Map data processing apparatus and method, and map data processing system

A map data update apparatus, comprising:

• map data storage means for storing total map data including map data of a number of types;
• input means for inputting differential data with respect to map data of at least one type, the differential data comprising a difference between latest map data and corresponding map data stored in said map data storage means;
• and
• updating means for updating the map data stored in said map data storage means using the differential data,
• said updating means including:
• processing means for storing the differential data separately from extant map data in said map data storing means;
• and
• restructuring means for combining extant map data read from said map data storage means with the differential data, restructuring the map data, and storing restructured map data in said map data storage means;
• wherein said updating means selects either said processing means or said restructuring means for updating according to a type of map data corresponding to the differential data.

A map data update apparatus, comprising:

• map data storage means for storing total map data including map data of a number of types having different purposes and embodiments for use;
• input means for inputting differential data with respect to map data of at least one type, the differential data comprising a difference between latest map data and corresponding map data stored in said map data storage means;
• and
• updating means for updating the map data stored in said map data storage means using the differential data,
• wherein said map data storage means stores map data of at least two types including drawing map data and route calculation data both for use in route guidance,
• said updating means includes processing means for storing, when supplied with differential data of drawing data, the differential data separately from extant map data in said map data storing means when said updating means is supplied with differential data comprising drawing data;
• and
• restructuring means for combining, when supplied with differential data of route calculation data, extant route calculation map data read from said map data storage means with the differential data, restructuring route calculation map data, and storing restructured route calculation map data in said map data storage means when said restructuring means is supplied with differential data comprising route calculation data.

A map data update method for updating map data stored in map data storage means using latest map data, comprising:

• an input step of inputting differential data indicative of a difference between latest map data and corresponding map data stored in said map data storage means;
• a processing step of storing the differential data separately from extant map data in said map data storage means;
• a restructuring step of reading extant map data from said map data storage means, combining the extant map data with the differential data to restructure the map data, and storing restructured map data in said map data storage means;
• wherein either the processing step or the restructuring step is selected according to a type of map data subjected to updating.

A map data update system for updating map data held by an on-vehicle terminal device, using the latest map data transmitted from an information center to said on-vehicle terminal device, comprising:

• selection means mounted on said information center, for selecting transmission of either differential data or full data with respect to each of map data of a number of types which constitute total map data, the differential data comprising a difference between latest map data and corresponding map data held by said onvehicle terminal device, the full data comprising the entire latest data;
• map data storage means mounted on said on-vehicle terminal device for storing map data;
• and
• updating means mounted on said on-vehicle terminal device, for updating the map data stored in said map data storage means, using the differential data or full data transmitted from the information center,
• said updating means having full data updating means for replacing map data stored in said map data storage means corresponding to the full data with the full data and differential data updating means for performing update processing using the differential data.

A map data update apparatus for updating map data held using latest map data transmitted from an information center comprising:

• map data storage means for storing total map data including map data of a number of types having different purpose and embodiments for use;
• receiving means for receiving either differential data or full data from said information center according to types of map data, the differential data indicating difference between latest map data and map data stored on a vehicle side, the full data being equivalent to the latest map data;
• and
• updating means for updating the map data stored in said map data storage means using either the differential data or the full data.