111111
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Machida et al.
`
`11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20010027375Al
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2001/0027375 Al
`Oct. 4, 2001
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OUTPUT
`SYSTEM
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Mar. 29, 2000
`
`(JP) ...................................... 2000-095199
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Yoshiyuki Machida, Kawasaki (JP);
`Masao Hayama, Yokohama (JP);
`Joichi Saito, Yokohama (JP); Fumihiko
`Shimazaki, Yokohama (JP); Yuichiro
`Katsu, Fujisawa (JP)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`SOFER & HAROUN, L.L.P
`Suite 1921
`342 Madison Avenue
`New York, NY 10173 (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`09/769,916
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan.25,2001
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. CI? ..................................................... GOlC 21/30
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 701/209; 340/990
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The present invention is intended to achieve optimum navi(cid:173)
`gation services for moving means types corresponding to
`automobiles, bicycles, wheelchairs and walking. Moving
`means type information about a moving means type to be
`used by a user who desires the supply of route information
`is produced, and a starting position data on a starting
`position from which the user starts is obtained. A map of an
`area surrounding the starting position is extracted from map
`data for the moving means type and the same map is
`displayed. A destination to which the user desires to travel
`is specified, map data for the moving means type is searched
`for a route by using the starting position and the destination
`as keys for retrieval, and an optimum route for the moving
`means type is extracted.
`
`RADIO NETWORK
`
`INTERNET
`
`100
`1
`107
`~
`I ~
`MOBILE TERMINAL
`- ~COMMUNICATION~ RAM
`
`t
`
`1 07a
`
`102
`
`DEVICE
`
`CURRENT
`POSITION DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`MOVING MEANS
`TYPE DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`1- DESTINATION DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`1
`107d
`MAP DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`107e
`PUBLIC
`TRANSPORTATION
`UTILIZATION
`MODE DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`SPEECH
`GUIDANCE DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`
`107b
`
`103
`
`~-
`
`~ NPOSITION
`FINDING DEVICE
`104
`~ 1----- DISPLAY UNIT
`105
`~ - CONTROL UNIT
`101
`CPU
`-106
`ROM
`106a -
`BASIC
`SOFTWARE
`STORAGE AREA
`106b ,_ COMMUNICATION
`PROGRAM
`STORAGE AREA
`106c
`:- NAVIGATION
`PROGRAM
`STORAGE AREA
`106d ,_ WWW VIEWER
`PROGRAM
`STORAGE AREA HrPEECH OUTPUTr
`- INPUT TERMINAL 1- DEVICE
`108
`
`1071
`
`109
`
`www
`SERVER
`601
`
`BASE
`STATION
`
`600
`
`GEOGRAPHIC
`DATABASE
`605
`
`TIMETABLE
`DATABASE
`606
`
`TRAFFIC
`DATABASE
`
`GEOGRAPHIC
`MAP
`CONVERTING/ INFORMATION
`DISTRIBUTING ANALYZING
`SERVER
`SERVER
`
`602
`
`603
`
`

`

`Ul
`-..J
`~
`-..J
`N
`
`'"""'
`>
`
`'"""' -c c
`N c c
`
`'JJ.
`Cj
`
`'"""' ~
`'"""' 0 ......,
`~ .....
`'JJ. =-~
`'"""'
`N c c
`
`~,J;;..
`!"""
`I")
`0
`
`.... 0 =
`~ 't:l -....
`~ = .....
`~ .....
`""C
`
`~ .....
`
`I")
`
`0 =
`....
`~ .....
`0' =:
`~
`
`I")
`
`604 I
`
`1
`
`501
`
`STATION
`BASE
`
`200
`
`,..--
`
`INTERNET
`
`RADIO NETWORK
`
`RAM
`(
`107
`
`It COMMUNICATION_]-
`w-
`
`MOBILE TERMINAL
`
`~
`100
`
`DEVICE
`
`I
`
`FIG. 1
`
`108
`
`106d
`
`106c
`
`c'
`106b
`
`106a
`106
`101
`105
`104
`
`103
`
`102
`
`603
`
`602
`
`601
`
`SERVER
`DISTRIBUTING ANALYZING
`CONVERTING/ INFORMATION
`GEOGRAPHIC
`MAP
`
`SERVER
`
`SERVER
`www
`
`STR
`
`632
`
`622
`
`STR
`
`STR
`
`612
`
`631
`{]]630
`
`109
`
`DEVICE
`SPEECH OUTPUT~
`
`107f
`
`107e
`
`07d I
`
`r
`lj MAP DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`'DESTINATION DAT~l
`
`STORAGE AREA
`GUIDANCE DATA
`SPEECH
`STORAGE AREA
`MODE DATA
`UTILIZATION
`TRANSPORTATION
`PUBLIC
`STORAGE AREA
`
`I GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION CENTER
`
`\
`600
`
`400
`
`300
`
`07c
`
`07b
`
`07a
`
`STORAGE AREA
`TYPE DATA
`MOVING MEANS
`STORAGE AREA
`POSITION DATA
`CURRENT
`
`INPUT TERMINAL J-
`STORAGE AREA
`PROGRAM
`WWW VIEWER
`STORAGE AREA
`PROGRAM
`NAVIGATION
`STORAGE AREA
`PROGRAM
`COMMUNICATION
`STORAGE AREA
`SOFTWARE
`BASIC
`ROM
`
`r--
`r--CONTROL UNIT
`c--, DISPLAY UNIT
`FINDING DEVICE
`}
`
`r-------1 POSITION
`
`CPU
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 2 of 13
`
`US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`604
`
`GEOGRAPHIC DATABASE
`
`)
`
`604a
`
`1 ROAD DATA FOR AUTOMOBILE r 604b
`ROAD DATA FOR BICYCLE r 604c
`2 ROAD DATA FOR WHEELCHAIR r 604d
`/_ ROAD DATA FOR WALKING rG04e
`/_ BACKGROUND IMAGE DATA ~6041
`1 STATION POSITION DATA r604g
`
`BUS STOP POSITION DATA
`
`!_
`
`LANDMARK DATA
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 3 of 13
`
`US 2001!0027375 Al
`
`FIG. 3
`
`SELECTION OF A
`MOVING MEANS
`TYPE SETTING MENU
`BY OPERATING THE
`CONTROL UNIT
`
`S301
`
`AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
`SELECTION OF A
`DESIRED SETTING MODE
`
`NO
`
`SET MOVING MEANS
`TYPE FOR WALKING
`
`AUTOMOBILE
`
`WHEELCHAIR
`
`S307
`
`BICYCLE
`
`S308
`
`S309
`
`STORE MOVING
`MEANS TYPE
`INFORMATION
`INDICATING
`AUTOMOBILES
`
`STORE MOVING
`MEANS TYPE
`INFORMATION
`INDICATING
`BICYCLES
`
`STORE MOVING
`MEANS TYPE
`INFORMATION
`INDICATING
`WHEELCHAIRS
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 4 of 13
`
`US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 4
`MAP
`CONVERTING/
`DISTRIBUTING
`SERVER
`
`www
`SERVER
`
`GEOGRAPHIC
`INFORMATION
`SERVER
`
`1--------- 8401
`
`1------8402
`
`MOBILE
`TERMINAL
`J
`SELECT CURRENT
`POSITION DISPLAY MENU
`
`_j
`
`OBTAIN CURRENT
`POSITION INFORMATION
`
`8403
`
`IS AN
`IMAGE OF AN
`AREA INCLUDING
`THE CURRENT POSITION
`STORED IN THE MAP
`DATA STORAGE
`AREA?
`
`YES
`
`8405
`
`~
`
`NO
`SEND OUT
`A MAP
`REQUEST
`MESSAGE
`(LATITUDE,
`LONGITUDE)
`
`SEND OUT THE
`MAP REQUEST
`MESSAGE
`(LATITUDE,
`LONGITUDE)
`\
`8406
`
`SEND OUT THE MAP
`REQUEST MESSAGE
`(LATITUDE,
`8407
`8408
`"; L
`LONGITUDE)
`TAKE OUT VECTOR MAP DATA OF
`AN AREA CORRESPONDING TO
`THE LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
`INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE
`MAP REQUEST MESSAGE, AND A
`BACKGROUND IMAGE DATA
`SEND THE VECTOR
`MAP DATA AND THE
`BACKGROUND IMAGE TO
`THE MAP CONVERTING/
`DISTRIBUTING SERVER
`
`PRODUCE A RASTER MAP IMAGE BY I\
`
`S~ 12
`
`8413
`5~~~RJ~J~~~E ~fc~~~b~~~~~AGE
`.--------..._(_,
`STORE THE
`~
`1
`8409
`GIVE THE
`\__
`_ '
`RASTER MAP
`DATA IN THE RAM SEND THE RASTER RASTER
`\
`8410
`..___ _ ___,_ ..... MAP DATA TO THE MAP DATA 8411
`l
`MOBILE TERMINAL TO THE WWW
`r----- 8404 SERVER
`DISPLAY THE IMAGE OF
`THE AREA INCLUDING
`THE CURRENT POSITION
`
`SUPERPOSE AN ICON
`REPRESENTING THE
`MOBILE TERMINAL ON THE
`MAP IMAGE DISPLA YEO
`BY THE DISPLAY UNIT
`
`r----- 8414
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 5 of 13
`
`US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 5
`
`MOBILE
`TERMINAL
`
`www
`SERVER
`
`MAP
`CONVERTING/
`DISTRIBUTING
`SERVER
`
`GEOGRAPHIC
`INFORMATION
`SERVER
`
`SEND A ROUTE
`FINDING REQUEST
`MESSAGE
`(MOVING MEANS
`iYPE, STARTING
`POSITION, ARRIVING
`
`28504 POSITION} TO THE
`28506
`I FIND A ROUTE AND
`
`GEOGRAPHIC
`INFORMATION
`1-SE_N_D_A_RO-U~TE--~S~ER~VErR~--~
`~~~~~~EREQUEST
`8505 ¥~{ULATE MOVEMENT
`(MOVING MEANS
`SEND MAP DATA A
`TYPE, STARTING
`POSITION, ARRIVING BACKGROUND IMAGE
`POSITION} TO THE
`AND MOVEMENT
`MAP CONVERTING/ TIME TO THE
`DISTRIBUTING
`MAP CONVERTING/
`SERVER
`DISTRIBUTING
`SERVER
`I PRODUCE A MAP
`dos
`
`~
`8507
`
`8509
`~
`SEND MAP DATA
`AND MOVEMENT
`TIME TO THE
`WWW SERVER
`
`SET A DESTINATION
`
`8501
`
`SELECT A ROUTE V 8502
`FINDING REQUEST
`MENU
`
`SEND A ROUTE FINDING
`REQUEST MESSAGE
`(MOVING MEANS TYPE,
`STARTING POSITION,
`ARRIVING POSITION)
`TO THE WWW SERVER
`
`SEND THE MAP DATA AND
`THE MOVEMENT TIME TO
`THE MOBILE TERMINAL
`
`\
`
`8510
`
`STORE THE MAP
`DATA AND THE
`MOVEMENT TIME
`IN THE RAM
`
`DISPLAY THE MAP
`AND THE
`MOVEMENT TIME
`I
`
`I'- 8511
`
`I'-- 8512
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 6 of 13
`
`US 2001!0027375 Al
`
`FIG. 6
`MOVING STARTING
`... MEANS
`POINT
`TYPE
`
`PUBLIC
`DESTINATION TRANSPORT AT ION
`UTILIZATION
`
`...
`
`FIG. 7
`l·u I ~:fA I ~~~EMENT I WAITING TIME I u
`
`UJ
`
`UJ
`_J
`0
`>-0
`m
`
`FIG. 8
`STARTING ARRIVING ARRIVING ARRIVING ARRIVING
`NODE 1 NODE 2 NODE 3 NODE 4
`NODE
`P1309
`P1303
`P1301
`P1304
`I _ j o-,_ro
`P1307
`P1304
`P1302
`::)0
`<(:::2:
`----- -------------------------------------------------------------
`P1305
`P1306
`P1309
`P1301
`P1303
`P1313
`P1315
`P1317
`P1309
`P1315
`----- -------------------------------------------------------------
`a:
`P1305
`P1306
`P1301
`P1304
`P1303
`<(
`I
`P1303
`P1305
`0
`_J
`UJ
`UJ
`P13i2
`P1306
`P1304
`P1307
`:r: s:
`----- -------------------------------------------------------------
`P1304
`P1305
`P1306
`P1301
`P1303
`P1305
`P1303
`P1307
`P1307
`P1304
`P1305
`
`<.9
`z
`::::s::::
`_J
`<(
`
`s:
`
`P1306
`
`P1312
`
`----- -------------------------------------------------------------
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 7 of 13
`
`US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 9
`
`NODE
`
`LATITUDE LONGITUDE
`
`...
`
`...
`
`P1003
`
`30.00000
`
`150.0000
`
`FIG. 10
`
`STARTING
`NODE
`
`P1003
`
`ATTRIBUTE INFORMATION
`FOR THE ARRIVING NODE
`STANDARD
`P1001, DISTANCE, MOVEMENT GRADIENT, etc.
`TIME,
`
`FIG. 11
`
`SPEED
`MOVING
`MEANS TYPE COEFFICIENT
`AUTOMOBILE
`40
`BICYCLE
`10
`WHEELCHAIR
`2
`3
`. ..
`
`WALKING
`...
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 8 of 13
`
`US 2001!0027375 Al
`
`FIG. 12
`
`FROM S505
`
`S701
`NO
`
`SELECT MAP
`DATA FOR
`AUTOMOBILES
`
`SELECT A
`MAP FOR
`BICYCLES
`
`NO
`
`YES
`FIND A ROUTE FOR A TRAVEL WITHOUT
`USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND
`TIME NECESSARY TO TRAVEL THE ROUTE
`
`S706
`
`. - - - - - - - .L__ - - - - - - - - , 8707
`FIND A CONVEYANCE BOARDING POINT
`NEAREST TO THE STARTING POINT
`AND A CONVEYANCE LEAVING POINT
`NEAREST TO THE DESTINATION
`
`FIND A ROUTE FROM A CONVEYANCE
`BOARDING POINT TO A CONVEYANCE
`LEAVING POINT AND CALCULATE TIME
`NECESSARY FOR TRAVELING THE ROUTE
`
`CALCULATE WAITING TIME
`
`8709
`
`FIND A ROUTE FROM THE CONVEYANCE
`LEAVING POINT AND CALCULATE TIME
`NECSSSARY TO TRAVEL THE ROUTE
`
`8710
`
`S703
`
`RETRIEVE A
`POSSIBLE ROUTE
`FOR AUTOMOBILES
`8704
`
`READ TRAFFIC
`INFORMATION
`
`S750
`
`CALCULATE THE
`DISTANCE OF
`THE ROUTE
`
`8751
`
`CALCULATE TIME
`NECESSARY TO
`TRAVEL THE ROUTE
`
`TO S507
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 9 of 13
`
`US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 13
`
`P1301
`
`P1309
`
`P1310
`
`FIG. 14
`
`P1301
`
`P1302
`
`P1308
`/
`
`P1309
`
`P1310
`
`/
`P1306
`
`P1315
`P1316
`
`P1315
`P1316
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 10 of 13 US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 15
`
`P1301
`
`P1302
`
`P1308
`
`P1313 P1314
`
`FIG. 16
`
`P1301
`
`P1309
`
`P1310
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 11 of 13
`
`US 2001!0027375 Al
`
`FIG. 17
`
`P1301
`
`P1308
`
`P1309
`
`P1310
`
`P1314
`
`P1316
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 12 of 13 US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 18
`
`\ [7
`
`1?7
`\
`RAM
`
`104
`·-1-
`105
`'---~----
`10
`1---~-----
`
`1-
`
`1-
`
`1-
`
`f.-- 107a
`
`1-- 107b
`
`1-- 107c
`
`1-- 107d
`
`1---- 107e
`
`1~00
`-~
`
`1801
`
`CURRENT POSITION
`DATA STORAGE AREA
`I - MOVING MEANS TYPE }-
`DATA STORAGE AREA
`DESTINATION DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`MAP DATA
`STORAGE AREA
`PUBLIC
`TRANSPORT AT ION
`UTILIZATION MODE
`DATA STORAGE AREA
`
`100
`~
`MOBILE TERMINAL
`.-
`102
`!-+ COMMUNICATION DEVICE l-
`,_1-
`103
`POSITION
`FINDING DEVICE
`DISPLAY UNIT
`CONTROL UNIT
`CPU
`
`106
`~ .-
`106a
`106b ,_
`
`ROM
`BASIC SOFTWARE
`STORAGE AREA
`COMMUNICATION
`PROGRAM STORAGE
`AREA
`
`r-
`~
`
`106c ; -
`
`106d 1 -
`
`108 -----
`
`NAVIGATION PROGRAM
`STORAGE AREA
`
`WWW VIEWER PROGRAM
`STORAGE AREA
`
`INPUT TERMINAL
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`'
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`CRADLE
`t
`OUTPUT TERMINAL
`
`MOVING MEANS
`TYPE DATA
`STORAGE DEVICE
`
`-~02
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2001 Sheet 13 of 13 US 2001/0027375 A1
`
`FIG. 19
`
`MOBILE
`TERMINAL
`
`WWW SERVER
`
`GEOGRAPHIC
`INFORMATION
`SERVER
`
`,01
`I SELECT MAP UPDATING MENUj
`S1902
`/
`I SET A STARTING NODE I
`S)l03
`I SET AN ARRIVING NODE I
`s~:o4
`!SELECT AN UPDATE TYPEI
`
`SEND MAP UPDATE
`REQUEST TO THE
`WWW SERVER
`~TARTING NODE,
`RRIVING NODE 2,
`ROUTE INFORMATION)
`
`SEND MAP UPDATE
`REQUEST TO THE
`GEOGRAPHIC
`:)905 INFORMATION SERVER
`~STARTING NODE,
`RRIVING NODE 2,
`ROUTE INFORMATION)
`
`\
`
`S1907
`!
`S1906
`!UPDATE THE DATABASE!
`
`SEND A MAP UPDATE
`RESPONSE MESSAGE
`TO THE WWW SERVER
`
`~08
`
`,909
`
`SENDS THE MAP
`UPDATE RESPONSE
`MESSAGE TO THE
`MOBILE TERMINAL
`
`

`

`US 2001/0027375 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2001
`
`1
`
`GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OUTPUT SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a navigation sys(cid:173)
`tem that provides users with map data and road guidance.
`
`[0002] Current car navigation devices use a CD-ROM or
`a DVD-ROM as a map data storage medium.
`
`[0003] Other known navigation devices use a VICS
`(vehicle information and communication system) to find a
`route to avoid being involved in traffic congestion on the
`basis of traffic information about traffic congestion acquired
`from information broadcast by FM multiplex broadcasting
`or signals emitted by light or radio beacons.
`
`[0004] Portable navigation devices for walkers are mar(cid:173)
`keted.
`
`[0005] Navigation devices related with the present inven(cid:173)
`tion includes those for vehicles or walkers. Actually, there
`are many mobile objects of widely different mobile charac(cid:173)
`teristics other than vehicles and walkers.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is a principal object of the present invention to
`[0006]
`provide a geographic information output system capable of
`providing different mobile objects with navigation data
`meeting the different characteristics of the mobile objects.
`
`[0007] According to the present invention, a mobile sta(cid:173)
`tion identifies a moving means type, i.e., the type of a
`moving means used by a user, determines the current posi(cid:173)
`tion of the user, and sends signals indicating the moving
`means type, the current position, a destination and the like
`to a server. The server holds road databases respectively for
`moving means types, determines a route on the basis of the
`data on the moving means type, the current position and the
`destination provided by the mobile station, and sends guid(cid:173)
`ance data on the determined route to the mobile station.
`Upon the reception of the guidance data, the mobile station
`displays the guidance data on a display or announces the
`guide data to inform the user of the guidance data.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention
`will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying
`drawings, in which:
`
`[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a geographic infor(cid:173)
`mation output system in a preferred embodiment according
`to the present invention;
`
`[0010] FIG. 2 is a view showing the construction of a
`geographic database;
`
`[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a moving means type
`setting procedure for setting the moving means type of a
`moving means to be used by a mobile station;
`
`[0012] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a signal
`sequence for displaying a map image including a current
`position on a mobile station;
`
`[0013] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a signal
`sequence for providing a navigation guidance service;
`
`[0014] FIG. 6 is a view showing a route data retrieval
`request message by way of example;
`
`[0015] FIG. 7 is a view showing a route data transfer
`format;
`
`[0016] FIG. 8 is view showing the construction of map
`data;
`
`[0017] FIG. 9 is a view showing geographical information
`about a node;
`
`[0018] FIG. 10 is a view showing attribute information
`about a link;
`
`[0019] FIG. 11 is a table of speed coefficients for different
`moving means types;
`
`[0020] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a route finding proce(cid:173)
`dure;
`
`[0021] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view showing an area
`around a guided person;
`
`[0022] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view showing the result
`of a route finding operation for an automobile;
`
`[0023] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view showing the result
`of a route finding operation for bicycles;
`
`[0024] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view showing the result
`of a route finding operation for wheelchairs;
`
`[0025] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view showing the result
`of a route finding operation for a walker;
`
`[0026] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a cradle; and
`
`[0027] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a map
`updating signal sequence.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0028] A preferred embodiment of the present invention
`will be described hereinafter. The embodiment described
`herein is only an example and the technical scope of the
`present invention is not limited by the embodiment specifi(cid:173)
`cally described herein.
`
`[0029] FIG. 1 shows a geographic information output
`system in a preferred embodiment according to the present
`invention. In this embodiment, a server on a network or a
`mobile station is provided with a geographic database asso(cid:173)
`ciated with a moving means type to provide the user with
`navigation guidance service associated with the user's mov(cid:173)
`ing means type. Geographic information signifies informa(cid:173)
`tion including maps, routes from starting positions to des(cid:173)
`tinations, time necessary for movement, and traffic guidance
`information, such as navigation information. Moving means
`type data represents moving means to be used by users for
`movement, such as automobiles (motorcycles and four(cid:173)
`wheeled vehicles), bicycles, trains, wheelchairs, feet, ships
`and aircraft; that is, the moving means type data is the
`general designation of information useful not only for mov(cid:173)
`ing users but also for users who will intend to move in the
`future to plan a movement. The term "user" signifies not
`only an object actually traveling a route but also a person
`who enjoys advantages of the present invention and a person
`who operates the geographic information output system of
`the present invention.
`
`

`

`US 2001/0027375 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2001
`
`2
`
`[0030] A mobile station 100 comprises a CPU 101 for
`controlling the terminal, a communication device 102 that
`communicates through radio channels with a base station
`200, a position finding device 103 that finds the current
`position of the mobile station 100, a display unit 104 that
`displays map data, operation menus and such, a control unit
`105 having letter keys, numeric keys, cursor control keys
`and the like, a ROM 106 having a basic software storage
`area 106a, a communication program storage area 106b, a
`navigation program storage area 106c and a WWW viewer
`program storage area 106d, and a RAM 107 including a
`current position data storage area 107a holding current
`position data on the current position of the mobile station
`100, a moving means type data storage area 107b for storing
`moving means type data on the moving means type of the
`mobile station, a destination data storage area 107 c for
`storing destination data on a destination, a map data storage
`area 107d for storing map data, and a public transportation
`utilization mode data storage area 107 e for storing public
`transportation utilization mode data. The ROM 106 and the
`RAM 107 may be any kinds of storage devices, such as flash
`memories capable of being incorporated into mobile sta(cid:173)
`tions. The destination is a place to which the user wants to
`move, and points on a route other than a starting point, such
`as a terminal point and middle points.
`
`[0031] The base station is connected to a radio network
`300. A radio system including the mobile station 100, the
`base station 200 and the radio network is a public radio
`communications system for portable telephones. Desirably,
`although the navigation system of the present invention uses
`radio packet communications because the navigation system
`sends out and receives data periodically, the navigation
`system may be of any type of radio communications system.
`
`[0032] The radio network 300 is connected through a
`gateway 501 to the Internet. The gateway is a means of
`connecting different systems. The mobile station 100 con(cid:173)
`nected to the base station 200 is able to communicate with
`the Internet 400 through the radio network 300 and the
`gateway 501. Thus, the mobile station 100 is able to gain
`access to an optional sever on the Internet 400. Part of the
`system in this embodiment may be replaced with a system
`disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 9-166450.
`
`[0033] The position finding device 103 finds the current
`position of the mobile station 100 and provides a signal
`representing the current position. More concretely, the posi(cid:173)
`tion finding device 103 finds the current position by a
`method that uses the GPS (Global Positioning System), a
`method that receives information sent out periodically by the
`base station 200 and determines the current position of the
`mobile station 100 on the basis of position information
`included in the information provided by the base station 200
`or, when the radio system uses a spread spectrum commu(cid:173)
`nication system in which a plurality of base stations send out
`signals spread by PN codes of the same series, a method that
`makes the mobile station determine the current position
`through the calculation of the difference between propaga(cid:173)
`tion delays of signals sent out by the plurality of base
`stations.
`
`[0034] The mobile station 100 is a terminal device of a
`PDA type (personal digital assistant type) integrally com(cid:173)
`prising the CPU 101, the communication device 102, the
`position finding device 103, the display unit 104, the control
`
`unit 105, the ROM 106 and the RAM 107 or a terminal
`device of a notebook-sized personal computer type includ(cid:173)
`ing, in combination, an adapter having the functions of the
`communication device 102 and the position finding device
`103, and a notebook-type personal computer having the
`functions of the rest of the components.
`[0035] A navigation system related with this embodiment
`employs a comparatively large map information recording
`medium, such as a CD-ROM, and hence the system cannot
`be miniaturized in a size smaller than that of the CD-ROM.
`Therefore, the navigation system is not suitable for a walker
`to carry around. In this embodiment, map data is held on the
`network and the mobile station 100 obtains only necessary
`map data by downloading the same from the network.
`[0036] The Internet 400 is connected through the gateway
`501 to a geographic information center 600. The geographic
`information center 600 comprises a WWW server 601, a
`map converting/distributing server 602 that converts vector
`map data into raster map image data and transfers the raster
`map image data to the WWW server 601, a geographic
`information analyzing server 603 that carries out operations
`for route finding and route analysis, a geographic database
`604 storing map data, a timetable database 605 storing
`timetable data of public transportation, such as trains and
`buses, and a traffic database 606 storing real-time road
`information about accidents, traffic congestion and construc(cid:173)
`tion work that will change from time to time.
`[0037] The navigation system related with this embodi(cid:173)
`ment is intended for use by a vehicle or a walker. Practically,
`there are various moving means types of widely different
`movement characteristics. For example, an automotive navi(cid:173)
`gation system uses maps on a greatly reduced scale. Such
`maps are difficult for walkers and users on wheelchairs to
`find the current position. This embodiment provides navi(cid:173)
`gation services respectively meeting the characteristics of
`different moving means types. As shown in FIG. 2, the
`geographic database 604 has map data for moving means
`types, such as road data for automobile 604a, road data for
`bicycle 604b, road data for wheelchair 604c, road data for
`walking 604d, background image data 604e, station position
`data 604/, bus stop position data 604g landmark data 604h.
`The map data for each moving means type may be a
`collection of individual data or may be less pieces of data
`provided by integrating map data.
`[0038] The road data 604a to 604d include information
`about available roads. FIG. 8 shows a concrete example of
`the road data. The road data is a collection of vector line
`patterns. One line is represented by link information about
`a starting node and an arriving node. As shown in FIG. 9,
`each node is indicated by latitude/longitude coordinate
`information. Each line determined by a starting node and an
`arriving node has attribute information.
`[0039] Attribute information is stored in one record and is
`in one-to-one correspondence with a line pattern. As shown
`in FIG. 10, the attribute information includes information
`about the distance of the line, speed limits, gradients and
`standard necessary traveling time. The road data for auto(cid:173)
`mobile 604a has node information about only points that can
`be passed by automobiles, link information and the attribute
`information. To enable route finding taking into consider(cid:173)
`ation one-way roads, link information is not attached to a
`node at the exit of a one-way road to provide the same node
`with no-traffic information.
`
`

`

`US 2001/0027375 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2001
`
`3
`
`[0040] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a line between
`nodes P1303 and P1304 represents a one-way road. In an
`automobile section of FIG. 8, a link is extended from the
`node P1303 to the node P1304, and any link is not extended
`from the node P1304 to the node P1303 to indicate that the
`line is a one-way road. As shown in a wheelchair section of
`FIG. 8, pieces of link information are attached to both the
`entrance (node P1303) and the exit (node P1305) of a line
`representing a two-way road.
`[0041] The road data for bicycle 604b has node informa(cid:173)
`tion, link information and the attribute information for only
`points that can be passed by bicycles, link information and
`the attribute information. FIG. 15 shows roads that can be
`traveled by bicycles. FIG. 15 includes a cycling road
`(P1315-P1309-P1308) in addition to roads shown in FIG.
`14. As shown in a bicycle section of FIG. 8, a link is
`extended from a node P1315 to a new node P1309.
`[0042]
`It is difficult for a user on a wheelchair to travel
`bumpy roads and hence roads as barrier-free as possible
`must be selected for wheelchairs. Since the navigation
`system related with the present invention does not take
`bumps on roads into consideration, it is possible that a user
`on a wheelchair is unable to reach a destination along a route
`selected by the navigation system. Therefore, the wheelchair
`route data 604c has node information about only points that
`can be passed by wheelchairs, link information and the
`attribute information. FIG. 16 shows a map for wheelchairs.
`Route finding operation takes into consideration roads that
`are difficult for wheelchairs to travel. Therefore, any link
`information is not attached to the wheelchair route data 604c
`representing a bumpy road, such as a road between nodes
`P1305 and P1307, and steep roads which is practically
`impossible for wheelchairs to travel. As shown in a wheel(cid:173)
`chair section of FIG. 8, any link is extended between the
`nodes P1305 and P1307.
`[0043] The road data for walking 604d has node informa(cid:173)
`tion, link information and the attribute information for only
`points that can be passed by walkers. FIG. 17 shows a map
`for walkers. A link is extended between nodes P1305 and
`P1307 as shown in a walking section of FIG. 8 because
`walkers are able to walk bumpy roads. The background
`image data 604e is raster data including data on land
`utilization images, building images and place name charac(cid:173)
`ter pictures, which are necessary for forming a map image.
`The station position data 604/ has node information about
`nodes corresponding to stations and link information about
`links between the nodes. The bus stop position data 604g has
`node information about nodes corresponding to bus stops
`and link information about links between the nodes. The
`landmark data 604h has data on the names of tourist attrac(cid:173)
`tions and buildings, and data on the latitude and longitude of
`each of such tourist attractions and buildings.
`[0044] The geographic information analyzing server 603
`is capable of selecting route data on an optimum route for a
`specified moving means type, of calculating the distance of
`the optimum route and of calculating time necessary to
`travel the route on the basis of position information about a
`starting place and a destination, a moving means type and an
`average speed for the moving means type. Although the
`present invention uses a Dijkstra's method for route finding,
`any other suitable route finding method may be used.
`[0045] The navigation system related with this embodi(cid:173)
`ment is incapable of taking into consideration waiting time
`
`in finding an optimum route when the user uses public
`transportation, such as trains and buses. The geographic
`information analyzing server 603 finds a route using public
`transportation and takes waiting time into consideration
`when the moving means type of the user corresponds to
`walking or wheelchairs. In this case, first a conveyance
`boarding point where the user takes a public conveyance and
`a conveyance leaving point where the user leaves the public
`conveyance are retrieved from the station position data 604/
`and the bus stop position data 604g with reference to a given
`starting point and a given destination. The position data
`includes information about the latitude and longitude of each
`of the conveyance boarding point and the conveyance leav(cid:173)
`ing point. Subsequently, a public conveyances available for
`a route between the conveyance boarding point and the
`conveyance leaving point is retrieved from the station posi(cid:173)
`tion data 604/ and the bus stop position data 604g. Lastly, the
`road data for wheelchair 604c or the road data for walking
`604d are searched for roads from the starting point to the
`conveyance boarding point and from the conveyance leaving
`point to the destination to obtain route data on the roads. The
`distances of sections associated with moving means types of
`route between the starting point and the destination are
`determined. The distances are multiplied by the speed coef(cid:173)
`ficients for the moving means types, respectively, to calcu(cid:173)
`late times necessary for traveling the sections associated
`with the moving means types. The times are added up to
`calculate time necessary for traveling the route. A table of
`speed coefficients shown in FIG. 11 may be included in the
`geographic database 604. Thus, part of the geographic
`database 604 storing the speed coefficients may be called a
`speed coefficient storage device.
`
`[0046] Another calculating method sums up standard
`moving times for the sections shown in FIG. 10. For
`example, data representing standard moving times necessary
`for moving means types to move each section is stored as
`additional information in addition to the map data as shown
`in FIG. 10, the standard time necessary for a moving means
`type identified by the controller to move the section is read
`from the map data, and a standard moving time necessary for
`traveling the route can be determined by adding up the
`standard necessary times for all the sections thus deter(cid:173)
`mined. The standard moving time thus calculated is dis(cid:173)
`played by the display unit.
`
`[0047] The map converting/distributing server 602 super(cid:173)
`poses the calculated route data and the background image
`data 604e to produce a map image data on an optional
`reduced scale. The geographic database 604, the timetable
`database 605 and the traffic database 606 are connected to
`the geographic information analyzing server 603. The
`WWW server 601, the map converting/distributing server
`602 and the geographic information analyzing server 603 are
`connected on a LAN included in the geographic information
`center 600 for mutual communication.
`
`[0048] The system needs to identify the moving means
`type to enable carrying out navigation according to the
`moving means type. The identification of the moving means
`type is the determination of the type of movement of the
`user. For example, the moving means type is specified by an
`operation based on the user's intention, by operating a
`selector switch or by an operation in cooperation with an
`external device, such as a cradle. The identification of the
`
`

`

`US 2001/0027375 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2001
`
`4
`
`moving means type does not need to be made on the level
`of human recognition and may be made on a level which can
`be dealt with by the system.
`
`[0049] A procedure for setting a moving means type for
`the mobile station 100 included in the system shown in FIG.
`1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. A person who
`uses the mobile station 100 to receive navigation service is
`called a user. A menu selection dialog box including a