Patent Document ID: 8138960
Application ID: 12309595
Patent Status: 1

Claim One:
1. A map information update support method comprising: calculating a scattering coefficient for each item of a plurality of items of time-series image data of an observation area that is a surrounding area including an observation target feature, the items of time-series image data being acquired by a radar device at different times, respectively; extracting a feature changed area from said observation area based on scattered electromagnetic waves from buildings around the observation target feature, the scattered electromagnetic waves containing plural reflection components between the buildings and the observation target feature, the extracting the feature changed area further based on an extraction condition including at least (1) one of a number of pixels in series, the pixels having differences in scattering coefficient of plural items of radar image data of the same surface of the earth acquired at different times being greater than a predetermined threshold value, the number of the pixels being equal to or greater than a predetermined number and (2) an area represented by the pixels being equal to or larger than a predetermined area; combining said feature changed area with pre-stored map information of the observation area, and extracting a change candidate area of the observation target feature; and outputting the map information including said change candidate area of the observation target feature.