JP2009258807A - Device, method, and program of point retrieval, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the number of operation times of a user in setting a retrieval method or in operation to quickly and accurately present a retrieval result. <P>SOLUTION: A device of point retrieval 100 is provided with: a keyword input unit 120; a setting unit 130; a database 140; a start input unit 150; and a retrieval unit 160. The keyword input unit 120 receives an input keyword. If the input keyword is composed of only numerical figures, the setting unit 130 sets a number attribute specifying number retrieval for retrieving a point while making the specified number corresponding to the point as an object. When receiving an instruction of a retrieval start, the retrieval unit 160 retrieves the point corresponding to the input keyword from the database by using the retrieval method specified by the attribute set in the input keyword. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a point search device, a point search method, a point search program, and a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a navigation apparatus that guides a route to a destination by setting the destination is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle. The destination and registered location are set by the user scrolling the map screen to identify one point on the map screen, and the user can select desired items or enter keywords from the search screen. It is also done by doing.

  When setting a destination or the like from the search screen, a search method such as address search, name search, or genre search is used (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). The address search is a method of searching for a feature corresponding to the address from a database storing address information, using the address input from the user. The name search is a technique for searching for a feature corresponding to the name from a database that records information related to the name, using a facility name input by the user. Furthermore, the genre search is a technique for searching for a feature corresponding to an input genre from a database that records information related to the genre using a genre input by a user.

JP 2006-138743 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above includes a problem that the user has to set a search method when performing a search and is troublesome for the user. In addition, if the user sets the search method incorrectly, it is not only necessary to re-enter from the beginning, but if the user misidentifies the search method, an appropriate search result cannot be obtained. The problem is an example.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the point search device according to the invention of claim 1 includes a table in which a database for a plurality of points, an attribute for specifying a search method, and a keyword are associated with each other. Table storage means for storing, keyword input means for receiving keyword input from a user, and setting for setting the attribute to a keyword input by the keyword input means (hereinafter referred to as “input keyword”) with reference to the table Means, a start input means for accepting a search start instruction from the user, and a search method specified by the attribute set in the input keyword when the search start instruction is accepted, corresponding to the input keyword Search means for searching for a point from the database, and the setting means includes the input keyword. De is the case that consists of only digits, a number attribute for identifying the number search for searching for location as target specific number corresponding to the point and sets to the input keyword.

  The spot search method according to claim 9 is a spot search method for searching for a specific spot from a database for a plurality of spots, and specifies a keyword input step for receiving a keyword input from a user and a search technique. A setting step for setting the attribute to the keyword input by the keyword input means (hereinafter referred to as “input keyword”) and a search start instruction from the user by referring to a table in which attributes and keywords are associated with each other A start input step for receiving, and a search step for searching the database for points corresponding to the input keyword by a search method specified by the attribute set for the input keyword when an instruction to start search is received. In the setting step, when the input keyword is composed of only numbers, The number attribute for identifying the number search for searching for a point a specific number as a target for and setting to the input keyword.

  A spot search program according to claim 10 causes a computer to execute the spot search method according to claim 9.

  A recording medium according to an eleventh aspect is characterized in that the point search program according to the tenth aspect is recorded in a computer readable manner.

  Exemplary embodiments of a point search device, a point search method, a point search program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
(Functional configuration of point search device)
A functional configuration of the point search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the point search apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  1, the point search device 100 includes a table storage unit 110, a keyword input unit 120, a setting unit 130, a database 140, a start input unit 150, a search unit 160, and an output unit 170. Is done.

  The table storage unit 110 stores a table in which attributes for specifying a search technique are associated with keywords. Search methods include name search that searches for the location of the name of the location, Yomi search that searches for the location of the location and the genre search that searches for the genre of the location, the address or area of the location An address area search that searches for a point as a target, a number search that searches a point for a point number, and the like.

  The attribute is for specifying a search method. Specifically, a name attribute for specifying name search, a read attribute for specifying read search, a genre attribute for specifying genre search, and an address for specifying address area search. Area attributes, number attributes that specify telephone number search and postal code retrieval, and the like.

  Specifically, the keyword is, for example, a word composed of a plurality of characters, and includes a single character kana, alphabets, numbers, and the like. The table storage unit 110 stores attributes that are highly likely to be searched when searching for a keyword in association with the keyword. As a specific example, the table storage unit 110 stores keywords representing place names such as “Tokyo” and “Saitama” in correspondence with the address area attribute. A keyword representing a facility classification such as “hotel” is stored in correspondence with the genre attribute. Further, a keyword indicating a unique name such as “Saitama XX Hotel” is stored as a name attribute in order to represent a specific facility name.

  The keyword input unit 120 receives keyword input from the user. The keyword input unit 120 can accept a plurality of input keywords. Specifically, the keyword input unit 120 receives keyword input using an input button or a touch panel. In addition, when inputting a keyword to the keyword input unit 120, it is not necessary to set a search method or an attribute from the user, and an arbitrary keyword can be input.

  The setting unit 130 refers to the table stored in the table storage unit 110 and sets an attribute for the keyword (hereinafter referred to as “input keyword”) input by the keyword input unit 120. Specifically, the setting unit 130 determines which keyword in the table the input keyword matches, and sets an attribute corresponding to the matched keyword as the input keyword.

  For example, when an input keyword “Saitama” is input, an address area attribute is set for the keyword by referring to the table. Further, when an input keyword “Saitama OO Hotel” is input, a name attribute is set for the keyword by referring to the table. In addition, when a plurality of input keywords are input to the keyword input unit 120, the setting unit 130 refers to a table stored in the table storage unit 110 and sets an attribute for each input keyword.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed of only numbers, the setting unit 130 sets a number attribute for specifying a number search for searching for a location for a specific number corresponding to the location as the input keyword. Specifically, the specific number is a telephone number, a zip code, or a map code set in advance at a point.

  The database 140 stores information regarding a plurality of points to be searched. Specifically, the information about the point is information such as the facility name, the facility name reading, the genre name, the address name, the latitude / longitude, the telephone number, the postal code, the area code, the genre code, the map code, is there. The start input unit 150 receives a search start instruction from the user. Specifically, the start input unit 150 includes an input button and a touch panel.

  When the search unit 160 receives a search start instruction, the search unit 160 searches the database 140 for a point corresponding to the input keyword using a search method specified by the attribute set for the input keyword. As a specific example, when a number attribute is set for the input keyword, the search unit 160 searches for a point corresponding to the input keyword using a search method based on number search. The output unit 170 displays and outputs the search result obtained by the search unit 160. Specifically, the output unit 170 includes a display, a speaker, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, setting unit 130 sets the telephone number attribute to the input keyword when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and the first number is a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, “0”. That is, the setting unit 130 sets a telephone number attribute to an input keyword starting from “0” and consisting of all numerals. When the first number is not a predetermined number, a zip code attribute or a map code attribute may be set, or a name attribute may be set. The name attribute is assumed to be a search for a facility including a number such as a facility name “100 yen mart”.

  The setting unit 130 sets the telephone number attribute to the input keyword when the input keyword is composed of only numbers and a predetermined number of numeric strings from the beginning are predetermined numeric strings. The predetermined number of numeric strings specifically represents an area code or the like, and is a two-digit or three-digit number written at the beginning of a telephone number. For example, “03,06,045,070,090” "". When the input keyword does not start with a predetermined number of numeric strings, other number attributes and name attributes may be set. For example, when only the area code is input as an input keyword, the search unit 160 may search for a prefectural office or a city office as a preset representative point.

  The setting unit 130 sets the telephone number attribute to the input keyword when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and the number of characters of the numbers is a predetermined number. The predetermined number of characters is the number of digits of the telephone number, for example, 10 digits such as a fixed phone, or 11 digits such as a mobile phone. If the number of characters is not a predetermined number, other number attributes and name attributes may be set.

  Further, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and there are a plurality of number attributes, the setting unit 130 sets one number attribute to the input keyword based on a predetermined criterion. The predetermined criteria are the total number of characters, the first character, a predetermined number of numbers (such as a telephone number area code or a postal code three-digit division), a preset priority order, and the like. The priority order may be set in the order of telephone number, postal code, map code, etc. from the top.

  In addition, multiple number attributes are a phone number attribute that specifies a phone number search that searches a location for a location phone number, and a zip code that specifies a zip code search that searches a location for a location zip code It shall include at least two of code attributes that specify code search for searching for a point for the attribute and a code set in advance for the point.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed of numbers and other characters, the setting unit 130 sets a name attribute that identifies a name search for searching for a spot with respect to the name of the spot. That is, the setting unit 130 sets the name attribute when numbers and letters are mixed, for example, in the case of an input keyword such as “100 yen mart”.

(Point search processing procedure of the point search device)
Next, the point search processing procedure of the point search device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the point search processing procedure of the point search apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the point search device 100 determines whether or not a keyword has been input to the keyword input unit 120 (step S <b> 201). It is in a standby state until a keyword is input (step S201: No loop). When a keyword is input (step S201: Yes), it is determined whether or not the input keyword is composed only of numbers (step S202). ). When it is determined that the input keyword is composed only of numbers (step S202: Yes), the setting unit 130 sets a number attribute for the input keyword (step S203).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a search start input is received from the start input unit 150 (step S204). It is in a standby state until the search start input is received (step S204: No loop). When the search start input is received (step S204: Yes), the search method specified by the attribute is used to specify the number. By the search, the search unit 160 searches for a point corresponding to the input keyword (step S205). Then, the search result is output from the output unit 170 (step S206), and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the input keyword is not composed of only numbers (step S202: No), another attribute is set for the input keyword (step S207), and a search start instruction in step S204 is accepted. Judge whether or not.

  As described above, according to the point search device 100 according to the present embodiment, when an input keyword is composed only of numbers, a number attribute is set for the input keyword and a number search is performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform a so-called free keyword search that does not require the user to set a search method when performing the search.

  Thereby, the user can reduce the troublesomeness caused by setting the search technique, and can suppress an erroneous search associated with the misrecognition of the search technique by the user, thereby obtaining an accurate search result. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the setting of the search method from the user and the number of operations at the time of operation, present the search result quickly and accurately, and perform an efficient search.

  Further, if the number attribute is a telephone number attribute, a telephone number search can be performed simply by inputting a number into the keyword input unit 120 in a telephone number search that is assumed to be frequently used by a user. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the addition of the user such as setting the telephone number search as a search method.

  Further, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and the first number is a predetermined number, if the telephone number attribute is set to the input keyword, for example, for an input keyword starting with “0”, etc. Thus, the telephone number attribute can be set appropriately. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed of only numbers and a predetermined number of numeric strings from the beginning are predetermined numeric strings, if the telephone number attribute is set to the input keyword, for example, it starts with “090”. A telephone number attribute can be appropriately set for an input keyword or the like. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  Further, when the input keyword is composed of only numbers and the number of characters of the number is a predetermined number, if the telephone number attribute is set to the input keyword, for example, for an input keyword having 10 digits. Thus, the telephone number attribute can be set appropriately. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  Further, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and there are a plurality of number attributes, if one number attribute is set to the input keyword based on a predetermined criterion, the user can Even when an input keyword consisting of numbers is input, a point corresponding to one input keyword can be searched. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed of numbers and other characters, if the name attribute is set, the name attribute can be appropriately set for the facility name including the number. . Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, an example in which the point search device 100 of the present invention is implemented by a navigation device mounted on a vehicle will be described.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
The hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, a navigation device 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disk drive 306, an optical disk 307, an audio I / F (interface) 308, and a speaker 309. An input device 310, a video I / F 311, a display 312, a communication I / F 313, a GPS unit 314, and various sensors 315. Each component 301 to 315 is connected by a bus 320.

  The CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a boot program, a current position calculation program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a keyword input program, an attribute setting program, and an information search program. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  The current position calculation program, for example, calculates the current position of the vehicle (current position of the navigation device 300) based on output information from a GPS unit 314 and various sensors 315 described later.

  The route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination using map data recorded on a magnetic disk 305 described later. Here, the optimum route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. Further, not only the destination but also a route to a stop point or a rest point may be searched. The searched guidance route is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301.

  The route guidance program is based on guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, vehicle current location information calculated by executing the current position calculation program, and map data read from the magnetic disk 305. Real-time route guidance information is generated. The generated route guidance information is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301.

  The keyword input program is a program for supporting the keyword input of the user. When the input keyword is determined, the candidate keyword estimated for the input keyword is extracted and presented, and the candidate keyword presented is presented Among them, a program that outputs what is received from the user as an input keyword. Note that the input of keywords and the reception of input keywords are performed using the input device 310.

  The candidate keywords are presented from the speaker 309 or the display 312. The keyword input unit 120 shown in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 301, the input device 310, and the display 312. That is, the CPU 301 executes the keyword input program, and among the candidate keywords displayed on the display 312, the input device 310 receives input from the user, thereby realizing the function of the keyword input unit 120.

  The attribute setting program is a program for setting an attribute for an input keyword. When a plurality of input keywords are received, an attribute is set for each input keyword. The attribute setting program is a program for setting a number attribute to an input keyword when the input keyword is composed only of numbers. The set attribute is output to the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301. Note that the setting unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 301. That is, the function of the setting unit 130 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the attribute setting program.

  The information search program is a program for searching for a point corresponding to the input keyword whose attribute is set by the attribute setting program. The retrieved search result is output to the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301. Note that the search unit 160 illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 301. That is, the function of the search unit 160 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the information search program.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to control of CPU301. The magnetic disk 305 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  As an example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305, a search table in which information on each point is registered, an attribute table in which attributes for specifying a search method are associated with keywords, and an attribute change from a user are accepted. Record the history information etc. The search table records information on names, positions, telephone numbers, etc. for each facility, address information for each facility, genre information on facilities, etc., and is recorded in the database 140 shown in FIG. . Details of the search table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The attribute table is a table in which keywords are associated with each attribute and classified, and is recorded in the table storage unit 110 shown in FIG. Details of the attribute table will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the history information indicates, for example, a history when the attribute set for the input keyword is changed by selection from the user. Details of the history table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to control of CPU301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disc 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a speaker 309 for audio output. The speaker 309 outputs sound. Examples of the input device 310 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 310 may be realized by any one of a remote controller, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, or may be realized by a plurality of forms.

  Using this input device 310, a user inputs a keyword, a search start input, an input for changing an attribute, and the like. The keyword input unit 120 and the start input unit 150 illustrated in FIG. 1 are realized by the input device 310.

  The video I / F 311 is connected to the display 312. Specifically, the video I / F 311 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 312, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 312 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 312 displays input keywords, candidate keywords, attributes, search results, and the like. Various data such as icons, cursors, menus, windows, or characters and images are displayed.

  As this display 312, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted. The display 312 is installed near the dashboard of the vehicle, for example. A plurality of displays 312 may be installed in the vehicle, for example, in the vicinity of the dashboard of the vehicle or in the vicinity of the rear seat of the vehicle. 1 is realized by the display 312 or the speaker 309.

  The communication I / F 313 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 313 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301.

  The GPS unit 314 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 314 is used when the current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 301 together with output values of various sensors 315 described later. The information indicating the current position is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 315 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 315 are used for the calculation of the current position of the vehicle by the CPU 301 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction.

  The table storage unit 110, the keyword input unit 120, the setting unit 130, the database 140, the start input unit 150, the search unit 160, and the output unit 170 included in the spot search device 100 illustrated in FIG. The CPU 301 executes a predetermined program using the programs and data recorded in the ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk 305, optical disk 307, etc. in the navigation device 300 shown in FIG. Realize the function.

  That is, the navigation device 300 of the present embodiment executes the various programs recorded in the ROM 302 as a recording medium in the navigation device 300, thereby providing the functions provided in the point search device 100 shown in FIG. It can be executed according to the point search processing procedure shown.

(Example of attribute table recorded on magnetic disk)
Next, an example of the attribute table recorded on the magnetic disk 305 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an attribute table recorded on the magnetic disk 305.

  In FIG. 4, the attribute table 400 shows attributes 401, keywords 402, and user selection history 403. The attribute 401 includes an address area attribute for specifying an address area search, a genre attribute for performing a genre search, a name attribute for specifying a name search, and a number attribute for specifying a number search.

  The address area attribute is used to search for a point address or a point area. The genre attribute is used to search for a point for the genre of the point. In the name search, a point is searched for the name of the point. In the number search, a point search is performed for a point number.

  Although the attribute 401 is not shown, the attribute 401 includes a reading attribute for specifying a reading search. This Yomi search is to search for a Yomi at a location, and to search for a keyword input in Katakana or Hiragana. Specifically, for the place name “Tokyo”, the “Yomi” attribute is set when “Tokyo” or “Tokyo” is input as an input keyword. For a place name registered as Hiragana in advance, such as “Saitama”, an address area attribute is set for the Hiragana.

  The keyword 402 is a word registered in advance for each attribute 401. The user selection history 403 is history information of changed attributes when an attribute change from a user is accepted. Here, each attribute will be specifically described. In the name attribute, a number of proper nouns such as facility names are recorded, and branch names of affiliated stores are also recorded. That is, all the unique facilities existing on the map are recorded in the name attribute.

  In the address area attribute, a place name is recorded. That is, all place names existing on the map are recorded in the address area attribute. As indicated by reference numeral 410, “name” is recorded in the user selection history 403. This is because “Saitama” 411 is input and the name attribute is received from the user when it is determined as the address area attribute. Indicates that it has been changed. This history may be the latest in the past within a predetermined period, or may be changed frequently. In the genre attribute, the genre of the facility is recorded, and the trade name of the affiliated store is also recorded as the genre.

  In the number attribute indicated by reference numeral 412, “numbers 0 to 9” are indicated as the keywords 402. That is, when a number is input, the number attribute is set. The number attribute includes a telephone number attribute, a postal code attribute, a map code attribute, and the like. In addition, for these number attributes, priorities for setting the attributes for the input keyword are set in the order of, for example, a telephone number attribute, a postal code attribute, and a map code attribute.

(Example of search table recorded on magnetic disk)
Next, an example of a search table recorded on the magnetic disk 305 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a search table recorded on the magnetic disk 305.

  The search table illustrated in FIG. 5A includes a point information table 510, an address table 520, and a genre table 530. The point information table 510 includes a facility name 511, a facility read 512, a genre code 513, an area code 514, a latitude / longitude 515, a telephone number 516, a postal code 517, and a map code 518.

  The facility name 511 is the name of all the facilities existing on the map. For example, in addition to “Urawa Stadium” and “Saitama International Stadium”, store names including numbers such as “8 (eight) store Kawagoe store” and “100 yen Mart Kawagoe store” are also recorded. Facility Yomi 512 indicates the facility name 511 in katakana. The genre code 513 is a symbol set for each genre when the facilities are classified by genre. The area code 514 is a symbol set for each predetermined area. Latitude / longitude 515 indicates a point where the facility is located. A telephone number 516 indicates the telephone number of the facility. The postal code 517 indicates the postal code of the place where the facility exists. The map code 518 is a code number for specifying the location of the facility on the map.

  The address table 520 includes an address name 521, an area code 514, and a latitude / longitude 515. The address name 521 is all place names existing on the map. This address table 520 records an area code 514 and a latitude / longitude 515 in association with each address name 521.

  The genre table 530 includes a genre name 531 and a genre code 513. The genre name 531 is a name of the classification when the facilities are classified by genre, and includes the trade names of affiliated stores such as “8 stores” and “100 yen mart”. The genre table 530 records a genre code 513 in association with each genre name 531.

(Example of search screen displayed on the display)
Next, an example of a search screen displayed on the display 312 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a search screen displayed on the display 312. In FIG. 5B, only the outline when inputting a number will be described, and details of the display screen for setting attributes and the like will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 5B, the display 312 includes a 50-sound key 540, an input box 541, an attribute tab 542, and a 50-sound key 540, which includes character keys 540a for inputting Japanese hiragana characters, and numerical values. A numeric keypad 540b on which an input is performed is displayed, and an input from a user is received by a touch panel. The input box 541 displays a keyword input from the 50 sound key 540.

  The attribute tab 542 indicates an attribute to be set for the input keyword. When an attribute is set for a character input from the 50-sound key 540, a tab corresponding to the set attribute is actively displayed. For example, when the user inputs using the numeric keypad 540b, numbers are displayed in the input box 541, and an attribute tab 542 indicating a number attribute is actively displayed. In this display screen, the number input in the input box 541 indicates a telephone number, but “−” connecting the numbers does not matter whether or not the user needs to input.

  In some cases, the numeric keypad 540b is not displayed on the 50 sound key 540 due to the space on the display screen of the display 312. In such a case, the numeric keypad is displayed when the user selects the “123” button 543.

(Example of number attribute setting processing by the navigation device)
First, an example of number attribute setting processing by the navigation device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5C is a flowchart illustrating an example of the number attribute setting process performed by the navigation device 300. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5C, the priority for setting the number attribute is set in advance in the order of the telephone number attribute, the postal code attribute, and the map code attribute. That is, it is assumed that the reference number to be referred to when setting the attribute is set to the telephone number.

  In FIG. 5C, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 determines whether or not a keyword has been input by the user using the input device 310 (50 sound key 540) (step S551). It is in a standby state until a keyword is input (step S551: No loop). When a keyword is input (step S551: Yes), it is determined whether or not the first character of the input keyword is the number “0”. Judgment is made (step S552). If it is determined that the first character is the number “0” (step S552: Yes), it is determined whether or not the first predetermined number of digits is a predetermined number string (step S553). The determination in step S553 is, for example, that the first digit number is “03” or “090”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S552 that the first character is not the number “0” (step S552: No), the reference standard is changed to the zip code (step S554), and the process proceeds to step S553. In this case, the determination in step S553 is, for example, that the first digit number is “100” or “250”. If it is determined that the first predetermined number of digits is a predetermined number string (step S553: Yes), it is determined whether or not the input keyword is composed only of numbers (step S555).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S553 that the first predetermined number of digits is not a predetermined number string (step S553: No), the reference standard is changed to a map code (step S556), and the process proceeds to step S555. If it is determined that the input keyword is composed only of numbers (step S555: Yes), it is determined whether the number of characters is a predetermined number (step S556). The predetermined number (predetermined number of digits) is 10 or 11 digits for a telephone number, 3 or 7 digits for a postal code, and 6 to 10 digits for a map code.

  If it is determined that the number of characters is a predetermined number (step S556: Yes), a number attribute is set for the input keyword (step S557). The number attribute to be set is an attribute according to the reference standard, that is, for example, when the reference standard is a telephone number, a telephone number attribute is set. Thereafter, a search process using a number attribute is performed (step S558), and a series of processes is terminated. Details of the search processing based on the number attribute will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S555 that the input keyword is not composed of only numbers (step S555: No), a name attribute is set for the input keyword (step S559). If it is determined in step S556 that the number of characters is not a predetermined number (step S556: No), the name attribute is set for the input keyword in step S559. Then, a search process based on the name attribute is performed (step S560), and the series of processes ends. The details of the search processing based on the name attribute will be supplemented when explaining FIG. 15 described later.

(Example of search processing by number attribute)
Next, an example of a search process using a number attribute will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5-4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a search process using a number attribute. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5-4, the search process using the telephone number attribute will be described, but the same applies to the search process using the postal code attribute and the search process using the map code attribute.

  5-4, first, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 collates the input keyword with the telephone number in the point information table 510 shown in FIG. 5 (step S571). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S572). If it is determined that there is a match (step S572: Yes), point information corresponding to the matched phone number is extracted (step S573).

  Then, the extracted spot information is output as a search result (step S574), and the series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S572 that there is no match (step S572: No), the fact that there is no corresponding point is output (step S575), and the series of processing ends.

  According to the display screen and processing described above, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers, the number attribute is set to the input keyword and the number search is performed. Therefore, the search from the user is performed when performing the search. It is possible to perform a search using so-called free keywords that do not require setting of a technique.

  Thereby, the user can reduce the troublesomeness caused by setting the search technique, and can suppress an erroneous search associated with the misrecognition of the search technique by the user, thereby obtaining an accurate search result. In particular, since the numeric keypad 540b is displayed on the search input screen shown in FIG. 5-2, the user can input numbers without specifying a search method. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the setting of the search method from the user and the number of operations at the time of operation, present the search result quickly and accurately, and perform an efficient search.

  In addition, since the number attribute is a telephone number attribute, in a telephone number search that is assumed to be frequently used by the user, the user can perform a telephone number search simply by inputting a number. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the addition of the user such as setting the telephone number search as a search method.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and the first number is a predetermined number, the telephone number attribute is set to the input keyword. For example, for an input keyword starting with “0”, etc. Thus, the telephone number attribute can be set appropriately. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed only of numerals and a predetermined number of numeral strings are predetermined numeral strings from the beginning, the telephone number attribute is set to the input keyword, so, for example, it starts with “090” A telephone number attribute can be appropriately set for an input keyword or the like. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed of only numbers and the number of characters of the number is a predetermined number, the telephone number attribute is set to the input keyword. For example, for an input keyword having 10 digits, The telephone number attribute can be set appropriately. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  Further, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and there are a plurality of number attributes, if one number attribute is set to the input keyword based on a predetermined criterion, the user can Even when an input keyword consisting of numbers is input, a point corresponding to one input keyword can be searched. Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

  In addition, when the input keyword is composed of numbers and other characters, the name attribute is set. Therefore, the name attribute can be appropriately set for the facility name including the number. . Therefore, the search technique desired by the user can be specified only from the input keyword, and an accurate search can be performed.

(An example of attribute setting processing when other attributes are set by the navigation device)
Next, an example of attribute setting processing when other attributes are set by the navigation device 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B (hereinafter referred to as FIG. 6). FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of attribute setting processing when other attributes are set by the navigation device 300. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that an initial screen at the time of point search is displayed in advance by accepting selection of multi-search from the user. This input screen will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the CPU 301 of the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not a keyword has been input from the user using the input device 310 (step S601). It is in a standby state until a keyword is input (step S601: No loop). When a keyword is input (step S601: Yes), it is determined whether there is a candidate keyword (step S602). The candidate keyword will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 8, and for example, “Saitama” that is estimated when “sa” is input.

  If it is determined that there is a candidate keyword (step S602: Yes), the candidate keyword is displayed in a recommended conversion candidate box displayed below the input box (step S603). And it is judged whether selection of the keyword by the user was received from the candidate keywords displayed on the recommendation conversion candidate box (step S604). When selection of a candidate keyword is accepted (step S604: Yes), the accepted candidate keyword is displayed in the input box as an input keyword (step S605). Then, using the attribute table 400 shown in FIG. 4, attributes are set for the keywords displayed in the input box (step S606).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a keyword input (step S607). When there is a keyword input (step S607: Yes), the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, when it is determined that there is no candidate keyword (step S602: No), specifically, for example, when a keyword starting with “n” or “tsu” is input, the process proceeds to step S606. Set attributes using keywords as input keywords. The attribute to be set at this time may be determined in advance, for example, as a name attribute.

  If no candidate keyword selection is accepted in step S604 (step S604: No), the process proceeds to step S606, and an attribute is set using the keyword displayed in the input box as the input keyword. If it is determined in step S607 that there is no keyword input (step S607: No), it is determined whether an attribute change has been received from the user (step S608).

  When an attribute change is accepted (step S608: Yes), the attribute is changed to the accepted attribute (step S609). Then, it is determined whether or not the input keyword other than the input keyword for which the attribute is set has been accepted (step S610). Note that the determination in step S610 is specifically a determination of whether or not the “add button” shown in FIG. 7 has been selected. On the other hand, when the attribute change is not accepted in step S608 (step S608: No), the process proceeds to step S610.

  When it is determined whether or not it is accepted that another keyword is input (step S610: Yes), the input keyword with the attribute set is displayed in the input completion box (step S611). The display of the input completion box will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, input of another keyword is accepted (step S612), and the process proceeds to step S602.

  On the other hand, if it is not accepted in step S610 that another keyword is to be input (step S610: No), it is determined whether an input for starting search has been accepted (step S613). It is in a standby state until an input for search start is received (step S613: No loop). When an input for search start is received (step S613: Yes), a search is performed using a table for each attribute (step S614). Details of the search process will be described later with reference to FIGS. Thereafter, the search result is displayed on the display 312 (step S615), and the series of processing ends.

(Example of input screen when searching for points)
Next, an example of the input screen at the time of point search will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an input screen at the time of point search. The explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 7 shows a screen displayed as a premise of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the display 312 displays a 50 sound key 701, an input box 702, a guess conversion candidate box 703, an attribute tab 704, an add button 705, and a search start button 706. The 50-sound key 701 lists Japanese hiragana and accepts input from the user by a touch panel. The input box 702 displays the keyword input from the 50 sound key 701.

  The guess conversion candidate box 703 displays candidate keywords based on the characters input from the 50-sound key 701. An attribute tab 704 indicates an attribute to be set as an input keyword. When an attribute is set for a character input from the 50-sound key 701, a tab corresponding to the set attribute is actively displayed. The add button 705 accepts a selection from the user when inputting another keyword having a different attribute. The search start button 706 accepts the start of search for a point corresponding to the input keyword displayed in the input box 702.

(Example of display screen when receiving keyword input from the user)
Next, an example of a display screen when a keyword input is received from the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a keyword input is received from the user. The explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 8 shows the screen displayed in step S603 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, “sa” is displayed in the input box 702 when the user inputs “sa” of the 50-sound key 701. In the candidate conversion candidate box 703, candidate keywords estimated from “sa” are displayed. For example, in addition to the place names “Saitama” and “Saga”, the convenience store genre “circle store” is displayed. Is done. This candidate keyword is a keyword extracted based on the latest history when the user inputs “sa”, for example.

  Candidate keywords displayed in the guess conversion candidate box 703 receive selection from the user through the touch panel. On this display screen, for example, if the user selects “Saitama” from the guess conversion candidate box 703, the display screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

(Example of display screen when attributes are set for input keywords)
Next, an example of a display screen when an attribute is set for an input keyword will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when an attribute is set for an input keyword. The explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 9 shows the screen displayed in step S606 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, “Saitama” is displayed in the input box 702. Then, as indicated by reference numeral 900, an attribute tab 704 indicating an address area attribute corresponding to “Saitama” is activated and displayed. Also, in the candidate conversion candidate box 703, candidate keywords whose input is estimated following “Saitama” are displayed. In this display screen, if the user selects “National Art Museum” from the guess conversion candidate box 703, the display screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

(An example of the display screen when the attribute is changed by changing the keyword)
Next, an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed by changing a keyword will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed due to a keyword being changed. The explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 10 shows the screen displayed in step S606 when there is a continuous input in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 (step S607: Yes).

  In FIG. 10, “Saitama National Museum” is entered in the input box 702. As indicated by reference numeral 1000, an attribute tab 704 indicating a name attribute corresponding to “Saitama National Art Museum” is activated and displayed. When the search start button 706 is selected by the user on this display screen, a name search for a spot corresponding to “Saitama National Museum of Art” is performed. On the other hand, when the add button 705 is selected on this display screen, the screen shifts to the display screen shown in FIG.

(Example of display screen when attributes are changed by user selection)
Next, an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed by a user's selection will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed by a user's selection. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 11 shows the screen displayed in step S609 when there is continued input in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 (step S607: Yes).

  In FIG. 11, when the user selects an item indicating the genre attribute from the attribute tab 704 of the touch panel, “Saitama National Museum” is set as the genre attribute, and the genre attribute is indicated as indicated by reference numeral 1100. The attribute tab 704 is activated and displayed. In this display screen, when the user selects the attribute tab 704 indicating the name attribute, the name attribute can be set again. In addition, when an attribute tab 704 indicating an address area attribute, a Yomi (kana) attribute, or a telephone number attribute is selected, the corresponding attribute can be set. For example, even if a genre attribute or a telephone number attribute is set for “Saitama National Museum of Art” and a genre search or a telephone number search is performed, the search result is “not applicable”.

  According to the attribute setting process and the display screen described above, an attribute is set for an input keyword, and a search corresponding to the input keyword is searched using a search method specified by the attribute. In this case, it is possible to perform a search using a so-called free keyword that does not require the user to set a search method. Therefore, the user can reduce the annoyance caused by setting the search method, and can obtain appropriate search results by reducing the misperception of the search method.

  Moreover, since the change of the attribute set to the input keyword is received from the user, when the set attribute is different from that desired by the user, it can be changed to the attribute desired by the user. Therefore, an appropriate search result reflecting the attribute desired by the user can be obtained.

  In addition, since the history information that has received the attribute change is stored and the attribute is set to the input keyword with reference to the table and the history information, the attribute registered in the table in advance for a certain keyword Even if the attribute desired by the user may be different, the user does not need to change the attribute every time, and the attribute desired by the user can be set at the next and subsequent attribute settings.

  In addition, when inputting keywords, candidate keywords are extracted and presented to the user, and candidate keywords accepted from the presented keywords are output as input keywords, so that user keyword input can be supported. The burden of input operation can be reduced.

(Example of display screen when attributes are set for multiple input keywords)
Next, an example of a display screen when attributes are set for a plurality of input keywords will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when attributes are set for a plurality of input keywords. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 12 shows the screen displayed in step S611 and step S612 in the flowchart shown in FIG. The display screen shown in FIG. 12 is a screen unrelated to the keywords shown in FIGS.

  In FIG. 12, input completion boxes 1201 and 1202 are displayed on the display screen. The input completion box 1201 displays that the address area attribute is set for the input keyword “Saitama”. This indicates that the input keyword “Saitama” is input to the input box 702, and an address area attribute is set for the input keyword.

  Further, the input completion box 1202 displays that the genre attribute is set for the input keyword “stadium”. This indicates that, after “Saitama” is input, the user selects the add button 705, and the input keyword “stadium” is input, so that the genre attribute is set for the input keyword. .

  In this display screen, an input keyword “Urawa” is input in the input box 702, and an attribute tab 704 indicating a name attribute is activated and displayed as indicated by reference numeral 1203. Incidentally, the address area attribute is originally set for the keyword “Urawa”, but here the name attribute is set. This is because “Saitama” is already registered as the address area attribute, and is set in advance so as not to accept the input of the address attribute. Note that even if the address area attribute is already registered, it can be set in advance so that the input of the address area attribute can be accepted again.

  When the user selects the search start button 706 on this display screen, an address area search, a genre search, and a name search are performed according to the set attributes for the three input keywords. Details of the search processing will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Example of details of search processing by navigation device)
Next, an example of details of search processing by the navigation device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of area code extraction processing in the point search processing. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 shows processing when an area code is extracted from an input keyword in which an address area attribute is set. 13 is based on the display screen shown in FIG. 12, that is, an address area attribute is set for the input keyword “Saitama”, a genre attribute is set for the input keyword “stadium”, and “Urawa” It is assumed that a name attribute is set for the input keyword “”.

  In FIG. 13, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 collates the address area input keyword (“Saitama”) with the address name in the address table 520 shown in FIG. 5A (step S <b> 1301). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1302). When it is determined that there is a match (step S1302: Yes), the area code “11100” (see reference numeral 514 in FIG. 5A) corresponding to the matched address name is extracted (step S1303).

  Then, the extracted area code “11100” is stored in the buffer 1 (for example, the drive buffer of the magnetic disk drive 304) (step S1304). The number in the buffer is a number determined for convenience for each search result by each attribute. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1302 that there is no match as a result of the collation (step S1302: No), an invalid value is stored in the buffer 1 (step S1305), and the series of processes is terminated. The invalid value indicates that there is no point corresponding to the input keyword.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a genre code extraction process in the point search process. The flowchart shown in FIG. 14 shows processing when a genre code is extracted from an input keyword in which a genre attribute is set.

  14, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 collates the genre name input keyword (“stadium”) with the genre name in the genre table 530 shown in FIG. 5A (step S1401). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1402). When it is determined that there is a match (step S1402: Yes), a genre code “1” (see reference numeral 513 in FIG. 5A) corresponding to the matched genre name is extracted (step S1403).

  Then, the extracted genre code “1” is stored in the buffer 2 (step S1404). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1402 that there is no match as a result of the collation (step S1402: No), the invalid value is stored in the buffer 2 (step S1405), and the series of processing ends.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the name search process in the point search process. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 includes an input keyword in which a name attribute is set, an area code extracted by the area code extraction process shown in FIG. 13, and a genre code extracted by the genre code extraction process shown in FIG. The process at the time of specifying a facility using, is shown.

  In FIG. 15, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 acquires the area code “11100” stored in the buffer 1 (step S1501). Then, the acquired area code “11100” is collated with the area code in the point information table 510 shown in FIG. 5A (step S1502). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1503). When it is determined that there is a match (step S1503: Yes), the matched spot information is extracted and a search table is created (step S1504). Details of the search table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the genre code “1” stored in the buffer 2 is acquired (step S1505). Then, the acquired genre code “1” is collated with the genre code in the search table created in step S1504 (step S1506). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1507). When it is determined that there is a match (step S1507: Yes), the matched spot information is extracted and the search table is recreated (step S1508).

  The facility name input keyword ("Urawa") is collated with the facility name in the search table recreated in step S1508 (step S1509). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1510). If it is determined that there is a match (step S1510: Yes), the matched point information is extracted and stored in the buffer 3 (step S1511). And the point information preserve | saved at the buffer 3 is output as a search result (step S1512), and a series of processes are complete | finished.

  Note that the processing shown in steps S1509 to S1512 corresponds to “search processing by name attribute” in step S560 in FIG. 15 describes the case of performing address area search, genre search, and name search, but FIG. 5 illustrates the case of performing a name search of a single input keyword in which a name attribute is set. What matches the input keyword may be extracted from the facility name 511 of the point information table 510 and output as a search result.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1503 that there is no match as a result of the comparison between the area code and the area code in the point information table 510 (step S1503: No), the fact that there is no corresponding point information is output. (Step S1513), a series of processing ends. If it is determined in step S1507 that there is no match as a result of the comparison between the genre code and the genre code in the search table (step S1507: No), the process proceeds to step S1513. If it is determined in step S1510 that there is no match as a result of collation between the facility name input keyword and the facility name in the re-created search table (step S1510: No), the process proceeds to step S1513. To do.

(Example of search table created in search processing)
Next, an example of a search table created in the search process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search table created in the search process.

  In FIG. 16, the first search table 1610 displays a matching point when there is a match as a result of matching between the acquired area code “11100” and the spot information table 510 shown in FIG. The table which extracted information is shown. That is, the first search table 1610 shows the facility information when the area code “11100” (“Saitama”) is extracted from the point information table 510.

  The second search table 1620 extracts matching point information when there is a match as a result of matching between the acquired genre code “1” and the genre code in the first search table 1610. Shows the re-created table. That is, the second search table 1620 indicates the facility name when the genre code “1” (“stadium”) is extracted from the first search table 1610.

  The search result 1630 extracts the matching point information when there is a match as a result of matching between the facility name input keyword (“Urawa”) and the facility name in the second search table 1620. Thus, the output search result is shown. That is, the search result 1630 indicates facility information including the characters “Urawa” from the second search table 1620. That is, “Urawa Stadium” is output as the search result 1630.

  In the above description, the search is performed in the order of area search for creating the first search table 1610, genre search for creating the second search table, and name search for extracting point information from the second search table. However, the order of each search is arbitrary. The display screen when the search result 1630 is output will be described below with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

(Example of display screen when search results are output)
Next, an example of a display screen when a search result is output will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when one search result is output.

  In FIG. 17, a search result screen 1710 and a map screen 1720 are displayed on the display 312. The search result screen 1710 displays an address of “Urawa Stadium” as a search result. The search result screen 1710 displays a selection button 1711 for receiving an input as to whether or not “Urawa Stadium” is set as the destination. When the user selects “Yes” among the selection buttons 1711, “Urawa Stadium” is set as the destination.

  The map screen 1720 displays a map of the surrounding area centering on “Urawa Stadium”. In this search result screen 1710, only one search result is shown, but when there are a plurality of search results, a plurality of search results may be displayed. A display screen when a plurality of search results are displayed will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a plurality of search results are output. In FIG. 18, a plurality of search results are listed and displayed on the display 312. In this display screen, for example, when “Urawa Stadium” is selected by the user, the display screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. Similarly, when a user selects a point other than “Urawa Stadium”, the display screen is displayed in which each search result screen and map screen are displayed.

  According to the processing and display screen described above, a plurality of keywords (“Saitama”, “stadium”, “Urawa”) are accepted, attributes are set for each input keyword, and a search method specified by each attribute is used. Since a point corresponding to each input keyword is searched, a plurality of input keywords having different attributes can be input on the same screen.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers, the number attribute is set to the input keyword and the number search is performed. It is possible to perform a so-called free keyword search that does not require a user to set a search method when performing a search.

  Thereby, the user can reduce the troublesomeness caused by setting the search technique, and can suppress an erroneous search associated with the misrecognition of the search technique by the user, thereby obtaining an accurate search result. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the setting of the search method from the user and the number of operations at the time of operation, present the search result quickly and accurately, and perform an efficient search.

  As described above, according to the point search device, the point search method, the point search program, and the recording medium of the present invention, the search method from the user can be set and the number of operations at the time of operation can be suppressed, and the search result can be obtained quickly and accurately. Can be presented.

  Note that the point search method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the point search apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the point search process sequence of the point search apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus concerning a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the attribute table recorded on a magnetic disc. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table for a search recorded on a magnetic disc. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the search screen displayed on a display. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the number attribute setting process by a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the search process by a number attribute. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the attribute setting process at the time of setting another attribute by a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the attribute setting process at the time of setting another attribute by a navigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the input screen at the time of a point search. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen at the time of receiving the input of a keyword from a user. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen at the time of setting an attribute to an input keyword. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen at the time of changing an attribute by having changed the keyword. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen at the time of changing an attribute by a user's selection. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen at the time of setting an attribute to a some input keyword. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the extraction process of the area code in a spot search process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the extraction process of the genre code in a point search process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the name search process in a spot search process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table for a search produced in a search process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen at the time of outputting one search result. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen at the time of outputting several search results.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Table memory | storage part 120 Keyword input part 130 Setting part 140 Database 150 Start input part 160 Search part 170 Output part 300 Navigation apparatus

Claims (11)

A database of multiple points,
Table storage means for storing a table in which attributes and keywords for specifying a search method are associated with each other;
Keyword input means for receiving keyword input from the user;
Referring to the table, setting means for setting the attribute to the keyword input by the keyword input means (hereinafter referred to as “input keyword”);
Start input means for receiving a search start instruction from the user;
A search means for searching the database for a point corresponding to the input keyword using a search method specified by the attribute set in the input keyword when receiving an instruction to start search;
With
The setting means sets, in the input keyword, a number attribute that specifies a number search for searching for a point for a specific number corresponding to the point when the input keyword is composed only of numbers. Feature point search device.   2. The point search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number attribute is a telephone number attribute that specifies a phone number search for searching for a point with respect to a phone number of the point.   The point according to claim 2, wherein the setting means sets the telephone number attribute to the input keyword when the input keyword is composed only of numbers and the first number is a predetermined number. Search device.   The said setting means sets the said telephone number attribute to the said input keyword, when the said input keyword is comprised only with a number and a predetermined number of numbers string is a predetermined number string from the beginning. The point search device according to 2 or 3.   The said setting means sets the said telephone number attribute to the said input keyword, when the said input keyword is comprised only with a number and the number of characters of the said number is a predetermined number, The said input keyword is characterized by the above-mentioned. The point search apparatus as described in one.   The setting means sets one number attribute to the input keyword based on a predetermined criterion when the input keyword is composed only of numerals and there are a plurality of the number attributes. The point search device according to claim 1.   The plurality of number attributes are a phone number attribute that specifies a phone number search for searching a location for a location phone number, and a zip code attribute for specifying a zip code search for a location search for a location zip code The point search apparatus according to claim 6, comprising at least two of code attributes for specifying a code search for searching for a point with a code set in advance as a target.   The setting means is configured to set a name attribute for specifying a name search for searching for a spot for the name of the spot when the input keyword is composed of numerals and other characters. The point search apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A location search method for searching for a specific location from a database of multiple locations,
A keyword input process for receiving keyword input from the user;
A setting step of setting the attribute to a keyword input by the keyword input means (hereinafter referred to as “input keyword”) with reference to a table in which attributes and keywords for specifying a search method are associated;
A start input step for receiving a search start instruction from the user;
A search step of searching from the database for a point corresponding to the input keyword by a search method specified by an attribute set in the input keyword when receiving an instruction to start search;
Including
In the setting step, when the input keyword is composed only of numbers, a number attribute for specifying a number search for searching for a point for a specific number corresponding to the point is set as the input keyword. A feature point search method.   A point search program that causes a computer to execute the point search method according to claim 9.   11. A computer-readable recording medium in which the point search program according to claim 10 is recorded.

Images