using composite map information based on map display data for automatic driving, are switched between as appropriate. The navigation map image Im12 is a map image that is easy for the driver to view, while the composite map image Im13 is a map image that closely matches the actual road environment. By selectively displaying these two types of map images depending on the vehicle's position during driving guidance, driving guidance can be provided with even less discomfort felt by the driver.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes other configurations that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modifications are also included in the present invention.

[0075] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the navigation system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is exemplified as an example of the map information providing system of the present invention. However, the map information providing system of the present invention is not limited to this. The map information providing system of the present invention may also be a system that provides map information over a network, such as Google Maps (registered trademark). In such a system, the map information providing system of the present invention may be a system that appropriately acquires and stores other, more up-to-date map information together with main map information, and provides map information in combination with the main map information.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, a navigation system 1 in which all of the components shown in FIG. 1 are mounted on a vehicle is exemplified as an example of the map information providing system of the present invention. However, the map information providing system of the present invention is not limited to this. The map information providing system of the present invention may be one in which some of the components are mounted on a vehicle, and the remaining components are built on a network and wirelessly connected to the vehicle's components. In this case, the map information providing program is executed by a computer mounted on the vehicle and a computer on the network. Alternatively, the map information providing system of the present invention may be one in which only a display unit is mounted on a vehicle, and the remaining components are all built on a network and wirelessly connected to the vehicle's display unit. In this case, the map information providing program, except for the portion related to the display, is executed by a computer on the network.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the map information providing system of the present invention, a navigation system 1 is exemplified in which, when creating composite map image display data, roads that are apart from updated roads are combined while still being apart, as shown in Fig. 4. However, the map information providing system of the present invention is not limited to this, and when combining roads such as those described above, the system may be one that extends the roads to the updated roads and combines them.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the navigation system 1 that distinguishes image objects that are close to, interfering with, or distant from an updated road from other objects and combines them is exemplified as an example of the map information providing system of the present invention. However, the navigation system of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be one that combines images without using the image objects described above, i.e., without displaying them.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a navigation system 1 that determines whether the automatic driving map information 12 is necessary and provides map information by combining the automatic driving map information 12 with the navigation map information 11 only when necessary is exemplified as an example of the map information providing system of the present invention. However, the navigation system of the present invention is not limited to this. The map information providing system of the present invention may not determine whether the automatic driving map information 12 is necessary. In other words, the map information providing system may always provide map information by combining the automatic driving map information 12 with the navigation map information 11 when the automatic driving map information 12 has been updated based on newer information than the navigation map information 11.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a navigation system 1 that switches between a composite map image Im13 based on the map information for automatic driving 12 and a navigation map image Im12 depending on the vehicle's position when providing map information is exemplified as an example of the map information providing system of the present invention. However, the navigation system of the present invention is not limited to this. The navigation system of the present invention may be one that displays the composite map image Im13 from start to finish when it is determined that the map information for automatic driving 12 is necessary for driving guidance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Navigation system (map information system) 10 Storage section 11 Map information for navigation (first map information) 11a Road Network 11a-1 Road Link 11b Background Data 11c Name Data 11d Route guidance data 11d-1 Guidance point 11d-2 Lane Data 11d-3 Directional sign data 12 Map information for autonomous driving (secondary map information) 12a Lane Network 12a-1 Lane Link 20 Navigation update section 30 Update section for automatic driving 40 Map Information Department 41 Update judgment unit 42 Necessity judgment section 43 Map display data creation section 44 Synthesis section 45 Information Department 45a Navigation App 46 Self-driving Apps 451 Display section 452 Route Search Unit 453 Switching decision unit 454 Route Guidance Department Ar11 1st Update Area Ar12 2nd Update Area GL11 Destination Im11 autonomous driving map image Im12 navigation map image Im12a, Im12b Image object (non-container object) Im13 composite map image R11 Crossroads R12 specific road R111 Lateral road R112 Upper longitudinal road R113a, R113b Narrow streets (non-contained objects) RT11 Guidance Route ST11 starting point

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores first map information having image information for providing driving guidance to a driver of a vehicle, and second map information that is updated at least partially at a different time from the first map information and has a different purpose from the first map information; a generating unit that generates composite map display data by merging non-included objects, among image objects in the first map information, that are not included in the display data based on the second map information, with the display data; a control unit that displays the composite map display data on a display unit; A map information providing system comprising:

2. 2. The map information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the creation unit creates the composite map display data when the second map information has been updated based on information newer than the first map information.

3. a necessity determination unit that determines whether the content of the second map information is necessary for the driving guidance by determining at least one of whether the content of update information in the second map information is included in a guidance route in the driving guidance and whether the content of the update information affects the driving guidance; 3. The map information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the creation unit creates the composite map display data when it is determined that the contents of the second map information are necessary for the driving guidance.

4. The map information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that if the non-containing object interferes with or is close to an image object that constitutes the display data, the creation unit completes the synthesis without using the non-containing object, or synthesizes the non-containing object separately from the image object that constitutes the display data.

5. the first map information is navigation map information, 5. The map information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the second map information is map information for automatic driving that includes control information for automatic driving of the vehicle.

6. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: a creating step of creating composite map display data by combining, with first map information stored in a storage unit, image information for providing driving guidance to a vehicle driver and second map information that has an update period at least partially different from that of the first map information and has a purpose different from that of the first map information, non-included objects that are not included in display data based on the second map information, among image objects in the first map information; a control step of displaying the composite map display data on a display unit; A map information providing method comprising:

7. 7. A map information providing program for causing a computer to execute the map information providing method according to claim 6.

Images