JP2009295143A - Information search device, information search method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently find out desired address information even in the middle of a hierarchy from a group of desired information to be searched for and to perform quick search with easy operation while considering a data capacity with simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: In this device 10, a character string information receiving part 11 receives input of a character string for searching for address information and a search position information specification part 12 specifies character information in order from the head of the character string and on the basis of the specified character information, refers to an address search information storage part F1 which relates a character string indicating a searchable address area with search position specification information specifying a storage position of the address information corresponding to the character string, establishes a prescribed address area, and specifies search position specification information corresponding to the established address area. Also, an address information search part 13 specifies and extracts the address information on the basis of the search position specification information, and an address information output part 14 outputs the extracted address information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a search technique for searching for desired address information, and more specifically, a search that can efficiently search for address information corresponding to a designated (input) character string from a predetermined information group to be searched. The present invention relates to an information search device, an information search method, and a computer program for information search.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information search device that searches for desired address information as a search object is known. In such an information search apparatus, addresses are hierarchized and stored in order of, for example, prefectures, municipalities, large letters / towns, small letters / chomes, street numbers, and numbers so that the addresses indicate a wide area to a narrow area. Search using a tree-structured address database. Therefore, when searching for desired address information, addresses are gradually narrowed down in descending order from an upper hierarchy with a wide address area to a lower hierarchy with a narrow address area. In addition, a car navigation device (hereinafter, referred to as “car navigation”) that has a search function for such address information and displays an electronic map centered on the searched address is also known.

By the way, when searching for address information, it is rare that addresses are remembered in order from the address corresponding to the upper hierarchy to the address corresponding to the lower hierarchy. There is a request.
However, in the conventional search method, since it is necessary to search for addresses in order while selecting addresses from a list from a wide area to a narrow area in the hierarchy and confirming addresses, it is troublesome to operate. It is difficult to search from an address in the middle of the hierarchy.

In view of this, several means have been proposed that enable efficient retrieval of desired address information even in the middle of a hierarchy.
For example, a 50-sound input mode for inputting 50 sounds and an address input mode for selecting and inputting from a list including hierarchical address data, and a character string input in the 50-sound input mode is an address. In some cases, there is a means for switching from the 50-sound input mode to the address input mode (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, the address database includes a tree structure in which area names representing areas in each stage ranging from a wide area to a narrow area constituting an address are associated with nodes, and child nodes include an area name representing an area larger than the parent node. There is also a means for searching a child node whose parent node is an area name having an input character reading from the address database and outputting an area name corresponding to the searched child node (Patent Document 2). See).
In addition, a character string database in which character string information is hierarchically stored in a plurality of search hierarchies is provided, and if there is no character string candidate corresponding to the input character string in the current search hierarchy, a lower character string candidate including the input character string There is also means for searching from a search hierarchy lower than the current search hierarchy (see Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 3797405 JP 2005-301904 A JP 2007-148559 A

However, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 does not efficiently search only the address information, it is necessary to determine whether the attribute of the input character string is an address, and the structure is complicated. It will be a thing. In addition, attribute information for identifying an address as a character string must be associated with a large amount of data, and there is a possibility that the address information cannot be searched efficiently.
In the technique described in Patent Document 2, the address database has a complicated structure composed of a plurality of hierarchies having a narrow area as an upper hierarchy, and the address is efficiently narrowed down from the input character string. May not be able to find your address.
Furthermore, the technique described in Patent Document 3 requires an operation of selecting / determining character string information every time the search hierarchy is lowered, which is very troublesome.

In addition, some web applications that perform an information retrieval service using the web use a database or the like to perform an appropriate search according to an input character string. However, in a limited environment such as a car navigation system, it is difficult to introduce a database due to data size restrictions.
In this way, in a case where desired address information is efficiently searched from a predetermined information group to be searched even from the middle of the hierarchy, a means that allows a quick search with an easy operation while considering the data capacity with a simple structure. Is not currently proposed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of efficiently searching for desired address information from a predetermined information group to be searched even in the middle of a hierarchy, and having a simple structure and data capacity. The purpose is to provide a mechanism that enables quick search with easy operation.

  An information search apparatus according to the present invention is an information search apparatus for efficiently searching for address information corresponding to a specified character string from a predetermined information group to be searched for, and a character indicating a searchable address area A first storage means for storing the column and search position specifying information for specifying the storage position of the address information corresponding to the character string, the search position specifying information, and a range from a wide address to a narrow area As shown, second storage means for storing the address information in association with each other, character string information receiving means for receiving input of a character string for searching for the address information, and the character string information reception Character information is specified in order from the beginning of the character string received by the means, a predetermined address area is determined with reference to the first storage means based on the specified character information, and Search address information specifying means for specifying search position specifying information for searching address information to be searched, and address information is specified with reference to the second storage means based on the search position specifying information specified by the search position information specifying means. Address information search means for extracting and address information output means for outputting the address information extracted by the address information search means are provided.

  In the information search apparatus of the present invention, an address area that can be determined by referring to the first storage means based on the character information that the search position information specifying means specifies from the character string received by the character string information receiving means. When a plurality of address areas cannot be determined, character strings indicating the corresponding address areas are respectively extracted from the first storage means and specified as address information. Each address information specified by the specifying means may be output.

  The information search method of the present invention is a first memory for storing a character string indicating a searchable address area and search position specifying information for specifying a storage position of address information corresponding to the character string in association with each other. In the information search device, there is provided a second storage means that stores the search position specifying information and each address information hierarchized so as to indicate a narrow area from a wide area. An information search method for efficiently searching for address information corresponding to a specified character string from a predetermined information group to be searched, wherein the information search device searches for the address information. In the information search device, character information is specified in order from the beginning of the character string received in the first step, and the first character is based on the specified character information. A second step of determining a predetermined address area with reference to the memory means and specifying search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to the determined address area; and A third step of identifying and extracting address information with reference to the second storage means based on the specified search position specifying information, and a fourth step of outputting the address information extracted in the third step from the information search device It is characterized by including these.

  In the information search method of the present invention, in the information search apparatus, the second step is an address that can be determined by referring to the first storage means based on the character information specified from the character string received in the first step. When there are a plurality of areas and one address area cannot be determined, character strings indicating the corresponding address areas are respectively extracted from the first storage means and specified as address information, and the third step includes the second step Each address information specified in the step may be output.

  Further, the computer program of the present invention stores a character string indicating a searchable address area and search position specifying information for specifying a storage position of address information corresponding to the character string in association with each other. And a second storage unit that stores the search position specifying information and each address information that is hierarchized so as to indicate a narrow area from a wide area, and stores a predetermined target to be searched Means for accepting an input of a character string for retrieving the address information, a computer for performing a search for efficiently searching for address information corresponding to the designated character string from the information group, the received character The character information is specified in order from the head of the column, the predetermined address area is determined with reference to the first storage means based on the specified character information, and the determined address area Means for specifying search position specifying information for searching for corresponding address information, means for specifying and extracting address information with reference to the second storage means based on the specified search position specifying information, and extracting the address information It is made to function as a means to output.

  In the computer program of the present invention, when there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined by referring to the first storage means based on the character information specified from the received character string, the computer program cannot determine one address area. Further, character strings indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas may be extracted from the first storage unit and specified as address information, and may be further functioned as means for outputting the specified address information.

The information search device of the present invention includes an index information storage means for storing a character string indicating a searchable address area and search position specifying information for specifying a storage position of address information corresponding to the character string in association with each other. And address information storage means for storing the search position specifying information and each address information hierarchized so as to indicate a narrow area from a wide area of the address in association with each other. Therefore, the character information is specified in order from the beginning of the character string received to search for the address information, the predetermined address area is determined by referring to the index information storage means based on the specified character information, and the determined address Search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to a region can be specified. Then, address information is specified by referring to the address information storage means based on the search position specifying information, and the address area specified by the received character string is set as the upper hierarchy, and address information indicating the address area included in the lower hierarchy is included. Can be extracted and output.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search for desired address information from a predetermined information group to be searched even in the middle of the hierarchy, and to perform a quick search with an easy operation while considering the data capacity with a simple structure. Is possible.

It is the schematic which shows an example of the information search system using the information search device which concerns on this invention. It is the schematic which shows the navigation apparatus implement | achieved by using the information search device which concerns on this invention for an information search system. It is a block block diagram which shows an example of embodiment of the information search device which concerns on this invention. It is an example which shows the structure of the address index information file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part with which the information search device which concerns on this invention is provided. It is an example which shows the structure of the address search information file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part with which the information search device which concerns on this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a rough information search process in the information search device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed information search process in the information search device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the information search process in the information search device which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, an example of an information search apparatus, an information search method, and a computer program for information search according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
An information search device according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present device”) is a device that quickly searches for address information corresponding to a specified character string from a predetermined information group to be searched.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information search system (hereinafter referred to as “the present system”) using the apparatus 10.
As shown in FIG. 1, the system can be configured by the apparatus 10, a display unit 20, and an input unit 30.
The display unit 20 is a display (monitor) that outputs / displays a character string that instructs the apparatus 10 to perform a search and a search result by the apparatus 10.
The input unit 30 is a command input button for giving various instructions to the apparatus 10.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a navigation device 1 realized by using this system.
In FIG. 2, the input unit 30 is stacked on the screen of the display unit 20.
As shown in FIG. 2, the input buttons constituting the input unit 30 are a character input button 31, a “katakana” button 32 for inputting or converting a katakana character, an “ABC” button 33 for inputting or converting an alphabet, "Small" button 34 for switching to input or inputting a muddy point "" or a semi-voiced point "゜", "123" button 35 for inputting a number, and converting the input kana character to kanji A “conversion” button 36, an input character string confirmation, an “OK” button 37 for instructing execution of a search based on a character string composed of received character information, and the like.

The character input button 31 performs a process of transmitting character input information for searching for relevant information. As the character input button 31, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen simulating a Hiragana keyboard is displayed on the display unit 20, and the user selects the Hiragana one character at a time with the cursor or finger on the GUI screen. A desired character string can be input.
In FIG. 2, a character input button 31 is a button for inputting various characters of “A”, “KA”, “SA”..., A button for inputting a punctuation mark “.”, A button for inputting a reading “ It is composed of buttons for inputting “−”.

The display unit 20 displays a display column 21 for outputting / displaying character information input from the character input button 31.
In FIG. 2, a character string for search such as “Kanagawa Prefecture” is displayed in the display field 21.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the apparatus 10.
As shown in FIG. 3, the device 10 includes an address index information storage unit F1, an address information storage unit F2, a character string information reception unit 11, a search position information specifying unit 12, an address information search unit 13, It has at least an address information output unit 14 and a control unit C. Note that reference symbol B in the figure is a bus for transmitting control signals, data, and the like in the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 may be an information processing apparatus, and is realized by, for example, a mobile personal computer, a PND (Portable Navigation Device), a dedicated device, a mobile phone, or the like. The apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a program storage unit, an auxiliary storage device, an OS (Operating System), and the like (not shown).
The CPU is means for controlling and controlling each component of the apparatus 10 and executing program processing according to the computer program stored in the program storage unit. The program storage unit is constituted by a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and is a means for storing various computer programs used by the apparatus 10.

  The address index information storage unit F1 is a means for storing a character string indicating a searchable address area and search position specifying information for specifying a storage position of address information corresponding to the character string in association with each other. This search position specifying information is so-called offset information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the address index information storage unit F1.
For example, the address index information file shown in FIG. 4 indicates that a file is configured by associating character string information with search position specifying information (offset information).
Therefore, in the present apparatus 10, this address index information storage unit F1 can find the search position specifying information from the received character string.

  The address information storage unit F2 is means for storing the search position specifying information and each address information hierarchized so as to indicate a narrow area from a wide area of the address in association with each other. The address information refers to information for specifying a predetermined area such as a prefecture, a municipality, a group, an ordinance-designated city, a large letter, a small letter, a chome, an address, and a number. Therefore, in this device 10, it is possible to perform a search for specifying address information based on this search position specifying information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the address information storage unit F2.
For example, in the address search information file shown in FIG. 5, search position specifying information and prefecture information, search position specifying information and municipalities / groups / decree cities, search position specifying information and large / small letters, search position specifying information and chome -Indicates that the file is configured by associating the address and number.
Therefore, in the present apparatus 10, the address information storage unit F2 can know predetermined address information to be searched from the search position specifying information.

  The character string information receiving unit 11 performs a process of receiving an input of a character string for searching for address information. Further, the character string information receiving unit 11 transmits the received character string information to the search position information specifying unit 12.

The search position information specifying unit 12 specifies character information in order from the beginning of the character string received by the character string information receiving unit, and refers to the address index information storage unit F1 based on the specified character information to determine a predetermined address area. A process of specifying search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to the determined address area is performed along with the determination.
The search position information specifying unit 12 transmits the specified search position specifying information to the address information search unit 13.

  Based on the specified character information, the search position information specifying unit 12 determines address areas in the order of an address indicating a wide area to an address indicating a narrow area in the address index information storage unit F1. Therefore, the index indicating the address area in the prefecture level is searched first, and if it is not confirmed, then the address area in the municipality / group / decree city hierarchy, the address area in the large / small character hierarchy, which is the lower hierarchy ... The index is searched by narrowing the address area sequentially. When the received character string includes character information whose address area cannot be determined, the search position specifying information corresponding to the determined address area is specified.

  In addition, in the search position information specifying unit 12, when the address area is determined in the received character string and the unsearched character information still remains, the search area information specifying unit 12 filters the hierarchy in which the address area is determined, and starts from the next lower hierarchy. Confirm the address area. In other words, when searching for “Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo”, the character information is specified in order from the beginning, and when the character information for “Tokyo” is confirmed in the address area of the prefecture level, the remaining character information for “Shinjuku-ku” Then, an index search is performed to determine whether or not this is the case in the address area of the municipality, group, ordinance-designated city hierarchy, which is the next lower hierarchy of the prefecture hierarchy.

  Further, the search position information specifying unit 12 may determine the address area on the condition that, for example, the address area of the prefectural hierarchy is completely matched. In other words, when searching for a character string such as “Chiba”, Chiba Prefecture and Chiba City correspond to the character information of “Chiba”. Not applicable in Chiba Prefecture and can be confirmed in Chiba City.

The address information search unit 13 performs a process of specifying and extracting address information with reference to the second storage means based on the search position specifying information specified by the search position information specifying means. At this time, the address information may be extracted including, for example, address information indicating the address area included in the lower hierarchy with the address area specified by the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 as the upper hierarchy. it can.
The address information search unit 13 transmits the extracted address information to the address information output unit 14.

  The address information output unit 14 performs processing for outputting the address information extracted by the address information search unit 13.

  The control unit C includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit C controls and controls each component of the apparatus 10 according to a program stored in the program storage unit, and executes a program process.

Next, an example of a rough operation of the apparatus 10 that implements the information search method executed by the apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of information search processing in the apparatus 10.
First, the character string information accepting unit 11 accepts input of a character string for searching for address information (S10).
Next, the search position information specifying unit 12 specifies character information in order from the top of the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11, and specifies the address index information storage unit F1 each time character information is specified. A predetermined address area is determined based on the character information (S20).
Subsequently, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines a predetermined address area, the search position information specifying part 12 specifies search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to the address area (S30).

Further, the address information search unit 13 specifies and extracts address information with reference to the address information storage unit F2 based on the search position specifying information specified by the search position information specifying unit 12 (S40). In addition, as address information to extract, the address information which shows the address area | region contained in the lower hierarchy can be included as the address area specified by the character string received in the character string information reception part 11, for example.
Then, the address information output unit 14 outputs the address information extracted by the address information search unit 13 to the display unit 30 (S50).
Thereby, a series of operation | movement with this apparatus 10 is complete | finished.
Note that a series of these processes is executed by the control control in the control unit C.

<First Embodiment>
Next, an example of a detailed operation of the apparatus 10 that implements the information search method executed by the apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information search processing in the apparatus 10.
First, the character string information accepting unit 11 accepts input of a character string for searching for address information (S10).
Next, the search position information specifying unit 12 specifies character information in order from the beginning of the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11, and refers to the address index information storage unit F1 stage based on the specified character information (S20). ).

Subsequently, the search position information specifying unit 12 determines whether or not the prefectural address area is fixed as the predetermined address area (S21).
As a result, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the prefectural address area has been determined (Y), the search position information specifying unit 12 continues to search for the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11. It is determined whether there is character information (S22).
If the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that there is no unsearched character information in the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 (Y), then the search position information specifying unit 12 Is determined (S29).

On the other hand, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the prefecture address area is not fixed (N), the search position information specifying unit 12 then selects a city address area or group as a predetermined address area. It is determined whether the address area or the ordinance-designated city address area has been confirmed (S23).
When the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that there is unsearched character information in the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 (N), the search position information specifying unit 12 then selects a predetermined address. It is determined whether a municipality address area, a group address area, or a government-designated city address area has been established as the area (S23).

As a result, if the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the city address area, the group address area, or the ordinance-designated city address area has been determined (Y), the search position information specifying unit 12 continues to accept character string information. It is determined whether there is any unsearched character information in the character string received by the unit 11 (S24).
If the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that there is no unsearched character information in the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 (Y), then the search position information specifying unit 12 Is determined (S29).

On the other hand, if the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the city address area or group address area or the ordinance-designated city address area has not been established (N), then the search position information specifying unit 12 It is determined whether or not a large / small address area has been established as the address area (S25).
When the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that there is unsearched character information in the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 (N), the search position information specifying unit 12 then selects a predetermined address. It is determined whether or not a large / small address area has been determined as an area (S25).

As a result, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the large / small character address area has been determined (Y), the search position information specifying unit 12 continues with the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11. It is determined whether there is search character information (S26).
If the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that there is no unsearched character information in the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 (Y), then the search position information specifying unit 12 Is determined (S29).

On the other hand, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the large / small character address area is not fixed (N), the search position information specifying unit 12 then uses the chome / address / number address as the predetermined address area. It is determined whether or not the area has been determined (S27).
When the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that there is unsearched character information in the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 (N), the search position information specifying unit 12 then selects a predetermined address. It is determined whether or not the chome / address / issue address area has been determined as the area (S27).

As a result, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the chome / address / issue address area has been determined (Y), the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 by the search position information specifying unit 12 continues. In step S28, it is determined whether or not there is unsearched character information.
If the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that there is no unsearched character information in the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 (Y), then the search position information specifying unit 12 Is determined (S29).

Next, the search position information specifying unit 12 specifies search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to the confirmed address area (S30).
The subsequent processing is the same as the above-described example of the rough operation, and the series of processing is executed by the control control by the control unit C.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if addresses are not remembered in order from the address corresponding to the upper hierarchy to the address corresponding to the lower hierarchy, the hierarchy is determined based on the character information corresponding to the address in the middle of the remembered hierarchy. It is possible to quickly search for desired address information even from the middle.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search for address information that the user wants to acquire, and in a car navigation system that has many restrictions on size and operability, considering the data capacity and improving the user interface It is possible to improve the user satisfaction.

<Second Embodiment>
Further, in the present invention, when there are a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, the address information can be output according to the determined address area. That is, it differs from the above-described first embodiment in that it has a function of specifying address information indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas.
In other embodiments described below, the description will focus on parts that are different from the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the same components are assumed to be the same.

In the present embodiment, the search position information specifying unit 12 has a plurality of address areas that can be determined by referring to the address index information storage unit F1 based on the character information specified from the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11. When one address area cannot be determined, a character string indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas is extracted from the address index information storage unit F1 and specified as address information.
The search position information specifying unit 12 transmits address information indicating the specified plurality of address areas to the address information output unit 14.

  The address information output unit 14 has a function of outputting each address information specified by the search position information specifying unit 12.

Next, an example of a detailed operation of the apparatus 10 that implements the information search method executed by the apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the information search process in the apparatus 10.
First, the character string information accepting unit 11 accepts input of a character string for searching for address information (S110).
Next, the search position information specifying unit 12 specifies the character information in order from the beginning of the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11, and refers to the address index information storage unit F1 based on the specified character information to obtain a predetermined information. An address area is specified (S120).
Subsequently, the search position information specifying unit 12 determines whether the specified address area is one (S130).

As a result, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the specified address area is one (Y), the search position information specifying unit 12 subsequently determines the specified address area and further determines it. Search position specifying information (offset information) for searching for address information corresponding to the address area is specified (S140).
On the other hand, when the search position information specifying unit 12 determines that the specified address area is not one, that is, there are a plurality of address areas (N), the search position information specifying unit 12 displays character strings indicating the corresponding address areas. Each is extracted from the address index information storage unit F1 and specified as address information (S170).

When the search position information specifying unit 12 specifies the search position specifying information, the address information search unit 13 continues to refer to the address information storage unit F2 based on the search position specifying information specified by the search position information specifying unit 12. The address information is specified, and the address area specified by the character string received by the character string information receiving unit 11 is extracted as including the address information indicating the address area included in the lower hierarchy as the upper hierarchy (S150).
Then, the address information output unit 14 outputs the address information extracted by the address information search unit 13 to the display unit 30 (S160).
Thereby, a series of operation | movement with this apparatus 10 is complete | finished.

Further, when the search position information specifying unit 12 specifies each address information indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas, the address information output unit 14 continues to output each address information specified by the search position information specifying unit 12 ( S180).
Thereby, a series of operation | movement with this apparatus 10 is complete | finished.
Note that a series of these processes is executed by the control control in the control unit C.

  As described above, in this embodiment, there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on character information specified from a character string, and one address area cannot be determined, and a search for searching for address information corresponding to the address area is performed. Even when the position specifying information cannot be specified, the address information can be output according to the corresponding address area.

Next, an example of address information searched in the present invention described above will be described below.
(Search example 1)
When "Kanagawa" is input as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 determines the address area in the prefecture hierarchy, and further specifies the search position specifying information for searching the address information corresponding to the determined address area. To do.
Then, by referring to the address information storage unit F2 based on the search position specifying information, the “Aiko-gun Aikawa-cho”, “Aiko-gun Kiyokawa-mura”, “Ashigarakami-Oimachi”, “ The address area specified by the received search character string “Kanagawa Prefecture” such as “Ashigara Kamigari-machi” is extracted as an upper hierarchy, including address information indicating the address area included in the lower hierarchy, and output.

(Search example 2)
In addition, if the address area of the prefecture layer is determined to be an exact condition, and if “Kanagawa” is input as a search character string, Kanagawa prefecture is skipped in the address index information storage unit F1 and is capitalized / small. The address area is fixed in the hierarchy.
At this time, if there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, “Kanagawa (Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa)” “Kanagawa” corresponding to the determined address area Address information indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas such as “Honmachi (Kanagawa-ku, Kanagawa-ku, Kanagawa)” is specified and output. Further, in order to make it easy to understand which area the output address belongs to, for example, address information indicating the address area of the higher hierarchy may be displayed in parentheses.

(Search example 3)
Further, when “Aiko-gun” is input as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 determines the address area in the municipality / group / designated city hierarchy, not in the prefecture level.
At this time, when there are a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, “Aiko-gun Aikawa-cho (Kanagawa)” “Aiko-gun” corresponding to the determined address area Address information indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas such as “Kiyokawa Village (Kanagawa Prefecture)” is specified and output. In addition, address information indicating the address area of the upper hierarchy is displayed in parentheses.

(Search example 4)
Further, when “Aiko” is input as a search character string, the address area is determined in the large / small character hierarchy in the address index information storage unit F1 without being determined in the prefectural hierarchy and the municipality / group / designated city hierarchy.
At this time, if there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, “Aiko (Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture)” “Aiko Town ( Address information indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas such as “Odawara-shi, Kanagawa)” is specified and output. In addition, address information indicating the address area of the upper hierarchy is displayed in parentheses.

(Search example 5)
Further, when “Kitakoriyama” is input as a search character string, the address area is determined in the large / small character hierarchy in the address index information storage unit F1 without being determined in the prefectural hierarchy and the municipality / group / designated city hierarchy. .
At this time, if there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, “Kita-Koriyama (Yawacho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture)” “ Address information indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas such as “Kitakoriyamacho (Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture)” is specified and output. In addition, address information indicating the address area of the upper hierarchy is displayed in parentheses.

(Search example 6)
When “Nagoya City” is input as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 determines the address area in the municipality / group / designated city hierarchy, not in the prefecture level.
At this time, when there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, all the corresponding data corresponding to the determined address area are “Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City”, “ Address information indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas such as “Nagoya City Kita Ward”, “Nagoya City Showa Ward” and “Nagoya City Chikusa Ward” is specified and output. When "Nagoya City Heat" or "Nagoya City Atsuta" is entered as the search string, only "Nagoya City Atsuta Ward" is specified and output, and "Nagoya City Atsuta Ward" is entered as the search string Extracts the address area specified by “Nagoya City Atsuta Ward” as the upper hierarchy, includes address information indicating the address area included in the lower hierarchy, and outputs it.

(Search example 7)
When “Shinjuku-ku” is entered as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 determines the address area in the municipality, group, ordinance-designated hierarchy without being determined in the prefectural hierarchy. The search position specifying information for searching the address information corresponding to is specified.
Then, by referring to the address information storage unit F2 based on the search position specifying information, the address area specified by “Shinjuku Ward” is set as the upper hierarchy, and the “Aisumi-cho” The address information such as “Akagi Shitamachi”, “Akagi Motomachi”, “Yojocho” is extracted and output.

(Search example 8)
Further, when “Tokyo Tachikawa City” is input as a search character string, the address area of “Tokyo” is first determined in the prefectural hierarchy in the address index information storage unit F1. However, since “Tachikawa City” remains in the search character string, when the address index information storage unit F1 continues to search, the address area is fixed in the city / group / designated city hierarchy. Further, search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to the determined address area is specified.
Then, by referring to the address information storage unit F2 based on the search position specifying information, the address area specified by “Tokyo Tachikawa City” is set as the upper hierarchy, and the “Hagimachi” Address information such as “Ichibancho”, “Nagimachi”, “Kamisunamachi” is extracted and output.

(Search example 9)
If "Yokkaichi" is entered as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 does not determine the prefecture level, and does not determine the city / group / decree city level, and the address in the large / small character hierarchy. The area is fixed.
At this time, if there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, “Yokkaichiba (Shibata-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture)” “ Identify and output address information indicating multiple address areas such as Yokkaichi (Kami-cho, Kami-gun, Miyagi), Yokkaichi (Sakado, Saitama), and Yokkaichidai (Chushi, Chiba). . If “Yokkaichi City” is entered as the search string, it is confirmed at the municipality / group / designated city hierarchy, and the address area specified by “Yokkaichi City” is set as the upper hierarchy, and the lower- Extract and output the address information included in the lowercase hierarchy.

(Search example 10)
When “Tokyo Tachikawa” is input as a search character string, the address area of “Tokyo” is first determined in the prefecture level in the address index information storage unit F1. However, since “Tachikawa” remains in the search character string, even if the search is continued in the address index information storage unit F1, it cannot be determined in the municipality / group / designated city hierarchy.
In this case, address information such as “Tachikawa City (Tokyo)” is extracted and output based on the address area determined in the prefectural hierarchy, and the address information indicating the address area in the higher hierarchy is displayed in parentheses.

(Search Example 11)
When “Shimomeguro” is entered as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 determines the address area in the large and small character hierarchies, not in the prefectural hierarchy and the municipality / group / decree city hierarchy, The search position specifying information for searching the address information corresponding to the confirmed address area is specified.
Then, by referring to the address information storage unit F2 based on the search position specifying information, the address area specified by “Lower Meguro” is included in the address area in the lower level of the chome / address / number hierarchy. Address information such as “lower Meguro 1”, “lower Meguro 2”, “lower Meguro 3”, and “lower Meguro 4” is extracted and output.

(Search example 12)
Also, if “Sumida-ku Tachibana” is entered as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 does not first determine the prefectural hierarchy, but the address area of “Sumida-ku” in the municipality / group / designated city hierarchy. Is confirmed. However, since “Tachibana” remains in the search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 continues to search for the address area in the large / small character hierarchy.
Then, address information such as “Tachibana 1”, “Tachibana 2”, “Tachibana 3”, and “Tachibana 4” is extracted and output by referring to the address information storage unit F2 based on this search position specifying information.

(Search Example 13)
Further, when “Tachibana” is input as a search character string, the address area is determined in the large / small character hierarchy in the address index information storage unit F1 without being determined in the prefecture hierarchy and the municipality / group / decree city hierarchy.
At this time, when there are a plurality of address areas that can be determined based on the character information specified from the character string and one address area cannot be determined, all the corresponding data corresponding to the determined address area is “Tachibana (Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture). ) ”“ Tachibana (Odate City, Akita Prefecture) ”“ Tachibana (Sumida-ku, Tokyo) ”“ Tachibana (Mino City, Gifu Prefecture) ”“ Tachibana (Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City) ” Address information indicating the address area of the upper hierarchy is displayed in parentheses.

(Search Example 14)
Also, if “Sumida Ward Tachibana Library” is input as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 does not first determine the prefectural hierarchy, but the address of “Sumida Ward” in the municipality / group / decree city hierarchy. The area is fixed. However, since “Tachibana Library” remains in the search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 continues to search and the address region of “Tachibana” is determined in the large / small character hierarchy. However, if “library” still remains in the search string but the address area is not fixed, address information such as “Tachibana (Sumida-ku, Tokyo)” corresponding to the fixed address area of “Tachibana” is extracted and output. . At this time, if the address area of “Tachibana” is not fixed, address information such as “Sumida-ku (Tokyo)” corresponding to the fixed address area of “Sumida-ku” is extracted and output.

(Search Example 15)
When “Shimomeguro 1-chome” is entered as a search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 does not determine the prefecture level, city / town / group / designated city level, The address area is fixed. However, since “1 chome” remains in the search character string, the address index information storage unit F1 continues to search and the address area of “1 chome” is determined in the chome / address / number hierarchy.
Then, by referring to the address information storage unit F2 based on the search position specifying information, addresses such as “Shimomeguro 1-chome 1”, “Lower Meguro 1-chome 2”, “Lower Meguro 1-chome 3”, “Shimomeguro 1-chome 4” Extract and output information.

<Third Embodiment>
In the above-described embodiment, the example of narrowing down from the upper layer to the lower layer has been described. However, when there is a missing in the address indicated by the received search character string, the upper It is also possible to specify (estimate) a layer that is missing from a layer and a lower layer. In this case, in S29, the search position information specifying unit 12 specifies one or more address areas in the missing hierarchy, and then the address indicating the predetermined area is set to 1 or 2 in the address index information storage unit F1. What is necessary is just to make it confirm above.

A search example (search example 16) of the present embodiment is shown below.
Here, it is assumed that “Nihonbashihamacho, Tokyo” is input as a search character string (an input in which Chuo-ku is omitted). Then, in the address index information storage unit F1, the address area of “Tokyo” is determined at the prefecture level. Since “Nipponbashi Hamacho” remains in the search character string, even if the search is continued in the address index information storage unit F1, it cannot be determined in the municipality / group / decree city hierarchy. Further, the address index information storage unit F1 is further searched, and the address area of “Nihonbashi Hamacho” is determined in the large / small character hierarchy.
In this case, in S29, the search position information specifying unit 12 narrows down the prefectural hierarchy, which is the upper layer immediately above the missing hierarchy, to “Tokyo”, and the lower hierarchy immediately below the missing hierarchy. Identify one or more municipalities, groups, ordinance-designated cities that have "Nihonbashi Hamacho" in a certain municipality, group, ordinance-designated city hierarchy. Here, only the address area of “Chuo-ku” is specified as the municipality, group, ordinance-designated city hierarchy.
Then, address information such as “Nihonbashi Hamacho 1”, “Nihonbashi Hamacho 2”, “Nihonbashi Hamacho 3” “Nihonbashi Hamacho 4” is extracted and output by referring to the address information storage unit F2 based on this search position specifying information.

  As described above, if the process for specifying the missing hierarchy is performed in S29, the address indicated by the accepted search character string has a missing address, and the search position specifying information for searching for the address information corresponding to the address area is displayed. Even when it cannot be specified, the hollow portion can be estimated, so that the address information can be output according to the estimated address area.

  The device 10 may be a device having a navigation function. In this case, although not shown, the apparatus 10 further includes means for storing map information, and means for storing location information for specifying an area on the map and address information in association with each other. The map information can be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

  Accordingly, the corresponding road map information can be identified and extracted based on the specified position information, and the address information and the road map information can be superimposed and output so that the address information is displayed on the road map. .

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is industrially useful in an industry that handles a device that can search for address information requested by a user from a predetermined information group, and can display desired address information on an electronic map by the search. It is also useful in the electrical appliance market such as navigation devices.

F1 address index information storage unit (first storage unit), F2 address information storage unit (second storage unit), 10 information search device, 11 character string information reception unit, 12 search position information specifying unit, 13 address information search unit, 14 Address information output unit, 20 display unit, 30 input unit.

Claims (6)

An information search device for performing a search for efficiently searching for address information corresponding to a specified character string from a predetermined information group to be searched,
First storage means for storing a character string indicating a searchable address area and search position specifying information for specifying a storage position of address information corresponding to the character string in association with each other;
A second storage means for storing the search position specifying information and each address information hierarchized so as to indicate a narrow area from a wide area, in association with each other;
Character string information accepting means for accepting input of a character string for searching for the address information;
The character information is specified in order from the beginning of the character string received by the character string information receiving means, and the predetermined address area is determined with reference to the first storage means based on the specified character information. Search position information specifying means for specifying search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to
Address information search means for specifying and extracting address information with reference to the second storage means based on the search position specifying information specified by the search position information specifying means;
Address information output means for outputting the address information extracted by the address information search means;
An information retrieval apparatus comprising: The search position information specifying means cannot determine one address area because there are a plurality of address areas that can be determined by referring to the first storage means based on the character information specified by the character string received by the character string information receiving means. Then, character strings indicating a plurality of corresponding address areas are respectively extracted from the first storage means, specified as address information,
The address information output means outputs each address information specified by the search position information specifying means.
The information retrieval apparatus according to claim 1. A first storage means for storing a character string indicating a searchable address area and search position specifying information for specifying a storage position of address information corresponding to the character string, and the search position specifying information; Each of the address information hierarchized so as to indicate a narrow area from a wide area, and a second storage means for storing the address information in association with each other, and in the information search device, from a predetermined information group to be searched, An information search method for efficiently searching for address information corresponding to a specified character string,
A first step in which the information search device accepts input of a character string for searching for the address information;
In the information search device, character information is specified in order from the beginning of the character string received in the first step, and a predetermined address area is determined with reference to the first storage means based on the specified character information, A second step of specifying search position specifying information for searching for address information corresponding to the determined address area;
In the information search device, a third step of specifying and extracting address information with reference to the second storage means based on the search position specifying information specified in the second step;
A fourth step of outputting the address information extracted in the third step from the information search device;
An information search method characterized by including: In the information retrieval apparatus,
The second step is applicable when there is a plurality of address areas that can be determined by referring to the first storage means based on the character information specified from the character string received in the first step, and one address area cannot be determined. Character strings indicating a plurality of address areas are respectively extracted from the first storage means, specified as address information,
The third step outputs each address information specified in the second step.
The information search method according to claim 3. A first storage means for storing a character string indicating a searchable address area and search position specifying information for specifying a storage position of address information corresponding to the character string, and the search position specifying information; A second storage means for storing each address information hierarchized so as to indicate a narrow area from a wide area, and a character string specified from a predetermined information group to be searched In order to execute a search to efficiently find the address information corresponding to
Means for receiving input of a character string for searching for the address information;
Character information is specified in order from the beginning of the received character string, a predetermined address area is determined with reference to the first storage means based on the specified character information, and address information corresponding to the determined address area is Means for specifying search position specifying information to be searched;
Means for identifying and extracting address information with reference to the second storage means based on the specified search position specifying information;
Means for outputting the extracted address information;
A computer program that functions as a computer program. The computer,
When there are a plurality of address areas that can be determined by referring to the first storage unit based on the character information specified from the received character string and one address area cannot be determined, the character strings indicating the corresponding address areas are Means respectively extracted from the first storage means and specified as address information;
Means for outputting each identified address information;
The computer program according to claim 5, further causing the computer program to function.

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