Map provisioning device and map provisioning program

Abstract

Remove unnecessary map information and make it easy to share only the necessary map information. [Solution] The control unit 702 displays a map image on the display unit 711, which is formed by dividing the map information into rectangular areas of a predetermined size and creating tiles. The touch panel 710 accepts the input of selecting one or more rectangular areas (tiles) from the map information displayed on the display unit 711. The tile map image sharing unit 723 provides the map image of one or more rectangular areas (tiles) selected by the input received via the touch panel, so that it can be played back at the target recipient via communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a program that enable map information displayed through an information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, or a smartphone to be shared with other terminal devices.

Background Art

[0002] For example, it is carried out to receive map information from a map information providing server device and use it using an information processing terminal such as a PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. In this case, for example, the map information around the meeting place is displayed and confirmed on the display screen of the information processing terminal, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) link of the map information is formed, and this can be transmitted to the meeting partner. On the information processing terminal of the partner who has received the URL link, by accessing the information specified by the URL link, the same map information as the map information seen by the user of the transmission source can be shared.

[0003] Also, Patent Document 1 described later discloses an invention related to a meeting place image display system and method for reporting the position information of a transmission-side terminal from the transmission-side terminal to the reception-side terminal at the meeting place. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to transmit the position information of each mobile terminal as image data together with map data only from the transmission-side mobile terminal to the reception-side mobile terminal. Thereby, the user of the reception-side mobile terminal can confirm his / her own position and the position of the partner on the map image, and can quickly find the partner at the meeting place.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The conventional methods of sharing map information described above can be problematic because the shared map information covers too wide an area, making it difficult to pinpoint the destination. Furthermore, while the invention described in Patent Document 1 is useful for meeting up with someone at a designated location, it is unsuitable when you need map information for two separate locations, such as meeting at location A and then heading to location B. Additionally, if the map information includes both location A and location B, there is often too much unnecessary information, making it difficult to determine the route from location A to location B.

[0006] In view of the above, the purpose of this invention is to eliminate unnecessary map information and enable easy sharing of the necessary map information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the map providing device of the invention described in claim 1 is A display processing means for displaying a map image on a display unit, which is formed in a tile-like manner by dividing it into rectangular areas of a predetermined size, A receiving means for receiving input for selecting one or more target rectangular areas from the map information displayed on the display unit, A sharing means that provides the map images of one or more rectangular areas selected by the selection input received through the reception means so that they can be reproduced at the intended recipient. It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this invention, by using map information formed in a tile-like manner by dividing it into rectangular areas of a predetermined size, it becomes possible to select each rectangular area and share map information on a rectangular area basis. This makes it possible to easily share the map information of the necessary parts by eliminating unnecessary parts of the map information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a map information utilization system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a map information provision server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a smartphone configuration, which is an example of a user terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a tile in tile map information. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a tile in tile map information. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates an example of a tile ID that makes a tile in a tile map information identifiable. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the methods of sharing tile map information. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the methods of sharing tile map information. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the map information provision server device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the user terminal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a map information provision server device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a smartphone configuration, which is an example of a user terminal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram to explain the structure of a URL, etc. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by a map information providing server device in another example of the second embodiment. [Figure 15]It is a flowchart for explaining the processing executed by the user terminal device of another example in the second embodiment.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an apparatus and a program according to this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a case where the apparatus and the program according to this invention are applied to the user terminal device of a system configured by connecting a map information providing server device and a user terminal device (information processing device) through a network will be described as an example.

[0011] [Configuration Example of Map Information Utilization System] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the map information utilization system of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the map information utilization system of this embodiment includes a map information providing server device 1 and user terminal devices such as a PC 5(1), a tablet PC 6(1), a smartphone 7(1), and a digital signage 8(1), which are connected through a network 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 5(1) is connected to the network 2 via a router 3(1). Also, the tablet PC 6(1) is connected to the network 2 through a base station 4(1), the smartphone 7(1) is connected to the network 2 through a base station 4(2), and the digital signage 8(1) is connected to the network 2 through a base station 4(3). Further, a message server device 9(1) is connected to the network 2, and the PC 5(1), the tablet PC 6(1), and the smartphone 7(1) can transmit and receive various messages to and from a target partner via the message server device 9(1).

[0012] Note that the digital signage 8(1) is installed in facilities such as stations, stores, shopping malls, and offices to transmit information. While the PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), and smartphone 7(1) are owned and used by individuals, the digital signage 8(1) is installed in public places and is used by an unspecified number of people, which is different. However, the digital signage 8(1) also has a display unit and an operation unit (such as a touch panel), and can display and provide the target information in response to an operation input from the user. That is, the digital signage 8(1) can also function as a user terminal device similar to the PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), and smartphone 7(1). Note that the digital signage 8(1) exists in various forms, such as those with a horizontally long display screen and those with a vertically long display screen.

[0013] The base stations 4(1), 4(2), and 4(3) are base stations of a mobile phone network and APs (Access Points) of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, the network 2 is mainly the Internet, but also includes a telephone network, a mobile phone network, a wireless LAN, etc. that connect from the user terminals, namely the PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), smartphone 7(1), and digital signage 8(1) to the Internet. Also, in FIG. 1, the subscripts (numbers in parentheses) in the case of being described like the PC 5(1) mean that there are multiple PCs, tablet PCs, smartphones, digital signages, routers, base stations (APs), and message servers instead of just one.

[0014] In other words, there are actually many PCs, tablet PCs, smartphones, digital signage, routers, and base stations (APs), and these can connect to the map information server device 1 via network 2. Similarly, there are multiple message servers operated by different entities. However, for simplicity, Figure 1 shows PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), smartphone 7(1), and digital signage 8(1) as representative user terminal devices. Message server device 9(1) is shown as a representative message server. The message server device 9(1) enables the exchange of messages, images, and other information in a chat format using a messaging application.

[0015] The map information provision server device (hereinafter abbreviated as "provision server device") 1 can hold tile map information and distribute it to user terminal devices. As will be described in detail later, tile map information is formed in a tile-like manner by dividing a map into rectangular areas of a predetermined size, and a map can be provided for each divided and formed tile. In this embodiment, the provision server device 1 can store and hold tile map information covering the entire country of Japan and provide tile map information for areas requested by PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), smartphone 7(1), and digital signage 8(1).

[0016] Each of the user terminal devices, PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), smartphone7(1), and digital signage8(1), receives map information from the service server device1 via network2. Each of the PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), smartphone7(1), and digital signage8(1) displays the map information received from the service server device1 on its own display unit, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), making it available for use.

[0017] The user terminal devices, PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), and smartphone7(1), allow users to select one or more rectangular areas (tiles) from the map information displayed on their own displays. PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), and smartphone7(1) enable sharing of the selected rectangular area map information by, for example, sending it to a target recipient via a message server device9(1). In other words, users can select a necessary rectangular area from the map information displayed on their displays and share only that portion of the map information.

[0018] Technically, it is also possible to transmit map information for one or more selected rectangular areas from the digital signage 8(1) to a target recipient, for example, via the message server device 9(1). However, unlike PCs 5(1), tablet PCs 6(1), and smartphones 7(1), the digital signage 8(1) does not hold information about the target recipient, so it would require the input of necessary information. Therefore, when sharing map information for one or more selected rectangular areas via the digital signage 8(1), the map information for that area is received by the user's smartphone, for example, using short-range wireless communication. This received map information can then be displayed on the smartphone or provided to the target recipient. In this case, the user can select a rectangular area (tile) containing the target location while viewing the map information on the large display screen of the digital signage 8(1).

[0019] The configuration and operation of the provision server device 1 and the user terminal devices will be described in detail below. Note that the user terminal devices, PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), smartphone7(1), and digital signage8(1), differ in appearance and size. However, the configuration of the part that receives tile map information from the provision server device 1 and makes it available is the same for all of them. Therefore, in the following, the basic configuration and operation of the user terminal devices, including PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), and digital signage8(1), will be explained using the smartphone7(1), which is widely carried and used, as an example.

[0020] Furthermore, there are two possible ways to share map information for a rectangular area. One is to share the map image (raster data) of the rectangular area itself between user terminal devices. The other is to identify the map information of the rectangular area using a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and share it via the providing server device 1. Both methods are feasible in the map information utilization system described using Figure 1, but the configuration of the providing server device 1 and the user terminal devices will differ slightly. Therefore, in the following, the former method of sharing the map image itself will be described as the first embodiment, and the latter method of sharing map information via a URL will be described as the second embodiment.

[0021] [First Embodiment] <Example configuration of server device (map information server device) 1> Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the service server device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the service server device 1 shown in Figure 2, the connection terminal 101T and the communication I / F 101 communicate via the network 2. Therefore, communication between the PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), smartphone 7(1), and digital signage 8(1) is performed via the connection terminal 101T and the communication I / F 101. The control unit 102, although not shown, is a so-called microprocessor configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 102 executes various programs to control each part of the service server device 1.

[0022] The storage device 103 is a device consisting of a recording medium and its driver, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and performs various operations such as recording, modifying, deleting, and reading data from the recording medium. In addition to storing necessary data and programs, the storage device 103 is also used as a working area to temporarily store intermediate data generated in various processes.

[0023] The map information DB (Data Base) 104 is formed in a device unit consisting of a recording medium such as an HDD or SSD and its driver. The map information DB 104 stores multiple types of map information, such as national maps, regional maps, city maps, road maps, and wide-area maps. As mentioned above, this map information is formed in a tile-like manner by dividing the map into rectangular areas of a predetermined size, and partial provision of the map is possible for each tile (rectangular area). In the provision server device 1 of this first embodiment, the map is divided using a standard regional mesh. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of tiles in the tile map information (tile-like map information).

[0024] Standard regional mesh refers to a mesh (network) set based on latitude and longitude, forming six levels of mesh from primary to sixth-order mesh. As shown in Figure 4(A), the primary mesh is formed by dividing even-numbered latitudes into three equal parts and further dividing them by meridians at one-degree intervals, resulting in a rectangular area with sides of approximately 80 km (kilometers). Figure 4(A) shows an example where the area between latitude 34 degrees and latitude 36 degrees is divided into three equal parts and further divided by meridians at one-degree intervals. Primary mesh is used for areas such as one sheet of a 1:200,000 topographic map.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4(B), a secondary mesh is created by dividing each rectangular area of ​​the primary mesh into eight equal parts in both the latitudinal and longitudinal directions, with each rectangular area having a side length of approximately 10 km. Secondary meshes are used for areas equivalent to one sheet of a 1:25,000 topographic map. As shown in Figure 4(C), a tertiary mesh is created by dividing each rectangular area of ​​the secondary mesh into ten equal parts in both the latitudinal and longitudinal directions, with each rectangular area having a side length of approximately 1 km. Tertiary meshes are a suitable size for analyzing regional characteristics and are used in statistical analysis in natural and social sciences.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(A), the 4th-order mesh is created by dividing each rectangular area of ​​the 3rd-order mesh in half along both the latitudinal and longitudinal directions, resulting in a rectangular area with sides of approximately 500m. The 4th-order mesh is used for analyzing small-scale urban commercial areas. As shown in Figure 5(B), the 5th-order mesh is created by dividing each rectangular area of ​​the 4th-order mesh in half along both the latitudinal and longitudinal directions, resulting in a rectangular area with sides of approximately 250m. The 5th-order mesh is used for formulating store opening plans based on area analysis of urban commercial areas and for surveying the number of households.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(C), the 6th-order mesh is created by dividing each rectangular area of ​​the 5th-order mesh into two equal parts in both the latitude and longitude directions, resulting in a rectangular area corresponding to one tile with sides of approximately 125m. The 6th-order mesh is used for purposes such as formulating store opening plans based on area analysis of urban commercial areas. The map information stored in the map information DB104 is divided using standard regional meshes, which are configured (defined) as explained using Figures 4 and 5, and each rectangular area is considered as one tile, making it possible to provide map information for each tile. Therefore, in Figures 4 and 5, each rectangular area of ​​each order (1st to 6th order) of mesh corresponds to each tile in the tile map information. For this reason, in the following, tiles correspond to each rectangular area of ​​the standard regional mesh that divides the tile map information.

[0028] Furthermore, the tile map information stored in the map information DB104 is structured as raster data for each tile. Raster data is data composed of cells (pixels) arranged in a grid of rows and columns, and it allows for the rapid rendering of a map for each tile. Raster data is also used as the data that makes up photographic images taken with digital cameras, etc. In addition, the tile map information can be configured to include, as needed, vector data for rendering information superimposed on the map image rendered by the raster data, and annotation data for rendering annotations.

[0029] Furthermore, each tile in the tile map information stored in the map information DB104 is assigned a tile ID, which is identification information, allowing each tile to be uniquely identified. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tile ID that makes each tile in the tile map information identifiable.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the tile ID in this example consists of a 12-digit number. The first four digits indicate the tile location in the primary mesh. In this example, it is assumed that the entire map information that can be provided to the user terminal device is map information that can be represented by no more than 9999 tiles, each with a side length of 80 km in the primary mesh, as shown in Figure 4(A). In short, it becomes possible to create map information for an area of ​​approximately 800 km in the latitude direction and 800 km in the longitude direction, and to identify the location of each tile in the primary mesh.

[0031] The next two digits indicate the tile position of the secondary mesh. As explained using Figure 4(B), the secondary mesh is created by dividing the tiles of the primary mesh into eight sections in the longitude direction and eight sections in the latitude direction, so the position of each tile in the secondary mesh can be identified using two digits from 1 to 64. The next three digits indicate the tile position of the tertiary mesh. As explained using Figure 4(C), the tertiary mesh is created by dividing the tiles of the secondary mesh into ten sections in the longitude direction and ten sections in the latitude direction, so the position of each tile in the tertiary mesh can be identified using three digits from 1 to 100.

[0032] The next two digits indicate the tile position of the 4th-order mesh. As explained using Figure 5(A), the 4th-order mesh is obtained by dividing the tiles of the 3rd-order mesh into two in the longitude direction and two in the latitude direction, so the position of each tile in the 4th-order mesh can be identified by a single digit from 1 to 4. The next digit indicates the tile position of the 5th-order mesh. As explained using Figure 5(B), the 5th-order mesh is obtained by dividing the tiles of the 4th-order mesh into two in the longitude direction and two in the latitude direction, so the position of each tile in the 5th-order mesh can be identified by a single digit from 1 to 4.

[0033] The next digit indicates the position of the tile in the 6th-order mesh. As explained using Figure 5(C), the 6th-order mesh is created by dividing the tiles of the 5th-order mesh into two in the longitude direction and two in the latitude direction. Therefore, the position of each tile in the 6th-order mesh can be identified using a single digit from 1 to 4. Accordingly, each tile from the 1st-order mesh to the 6th-order mesh can be uniquely identified using the tile ID shown in Figure 6.

[0034] The request receiving unit 111 receives requests transmitted from user terminal devices such as PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), and smartphone 7(1) and received through the connection terminal 101T and communication I / F 101. If the received request is a request from a user terminal device for the provision of a map that includes location-specific information such as the current location, address, postal code, telephone number, and name of a feature, the request receiving unit 111 provides this to the map extraction unit 112.

[0035] The map extraction unit 112, in response to a map provision request from the request reception unit 111, extracts tile map information for a predetermined area including the requested location from the map information DB 104 based on location identification information such as the current location, address, postal code, telephone number, and name of a feature included in the request. The extracted tile map information, along with the identification information of the user terminal device included in the map provision request, is provided to the map provision unit 113. The map provision unit 113 forms transmission data to the requesting user terminal device, including the tile map information to be provided, and sends it to the network 2 via the communication I / F 101 and connection terminal 101T, providing it to the requesting user terminal device.

[0036] In this way, the providing server device 1 can provide tile map information in response to requests from user terminal devices such as PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), smartphone 7(1), and digital signage 8(1). The user terminal devices such as PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), smartphone 7(1), and digital signage 8(1) cooperate with the providing server device 1 configured in this way.

[0037] <Example configuration of Smartphone 7 as a user terminal device> In the following, the basic configuration of the user terminal device, including the PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), and digital signage 8(1), will be described using the smartphone 7(1) as an example. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the smartphone 7(1), which is an example of the user terminal device in the first embodiment. In the smartphone 7(1) shown in Figure 3, the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701 realize the function of communicating through the network 2. Therefore, communication with the service server device 1 is performed through the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701. The control unit 702, although not shown, is a so-called microprocessor configured with a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 702 executes various programs to control each part of the smartphone 7(1).

[0038] The storage unit 703 is a device consisting of a semiconductor memory with a relatively large storage capacity and its driver, and performs tasks such as recording, modifying, and deleting various data in the semiconductor memory, and reading data from the semiconductor memory. In addition to storing necessary data and programs, the storage unit 703 is also used as a work area for temporarily storing intermediate data generated in various processes. The operation unit 704 includes, for example, an on / off key for the power and several function keys, and receives operation input from the user and provides information corresponding to the received operation input to the control unit 702.

[0039] The GPS antenna 705A and GPS unit 705 receive signals from a predetermined number of artificial satellites to determine the current position of the aircraft. The current position determined through the GPS antenna 705A and GPS unit 705 can be used, for example, when requesting the provision of tile map information for a predetermined area with the current position as the reference (center) from the providing server device 1.

[0040] The display unit 711 is constructed using a thin display element such as an LCD or an OLED (Organic Electro Luminescence Diode) display. A touch sensor 712 is provided on the entire surface of the display screen of the display unit 711. The display unit 711 and the touch sensor 712 together constitute a touch panel 710, which provides display information to the user and also forms an input / output user interface that accepts operation input from the user.

[0041] The request formation unit 721 forms map provision requests and the like to be provided to the provision server device 1, and sends them to the network 2 via the wireless communication unit 701 and the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A, and processes them to be provided to the provision server device 1. Specifically, the smartphone 7(1) accesses the provision server device 1 via the network 2 in response to user instructions received through the touch panel 710, and receives an input screen from the provision server device 1.

[0042] On the input screen provided by the providing server device 1, the user can instruct the system to use the current location of the system, or input location-specific information such as address, postal code, telephone number, and name of a feature, and then request the provision of a map. In this case, the request formation unit 721 forms a map provision request that includes the input location-specific information, the system's IP address which is its identification information, and the IP address which is the identification information of the providing server device 1 which is the destination, and transmits this request to the providing server device 1.

[0043] As described above, the map display processing unit 722, in response to a map provision request provided from the provision server device 1 by the local machine, temporarily stores the tile map information provided by the provision server device 1 in the storage unit 703 and displays it on the display unit 711. The map display processing unit 722 also performs processes such as zooming in and out of the tile map information displayed on the display unit 711 and moving the tile map information in response to user instructions received through the touch panel 710.

[0044] The tile map image sharing unit 723 functions when it receives input from the user via the touch panel 710 to select a rectangular area (tile) on the tile map information displayed on the display unit 711, and a sharing operation is performed. In this case, the tile map image sharing unit 723 provides the map image of the selected rectangular area (tile) to the intended recipient using a predetermined messaging application. This allows the user of the smartphone 7(1) to share the map image of the selected rectangular area (tile) with the intended recipient. In this case, since the map image to be shared is on a rectangular area (tile) basis, only the necessary parts of the map image, excluding the map images of unnecessary areas, can be shared with the intended recipient.

[0045] Note that the tablet PC 6(1) and digital signage 8(1) are configured in much the same way as the smartphone 7(1) described using Figure 7, but there are differences such as a larger display screen size. Also, if the user terminal device is PC5(1), for example, it may not have a touch sensor 712. However, in that case, the input of instructions from the user will be through a pointing device such as a keyboard or a so-called mouse, which is configured as the operation unit 704. Furthermore, if the user terminal device is PC5(1), instead of the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701, it will have a connection terminal to the router 3(1) and a communication interface.

[0046] <Examples of methods for sharing tile map information> Next, we will describe the sharing of tile map information between smartphone 7(1) and, for example, another smartphone 7(2), which is realized through the cooperation of the aforementioned provision server device 1, the user terminal device (smartphone 7(1)), and the message server device 9(1). Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the manner in which tile map information is shared. As described above, in response to a map provision request from smartphone 7(1), the provision server device 1 extracts tile map information for the area corresponding to the request and provides it to the requesting smartphone 7(1).

[0047] The smartphone 7(1) displays the tile map information on the display unit 711 and presents it to the user. As shown in Figure 7(A), the tile map information displayed on the display unit 711 includes the map information along with the border lines that separate each tile corresponding to the standard regional mesh, as indicated by the addition of codes T1, T2, T3, ... Therefore, the user can recognize each tile along with the map information. Note that the codes T1, T2, T3, ... are added for explanatory purposes and are not information that the user can recognize.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7(A), the user of smartphone 7(1) selects a tile containing the meeting place "XX Station" (a tile with the code T2) and a tile containing the destination "○○ Shop" (a tile with the code T10), and presses the share button BT. The tile map image sharing unit 723 of smartphone 7(1) extracts the tile map image of the selected tiles, launches a predetermined messaging application, accepts instructions from the recipient, and pastes it into the recipient's talk area (talk page). In this case, a message in text data can also be added along with the shared tile map image.

[0049] The recipient launches the corresponding messaging app on their smartphone 7(2), for example. This displays a chat area on the display unit 711 of the smartphone 7(2), and as shown in Figure 7(B), the chat area displays the tile map image of the selected tile and, if there is a message, the message itself. In the example shown in Figure 7(B), the recipient is notified that the meeting place is in front of "XX Station" and the destination is "○○ya on the right side after turning right at the second intersection after going south down the street in front of the station and passing the first intersection." In this case, the recipient is provided with a tile map image GA including the meeting place and a tile map image GB including the destination, so that the meeting place and destination can be clearly identified by the tile map images.

[0050] However, as shown in Figure 7, if only a tile map image GA containing the meeting place and a tile map image GB containing the destination are available, it may be difficult to understand the route along the way. Therefore, it is also possible to provide multiple consecutive tile map images that allow users to trace the route from the meeting place to the destination. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(A), suppose five tiles labeled with codes T2, T5, T8, T11, and T10 are selected and the share button BT is pressed. In this case, the tile map image sharing unit 723 of the smartphone 7(1) extracts the tile map image of the selected tiles, launches a predetermined messaging application, accepts instructions from the recipient, and pastes it into the recipient's chat area. In this case, a message in text data can also be added along with the shared tile map image.

[0051] The recipient launches the corresponding messaging app on their smartphone 7(2). The display unit 711 of the recipient's smartphone 7(2) displays the tile map image of the selected tile, and if there is a message, that message, as shown in Figure 8(B). In the example shown in Figure 8(B), a tile map image GC is provided that allows the user to trace the route from the meeting place to the destination. In this case, there is no need to add a message explaining the route. Furthermore, since no map image of the area surrounding the tile map image GC is provided, there is no inconvenience such as the map image being difficult to understand over a wide area.

[0052] Furthermore, if multiple messaging apps are available, it is possible to configure the system so that after pressing the share button BT, the user can select the messaging app to use, and then specify the recipient after selecting the app. Also, the example explained using Figure 7 provides a tile map image including the meeting place and a tile map image including the destination, but this is not the only option. It is of course possible to provide three or more tile map images that are not adjacent to each other, or to provide only one tile map image.

[0053] Furthermore, while the example illustrated using Figure 8 shows the sharing of a tile map image indicating the route from the meeting place to the destination, this is not the only example. The consecutive tile map images may be consecutive in either the vertical or horizontal direction. Therefore, in Figure 8(A), it is also possible to provide a map image consisting of, for example, four tile map images labeled with codes T10, T11, T13, and T14 as the tile map image including the destination. Additionally, tile map images that are consecutive diagonally, such as those labeled with codes T1, T5, and T9, can also be considered as consecutive map images and shared.

[0054] <Processing performed by the server device 1 in the first embodiment> Next, we will summarize the processing performed by the providing server device 1 of the first embodiment described above, referring to the flowchart. Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing performed by the providing server device 1 of the first embodiment. The processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 9 is executed by the control unit 102, which controls each part of the providing server device 1.

[0055] The control unit 102 receives requests addressed to itself through the connection terminal 101T and the communication I / F 101 (step S101), and determines whether or not it has received a request addressed to itself (step S102). If the determination process in step S102 determines that it has not received a request addressed to itself, it repeats the process from step S101 and waits for a request addressed to itself to arrive. If the determination process in step S102 determines that it has received a request addressed to itself, it provides the request addressed to itself to the request receiving unit 111.

[0056] The request receiving unit 111 first determines whether the request addressed to the unit is a request for map provision (step S103). This determination can be made based on classification information, etc., included in the request addressed to the unit. If the determination process in step S103 determines that it is a request for map provision, the unit provides the request to the map extraction unit 112. Based on location identification information such as the current location and address included in the provided map provision request, the map extraction unit 112 extracts tile map information for the target area from the map information DB 104 and provides the extracted tile map information to the map provision unit 113 (step S104).

[0057] The map provision unit 113 forms transmission information, including tile map information from the map extraction unit 112, addressed to the user terminal device that requested the map provision, and sends it to the network 2 via the communication interface 101 and connection terminal 101T, thereby transmitting it to the user terminal (step S105). As a result, tile map information corresponding to the map provision request is provided to the requesting user terminal. After this, the control unit 102 repeats the processing from step S101.

[0058] Furthermore, if the determination process in step S103 determines that it is not a request for map provision, the request reception unit 111 notifies the control unit 102 of the determination result. The control unit 102 then performs other processing in response to the notified request (step S106). These other processing can include various processes other than the provision of tile map information, such as registering user information with the provision server device 1. After this, the control unit 102 repeats the processing from step S101. In this way, the provision server device 1 can provide tile map information and perform various other processes in response to requests from user terminal devices.

[0059] <Processing performed by the user terminal device of the first embodiment> Next, we will summarize the processes performed by user terminal devices such as the PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), and smartphone7(1) of the first embodiment described above, referring to the flowchart. Here, we will explain using the smartphone7(1) as an example of a user terminal device. Figure 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processes performed by the smartphone7(1). The processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 are executed by the control unit 702 of the smartphone7(1), and the control unit 702 controls each part of the smartphone7(1) to perform these processes.

[0060] The control unit 702 receives instruction input (operation input) from the user through the touch panel 710 (step S201) and determines whether or not an instruction input has been received (step S202). If the determination process in step S202 determines that no instruction input has been received, the process from step S201 is repeated and the control unit waits for the user to make an instruction input. If the determination process in step S202 determines that an instruction input has been received, the control unit 702 determines whether or not the received instruction input instructs to acquire a map (step S203). Suppose the determination process in step S203 determines that it instructs to acquire a map.

[0061] In this case, the request formation unit 721, under the control of the control unit 702, forms a map provision request and sends it to the network 2 via the wireless communication unit 701 and the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A, and transmits it to the provision server device 1 (step S204). The map provision request includes information indicating the location, such as the device's identification information, current location, address, and the name of a feature, as well as identification information of the provision server device 1, which is the recipient.

[0062] After this, tile map information corresponding to the map provision request sent in step S204 is transmitted from the provision server device 1. The smartphone 7(1) then receives this tile map information through the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701, temporarily stores it in the storage unit 703, and the map display processing unit 722 functions to display the tile map information on the display unit 711 (step S205). As a result, the user of the smartphone 7(1) can display and use the tile map of the desired area on the display unit 711 of the smartphone 7(1). After this, the control unit 702 repeats the processing from step S201.

[0063] Furthermore, suppose that in the determination process of step S203, the control unit 702 determines that the received instruction information is not an instruction to acquire a map. In this case, the control unit 702 determines whether the received instruction input is a tile selection input or not (step S206). In the determination process of step S206, if it is determined that the received instruction input is a tile selection input, the tile map image sharing unit 723 functions under the control of the control unit 702 and identifies the selected tile map (step S207). This process in step S207 may identify the identification ID of the selected tile, or it may store the tile map image of the selected tile. After this, the control unit 702 repeats the process from step S201.

[0064] Furthermore, in the determination process of step S206, suppose the control unit 702 determines that the received instruction information is not a tile selection input. In this case, the control unit 702 determines whether the received instruction input is a press operation of the share button BT or not (step S208). In the determination process of step S208, suppose it determines that the received instruction input is a press operation of the share button. In this case, under the control of the control unit 702, the tile map image sharing unit 723 functions and first receives input to select the message application to be launched (step S209). Then, it launches the selected message application and receives instruction input for the recipient (step S210). After this, the tile map image sharing unit 723 pastes the tile map image identified in step S207 into the so-called talk area of ​​the target recipient in the message application (step S211). This allows the tile map image to be shared with the target recipient. After the processing of step S211, the control unit 702 repeats the processing from step S201.

[0065] Furthermore, in the determination process of step S208, it is determined that the received instruction input is not a press of the share button. In this case, the control unit 702 executes other processing corresponding to the instruction input (step S211). This other processing can be various processes other than those that request the provision of tile map information or identify the selected tile map, such as the process of registering user information with the providing server device 1. After this, the control unit 702 repeats the processing from step S201. In this way, the smartphone 7(1) can request, obtain, and display tile map information in response to instruction input from the user, select a tile from the displayed tile map information, and share the tile map image of the selected tile with the other party.

[0066] As mentioned above, it is difficult to directly share tile map images via the message server device 9(1) with the digital signage 8(1). Therefore, in the case of the digital signage 8(1), the tile map images are provided to a user terminal device such as a smartphone held by the operator of the digital signage 8(1) using, for example, short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth®. Then, the tile map images can be shared with the intended recipient via a messaging application through the smartphone.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] <Sharing tile-based map information using URLs> In the case of the map utilization system of the second embodiment, the configuration is similar to the map utilization system described using Figure 1, but the configuration of the provisioning server device and the user terminal device is slightly different. For this reason, in the second embodiment, the configuration example will be described using the provisioning server device 1A, and the user terminal devices PC 5A(1), tablet PC 6A(1), smartphone 7A(1), and digital signage 8A(1).

[0068] In the map utilization system described using Figures 2 to 10, the shared object was a tile map image formed from raster data at the tile level. However, in the case of tile map images, the amount of data transmitted and received can be large, and there are times when it is desirable to share map information as quickly as possible. Therefore, in this second embodiment, tile map information at the tile level can be identified by URL and obtained from the providing server device 1A. In this second embodiment as well, the smartphone 7A(1) will be used as an example to explain the user terminal device.

[0069] <Example configuration of provided server device 1A> Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the provisioning server device 1A of the second embodiment. In the provisioning server device 1A of Figure 11, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are configured in the same way as the provisioning server device 1 of the first embodiment described using Figure 2, and a detailed explanation of these parts is omitted to avoid redundancy. As can be seen by comparing Figure 11 and Figure 2, the provisioning server device 1A of the second embodiment shown in Figure 11 differs from the provisioning server device 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2 in that it includes a tile map URL corresponding unit 114. Therefore, the provisioning server device 1A of the second embodiment provides tile map information of the standard regional mesh described using Figures 4 to 6, similar to the provisioning server device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0070] The tile map URL handling unit 114, when a URL requesting tile map information arrives from a user terminal device, reads the tile map information corresponding to the URL from the map information DB 104 and provides it to the requesting user terminal device. As a result, the user terminal device that receives the tile map information can share the tile map information by displaying it on its display unit.

[0071] <Example configuration of smartphone 7A(1) as a user terminal device> The following describes the basic configuration of a smartphone 7A(1) of the second embodiment, which shares tile map information using a URL. Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the smartphone 7A(1) of the second embodiment. In the smartphone 7A of Figure 12, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are configured in the same way as the smartphone 7 of the first embodiment described using Figure 2, and detailed explanations of these parts are omitted to avoid redundancy. As can be seen by comparing Figure 12 and Figure 3, the smartphone 7A of the second embodiment shown in Figure 12 is provided with a tile map URL sharing unit 724 in place of the smartphone 7 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, instead of the tile map image sharing unit 723.

[0072] The tile map URL sharing unit 724 forms a URL that can identify the tile map information selected by the user of the smartphone 7A(1), and performs a process of attaching it to the target talk area through the message app. At the recipient where the URL is attached to the talk area, by performing an operation of selecting the URL, it is possible to request the provision server device 1A to provide the target tile map information and receive the provision. Thereby, sharing of tile map information can be realized in units of tiles.

[0073] Thus, in the case of the map information utilization system of this second embodiment, instead of sharing the tile map image between user terminal devices, a URL for identifying the tile map information is used, and sharing of the tile map image is realized via the provision server device 1A. That is, as described using FIGS. 7 and 8, instead of sharing the tile map image from the beginning, a URL for identifying the tile map image is provided from the sharing source to the sharing destination, and the tile map image is received using this URL. Thereby, the tile map image can be displayed and used in the manner shown using FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0074] Also, in this second embodiment, the tablet PC 6A(1) and the digital signage 8A(1) are configured substantially the same as the smartphone 7A(1) described using FIG. 12, but there are differences such as the size of the display screen of the display unit being larger. Also, when the user terminal device is the PC 5A(1), for example, the touch sensor 712 may not be provided. In that case, the path of the instruction input from the user is performed through a pointing device such as a keyboard or a so-called mouse configured as the operation unit 704. Also, when the user terminal device is the PC 5A(1), instead of the transmission / reception antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701, it is provided with a connection terminal to the router 3(1) and a communication I / F.

[0075] <Explanation of the outline of the URL> Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the overview of a URL. As shown in Figure 13(A), a URL consists of information such as scheme, hostname, port number, path, query string, and fragment. The scheme is information that specifies how to access the resource, such as "https". The hostname specifies the domain name or IP address of the server where the resource resides. The port number specifies the port number used to connect to the server, but is usually omitted. The path specifies the path to the resource on the server, specifically the folder name or file name. This information is provided by the server device 1A and is known to the smartphone 7A(1). The query string is a parameter that specifies the details of the request, such as the ID of a specific resource, i.e., the identification ID of the tile map information. The fragment is an identifier used to specify a specific location (section) within the resource.

[0076] Actual URLs are generally represented as strings beginning with "https: / / ", as shown in Figure 13(B). Therefore, for example, a URL for sharing tile map information can be constructed by recording the identification ID (tile ID) of tile-level tile map information in the query string, which is the underlined part in Figure 13(B). Specifically, as explained using Figure 7, in order to share the tile image information of one tile, the tile ID of one tile map information is written in the query string part, which is underlined in Figure 13(B), as shown in Figure 13(C). In the case of Figure 13(C), this is an example where the 12-digit tile ID "5432-15-039-1-0-0", as explained using Figure 6, is entered.

[0077] Furthermore, as explained using Figure 8, in order to share tile map information for multiple tiles, the tile IDs of each of the multiple tile map information items are entered in the underlined creative string portion in Figure 13(B), as shown in Figure 13(D). In the case of Figure 13(D), this is an example where the 12-digit tile IDs "5432-15-039-1-0-0", "5432-15-039-2-0-0", etc., as explained using Figure 6, are entered. In this way, it becomes possible to share tile map information for one or more tiles via URL.

[0078] In the tile map URL sharing unit 724 of the smartphone 7A(1) shown in Figure 12, a URL corresponding to the tile map image selected by the user is formed, as explained using Figure 13, and this is sent to the intended recipient via a messaging app. The intended recipient's smartphone 7A(2) can request the provision of tile map information corresponding to the provided URL from the providing server device 1A by tapping the provided URL.

[0079] Therefore, in the providing server device 1A shown in Figure 11, the tile map URL corresponding unit 114 functions to obtain tile map information for the tile indicated by the URL from the map information DB 104 and provide it to the requesting smartphone 7A(2). Note that the method of forming a URL explained using Figure 13 is just one example, and of course, URLs can be formed in other formats as long as they can receive map information on a tile-by-tile basis from the providing server device 1A.

[0080] <Processing performed by the server device 1A in the second embodiment> Next, we will summarize the processing performed by the providing server device 1A in the second embodiment described above, referring to the flowchart. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the providing server device 1A in the second embodiment. The processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 14 is executed by the control unit 102, which controls each part of the providing server device 1.

[0081] In Figure 14, parts that are performed in the same way as the processing performed in the providing server device 1 of the first embodiment described using Figure 9 are given the same reference numerals (step numbers), and detailed explanations of those parts are omitted as they would be redundant. That is, the processing of providing tile map information consisting of multiple tiles of the requested area in response to a map provision request from the user terminal device, smartphone 7A(1), is performed in the same way as the providing server device 1 of the first embodiment (steps S101 to S105).

[0082] Then, when a URL is provided by smartphone 7A(2), which shares tile map information in response to a URL provided by smartphone 7(1), it is determined in step S103 that it is not a map provision request. For this reason, the control unit 102 determines whether the received request is a URL or not (step S301). If it is determined in step S301 that the received request is a URL, the tile map URL response unit 114 functions under the control of the control unit 102 and extracts tile map information corresponding to the received URL from the map information DB 104 (step S302). After this, the tile map URL response unit 114 provides the extracted tile map information to the requesting user terminal device, for example, smartphone 7A(2) in this example (step S303). After this, the process from step S101 is repeated.

[0083] Furthermore, if in step S301 the control unit 102 determines that the received request is not a URL, it performs other processing corresponding to the request (step S304). This other processing can include various processes other than the provision of tile map information, such as registering user information with the providing server device 1. After this, the control unit 102 repeats the processing from step S101. In this way, the providing server device 1 can provide map information consisting of multiple tiles in an instructed area, provide tile map information corresponding to the provided URL, and perform various other processes in response to requests from user terminal devices.

[0084] <Processing performed by the user terminal device of the second embodiment> Next, we will summarize the processing performed by user terminal devices such as PC5A(1), tablet PC6A(1), and smartphone7A(1) in the second embodiment described above, referring to the flowchart. Here, we will explain using smartphone7(1) as an example of a user terminal device. Figure 15 is a flowchart for explaining the processing performed by smartphone7A(1). The processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 15 is executed by the control unit 702 of smartphone7(1), and is performed by the control unit 702 controlling each part of smartphone7(1).

[0085] In Figure 15, the same reference numerals (step numbers) are used for parts that are performed in the same way as in the smartphone 7(1) of the first embodiment described using Figure 10, and a detailed explanation of those parts is omitted to avoid redundancy. That is, in the smartphone 7A(1) of the second embodiment, the same processing is basically performed as in the smartphone 7(1) of the first embodiment (steps S201 to S212). However, the processing in step S401, which is performed after step S210, is different from the processing in step S211 shown in Figure 10.

[0086] Specifically, suppose that after one or more target tiles are selected on the map displayed on the display unit 711 via the touch panel 710, the share button BT is pressed. In this case, under the control of the control unit 702, the tile map URL sharing unit 724 functions, first accepting input for the selection of the messaging application to be launched (step S209), launching the selected messaging application, and accepting input for the recipient's instructions (step S210). The processing up to this point is the same as that of the smartphone 7(1) in the first embodiment.

[0087] Next, the tile map URL sharing unit 724 creates a URL containing the tile ID of the tile map image identified in step S207 and pastes it into the so-called talk area of ​​the target recipient in the messaging application (step S401). This allows the tile map information of the selected tile to be shared with the target recipient. After the processing in step S401, the control unit 702 repeats the processing from step S201.

[0088] In this way, the smartphone 7A(1) of the second embodiment can share tile map information with the target party by using a URL that replaces the tile map image. The smartphone 7A(2) of the party that receives the URL can use the provided URL to receive tile map information for the specified tile from the providing server device 1A and display it on the display unit 711.

[0089] As mentioned above, it is difficult to directly share tile map images via the message server device 9(1) with the digital signage 8A(1). Therefore, in the case of the digital signage 8A(1), a URL formed using, for example, Bluetooth® short-range wireless communication is provided to a user terminal device such as a smartphone held by the operator of the digital signage 8A(1). Then, the URL can be shared with the intended recipient via a messaging application through the smartphone.

[0090] [Effects of the embodiment] The user terminal devices of this embodiment, namely PC5(1), tablet PC6(1), and smartphone7(1), correspond to the map information providing device according to this invention. By using the user terminal devices of this embodiment, map information formed in a tile-like manner by dividing it into rectangular areas of a predetermined size can be utilized, enabling selection of each rectangular area and realizing the sharing of map information on a rectangular area basis. This makes it possible to easily share the map information of the necessary parts by excluding unnecessary parts of the map information.

[0091] Furthermore, in the case of the digital signage 8(1), if the target recipient can be identified, tile map information can be shared in the same way as with the PC 5(1), tablet PC 6(1), and smartphone 7(1). However, there may be cases where it is not possible to quickly identify the target recipient with the digital signage 8(1). In this case, the digital signage 8(1) provides URLs corresponding to tile map images and tile map information to the user's smartphone or other user terminal device via short-range wireless communication. This allows for easy sharing of tile map images and tile map information via URLs with the target recipient through the user terminal device.

[0092] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the tile map information uses a standard regional mesh. In this case, tile maps of appropriate levels from the 1st to 6th mesh can be used. That is, if you want to show the route to a location in detail, you can use one or more tile map images or tile map information specified by a URL of the 5th or 6th mesh. Also, if you only need to show a general location, you can use one or more tile map images or tile map information specified by a URL of the 3rd or 4th mesh. In other words, you should use tile map images or tile map information of the appropriate level depending on the purpose.

[0093] The distinction between tile map images and tile map information is intended to be made because tile map images are those displayed on the provider's user terminal device and provided from that same user terminal device. Tile map information, on the other hand, is intended to be provided from the providing server device 1A.

[0094] [Differentiation] <Other examples of tile IDs> In the embodiment described above, the tile ID was explained as consisting of a 12-digit number, but it is not limited to this. The number of digits can be varied, and various changes are possible, such as using letters or various symbols.

[0095] <Adoption of other rectangular areas> In the embodiment described above, map information was divided using a standard regional mesh to construct tile map information, but this is not the only method. For example, the map may be divided into quad sections to form tile map information. Quad division is, for example, a map represented using the Mercator projection, where the Greenwich Meridian and the equator divide the map into four equal parts (2x2), which is defined as scale 1 (first layer). Furthermore, each time the scale (layer) increases by 1 (the numerical value indicating the scale increases by 1), each divided area is further divided into four equal parts (2x2), thereby subdividing the map. In addition to this, tile map information can be constructed using various division methods depending on the purpose. Regardless of which division method is used, it is sufficient that each divided area can be uniquely identified and that the tile backside information can be associated with the target divided area.

[0096] <Use other than messaging apps> Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment uses a messaging application to share tile map images and tile map information, it is not limited to this. For example, tile map images and tile map information may be shared using email. In other words, this invention can be applied when using various methods that enable the sending and receiving of information such as image data, URLs, and text data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1…Map information server device, 101T…Connection terminal, 101…Communication I / F, 102…Control unit, 103…Storage device, 104…Map information DB, 111…Request reception unit, 112…Map extraction unit, 113…Map provision unit, 114…Tile map URL support unit, 2…Network, 3(1)…Router, 4(1), 4(2), 4(3)…Base station (AP), 5(1), 5A(1)…PC, 6(1), 6A(1)…Tablet PC, 7(1), 7A(1)...Smartphone, 701A...Transmitting / receiving antenna, 701...Wireless communication unit, 702...Control unit, 703...Storage unit, 704...Operation unit, 705...GPS unit, 705A...GPS antenna, 710...Touch panel, 711...Display unit, 712...Touch sensor, 721...Request formation unit, 722...Map display processing unit, 723...Tile map image sharing unit, 724...Tile map URL sharing unit, 8(1), 8A(1)...Digital signage

Claims

1. A display processing means for displaying a map image on a display unit, which is formed by dividing map information into rectangular areas of a predetermined size to create tiles, A receiving means for receiving input for selecting one or more target rectangular areas from the map information displayed on the display unit, A sharing means that provides the map images of one or more rectangular areas selected by the selection input received through the reception means so that they can be reproduced at the intended recipient. A map-providing device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. A map providing device according to claim 1, The sharing means provides the target recipient with a map image of one or more selected rectangular areas, which is formed from the map information of one or more of the rectangular areas. A map-providing device characterized by the following features.

3. A map providing device according to claim 1, The sharing means forms a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the location of the map information, which includes the identification information of each of the selected rectangular areas of the map information, and provides the formed URL to the intended recipient. A map-providing device characterized by the following features.

4. A map providing device according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, The map information, which is formed in a tile-like manner by dividing it into rectangular areas of a predetermined size, is stored in a predetermined map information provision server device located on a wide-area network. A request processing means for providing map information including the target location and providing the request to the map information provision server device, In response to the aforementioned request for provision, an acquisition means for acquiring the map information provided from the map information provision server device, A map-providing device characterized by comprising the following features.

5. A map provisioning program that runs on a computer installed in a device that displays maps, A display processing step of displaying a map image on a display unit, which is formed by dividing map information into rectangular areas of a predetermined size and creating a tile-like structure. A reception step that receives input for selecting one or more target rectangular areas from the map information displayed on the display unit, A sharing step provides the map images of one or more rectangular areas selected by the selection input received through the reception step so that they can be reproduced at the target recipient. A map provisioning program characterized by performing the following actions.

6. A map provisioning program according to claim 5, In the sharing step, the map images formed from the map information of one or more selected rectangular areas, and for each of the one or more rectangular areas, are provided to the target recipient. A map provision program characterized by the following features.

7. A map providing device according to claim 5, In the sharing step, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is formed that indicates the location of the map information, including the identification information of each of the selected rectangular areas of the map information, and the formed URL is provided to the intended recipient. A map provision program characterized by the following features.

8. A map provisioning program according to claim 5, claim 6, or claim 7, The map information, which is formed in a tile-like manner by dividing it into rectangular areas of a predetermined size, is stored in a predetermined map information provision server device located on a wide-area network. A request processing step of forming a request for the provision of map information including the target location and providing it to the map information provision server device, In response to the aforementioned request, the acquisition step involves acquiring the map information provided from the map information provision server device. A map provisioning program characterized by performing the following actions.

Images