Map information display processing device and map information display processing program

Abstract

To easily and accurately grasp a place where a plurality of buildings to be delivery destinations of articles exist in the same address.SOLUTION: The map DB104 stores map information including addresses and address polygons. When a request receiving part 106 receives at least a part of an address of a delivery destination, a providing map forming part 107 extracts map information of a target area from a map DB104 based on at least a part of the received address of the delivery destination, and forms data to be provided for displaying a map. The provision data displays the address that can be specified to be associated with a plurality of buildings in a mode distinguishable from the area of other addresses using an address polygon. The display processing means performs processing so as to display a map corresponding to the provision data on a display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a program that can provide a map that can appropriately indicate the location of a building such as a house. [Background technology]

[0002] There are many cases where multiple buildings with different residents exist at the same address. For example, this can occur when a large piece of land that was originally identifiable by a single address is divided into multiple pieces, and buildings are constructed on each piece, which are then rented or transferred, but the address remains the same. In this case, the presence of multiple buildings with different residents at the same address can lead to misdelivery of mail and parcels. To address this issue, Patent Document 1, described below, discloses an invention related to a house frame position identification device that can identify each house frame (building) individually, even when multiple house frames (buildings) exist in an area with the same address.

[0003] The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 stores map information, divides the address information into character information and numerical information and codes them, and stores the character information code followed by the numerical information code as an address code. Also, the name (head of household) is stored as character information, and when searching, a search condition consisting of the logical product of the address code and the name is used to identify the house frame of the name to be searched. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-256231 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires that a new address code be assigned to the address information. It also requires the name (head of household) to be recorded, and searches must be performed using search criteria consisting of the logical product of the address code and the name. Therefore, when there are multiple house frames in an area with the same address, it takes time and effort to identify each house frame. Furthermore, if the name (head of household) is not registered or is inaccurate, it may be impossible to perform a sufficient search.

[0006] In recent years, there has been a significant increase in deliveries of various goods to residential addresses, including not only mail delivery but also delivery of goods purchased through online shopping sites and delivery of food and beverages offered at restaurants. As a result, many delivery personnel are forced to perform delivery tasks in unfamiliar areas. Under these circumstances, there is a need for a means to easily and accurately identify the intended delivery destination residential address. In particular, as mentioned above, measures are important for locations where there are multiple buildings serving as delivery destinations for the same address.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and accurately grasp the locations of multiple buildings to which goods are to be delivered at the same address. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the map information display processing device of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: a map information storage means for storing map information including an address of each building and address area data for showing an area corresponding to the address on a map; Acceptance means for accepting at least a part of the delivery address; a provided map generating means for extracting map information of a destination area from the map information storage means based on at least a part of the received address of the delivery destination, and generating provided data for displaying a map; a display processing means for processing to display a map corresponding to the provided data formed by the provided map forming means on a display unit; Equipped with The provided map generating means generates the provided data that displays an address area associated with a plurality of buildings in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other address areas based on the corresponding address area data. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this invention, when a map corresponding to at least a part of a delivery destination address is displayed, provided data is generated to display the area of ​​the address that has been identified as being linked to multiple buildings in a manner that makes it distinguishable from the areas of other addresses, and the map is displayed accordingly. This allows the area of ​​the address that has multiple buildings linked to it to be clearly grasped visually on the displayed map. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a map display processing system according to an embodiment and each device that constitutes the system. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a map DB (Data Base) of the map information providing server device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a map displayed on a user terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a map displayed on a user terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a map displayed on a user terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the map information providing server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a user terminal device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of a device and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The device of the present invention can be realized as a standalone device using, for example, a personal computer or a tablet PC (Personal Computer). However, the device of the present invention provides a map suitable for use by, for example, a delivery person who delivers goods, and it is preferable that the device can be easily used while on the go, etc.

[0012] In the following embodiment, an embodiment of the present invention will be described taking as an example a case where the device is realized as a so-called system by a server device and a terminal device connected via a network. Therefore, in the following embodiment, a map provided by the server device can be used through a terminal device equipped with a communication function, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC.

[0013] [Example of the configuration of the map display processing system and the devices that make up the system] Fig. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a map information display processing system according to an embodiment and the devices (a map information providing server device 1 and a user terminal device 3) that make up the system. As shown in Fig. 1, the map information display processing system according to this embodiment is configured by connecting the map information providing server device 1 and the user terminal device 3 via a network 2. In other words, the map information providing server device 1 and the user terminal device 3 realize one embodiment of a map information display processing device according to the present invention.

[0014] The map information providing server device 1 has the function of providing map information of an area in response to a map request from the user terminal device 3 to the requesting user terminal device 3. The network 2 is mainly the Internet, but also includes, for example, a telephone network, a mobile phone network, and various LANs (Local Area Networks) that connect the map information providing server device 1 and the user terminal device 3 to the Internet. The user terminal device 3 has the function of transmitting a map request to the map information providing server device 1, obtaining map information of a target area from the map information providing server device 1, and displaying the corresponding map on its own display unit. The user terminal device 3 is realized, for example, by a smartphone or tablet PC carried by a delivery person performing delivery work.

[0015] 1, only one user terminal device 3 is shown in order to illustrate its configuration. However, in reality, many user terminal devices 3 carried by many delivery personnel can receive maps from the map information providing server device 1 via the network 2.

[0016] <Configuration example of map information providing server device> First, an example of the configuration of the map information providing server device 1 will be described. In Fig. 1, the block diagram at the top of the network 2 shows an example of the configuration of the map information providing server device 1. In the map information providing server device 1 shown in Fig. 1, a communication I / F 101 converts signals received via the network 2 into data that can be processed by the device itself and imports the converted data, and converts various data to be transmitted into signals that comply with protocols and transmits the converted data to the network 2. Therefore, communication with the user terminal device 3 is performed via the communication I / F 101.

[0017] The control unit 102 controls each unit of the map information providing server device 1 and is a microprocessor (not shown) that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 102 also functions as an application execution unit that executes various applications. The storage device 103 is composed of a storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) and its driver, and is capable of writing, reading, changing, and deleting data from the storage medium. The storage device 103 stores and holds various data and programs required for processing, and is also used as a working area for temporarily storing intermediate results obtained in various processes.

[0018] The map DB 104 stores and holds various map information (map data) such as vector data, raster data, and annotation data for displaying (drawing) a map, in association with latitude and longitude information. Specifically, the map information stored in the map DB 104 is organized by predetermined type (layer), such as roads, railways, rivers, mountains, commercial facilities, financial institutions, houses, and signs. The map information providing server device 1 of this embodiment mainly provides the user terminal device 3 of the delivery person who performs delivery work with a so-called residential map that enables identification of individual houses that are delivery destinations, and therefore the information in the residential layer is important.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the map DB 104. FIG. 2 shows an example of map information of a residential layer. As shown in FIG. 2, the map information of the residential layer consists of type, address, address polygon, representative point, building polygon, nameplate information, address flag, and other information. The type indicates that the map information is residential layer map information. The address means a house number. This address is basically the delivery destination of goods and has a one-to-one correspondence with the building. However, as mentioned above, for various reasons, there are many cases where multiple buildings are linked to one address.

[0020] An address polygon corresponds to the location of each address and is data that indicates the area where the address is located, and is composed of multiple latitudes and longitudes that indicate the positions of multiple points on the outline (outer edge) of the area so that the location and shape of the area where each address is located can be identified. Therefore, in the address polygon column, in which JA1, JA2, ..., JB1, JB2, ... are written, each of JA1, JA2, ..., JB1, JB2, ... is actually location information consisting of (latitude, longitude), and is information that indicates one point on the map.

[0021] Therefore, by connecting adjacent points (coordinate positions) that make up an address polygon, the shape (outline) of the location area of ​​the corresponding address can be identified, and the location of that location area on the map can also be identified. In this way, an address polygon is data (shape data) that corresponds to the location of an address and indicates the location area of ​​the address (the area covered by the address on the map). Therefore, an address polygon and an address location area are equivalent, and refer to the closed area (area range) covered by each address.

[0022] Also, in FIG. 2, the address polygon is shown as consisting of multiple latitudes and longitudes, but this is not limited to this. Coordinate data on a map that can be converted into latitude and longitude can also be used. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to include an arithmetic expression as the address polygon and indicate, for example, a circular or semicircular shape (outline). In the map information of FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the representative point is, for example, the latitude and longitude of the center of the address location area, and in FIG. 2, x1, x2, x3, ... indicate latitudes, and y1, y2, y3, ... indicate longitudes.

[0023] A building polygon corresponds to the location of each building and is data indicating the area in which the building is located. It is composed of multiple latitudes and longitudes that indicate the positions of multiple points on the outline (outer edge) of the area in which each building is located, so that the shape of the area in which each building is located can be identified. In other words, a building polygon indicates the location and shape of a building within the area in which each address is located. Therefore, in the description PA1, PA2, ..., PB1, PB2, ... shown in the building polygon column, each of PA1, PA2, ..., PB1, PB2, ... is actually information consisting of (latitude, longitude) and indicates a point on the map.

[0024] Therefore, by connecting adjacent points (coordinate positions) that make up a building polygon, the shape (outline) of the area where the corresponding building is located can be identified, and the location of that area on the map can also be identified. In this way, a building polygon is data (shape data) that corresponds to the location of a building and indicates the building's area (the area covered by the building on the map). Therefore, a building polygon and a building's area are equivalent, and refer to the closed area (area range) covered by each building.

[0025] Also, while Figure 2 shows building polygons as consisting of multiple latitudes and longitudes, this is not limited to this. Similar to address polygons, building polygons can also use map coordinate data that can be converted into latitude and longitude. Building polygons can also include an arithmetic expression to represent, for example, a circular or semicircular shape (outline). Nameplate information is the name associated with each building, and in the case of residential buildings, it is usually the resident's name written in kanji, katakana, or hiragana.

[0026] The address flag is information newly adopted in the map DB 104 of the map information providing server device 1 of this embodiment, and is information for identifying a location where there are multiple buildings at the same address, for example, as delivery destinations for goods. In the example shown in Fig. 2, there is only one map information item with the address "8-1, XX town, XX city," and there is also only one map information item with the address "8-3, XX town, XX city." However, there are six map information items with the address "8-2, XX town, XX city," and each of them has a building polygon that is different from the others and nameplate information that is different from the others.

[0027] In other words, only one building is linked to the address "8-1, XX-cho, XX-city," and only one building is linked to the address "8-3, XX-cho, XX-city." In contrast, six buildings are linked to the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city." In other words, there are six buildings for the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city," each of which can be used to deliver goods.

[0028] For this reason, the address flag for the map information with the address "8-1, XX-cho, XX-city" and the map information with the address "8-3, XX-cho, XX-city" is set to "0 (off)," and the address flag for the map information for six houses with the same address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" is set to "1 (on)." This makes it possible to easily and reliably identify locations where a single address specifies multiple buildings that can be used to deliver goods, and locations where a single address specifies only one building that can be used to deliver goods.

[0029] Although not shown in Fig. 2, the map information has several identification information (IDs) such as area codes consisting of prefecture codes, city / ward / town / village codes, etc., and postal codes. Also, although not shown in Fig. 2, other information contained in the map information includes various detailed information such as information indicating the positions of entrances and exits and information indicating the number of floors of a building.

[0030] Under the control of the control unit 102, the address flag setting unit 105 performs processing to set an address flag for existing map information stored in the map DB 104. Specifically, the address flag setting unit 105 reads out map information stored in the map DB 104, and if other map information having the same address exists, adds an address flag set to "1 (on)", and if no other map information exists, adds an address flag set to "0 (off)".

[0031] That is, for address information in the address DB 104 configured as shown in Fig. 2, the address flag setting unit 105 adds an address flag of "1 (on)" to the read address information if the read address information has the same address as at least the immediately preceding or immediately succeeding address information. Conversely, if the read address information does not have the same address as either the immediately preceding or immediately succeeding address information, the address flag setting unit 105 adds an address flag of "0 (off)" to the read address information. In this way, as shown in Fig. 2, an address flag of "1 (on)" can be added to map information that has the same address. Note that the address flag can also be manually input by the operator when registering the map information if it is known.

[0032] The request receiving unit 106 analyzes information received through the communication I / F 101, and if the request is a map request including an address from the user terminal device 3, it accepts the request and notifies the control unit 102. The provided map generating unit 107 functions when a map request including an address is received from the user terminal device 3 through the request receiving unit 106. In this case, under the control of the control unit 102, the provided map generating unit 107 extracts map information of the destination area from the map DB 104 based on the address included in the received map request, and generates provided data for displaying the map. The destination area includes a location specified by the address included in the map information, and refers to an area that can be displayed on the display unit of the user terminal device 3. For this reason, the map request from the user terminal device 3 may also include information such as the screen size of the display unit of the user terminal device 3.

[0033] The address included in the map request does not have to be the complete address, but only needs to include part of the address. For example, in the case of the map information shown in Figure 2, if "8-1, XX-cho, XX-city" indicates the address up to the end, then if it goes up to "XX-cho, XX-city", it will be a request for a map of XX-cho, XX-city. Also, if it goes up to "8, XX-cho, XX-city", it will be a request for a map of number 8 in XX-cho, XX-city. Also, if the address includes the end, up to "8-1, XX-cho, XX-city", it will be a request for a map that clearly shows the location of "8-1, XX-cho, XX-city".

[0034] Furthermore, when forming provided data for displaying a map, the provided map forming unit 107 of this embodiment forms provided data for displaying a map in which an area of ​​an address associated with multiple buildings can be distinguished from an area of ​​an address not associated with multiple buildings. Specifically, the provided map forming unit 107 generates provided data for displaying an area of ​​an address that has been identified as having multiple buildings associated with it based on the address flags of the extracted map information in a manner that makes it distinguishable from areas of other addresses based on address polygons.

[0035] The provided map forming unit 107 of this embodiment forms provided data that shows the outline (outer edge) of the area of ​​the address that has been identified as being linked to multiple buildings with a thick line, or that shows the area of ​​the address that has been identified as being linked to multiple buildings with a color. Furthermore, the provided map forming unit 107 forms provided data that displays the area of ​​the building based on the building polygons of the extracted map information within the area of ​​the address that has been identified as being linked to multiple buildings.

[0036] In this case, the provided data can be generated so that the area of ​​each building is displayed in a different color from the area of ​​the address. The area of ​​each building can be filled in with the same color, or the area of ​​each building can be filled in with a different color for each building or for each set of buildings. In other words, it is possible to display all of the multiple buildings in different colors, or to color one or more buildings one color and one or more other buildings another color.

[0037] The map information providing unit 108 performs processing to provide data for displaying the map formed by the provided map forming unit 107 to the requesting user terminal device 3 via the communication I / F 101 and the network 2. In this way, when a map provision request including an address is received, the map information providing server device 1 of this embodiment realizes the function of searching for map information based on the address, forming provision information for displaying a map of the destination area, and providing the provision information to the requesting user.

[0038] That is, the map information providing server device 1 can provide, as provided data, map information that enables an area of ​​an address to which multiple buildings are linked to be displayed so as to be distinguishable from areas of other addresses, to the requesting user terminal device 3. Furthermore, the map information providing server device 1 can provide, as provided data, map information that enables an area of ​​an address to which multiple buildings are linked to be displayed so as to be distinguishable from the areas of the multiple buildings, to the requesting user terminal device 3.

[0039] [Configuration example of user terminal device 3] Next, an example of the configuration of the user terminal device 3 will be described. In Fig. 1, the block diagram below the network 2 shows an example of the configuration of the user terminal device 3. In the user terminal device 3 shown in Fig. 1, a wireless communication unit 301 converts signals received via the network 2 into data that the device can process and imports them, and converts various data to be transmitted into signals that comply with protocols and transmits them to the network 2. A transmitting / receiving antenna 301A is connected to the wireless communication unit 301. Therefore, communication with the map information providing server device 1 is performed via the transmitting / receiving antenna 301A and the wireless communication unit 301.

[0040] The control unit 302 controls each unit of the user terminal device 3 and is a microprocessor (not shown) that includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 302 also functions as an application execution unit that executes various applications. The storage device 303 includes a non-volatile memory as a recording medium, and is capable of writing, reading, changing, and deleting various application programs and data obtained by various processes to the non-volatile memory.

[0041] The operation unit 304 is made up of hardware keys provided on the user terminal device 3, accepts operation inputs from the user, and supplies the accepted information to the control unit 302. The hardware keys provided on the operation unit 304 include, for example, a power on / off key and several function keys for executing basic functions. The GPS unit 305 and GPS antenna 305A receive signals from multiple artificial satellites and determine the current position of the device.

[0042] Display unit 306 receives various image data and video data, converts the data into video signals, and displays images and videos corresponding to the video signals on its display screen. A touch sensor 307 is provided on the display screen of display unit 306. Display unit 306 and touch sensor 307 form touch panel 308, a user interface with display and input functions. Therefore, control unit 302 can recognize user input instructions based on information indicating a user's designated position from touch panel 308 and information displayed on the display screen of display unit 306 that corresponds to the designated position.

[0043] The audio output unit 309 converts various audio data supplied from the control unit 302 into analog audio signals and supplies the signals to the speaker 310. As a result, audio corresponding to the audio data supplied to the audio output unit 309 is emitted from the speaker 310. The audio output unit 309 and the speaker 310 function to emit warning messages and, for example, audio guidance when a navigation function is being executed.

[0044] The request forming unit 311, under the control of the control unit 102, realizes the function of forming a map request including an address and transmitting it to the map information providing server device 1 via the wireless communication unit 301 and the transmitting / receiving antenna 301A.

[0045] The building list forming unit 312 functions when it receives map information from the map information providing server device 1 in response to a map request including an address from its own device, displays the corresponding map on the display unit 306, and then receives more detailed information through the touch panel 308. In this case, under the control of the control unit 302, the building list forming unit 312 refers to the map information provided from the map information providing server device 1 based on the received address, and checks whether multiple buildings are linked to the specified address. If the building list forming unit 312 confirms in this confirmation process that multiple buildings are linked to the specified address, it forms a list of the multiple buildings.

[0046] In this case, the list information (list) of buildings is a list of nameplate information associated with each building in the map information provided by the map information providing server device 1. Of course, it is not limited to this, and a list of other information associated with each building can also be used. For example, it is possible to create a list of "initial latitude and longitude of building polygon" or, if entrance / exit positions are provided, a list of "latitude and longitude indicating entrance / exit positions." The list information (list) of buildings created by the building list creating unit 312 is displayed on the display unit 306 of the user terminal device 3 together with a map according to the map information provided by the map information providing server device 1.

[0047] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the user terminal device 3 is equipped with a sensor unit consisting of a clock circuit that provides the current date, current day of the week, and current time, as well as an acceleration sensor, a direction sensor (geomagnetic sensor), and an altitude sensor (barometric pressure sensor). The sensor unit's functions enable detection of the tilt, orientation, and altitude of the user terminal device 3. The sensor unit may use a three-axis (front / back, left / right, up / down) acceleration sensor or a six-axis sensor that combines an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The detection output from the sensor unit is used for various controls in the user terminal device 3.

[0048] The user terminal device 3 configured in this manner can access the map information providing server device 1 and transmit a map provision request including an address, thereby obtaining provision data for displaying a map and displaying the map on the display unit 306. This allows the user of the user terminal device 3 to deliver goods while checking the map displayed on the display unit 306. In particular, a map that clearly shows the locations where multiple buildings are linked to one address can be displayed on the display unit 306, which can help prevent erroneous delivery.

[0049] As described above, the user terminal device 3 can be realized by a smartphone or a tablet PC. Therefore, it also includes a processing unit and a camera function unit for realizing a calling function. However, the user terminal device 3 of this embodiment can display a map useful for delivery work by cooperating with the map information providing server device 1. Therefore, the description of the processing unit and camera function unit for realizing a calling function that is not directly related to map acquisition and display is omitted.

[0050] [Example of a map displayed on the display unit of the user terminal device 3] 3 to 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of maps displayed on the display unit 306 of the user terminal device 3. The user terminal device 3 can access a web page provided by the map information providing server device 1 using a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and receive provided information (map information) for displaying the map. The user terminal device 3 also downloads dedicated application software for viewing the map from a predetermined server. By executing the dedicated application software, the user terminal device 3 can access the map information providing server device 1 and receive provided information (map information) for displaying the map.

[0051] In the following description, the user terminal device 3 is assumed to access the map information providing server device 1 using dedicated application software for viewing maps (hereinafter referred to as the map app) and receive data for displaying the map. That is, a user of the user terminal device 3 downloads the map app onto his / her own user terminal device 3 so that the map app can be executed at any time on his / her own user terminal device 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the user of the user terminal device 3 is a delivery person who wishes to display a map of the delivery area for which he or she is responsible during delivery work, the user first executes (launches) a map application on the user terminal device 3. As a result, the map application is executed in the control unit 302 of the user terminal device 3, accesses the map information providing server device 1 via the network 2, receives an initial screen for map search, and displays this on the display unit 306.

[0053] 3(A), the initial screen for map search includes a map of a predetermined location, an input field N1 for search key information such as an address, and an end key EK. In this case, the map of the predetermined location is, for example, a map of a predetermined area such as the area around Tokyo Station, or a map of an area including the current location measured using the GPS antenna 305A and GPS unit 305 of the user terminal device 3. Information that can identify the destination area to be displayed on the map, such as an address, postal code, or landmark name, can be entered into the input field N1 for search key information such as an address using the software keyboard KB displayed on the display unit 306. Furthermore, selecting the end key EK terminates the map application.

[0054] In this embodiment, the user of the user terminal device 3 is a delivery person. For simplicity, the following description will be given assuming that an address is entered in the address entry field N1. The end key EK may also be provided on other display screens, and when the end key EK is provided, the map application can be terminated by selecting the end key EK.

[0055] After the initial screen (FIG. 3(A)) is displayed, suppose that the user wishes to display a map of part of the delivery area, for example, "XX city, XX town, 8 (address)." In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(B), suppose that the user enters "XX city, XX town, 8" in the input field N1 and selects the execute key provided on the software keyboard KB. As a result, the request formation unit 311 of the user terminal device 3 forms a map provision request including the address "XX city, XX town, 8" and transmits this to the map information providing server device 1.

[0056] The map provision request is received through the communication I / F 101 of the map information providing server device 1, accepted by the request accepting unit 106, and provided to the control unit 302. The control unit 302 instructs the provided map forming unit 107 to form provided data for displaying a map of "XX city, XX town 8." The provided map forming unit 107 extracts all map information with the address "XX city, XX town 8" from the map DB 104 into the work area of ​​the storage device 103. Accordingly, all address information (each item of information shown in FIG. 2 ) containing addresses with "XX city, XX town 8," such as "XX city, XX town 8-1" and "XX city, XX town 8-2," is extracted. Furthermore, the provided map forming unit 107 generates provided data that displays, based on the address flags of the extracted map information, areas of addresses identified as having multiple buildings associated with one address in a manner that makes them distinguishable from areas of other addresses.

[0057] As explained using Fig. 2, in the map information, the area of ​​each address can be specified by an address polygon. For this reason, the provided map forming unit 107 generates address information in which the outline (outer edge) of the area of ​​an address that has been specified as having multiple buildings associated with that address is shown in a thick line, or the inside of the area of ​​that address is shown in a color different from the areas of other addresses. Therefore, the address information is generated to which information for making the outline shown by the address polygon a thick line (line type instruction information) or information for adding color to the inside of the outline shown by the address polygon (color instruction information) is added.

[0058] Furthermore, the provided map generating unit 107 of the map information providing server device 1 of this embodiment generates provided data for multiple buildings associated with one address, based on the respective building polygons, that enables the position and shape of each building to be distinguished. In this case, map information is generated in which the outlines (outer edges) of the areas of each of the multiple buildings associated with one address are shown with thick lines and the interiors of each of the multiple buildings are colored. Therefore, address information is generated to which information for thickening the outlines indicated by the building polygons (line type instruction information) and information for coloring the interiors of the outlines indicated by the building polygons (color instruction information) is added.

[0059] In this way, the map information formed by the provided map forming unit 107 becomes data to be provided to the user terminal device 3. The provided data is address information that makes it possible to distinguish an area of ​​an address where multiple buildings are linked to that address from areas of other addresses, and that makes it possible to distinguish each of multiple buildings located within the area of ​​an address where multiple buildings are linked to that address.

[0060] In the requesting user terminal device 3 that has received the map information, which is provided data for displaying a map, from the map information providing server device 1, the map information is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of ​​the storage device 303 under the control of the control unit 302. Thereafter, the control unit 302 controls the display unit 306 to display a map of "8 (address), XX town, XX city" on the display unit 306 using the map information temporarily stored in the storage device 303, as shown in FIG. 3(B). In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2, six buildings are linked to the address "8-2, XX town, XX city." Therefore, as indicated by the symbol J in FIG. 3(B), the area of ​​the address "8-2, XX town, XX city" is displayed in a manner different from the areas of the other addresses.

[0061] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of area J of the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" shown in FIG. 3(B). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, area J of an address identified as being linked to multiple addresses is filled in with a color different from the areas of the other addresses, making it distinguishable from the areas of the other addresses. In addition, in this embodiment, multiple buildings located within the area of ​​an address identified as being linked to multiple buildings are indicated by coloring the areas of those buildings. In FIG. 4, the areas indicated by the symbols PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, and PG correspond to the areas of each building identified by the building polygon of each building. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(B), a map of a specified area including the address "8, XX-cho, XX-city" allows a user to visually clearly see that there is a location where multiple buildings are linked to one address and that six buildings are linked to that location.

[0062] Furthermore, in the user terminal device 3, from the state shown in Fig. 3(B), as shown in Fig. 5, suppose that a more detailed address than the address shown in the input field N1 of Fig. 3(B) is entered into the input field N1 for address etc., and the execute key is selected. In this case, too, although not shown in Fig. 5, the address is entered via, for example, a software keyboard displayed in the manner shown in Fig. 3(A), and the execute key of the software keyboard is selected. In Fig. 5, the entire target address (down to the end of the target address) has been entered, as shown in input field N1.

[0063] In this case, the control unit 302 of the user terminal device 3 uses the map information from the map information providing server device 1 temporarily stored in the storage device 303 to display on the display unit 306 an enlarged map that makes the location (position) of the target address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" more clearly visible. Next, the control unit 302 controls the building list creation unit 312 to create a list of buildings linked to the specified address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city." The building list creation unit 312 refers to the map information from the map information providing server device 1 temporarily stored in the storage device 303, obtains nameplate information of the buildings linked to the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city," creates a list of buildings, and displays it on the display unit 306.

[0064] As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, a map and a building list W1 are displayed on the display unit 306. In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2, six buildings are linked to the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city." Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the area J of the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" is displayed in a different manner from the areas of other addresses, and the building list W1 is displayed nearby. In this case, the map is enlarged more than that shown in FIG. 3(B) to more clearly show the area of ​​the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city." Furthermore, the mark indicated by the symbol MK in FIG. 5 indicates that the location is the address that is the search target, and is displayed to indicate the representative point of the address. Furthermore, the location with the mark MK is the smallest address area that can be searched.

[0065] 5, a map more clearly showing the location of the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" is displayed on the display unit 306 of the user terminal device 3. In this case, too, it is possible to visually clearly understand that the location indicated by the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" has multiple buildings linked to one address, and that six buildings are linked to that location. Furthermore, it is shown that each of the six buildings in the location indicated by the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" is inhabited by a different resident, as shown in the building list W1.

[0066] As a result, the user of the user terminal device 3 can understand that there are six buildings, "1, BB," "2, CC," "3, DD," "4, EE," "5, FF," and "6, GG," at the location indicated by the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city." Therefore, the delivery person, who is the user of the user terminal device 3, can be aware of which of the six buildings an item (package) with a delivery address of "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" should be delivered to. This allows for advance caution even when delivering an item to a location specified by address 1 that is linked to multiple buildings, allowing for proper delivery without misdelivery.

[0067] [Summary of the processing of the map information providing server device 1] 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing executed by the map information providing server device 1 of the embodiment. When the map information providing server device 1 is powered on, the control unit 102 executes the processing shown in FIG. 6, and the control unit 102 controls each unit to proceed with the processing. First, the control unit 102 controls the communication I / F 101 and the request receiving unit 106 to receive a request addressed to the device itself (step S101), and determines whether or not the request addressed to the device itself has been received in step S101 (step S102). If it is determined in the determination processing of step S102 that the request addressed to the device itself has not been received, the processing from step S101 is repeated, and the device waits for a request addressed to the device itself to arrive.

[0068] If it is determined in the determination process of step S102 that a request addressed to the device itself has been received, the control unit 102 determines whether the received request addressed to the device itself is a map provision request including an address (step S103). If it is determined in the determination process of step S103 that the request is not a map provision request, the control unit 102 executes the requested process (step S104) and performs the process from step S101. Note that the process performed in step S104 includes various processes other than the process of providing map information, such as a process of registering information about a user such as a user of the user terminal device 3, and a process of changing information about the user.

[0069] In the determination process of step S103, when it is determined that the received request addressed to the device itself is a request to provide map information, the control unit 102 controls the provided map forming unit 107 to perform a process of forming map information to be provided to the requestor. Specifically, the provided map forming unit 107 first refers to the map DB 104 based on the address included in the map provision request, extracts map information of a predetermined area identified by the address, and temporarily stores it in a work area of ​​the storage device 103 (step S105).

[0070] Next, the provided map forming unit 107 identifies an address where multiple buildings are linked to one address based on the address flags of the extracted map information (step S106). After that, the provided map forming unit 107 performs processing to display the area specified by the address polygon of the specified address so as to distinguish it from the areas of other addresses (step S107). As described above, the processing of step S107 is processing to specify a line type so that the outline of the address area specified by the address polygon is displayed with a thick line, and to specify a color so that the inside of the address area specified by the address polygon is colored.

[0071] Next, the provided map formation unit 107 performs processing to distinguish and display each of the buildings linked to the address identified in step S106 (step S108). Similar to the processing in step S107, the processing in step S108 is processing to show the outline of the building area with a thick line or to color the inside of the building area based on the building polygon of each building linked to the identified address. Note that it is also possible to display all of the multiple buildings in the same color, or to color each of the multiple buildings in a different color, or to color some of the multiple buildings in blue, for example, and the other buildings in red, for example.

[0072] Thereafter, the control unit 102 controls the map information providing unit 108 to execute a process of providing the map information formed by the provided map forming unit 107 to a requester, such as the user terminal device 3, via the communication I / F 101 and the network 2 (step S109). Thereafter, the process from step S101 is repeated to respond to the next request. In this way, the map information providing server device 1 can provide map information (provided data) that makes it possible to distinguish between an area of ​​an address to which multiple buildings are linked and areas of other addresses, and also makes it possible to distinguish between each of the multiple buildings linked to one address.

[0073] [Summary of processing by user terminal device 3] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing executed by the user terminal device 3 according to the embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is executed by the control unit 302 when a map application downloaded to the user terminal device 3 is executed, and the control unit 302 controls each unit to carry out the processing.

[0074] When execution of the map application is instructed in the user terminal device 3, the control unit 302 first accesses the map information providing server device 1, receives the initial screen shown in Fig. 3(A), and displays it on the display unit 306 (step S201). Next, the control unit 302 accepts address input into the input field N1 and selection input of the end key EK via the touch panel 308 (step S202), and determines whether the accepted input is selection input of the end key EK or not (step S203).

[0075] In the determination process of step S203, it is determined that the received input is not a selection input of the end key, that is, an address input into the input field N1 and an input of the execute key. In this case, the control unit 302 controls the request formation unit 311 to form a map provision request including the input address and transmit this to the map information providing server device 1 (step S204). Thereafter, the map information providing server device 1 transmits map information (provided data) in response to the map provision request from the map information providing server device 1. Therefore, the user terminal device 3 receives this through the transmitting / receiving antenna 301A and the wireless communication unit 301, temporarily stores it in the storage device 303, and performs processing to display it on the display unit 306 (step S205).

[0076] As a result, the map is displayed in the manner shown in Fig. 3(B). That is, the map displayed on the display unit 306 in step S205 is such that addresses linked to multiple buildings are displayed in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from other addresses (addresses linked to only one building). Furthermore, the map displayed in step S205 is such that, in the area of ​​an address linked to multiple buildings, each of the multiple buildings is displayed in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from one another.

[0077] Thereafter, the control unit 302 receives an address input or an end key selection input via the touch panel 308 (step S206), and determines whether the received input is an end key selection input or not (step S207). In the determination process of step S207, it is assumed that the received input is not an end key selection input, that is, it is an address input into the input field N1 and an enter key input. In this case, the control unit 302 determines whether the received address is a more detailed version of the address received in step S202 (step S208).

[0078] That is, the determination process in step S208 is a process for determining whether or not the address received in step S206 is so-called drilled-down information, such as "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" when the address received in step S202 is "XX-cho, XX-city." If the determination process in step S208 determines that the address received in step S206 is not drilled-down detailed information, the input is a new address as a search key, and the process from step S204 is repeated.

[0079] Assume that the address received in step S206 is determined to be drilled-down detailed information. In this case, the control unit 302 first uses the map information from the map information providing server device 1 temporarily stored in the storage device 303 to display on the display unit 306 a map whose display area is further narrowed down according to the address received in step S206 (step S209). Furthermore, the control unit 302 controls the building list forming unit 312 to use the map information temporarily stored in the storage device 303 to form a list of buildings linked to the address received in step S206 and display the list on the display unit 306 (step S210).

[0080] As described with reference to FIG. 5, the processing of steps S209 and S210 displays a map that more clearly shows the location of the target address. Furthermore, if multiple buildings are associated with the specified address, a building list W1 for the multiple buildings is displayed. In this example, as described above, the building list W1 is a list of nameplate information associated with each building. Note that if multiple buildings are not associated with the specified address, i.e., if drill-down to input detailed information is still possible, this status can be grasped by referring to the map information temporarily stored in the storage device 303. In this case, the building list is not displayed. However, if only one building is associated with the specified address, it is possible to either not display the building list or display a building list for only one building.

[0081] After the process of step S210, the process from step S206 is repeated, and it is possible to input a further drilled-down detailed address, input an address different from the address input in step S202, or select and input the end key EK. Furthermore, if it is determined in the determination process of step S203 that the selection input of the end key EK has been accepted in step S202, a predetermined termination process is performed (step S211), and the process (map application) shown in Fig. 7 is terminated. Similarly, if it is determined in the determination process of step S207 that the selection input of the end key EK has been accepted in step S206, a predetermined termination process is performed (step S211), and the process (map application) shown in Fig. 7 is terminated.

[0082] In this way, the user terminal device 3 can, in response to a user instruction, form a map provision request including an address and transmit it to the map information providing server device 1. Furthermore, in response to a map provision request from the user terminal device 3 itself, the user terminal device 3 can display a map corresponding to the map information (provided data) provided by the map information providing server device 1 on the display unit 306. Furthermore, the user terminal device 3 can also form a building list using the map information provided by the map information providing server device 1 and display this on the display unit 306.

[0083] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the map information providing server device 1 and the user terminal device 3 cooperate to display on the display unit 306 of the user terminal device a map including a location indicated by an address targeted by a user of the user terminal device 3. In this case, if the displayed map includes an address to which multiple buildings are linked, the area of ​​that address can be displayed so as to be distinguishable from the areas of other addresses.

[0084] Furthermore, if there is an address where multiple buildings are linked to one address, the multiple buildings can be displayed in a distinguishable manner within the area of ​​the address. Also, a list of multiple buildings located in the location indicated by the address where multiple buildings are linked can be displayed.

[0085] This allows the user terminal device 3 to clearly see, on the map displayed on the display unit 306, where multiple buildings are linked to one address. It also allows the user to see how many buildings are linked to a location where multiple buildings are linked to one address, as well as a list of the multiple buildings, and to understand the details of each of the multiple buildings. This helps prevent misdelivery when delivering an item to a location where multiple buildings are linked to one address.

[0086] [Variations] In the above-described embodiment, first, an address is input through the user terminal device 3, a map request including the address is sent to the map information providing server device 1, and map information for the area including the location indicated by the address is provided from the map information providing server device 1. After that, if the user terminal device 3 receives an address that is more detailed than the address previously input, it uses the map information that has already been provided to create and display a map and building list that more clearly shows the location indicated by the target address. This reduces the amount of data exchanged between the user terminal device 3 and the map information providing server device 1.

[0087] However, this is not a limitation. When the user terminal device 3 receives an address that is more detailed than the address that was input immediately before, it forms a map request including that address and transmits it to the map information providing server device 1. The map information providing server device 1 may extract map information from the map DB 104 again in accordance with the address included in the newly received map request, recreate map information (provided data) for displaying a map, and provide it to the requesting user terminal device 3. In this case, the map information providing server device 1 may also form a building list and provide it to the requesting user terminal device 3. Therefore, the building list forming unit 312 that the user terminal device 3 is provided with may also be provided in the map information providing server device 1.

[0088] Furthermore, although the map information providing server device 1 has been described as being realized as a single server device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the map information providing server device 1 can be configured as a cloud system consisting of multiple server devices, such as a server device that stores and holds information and a server device that processes data, which are provided separately.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the map information display processing device according to the present invention is configured as a map information display processing system including the map information providing server device 1 and the user terminal device 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is of course possible to configure a standalone map information display processing device by incorporating both the functions of the map information providing server device 1 and the functions of the user terminal device 3 into a personal computer or a tablet PC.

[0090] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the building list is displayed near the area of ​​an address to which multiple buildings are linked, but this is just one example, and various display modes are possible. For example, it is possible to display the building list in a predetermined position such as the top or bottom of the display screen of the display unit 306, or to display the building list as a separate screen when the area of ​​an address to which multiple buildings are linked is tapped.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, it has been explained that the address flag shown in FIG. 2 is "1 (on)" when multiple buildings are linked to one address, and is "0 (off)" when only one building is linked to one address. In this case, the building is the delivery destination of the item. However, as mentioned above, the address flag is not limited to an on / off flag. The number of buildings linked to one address itself can also be used as the address flag.

[0092] That is, if one building is linked to one address, the address flag is "1," and if two buildings are linked to one address, the address flag is "2." In the example shown in FIG. 2, the address flags of all six buildings linked to the address "8-2, XX-cho, XX-city" are "6." As a result, for an address linked to multiple buildings, the provided map formation unit 107 of the map information providing server device 1 can apply different colors to the address polygon of that address depending on the number of linked buildings (number of buildings).

[0093] For example, the address polygon of an address linked to one building can be colored "light gray," the address polygon of an address linked to two buildings can be colored "blue," and the address polygon of an address linked to three buildings can be colored "green." In this way, by displaying the address polygon of an address in different colors depending on the number of buildings linked to that address, it is possible to effectively alert deliverers.

[0094] The building polygons of multiple buildings associated with one address can be colored differently for each building, or the same color can be used for all building polygons. Adjacent buildings can also be colored differently. In other words, there are various ways to color each building.

[0095] [others] As can be seen from the above description of the embodiment, the function of the claimed map information storage means is realized by the map DB 104 of the map information providing server device 1 of the embodiment. Also, the function of the claimed reception means is mainly realized by the communication I / F 101 and request reception unit of the map information providing server device 1. Also, the function of the claimed provided map generation means is realized by the provided map generation unit 107 of the map information providing server device 1. Also, the function of the claimed display processing means is realized by the control unit 302 and display unit 306 of the user terminal device 3. Also, the function of the claimed detailed information reception means is realized by the touch panel 308 of the user terminal device 3, and the function of the claimed building list generation means is realized by the building list generation unit 312 of the user terminal device 3.

[0096] 6 and 7 is an embodiment of a map information display processing program according to the present invention. Therefore, by installing and executing a program that executes the processing shown in FIG. 6 in a server device connected to the network 2, the map information providing server device 1 of the embodiment can be realized. Furthermore, by installing and executing a program that executes the processing shown in FIG. 7 in a smartphone or a tablet PC, the user terminal device 3 of the embodiment can be realized. A map information display processing device consisting of the map information providing server device 1 and the user terminal device 3 can be realized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1...map information providing server device, 101...communication I / F, 102...control unit, 103...storage device, 104...map DB, 105...address flag setting unit, 106...request receiving unit, 107...provided map forming unit, 108...map information providing unit, 2...network, 3...user terminal device, 301A...transmitting and receiving antenna, 301...wireless communication unit, 302...control unit, 303...storage device, 304...operation unit, 305...GPS unit, 305A...GPS antenna, 306...display unit, 307...touch sensor, 308...touch panel, 309...audio output unit, 310...speaker, 311...request forming unit, 312...building list forming unit, N1...input field, EK...end key, KB...software keyboard, J...address area, PA, PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, PG...building area, MK...representative point of target address

Claims

1. a map information storage means for storing map information including an address of each building and address area data for showing an area corresponding to the address on a map; Acceptance means for accepting at least a part of the delivery address; a provided map generating means for extracting map information of a destination area from the map information storage means based on at least a part of the received address of the delivery destination, and generating provided data for displaying a map; a display processing means for processing to display a map corresponding to the provided data formed by the provided map forming means on a display unit; Equipped with The provided map generating means generates the provided data that displays an address area associated with a plurality of buildings in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other address areas based on the corresponding address area data. A map information display processing device characterized by:

2. 2. The map information display processing device according to claim 1, a flag setting means for adding flag information to the address information by referring to the map information in the map information storage means, so as to be able to distinguish between cases where other address information having the same address exists and cases where it does not exist; The provided map generating means identifies the address to which a plurality of buildings are linked based on the flag information added to the map information in the map information storage means by the flag setting means. A map information display processing device characterized by:

3. 2. The map information display processing device according to claim 1, the map information stored in the map information storage means includes building shape data for showing on a map the planar shapes of each of a plurality of buildings associated with the same address; The provided map generating means generates the provided data that displays the areas of the plurality of buildings in a distinguishable manner within the area of ​​the address to which the plurality of buildings are linked, based on the building shape data of the plurality of buildings. A map information display processing device characterized by:

4. 4. The map information display processing device according to claim 3, The provided map generating means generates the provided data in which the areas of the plurality of buildings associated with the same address are displayed in color. A map information display processing device characterized by:

5. 2. The map information display processing device according to claim 1, a detailed address receiving means for receiving an input of a detailed address; a building list forming means for, when a detailed address is received through the detailed address receiving means, referring to the map information in the map information storage means or referring to the provided data for forming a map to be displayed based on the detailed address, and forming a list of multiple buildings if multiple buildings are linked to the address; a building list display processing means for processing the building list forming means to display it on a display unit; A map information display processing device comprising:

6. 2. The map information display processing device according to claim 1, The map information providing server device and the user terminal device are connected via a network, The map information providing server device the map information storage means, the reception means, and the provided map creation means; a receiving means for receiving a map request from the user terminal device; providing means for providing the provided data formed by the provided map forming means to the user terminal device that is the request source; Equipped with the accepting means is capable of accepting the map provision request received through the receiving means, The user terminal device an address receiving means for receiving an input of an address; a request forming means for forming the map request including the address accepted through the address accepting means; a transmitting means for transmitting the map request formed by the request forming means to the map information providing server device; the display processing means; A map information display processing device comprising:

7. A map information display processing program executed on a computer that can access a map information storage means that stores map information including addresses of buildings and address area data for displaying areas corresponding to the addresses on a map, a receiving step of receiving at least a part of a delivery address; a provided map generating step of extracting map information of a destination area from the map information storage means based on at least a part of the received address of the delivery destination and generating provided data for displaying a map; a display processing step of processing to display a map corresponding to the provided data formed in the provided map forming step on a display unit; and In the providing map generating step, the providing data is generated to display an address area associated with a plurality of buildings in a manner that can be distinguished from areas of other addresses based on the corresponding address area data. A map information display processing program characterized by:

8. 8. A map information display processing program according to claim 7, the map information stored in the map information storage means includes building shape data for showing on a map the planar shapes of each of a plurality of buildings associated with the same address; In the providing map generating step, the providing data is generated to display, within an area of ​​an address to which a plurality of buildings are linked, the plurality of buildings being displayed in a manner different from areas of other addresses, in a manner that allows each of the linked buildings to be distinguished based on the building shape data of the plurality of buildings. A map information display processing program characterized by:

Images