Abstract: A map data update method for updating nationwide updated version map data using route-specific update data is disclosed. This method has a step of creating route-specific update data, comprising update data for all routes which have been newly opened since the time of release of the nationwide updated version map data; a step of storing a plurality of route-specific update data sets with different creation dates; a step of, when updating the nationwide updated version map data of the time of release stored in a navigation apparatus in use of a prescribed first route-specific update data which has been stored, storing pre-update map files necessary to restore the nationwide updated version map data; and a step of using the first route-specific update data to update the nationwide updated version map data.

Abstract: To provide a system that can provide traffic information to drivers of automobiles or the like with high prediction precision. In a traffic information management system according to the present invention, a first processing unit 110 recognizes a transition pattern of the necessary travel time for an automobile 20 for each unit road. A second processing unit 120 recognizes a route including one or more unit roads by communicating with a navigation system 200. For each unit road included in the route, a third processing unit 130 searches for a “resembling pattern” that resembles a “reference pattern” from a “past pattern”. A fourth processing unit 140 predicts the necessary travel time required for the automobile to travel the route or a unit road included in the route based on the resembling pattern. A communication processing unit 150 transmits traffic information including the predicted necessary travel time to the navigation system 200.

Abstract: A map data update method for updating nationwide updated version map data using route-specific update data is disclosed. This method has a step of creating route-specific update data, comprising update data for all routes which have been newly opened since the time of release of the nationwide updated version map data; a step of storing a plurality of route-specific update data sets with different creation dates; a step of, when updating the nationwide updated version map data of the time of release stored in a navigation apparatus in use of a prescribed first route-specific update data which has been stored, storing pre-update map files necessary to restore the nationwide updated version map data; and a step of using the first route-specific update data to update the nationwide updated version map data.

Abstract: To provide a system that can provide traffic information to drivers of automobiles or the like with high prediction precision.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation server for providing traffic information, which is useful and has a suitable data amount, to a vehicle navigation device, so as to make the vehicle have a comfortable travel. The server calculates at least one proposed travel based on input data including a current or start position and a destination of the vehicle, and defines a map mesh consisting of mesh units on the proposed travel route. The server extracts traffic information relating to each mesh unit from a traffic information storage device in turn, where traffic information relating to the mesh unit which includes the start or current position is obtained first. The server monitors a total amount of extracted information, and terminates information extraction for the following mesh units when the total amount becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The server then sends the traffic information to a vehicle navigation device.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation server for providing traffic information, which is useful and has a suitable data amount, to a vehicle navigation device, so as to make the vehicle have a comfortable travel. The server calculates at least one proposed travel based on input data including a current or start position and a destination of the vehicle, and defines a map mesh consisting of mesh units on the proposed travel route. The server extracts traffic information relating to each mesh unit from a traffic information storage device in turn, where traffic information relating to the mesh unit which includes the start or current position is obtained first. The server monitors a total amount of extracted information, and terminates information extraction for the following mesh units when the total amount becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The server then sends the traffic information to a vehicle navigation device.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system for selecting a suitable travel route based on transmitted traffic information. A server calculates a proposed travel route based on input data and defines communication points so as to newly extract traffic information for an area from each communication point to the destination from a traffic information storage device, where a point from which a detour around a place noted in the traffic information is included. The server stores data for identifying the registrant, the proposed travel route, and the communication points in a storage device and sends the traffic information and communication points to a vehicle navigation device. The sent traffic information includes detailed information about a section from the current or start position of the vehicle to the closest communication point to the vehicle on the way to the destination and simplified information about a section from this point to the destination.

Abstract: The invention is a service delivery system comprising: a client side terminal for ordering delivery of various services to a delivery destination, and a shop side terminal for receiving the order information and instructing delivery of the service to the delivery destination. The client side terminal comprises a client side display device for displaying map information and product information on a screen, and an order information transmission device for attaching position information for the delivery destination to the order information and transmitting this combined information. The shop side terminal comprises a shop side display device for displaying map information and product information on a screen and a route information generation device for generating route information for a route to the delivery destination based on the position information.

Abstract: The invention is a service delivery system comprising: a client side terminal for ordering delivery of various services to a delivery destination, and a shop side terminal for receiving the order information and instructing delivery of the service to the delivery destination. The client side terminal comprises a client side display device for displaying map information and product information on a screen, and an order information transmission device for attaching position information for the delivery destination to the order information and transmitting this combined information. The shop side terminal comprises a shop side display device for displaying map information and product information on a screen and a route information generation device for generating route information for a route to the delivery destination based on the position information.