Navigation apparatus for receiving delivered information

Abstract

In a communication-type navigation system for downloading map data according to the present invention, a reduction in the amount of map information to be transferred, correction of a position measured by a GPS, and delivery of advertisements are effected. In this system, a terminal 5 stores rough map data in advance. Then, when detailed map data is required, it is downloaded from a map data delivery center to the terminal 5. Further, together with the map data, GPS correction information is delivered to the terminal 5 from the map data delivery center 80. Still further, coupon information associated with an advertisement is displayed and an electronic mail on the coupon information is issued, by the map data delivery center.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to a navigation apparatus for giving route guidance using map data delivered through communication or broadcasting. The invention also relates to an information delivery apparatus for delivering map data using communication and broadcasting.[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] Recently, there are proposed various navigation apparatuses for giving a vehicle guidance on a route to a destination.[0005] In JP-A-9-325040 and JP-A-10-246641, for example, there are disclosed navigation apparatuses for downloading map data from a data center. Since the navigation apparatuses of this type eliminates the need for installing therein a storage device such as a CD-ROM unit, miniaturization of the apparatuses can be effected. In addition, the most up-to-date map data and real-time information can be obtained from the apparatuses.[0006] In JP-A-9-325040, there is disclosed a navigation system in which a route search is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] More specifically, it is a first object of the present invention to ensure quick display of a map for route guidance even when map data delivered from a data center to a navigation apparatus is decreased so as to effect a reduction in the amount of communication data.

[0021] Still further, it is a third object of the present invention to improve accuracy with which position measurement of a vehicle is performed, while effecting a reduction in the cost of a navigation apparatus.

[0022] Yet, it is a fourth object of the present invention to provide an environment where an advertisement coupon is available even if a printer cannot be installed.

[0024] According to the first aspect of the present invention, if the map data delivered through communication and broadcasting does not contain all of map data on a route from the current position of a vehicle to a destination, it becomes possible to read out map data on the route from the second storage area and then to give route guidance using a map represented by the map data. Accordingly, even if the amount of the map data delivered through communication and broadcasting is decreased to effect a reduction in the amount of communication data, quick display of maps for route guidance can be performed.

[0028] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the GPS correction data is obtained from the information delivery device for delivering the map data. Thus, it can be so arranged that a receiver for receiving the map data also serves as a receiver for obtaining the GPS correction data. With this arrangement, special hardware such as an FM receiver or a gyro sensor is not required for obtaining the correction data. Thus, it becomes possible to improve measuring accuracy while achieving a reduction in the cost of the navigation apparatus.

[0030] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in response to the instruction from the terminal that has received the advertisement data, the coupon information is notified to the terminal that has received the advertisement data. The coupon information is also notified to the terminal of the advertiser. Accordingly, the advertiser can be informed that the coupon information has been notified to the terminal that has received the advertisement data. Thus, if the user of the terminal notifies the advertiser of the coupon information, the present invention according to the fourth aspect can provide an environment where an advertisement coupon can be utilized, even if a printer cannot be installed.

Problems solved by technology

This system, however, does not takes into account action which should be taken in a situation where the position of a vehicle being under route guidance has been deviated from a route obtained by the route search.

Since these techniques require special hardware such as an FM receiver and the gyro sensor, the cost of the navigation apparatus rises.

For this reason, this service is not suited to be in use for a vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus and a navigation apparatus of a hand-held terminal type, because in the cases of these navigation apparatuses, an installing space for the printer is limited.

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