JP2011107783A - Information retrieval system, terminal device, and information retrieval method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a retrieval result without unnecessarily performing screen transition when a retrieval condition is selected; and to perform the display in a manner facilitating selection of the retrieval condition visually. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal device 20 includes an operation input means 205 for designating a first retrieval condition and a second retrieval condition, a display means 204 for displaying a retrieval result based on the designated first and second retrieval conditions, a display control means 208 for, in response to input operation, causing the display means 204 to display the first retrieval condition for selection and to display the second retrieval condition in parallel with the first retrieval condition for selection, and a data request means 206 for making a retrieval request with the first and second retrieval conditions positioned at predetermined locations as selected retrieval conditions in response to input operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information search system for searching for desired information from predetermined information stored in a database, and more particularly, to search for a timetable related to a desired use route from timetable information stored in a timetable database. The present invention relates to an information search system, a terminal device, and an information search method that can be easily performed.

  In recent years, when route search conditions such as departure point, destination, date and time are entered, the optimum route between the entered departure point and destination is searched and transfer train information based on the route search result, required time, and fee A route search system that displays and guides these is provided.

  In addition, as a system for conducting searches and guidance related to transportation facilities, a terminal device such as a mobile phone is connected to an information distribution server for guiding route information and timetable information of transportation facilities, and a desired departure station, departure time, destination station, etc. There is also provided a transportation system guidance system that can specify information, receive information on transportation means such as routes, trains, and trains that can be boarded and display them on a terminal device.

  For example, a technique for efficiently obtaining and displaying necessary information from a station timetable and a train timetable is disclosed as “timetable display device” in the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-268767). This Patent Document 1 discloses that information included in two time information, a station timetable and a train timetable, is used as key information, and the other information related to the key information included in one information is selected. Has been.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-268767 (paragraph [0009])

  By the way, when displaying a timetable as in Patent Document 1, when selecting and setting one of a plurality of timetable display conditions, first, one selection item for selecting a display condition is selected. Two steps were required: screen transition and display, or selection items to be selected by pull-down. Furthermore, the screen is changed to the screen for selecting the next display condition, and one selection item for selecting the display condition is again displayed on the screen, or the step of selecting the selection item by pull-down is repeated. Become.

  For this reason, for example, when the number of items of the timetable display condition to be selected is large, there are more steps for the user to select the display condition, and there is a problem that the timetable cannot be quickly searched and displayed. .

  The inventor of the present application, as a result of various studies to solve the above problems, when selecting search conditions, by selecting two or more search conditions on one screen by a slide operation or a tap operation, The present invention has been completed with the idea that the above problem can be solved by displaying the search results without any screen transition and displaying the search conditions in a manner that allows easy selection of the search conditions visually. It has come to be.

  In other words, the present invention aims to solve the above problems, and by devising the interface, the search process using two conditions can be easily selected on one screen, and the result can be displayed quickly. An object of the present invention is to provide an information search system, a terminal device, and an information search method.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of the information search system of the present invention
An information search system for displaying information searched based on designated first search conditions and second search conditions,
On the display screen, a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first search condition are displayed in a selectable manner, and a plurality of selection condition candidates are arranged side by side with the first search condition corresponding to the second search condition. Selectable movable display,
Displaying a search result using a selection condition candidate corresponding to the first search condition and a selection condition candidate corresponding to the second search condition located at a predetermined location in response to an input operation as a selected search condition. And

Further, in one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first and second search conditions are respectively arranged in a ring shape on the display screen,
In response to an input operation, the selection condition candidates of the first and second search conditions arranged on the display screen are rotated and controlled with a predetermined position in the corresponding annular arrangement as a rotation axis,
The first search condition and the second search condition arranged in a line at the predetermined location by the rotational movement are set as the selected search conditions.

  Also, in one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first and second search conditions are the first and second rotations in which the plurality of selection condition candidates are arranged in an arc shape on the display screen, respectively. It consists of a part of a body image.

  In the aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the predetermined location is a location closest to an arc constituting the outer edge of the first and second rotating body images.

  In one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions can be edited based on a search history.

  In one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions can be edited by an input operation.

  Further, in one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first search condition is a time, the second search condition is a station name, and the time and station name located at the predetermined location are searched. A timetable is searched as a condition.

  In one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure station name, the second search condition is an arrival station name, and the departure station name located at the predetermined location It is characterized in that a transfer route is searched using the arrival station name as a search condition.

  Further, in one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure place, the second search condition is a destination, and the departure place and the destination located at the predetermined location. The optimum route is searched using the above and the search conditions.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, an image color related to a station route is stored in a database, and a station name displayed as the second search condition is based on the image color related to the station route. It is characterized by being displayed with a color scheme adapted to the route used.

The invention of the terminal device of the present invention is
Designation means for designating the first search condition and the second search condition;
Display means for displaying the search results based on the first and second search conditions designated by the designation means;
In response to an input operation from the specifying means, the display means displays a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first search condition in a movable manner, and a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the second search condition. Display control means for displaying selection condition candidates in a selectable manner alongside the first search condition;
In response to an input operation from the designating means, a search request is made using a selection condition candidate corresponding to the first search condition located at a predetermined location and a selection condition candidate corresponding to the second search condition as the selected search conditions. Search request means to perform;
It is provided with.

Also, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the display control means arranges a plurality of selection condition candidates in a ring shape on the display screen of the display means in correspondence with the first and second search conditions. And
In accordance with an input operation from the designating means, the selection condition candidates of the first and second search conditions arranged on the display screen are controlled to rotate about a predetermined position in the corresponding annular arrangement as a rotation axis. And
The search requesting means uses the first search condition and the second search condition arranged in a line at the predetermined location by rotational movement as the selected search condition.

  In the aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the first and second search conditions may be the first and second rotating bodies in which the plurality of selection condition candidates are arranged in an arc shape on the display screen, respectively. It consists of a part of an image.

  Further, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the predetermined location is a location closest to an arc constituting an outer edge of the first and second rotating body images.

  In one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions can be edited based on a search history.

  In one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions can be edited by an input operation from the instruction means.

  Also, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the first search condition is a time, the second search condition is a station name, and the search request means is a time located at the predetermined location. And a station name as a search condition, a time table search request is made.

  Further, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure station name, the second search condition is an arrival station name, and the departure station name and arrival located at the predetermined location. A search request for a transfer route is made using a station name as a search condition.

  Further, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure place, the second search condition is a destination, and the departure place and the destination located at the predetermined place A search request for the optimum route is made using the search condition as a search condition.

  Further, in one aspect of the terminal device of the present invention, an image color related to a station route is stored in a database, and the display control unit displays a station name displayed as the second search condition on the display unit. Based on the image color, the display is accompanied by a color scheme that matches the route used at the station.

The invention of the information search method of the present invention is as follows:
An information search method for displaying information searched based on a designated first search condition and a second search condition,
A plurality of selection condition candidates are displayed in a selectable manner corresponding to the first search condition, and a plurality of selection condition candidates are displayed in a selectable manner along with the first search condition in correspondence with the second search condition. A first step of displaying;
A second search result is displayed by selecting a selection condition candidate corresponding to the first search condition and a selection condition candidate corresponding to the second search condition located at a predetermined location according to the input operation as a selected search condition. Steps,
It is characterized by having.

Further, in one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, the first step is a step of arranging a plurality of selection condition candidates in a ring shape on the display screen in correspondence with the first and second search conditions. Including
In the second step, the selection condition candidates for the first and second search conditions arranged on the display screen are rotated according to an input operation, with a predetermined position in the corresponding annular arrangement as a rotation axis. Including the step of controlling movement,
The first search condition and the second search condition arranged in a line at the predetermined location by the rotational movement are set as the selected search conditions.

  In the aspect of the information search method of the present invention, the first and second search conditions may be the first and second rotations in which the plurality of selection condition candidates are arranged in an arc shape on the display screen, respectively. It consists of a part of a body image.

  Further, in one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, the predetermined location is a location closest to an arc constituting an outer edge of the first and second rotating body images.

  In one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions can be edited based on a search history.

  In one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions is editable by an input operation.

  Further, in one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, the first search condition is a time, the second search condition is a station name, and a time and a station name located at the predetermined location are searched. A timetable is searched as a condition.

  In one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure station name, the second search condition is an arrival station name, and a departure station name located at the predetermined location; It is characterized in that a transfer route is searched using the arrival station name as a search condition.

  Further, in one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure place, the second search condition is a destination, and the departure place and the destination located at the predetermined location. The optimum route is searched using the above and the search conditions.

  Further, in one aspect of the information search method of the present invention, an image color related to a station route is stored in a database, and a station name displayed as the second search condition is based on the image color related to the station route. It is characterized by being displayed with a color scheme adapted to the route used.

  According to the information search system of the present invention, when displaying information searched based on the designated first search condition and second search condition, a plurality of information corresponding to the first search condition is displayed. Selection condition candidates are displayed in a selectable manner, and a plurality of selection condition candidates are displayed in a selectable manner along with the first search conditions in correspondence with the second search condition, and are positioned at a predetermined location according to an input operation. A search result is displayed using the selection condition candidate corresponding to the first search condition and the selection condition candidate corresponding to the second search condition as the selected search condition.

  As a result, when searching for information, two search conditions are selected on one screen, so the search results can be displayed without any screen transition, and the search conditions can be selected visually. It becomes easy to do and it becomes possible to improve a user's operativity.

  According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first and second search conditions are arranged in a ring shape on the display screen, and the input search The selection condition candidates of the first and second search conditions arranged on the display screen are rotationally controlled with a predetermined position in the corresponding annular arrangement as a rotation axis, and arranged in a line at the predetermined position by the rotational movement. The selected first search condition and second search condition are set as the selected search condition. As a result, when selecting a search condition, a desired selection condition candidate is rotated and selected for each of the two search conditions in one screen by an input operation such as a slide operation or a tap operation. The search result can be displayed without making a transition, and the search condition can be easily selected visually to improve the operability for the user.

According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first and second search conditions are the first and second rotations in which the plurality of selection condition candidates are arranged in an arc shape on the display screen, respectively. It is comprised so that it may consist of a part of body image. Thereby, when selecting a search condition, a desired selection condition candidate is rotated from a rotating body image composed of a plurality of selection condition candidates by an input operation such as a slide operation or a tap operation for two search conditions on one screen. Since the search results are moved, the search results can be displayed without any screen transitions, and more than one selection condition candidate is arranged in an arc shape so that the search conditions can be selected visually. It becomes easy and it becomes possible to improve a user's operativity.
Further, by setting only a part of the rotated image as a display target, a plurality of options that do not actually fit in the arc can be displayed by the rotating operation.

  According to an aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the predetermined location is configured to be a location closest to an arc constituting the outer edge of the first and second rotating body images. As a result, the desired search condition can be easily identified visually, so that it is easier to select the search condition visually and the operability for the user can be improved.

  According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions is configured to be editable by a search history. This makes it possible to easily select a desired search condition for each user, so that it becomes easier to select the search condition visually, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, at least one of the first or second search conditions is configured to be editable by an input operation. This makes it possible to easily select a desired search condition for each user, so that it becomes easier to select the search condition visually, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first search condition is a time, the second search condition is a station name, and the time and station name located at the predetermined location are searched. It is configured to search a timetable as a condition. As a result, when performing a timetable search, the time and station name are selected as search conditions on one screen, so that a desired timetable can be displayed without any screen transition, and further visually Therefore, it becomes easy to select the search condition, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure station name, the second search condition is an arrival station name, and the departure station name located at the predetermined location It is configured to search for a transfer route using the arrival station name as a search condition. As a result, when a transfer route search is performed, the departure station name and the arrival station name are selected as search conditions on one screen, so that the desired transfer route can be displayed without any screen transition. Further, it becomes easier to select the search condition visually, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, the first search condition is a departure place, the second search condition is a destination, and the departure place and the destination located at the predetermined location. And the search condition is searched for the optimum route. As a result, when searching for the optimum route, the starting point and the destination are selected as search conditions on one screen, so that the desired optimum route can be displayed without any screen transition. It becomes easy to select the search condition visually, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  According to one aspect of the information search system of the present invention, an image color related to a station route is stored in a database, and a station name displayed as the second search condition is based on the image color related to the station route. It is configured to be displayed with a color scheme that matches the route used. As a result, when timetable search is performed, if time and station name are selected as search conditions on one screen, the route used at the corresponding station is also selected at the same time. A timetable can be displayed, and it becomes easier to select a search condition visually, thereby improving user operability.

  Moreover, the terminal device of the present invention can provide a terminal device that can achieve the effects of the invention of the information search system. In addition, the information search method of the present invention can achieve the same effects as those of the information search system.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the timetable search system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention, and a timetable delivery server. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure when the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention performs a timetable search. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention, and has shown an example of the timetable search screen of a timetable gadget. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention, and has shown an example of the timetable display screen of a timetable gadget. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a route selection screen of a timetable gadget, and FIG. 6B is a help display of a timetable gadget. An example of a screen is shown. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention, and has shown an example of the registration station selection screen of a timetable gadget. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention, Fig.8 (a) shows an example of the log | history station edit screen of a timetable gadget, FIG.8 (b) is a color of a timetable gadget. An example of a selection screen is shown. It is a figure which shows another example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention, Fig.9 (a) shows an example of the transfer search screen of a transfer search gadget, FIG.9 (b) is a route search gadget. An example of a route search screen is shown.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. However, in the following embodiment, a timetable search system is illustrated as an information search system for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is intended to be specified in this timetable search system. However, the present invention is equally applicable to the information search system of other embodiments included in the scope of claims.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a timetable search system including a terminal device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a timetable search system 10 includes a plurality of terminal devices 20 and the like connected to a timetable distribution server 30 via a network 12 to constitute a communication type timetable search system.

  In response to the timetable information request from the terminal device 20, the timetable distribution server 30 stores the station timetable and the operation timetable based on the operation schedule of each transportation facility in order to distribute the desired timetable information. A timetable database 311, a route search network database 312 storing a search network for route search, a map database 313 storing display map data, and the like are provided.

  The timetable distribution server 30 reads out the corresponding timetable from the timetable database 311 according to the timetable request condition input by the user and transmits it to the terminal device 20, and if there is a route search request from the terminal device 20, A search requesting terminal with reference to the database 312, a route search including a route section using a transportation facility, a walking route, or a route section using a car, a route guidance function (navigation function), and a map database 313. A map distribution service function for distributing map data to the device 20 is provided. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system in which the present invention is applied to a timetable search system 10 including a timetable distribution server 30 and a terminal device 20 having such a navigation function and a map distribution service function.

  In the timetable search system 10, a plurality of information distribution servers 50 are connected via the network 12, and the timetable distribution server 30 receives the latest timetable data from the various information distribution servers 50 via the network 12. Search network data and map data can be acquired.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the terminal device and the timetable distribution server according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the timetable distribution server 30 includes a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a route search unit 303, a distribution data editing unit 304, a timetable editing unit 305, and the like.

  In addition, the timetable distribution server 30 includes databases 311 to 313 such as timetable data, network data, map data, and the like (search results) from these databases according to desired search (search) conditions. Delivered to the terminal device 20.

  The control unit 301 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls the operation of each unit of the timetable distribution server 30 by executing a control program stored in the RAM or ROM on the CPU. The communication unit 302 is an interface for communicating with the terminal device 20 via the network 12.

  The route search means 303 searches the optimum route or recommended route (guide route or transfer route) with reference to the network database 312 or the like according to the route search condition transmitted from the terminal device 20. As such a route search method, a method called label determination method or Dijkstra method is used.

  The distribution data editing unit 304 performs editing such as embedding the guidance route data searched by the route searching unit 303 in the map data including the current position read from the map database 313 and distributing it to the terminal device 20. The various edited data are distributed to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 302. Further, timetable data is read from the timetable database 311 and the like, edited into display screen data displayed on the terminal device 20, and distributed to the terminal device 20.

  Here, the timetable database 311 includes route information composed of one or more destinations of moving means (individual trains, buses, etc.) that arrive at and depart from each station, types of moving means (rapid, ordinary, etc.), and the route information. Station timetable data consisting of the arrival and departure times for each station, and the time including the arrival time and / or departure time for each direction of travel for each stop station (individual trains, buses, etc.) and fares to the stop station It consists of operation timetable data consisting of

  Here, the timetable distribution server 30 has been described as having each database such as network data for route search. However, for example, the network database 312 and the map database 313 are other information distribution servers in the network 12. The timetable distribution server 30 does not necessarily have to hold network data, map data, or the like. Further, the timetable data includes not only trains and buses but also other transportation route information and station departure / arrival time data.

  In order to display the station timetable and the operation timetable in association with each other, the timetable editing unit 305 displays a link to the operation timetable of the train corresponding to this departure / arrival time in the station arrival / departure time information in the station timetable. In addition, a link to the station timetable of the station corresponding to the arrival time is attached to the station arrival time information in the operation timetable. Further, the link may be fixedly added to each time information, or may be dynamically added based on information transmitted from the terminal device 20. However, when a fixed link is attached, the data capacity transmitted from the timetable distribution server 30 to the terminal device 20 becomes relatively large. Therefore, a dynamic link is preferably used, and a link is given below by a dynamic link. It will be described as a thing.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 20 that can receive provision of various types of searched information includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a position detection unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation input unit 205, a data request, Means 206, distribution data storage means 207, display control means 208 and the like are provided. The display means 204 corresponds to the display means described in the claims, the operation input means 205 corresponds to the designation means described in the claims, and the data request means 206 corresponds to the patent. The display control means 208 corresponds to the search request means described in the claims, and the display control means 208 corresponds to the display control means described in the claims.

  The terminal device 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a mobile phone or smartphone equipped with a touch panel, a portable device such as a PDA, music player, or portable game machine, or a display screen such as a personal computer (PC). It may be a terminal device having a touch panel that can be operated.

  In the terminal device 20, the control unit 201 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 20 by executing a control program stored in the RAM or ROM on the CPU.

  The communication unit 202 connects the terminal device 20 to the timetable distribution server 30 or the like via the network 12, receives new timetable data from the timetable distribution server 30, or acquires map images and guide route data. Or, it is an interface for acquiring information that changes in real time, such as operation information of transportation facilities.

  The position detection unit 203 receives GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites and detects the current position of the terminal device 20. The detected position information (latitude, longitude) is transmitted to the timetable distribution server 30 and used when searching for a map image, or the searched map image is displayed on the display means 204 and on the map image. It is used when specifying the current position in.

  The display means 204 is composed of a liquid crystal display unit or the like, and displays various search condition input screens such as a timetable search screen that is distributed from the timetable distribution server 30 and edited and controlled by the display control means 208. Display table information and so on.

  The operation input unit 205 is composed of a sheet-like touch panel type input device provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display unit as the display unit 204, and the user touches a predetermined portion of the display screen while visually checking the liquid crystal display unit. By doing so, the user can input each setting and information including setting and inputting each condition on the timetable search screen. Accordingly, the display unit 204 also functions as a part of the operation input unit 206.

  For example, there is a tap operation in which a predetermined location on the display screen of the display unit 204 is touched with a finger or the like, or a touch scroll (flick scroll) operation in which a predetermined location on the display screen is touched with a finger or the like and moved in an arbitrary direction. The operation input means 205 outputs the detection result by detecting the position of the tap operation on the touch panel or detecting the scroll direction and the scroll amount based on the start position and the end position of the touch operation. When there is a tap operation or a touch scroll operation on a predetermined display image displayed on the display unit 204, the operation input unit 205 displays the tap position, scroll direction, and scroll amount according to the display image that has been tapped or touch scrolled. Is detected and output.

  Thereby, the operation input means 205 can display the image of a desired station timetable on the display means 204 by selecting search conditions, such as designation | designated time and a route, from several selection candidates in a timetable search screen. . In addition, by selecting a specific train on the station timetable screen or selecting a day of the week or an up / down line, an image of an operation timetable on a desired route can be displayed on the display unit 204.

  Further, the operation input means 205 displays a display screen for the selected link information on the display means 24 by selecting predetermined link information on the station timetable or operation timetable display screen displayed on the display means 204. Can be made.

  The data request unit 206 sends a timetable request, a route search request, and a map request to the timetable distribution server 30 based on various search conditions and route search conditions set on the search screen or input screen displayed on the display unit 204. Is what you do.

  For example, when making a timetable request, a route name, station name, time, etc. are designated by the operation input means 205 on the timetable search screen displayed on the display means 204, or the timetable distribution server 30 searches for a route. When the operation input unit 205 selects link information to a timetable included in a route search condition screen or guidance route data distributed to the terminal device 20 in the request process or route search result, the data request unit 206 is selected. A timetable request is made via

  When making a route search request, the operation input unit 205 designates a departure point, a destination, a moving unit, a departure time or an arrival time, and the like as a route search condition. The starting point and destination can be specified by inputting the address, latitude / longitude, landmark name, etc. of the target point from the operation input means 205, or the surrounding map is displayed on the display means 204 and specified on the map. You can also. In addition, the current position acquired by the position detection unit 203 can be selected as a departure place. The moving means are walking, automobile, walking and transportation combined use, etc., which are specified by selecting or inputting on the search condition input screen.

  When making a map request, the address of the target point, the name of a landmark, and the like are input from the operation input unit 205 as search conditions. Further, the map request is made by the data requesting unit 206 even when the map displayed on the display unit 204 is scrolled or when the terminal device 20 moves and the map data to be displayed on the display unit 204 is insufficient.

  The distribution data storage means 207 temporarily stores display data such as timetables and maps distributed from the timetable distribution server 30 and guide route data. These display image data or guide route data are read from the distribution data storage unit 207 as necessary and displayed on the display unit 204.

  The display control unit 208 performs image editing and display control for displaying data such as a timetable image, a map image, and a guide route stored in the distribution data storage unit 207 on the display unit 204. When a touch scroll operation is performed from the operation input unit 205 on the display image displayed on the display unit 204, the display control unit 208 moves the display image according to the scroll detection result (direction and direction). , Display control such as rotation and deformation.

  Next, the operation of the timetable search system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 3 and display screens shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a timetable search. 4-8 is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device which concerns on the Example of this invention. The operation procedure shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the control unit 201 of the terminal device 20 executing a control program stored in the ROM or RAM.

  First, as a start of the timetable search system of the present embodiment in the terminal device 20, it is referred to as small-scale software (“gadget” or “widget”) for performing timetable search. ”) (Step S401), a timetable gadget 60 including a timetable search screen is displayed on the display screen provided in the display unit 204 of the terminal device 20, as shown in FIG. The timetable gadget program is stored in the RAM of the control unit 201 or the like.

  On the timetable search screen 61 of the timetable gadget 60, for example, a selection list of search condition selection candidates that can be selected is displayed on the left side and the right side, respectively. When a list of search condition selection candidates is displayed, it is preferable to display a plurality of selection candidates arranged in a ring shape so that the list of search conditions is repeatedly displayed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, on the left and right sides of the timetable search screen 61, a first rotating body in which a plurality of time information is arranged in an arc as a first search condition is imitated. A part of the time disk image 62 (here, substantially right half part) and a part of the station name disk image 63 imitating the second rotating body in which a plurality of station names are arranged in an arc as a second search condition (here, abbreviated). Is displayed on the left half).

  In the time disk image 62 on the left side, numbers representing 24-hour time information are arranged in an arc shape in units of time as selection condition candidates. In the central area 64 where the two disk images on the straight line connecting the center positions of the time disk image 62 and the station name disk image 63 are closest, it is easier to identify than the time information of the other selection condition candidates. As shown, the 4-digit time information “12:00” is enlarged and displayed. When the timetable gadget 60 is activated, the current time at the time of activation is displayed in this area 64.

  On the other hand, in the station name disk image 63 on the right side, station names are arranged in a circular arc shape as selection condition candidates, and an icon defaulted in the image color of the route so that a route usable from the station can be identified beside the station name. Is displayed. The color of this icon can be edited by the user as will be described later. In the area 64, the station name “Tokyo” and the icon are enlarged and displayed so that the station information can be easily identified as compared with the station information of other selection condition candidates.

  In addition, the station name information arrange | positioned at this station name disk image 63 is added based on a user's station utilization log | history, such as selection registration by a user, or a route search result so that it may mention later. When the timetable gadget 60 is activated, the area 64 displays the name of the station that was last searched when it was activated last time.

  The time disk image 62 and the station name disk image 63 are rotated by being slid by a finger or the like. At this time, when the finger moves in the clockwise direction while maintaining the contact state, the disk image rotates in the clockwise direction with the center position of the disk image as the rotation axis, and when the finger moves in the counterclockwise direction while maintaining the contact state. Rotate counterclockwise around the center position of the disk image. By rotating the disk image, the user can display a desired search condition in the central area 64.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, when the time disk image 62 is slid counterclockwise, the time information selection condition candidate in the area 64 can be changed from “12:00” to “13:00”. . If the station name disk image 63 is slid clockwise, the station information selection condition candidate in the area 64 can be changed from “Tokyo” station to “Omotesando” station.

  As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the list of search conditions is repeatedly displayed when the disk image is rotated. For example, when the station name disk image 63 shown in FIG. 4 (a) is slid clockwise, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the selection condition candidates ( “Mitaka” station at the top of the station name disk image 63 shown in FIG. 4A is excluded from the top and the selection condition candidate at the end (station name disk image shown in FIG. 4A). It is preferable that it is displayed in the lower stage following the “YRP Nobi” station at the bottom of 63.

  Further, as described above, in order to place a desired selection condition candidate at the position of the area 64 in the center of the screen, the disk image may be rotationally controlled by sliding (flicking) the disk image. The disc image may be rotationally controlled so that the tapped selection condition candidate is arranged at the position of the area 64 by tapping the desired selection condition candidate.

  In the timetable search screen 61 shown in FIG. 4, a search button (“view” button) 65 is displayed at the bottom of the screen. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), on the timetable search screen 61, "12:00" time zone is designated as the designated time desired by the user, and "Tokyo" on the Chuo Line is designated as the designated station and designated route. Thus, after the desired search conditions are arranged in a line in the area 64, when the search button 65 is pressed and the input information of the timetable search conditions is accepted (Yes in step S403), the timetable search conditions Based on the above, the timetable database 311 is searched by the timetable distribution server 30 (step S404).

  Then, the corresponding timetable extracted from the timetable database 311 is transmitted in the timetable distribution server 30, and a search result display screen (timetable) transitioned from the timetable search screen of the timetable gadget 60 as shown in FIG. A display screen 71) is displayed (step S405).

  Here, on the timetable display screen 71 shown in FIG. 5, a timetable 72 composed of 12 o'clock weekdays on the designated route “Chuo Line” at the designated station “Tokyo” and departure time information in the upward direction, It is displayed in a list together with information indicating the type of train such as ordinary (identified by display color) and information such as destination (identified by parentheses). In the timetable 72, the departure time information of the specified time (in the range of 12 o'clock in FIG. 5) on either one of the upper and lower lines of the specified route is displayed so that it can be confirmed on a single screen. The departure time information before and after the designated time can also be displayed.

  In addition, on the timetable display screen 71, a return button 73 for transitioning to the previous screen is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Furthermore, in the upper part of the screen, in addition to a day of the week selection button 74 for changing the day of the week on the timetable displayed on the timetable display screen 71, an up / down line selection button 75 for changing the up / down line of the timetable, A route list display button 76 and a help display button 77 are displayed.

  When the route list display button 76 is pressed on the timetable display screen 71, a route selection screen 81a transitioned from the timetable display screen 71 of the timetable gadget 60 is displayed as shown in FIG. The route selection screen 81a displays a list of a plurality of routes that can be changed at Tokyo Station. When a desired route is selected, the screen transits to a timetable display screen for the corresponding route. When the help display button 77 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 6B, a description 81b of the route contents such as the train type and the destination is displayed in a pop-up on the timetable display screen 71.

  In addition, a station selection button 66 and a history station edit button 67 are displayed on both sides of the search button 65 at the lower part of the timetable search screen 61 shown in FIG. 4, and functions according to the screen are displayed at the upper right part of the screen. A help display button 68 for displaying an explanation of how to use is displayed.

  Here, the station selection button 66 is for newly registering station name information as a selection condition candidate in the station name disk image 63, and when this station selection button 66 is pressed, as shown in FIG. In addition, a registered station selection screen 91a transitioned from the timetable search screen 61 of the timetable gadget 60 is displayed. On the registered station selection screen 91a, as a station registration method, a selection item 92 “From prefecture” and a selection item 93 “From station name” are displayed.

  When the selection item 92 “from prefecture” is selected, as shown in FIG. 7B, a prefecture-specific registered station selection screen 91b is displayed, and a list is displayed so that each prefecture name can be selected. ing. When “from station name” is selected as the selection item 93, station registration selection screens 91c1 to 91c3 by station name are sequentially displayed in a hierarchical manner as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C. When “A” is selected on the another station registration selection screen 91c1, selection items starting from “Ai” shown on the station registration selection screen 91c2 by station name are displayed, and the item “Aka” is selected on the station registration selection screen 91c2 by station name. Then, as shown in the station name-specific station registration selection screen 91c3, station names “Akasaka” in various places throughout the country are displayed as selection candidates as station names starting from “Aka”.

  When a desired station name is selected from the list of station name selection candidates displayed in this way, a new station name is additionally registered as a selection condition candidate in the station name disk image 63 on the timetable search screen 61 shown in FIG. become. When a plurality of routes are in the same station, route names are further displayed in a list, and a desired route is selected from a list of route name selection candidates. Further, when a station name (and route name) is selected as a new selection condition candidate, information on the image color associated with each route is acquired in advance on the timetable distribution server 30 side, and each station name disk image 63 is displayed. Assigned as the default color for icons displayed next to station names.

  Also, station name information newly registered as a selection condition candidate in the station name disk image 63 may be acquired from a user usage history such as a route search result. The history station edit button 67 shown in FIG. 4 (a) is for editing the use history list. When the history station edit button 67 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), A history station edit screen 101a transitioned from the timetable search screen 61 of the timetable gadget 60 is displayed.

  The history station editing screen 101a displays a list of station names extracted from the route search result, route names used at the station, and icons with the image color of the route as a list of usage histories. The image color associated with each route is assigned in advance on the timetable distribution server 30 side as the image color of the route. The station use history information is stored in the RAM of the control means 201 or the like.

  In addition, on the right side of each usage history station item displayed in the list, a delete button 102 for deleting each history station from the usage history list and an image color of an icon assigned to each history station line are displayed. A color selection button 103 for changing is displayed. When editing the use history list, the station name that is considered unnecessary is deleted by the delete button 102, and when the color of the icon to be displayed is selected, the color selection button 103 is used for editing.

  When the color selection button 103 is pressed, a color selection screen 101b transitioned from the history station edit screen 101a of the timetable gadget 60 is displayed as shown in FIG. In the color selection screen 101b, only the item of the use history in which the color selection button 103 is pressed ("Tokyo" station in FIG. 8B) is displayed in an identifiable manner as the item to be edited, and the icon A color palette 104 for editing the color is displayed.

  In this way, by editing the user's usage history on the history station editing screen 101a and the color selection screen 101b, the station name candidate list of the station name disk image 63 displayed on the timetable search screen 61 shown in FIG. It becomes possible to optimize to the one that is most easily used. The user usage history may be a search display history, various search histories, or a navigation history.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, when selecting a timetable search condition, two search conditions, time and station name, are selected from a plurality of selection condition candidates on one timetable search screen. Since the selection is made by sliding or tapping from the inside, the search result can be displayed without causing unnecessary screen transitions.

  Also, on the timetable search screen, the selection condition candidates for the two search conditions are arranged on an arc so that they can be rotated, and the selection condition candidates for each search condition are rotated and moved to the closest position by sliding or tapping. Since the selection condition candidates for both of the search conditions are set as the selected search conditions, the user can easily select the search conditions visually.

  In the above embodiment, the time table search using the time and the station name has been described as an example of the information search based on the two search conditions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the time and place, the place and the place are described. The present invention may be applied as an information search interface for two search conditions such as location and budget or location and genre.

  For example, a transfer search using a departure station and an arrival station as a search condition, a search between highway ICs using a departure IC and an arrival IC as a search condition, a route search using a departure place and a destination as a search condition, or a place and a budget (genre ) May be applied to a simple version gourmet search using search conditions. FIG. 9A is an example of a transfer search screen of a transfer search gadget for transfer search. The transfer search screen 201 of the transfer search gadget 200 includes a part of a departure station name disk image 202 and an arrival station name disk image 203. A part is displayed. FIG. 9B is an example of a route search screen of a route search gadget for route search. The route search screen 301 of the route search gadget 300 includes a part of a departure place name disk image 302 and a destination name disk image. 303 is displayed.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although demonstrated as a communication-type timetable search system which consists of a terminal device and a timetable delivery server, if not limited to this and update of timetable information is manageable, a terminal The present invention may be applied when timetable information is downloaded to an information device that operates in a stand-alone manner in which the device and the timetable distribution server are integrated, and the timetable information is displayed by the information terminal alone.

  In addition, the specific form of distribution / integration of the apparatus is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and all or a part of the apparatus can be configured to be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units. .

10. Time table search system 12 ... Network 20 ... Terminal devices 201, 301 ... Control means 202, 302 ... Communication means 203 ... Position detection means 204 / ... Display means 205 ... Operation input means 206 ... Data request means 207 ... Distribution data storage means 208 ... Display control means 30 ... Timetable distribution server 303 ... .. Route search means 304... Distribution data editing means 305... Timetable editing means
311 ... Timetable database 312 ... Network database 313 ... Map database

Claims (30)

An information search system that displays information searched based on a designated first search condition and second search condition,
On the display screen, a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first search condition are displayed in a selectable manner, and a plurality of selection condition candidates are arranged side by side with the first search condition corresponding to the second search condition. Selectable movable display,
Displaying a search result using a selection condition candidate corresponding to the first search condition and a selection condition candidate corresponding to the second search condition located at a predetermined location in response to an input operation as a selected search condition. Information retrieval system. A plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first and second search conditions are respectively arranged in a ring shape on the display screen,
In response to an input operation, the selection condition candidates of the first and second search conditions arranged on the display screen are rotated and controlled with a predetermined position in the corresponding annular arrangement as a rotation axis,
2. The information search system according to claim 1, wherein the first search condition and the second search condition arranged in a line at the predetermined location by rotational movement are set as the selected search conditions.   The said 1st and 2nd search condition consists of a part of 1st and 2nd rotary body image in which the said some selection condition candidate was arranged in the circular arc shape on the said display screen, respectively. 2. The information search system according to 2.   4. The information search system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined location is a location closest to an arc constituting an outer edge of the first and second rotating body images.   5. The information search system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second search conditions is editable based on a search history.   5. The information search system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second search conditions is editable by an input operation.   The first search condition is time, the second search condition is a station name, and a timetable is searched using a time and a station name located at the predetermined location as search conditions. The information search system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The first search condition is a departure station name, the second search condition is an arrival station name, and a transfer route is searched using a departure station name and an arrival station name located at the predetermined location as search conditions. The information search system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:   The first search condition is a departure place, the second search condition is a destination, and an optimum route is searched using a departure place and a destination located at the predetermined location as a search condition. The information search system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   An image color related to the station route is stored in the database, and the station name displayed as the second search condition is displayed with a color scheme that matches the used route in the station based on the image color related to the station route. The information search system according to claim 7. Designation means for designating the first search condition and the second search condition;
Display means for displaying the search results based on the first and second search conditions designated by the designation means;
In response to an input operation from the specifying means, the display means displays a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first search condition in a movable manner, and a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the second search condition. Display control means for displaying selection condition candidates in a selectable manner alongside the first search condition;
In response to an input operation from the designating means, a search request is made using a selection condition candidate corresponding to the first search condition located at a predetermined location and a selection condition candidate corresponding to the second search condition as the selected search conditions. Search request means to perform;
A terminal device comprising: The display control means arranges a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first and second search conditions in a ring shape on the display screen of the display means,
In accordance with an input operation from the designating means, the selection condition candidates of the first and second search conditions arranged on the display screen are controlled to rotate about a predetermined position in the corresponding annular arrangement as a rotation axis. And
The terminal according to claim 11, wherein the search requesting unit uses the first search condition and the second search condition arranged in a line at the predetermined location by rotational movement as the selected search condition. apparatus.   The said 1st and 2nd search condition consists of a part of 1st and 2nd rotary body image in which the said some selection condition candidate was arranged in the circular arc shape on the said display screen, respectively. 12. The terminal device according to 12.   The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined location is a location closest to an arc constituting an outer edge of the first and second rotating body images.   The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second search conditions is editable based on a search history.   13. The terminal device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first and second search conditions is editable by an input operation from the instruction unit.   The first search condition is a time, the second search condition is a station name, and the search request means requests a timetable search using the time and station name located at the predetermined location as a search condition. The terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the terminal device is performed.   The first search condition is a departure station name, the second search condition is an arrival station name, and a transfer route search request is made using the departure station name and arrival station name located at the predetermined location as the search conditions. The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the terminal device is performed.   The first search condition is a departure place, the second search condition is a destination, and a search request for an optimum route is made using the departure place and the destination located at the predetermined location as search conditions. The terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein:   An image color related to a station route is stored in a database, and the display control unit displays a station name displayed as the second search condition on the display unit as a route used in the station based on the image color related to the station route. The terminal device according to claim 17, wherein the terminal device is displayed with a combined color scheme. An information search method for displaying information searched based on a designated first search condition and a second search condition,
A plurality of selection condition candidates are displayed in a selectable manner corresponding to the first search condition, and a plurality of selection condition candidates are displayed in a selectable manner along with the first search condition in correspondence with the second search condition. A first step of displaying;
A second search result is displayed by selecting a selection condition candidate corresponding to the first search condition and a selection condition candidate corresponding to the second search condition located at a predetermined location according to the input operation as a selected search condition. Steps,
A method for retrieving information, comprising: The first step includes a step of arranging a plurality of selection condition candidates corresponding to the first and second search conditions in a ring shape on a display screen, respectively.
In the second step, the selection condition candidates for the first and second search conditions arranged on the display screen are rotated according to an input operation, with a predetermined position in the corresponding annular arrangement as a rotation axis. Including the step of controlling movement,
The information search method according to claim 21, wherein the first search condition and the second search condition arranged in a line at the predetermined location by the rotational movement are selected search conditions.   The said 1st and 2nd search condition consists of a part of 1st and 2nd rotary body image in which the said some selection condition candidate was arranged in the circular arc shape on the said display screen, respectively. 22. The information search method according to 22.   The information search method according to claim 23, wherein the predetermined location is a location closest to an arc constituting an outer edge of the first and second rotating body images.   The information search method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein at least one of the first or second search conditions is editable based on a search history.   The information search method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein at least one of the first or second search conditions is editable by an input operation.   The first search condition is time, the second search condition is a station name, and a timetable is searched using a time and a station name located at the predetermined location as search conditions. 27. The information retrieval method according to any one of items 21 to 26.   The first search condition is a departure station name, the second search condition is an arrival station name, and a transfer route is searched using a departure station name and an arrival station name located at the predetermined location as search conditions. The information search method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein:   The first search condition is a departure place, the second search condition is a destination, and an optimum route is searched using a departure place and a destination located at the predetermined location as a search condition. The information search method according to any one of claims 21 to 26.   An image color related to the station route is stored in the database, and the station name displayed as the second search condition is displayed with a color scheme that matches the used route in the station based on the image color related to the station route. The information search method according to claim 27.

Images