JP5242227B2 - Point search device, point search method, point search program, and recording medium - Google Patents

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 the genre input by the user.

JP 2006-138743 A

  However, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above requires a user to set a search method when performing a search, a problem that is troublesome for the user is given as an example. In particular, when a search is performed using a plurality of keywords, the user must determine which keyword corresponds to which search method, which may be a burden on the user.

  In addition, when the search method is set by the user by mistake, not only does the user need to re-enter from the beginning, but if the user misidentifies the search method, an appropriate search result is obtained. One example is the problem of not being able to.

  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 receiving a search start instruction from a user, and a point corresponding to the input keyword in the search method specified by the attribute set for the input keyword when the search start instruction is received. And a search means for searching from the database, wherein the keyword The input means can accept a plurality of the input keywords, the setting means sets an attribute for each input keyword with reference to the table when a plurality of the input keywords are input, and the search means A case where only a keyword having a specific attribute among the plurality of attributes is accepted, and a case where a keyword having the specific attribute and a keyword having another attribute are accepted. The searching method for searching the database for the point corresponding to the keyword for which the specific attribute is set is different.

  The point search method according to claim 6 is a point search method in which a point search device performs a search for a specific point from a database of a plurality of points, and receives a keyword input from a user by a keyword input unit. By referring to a table in which a keyword input step, an attribute for specifying a search technique, and a keyword are associated with each other, the attribute is set by the setting means to the keyword input in the keyword input step (hereinafter referred to as “input keyword”). A setting step for setting, a start input step for receiving a search start instruction from a user by a start input means, and a search method specified by an attribute set for the input keyword when the search start instruction is received A search step of searching for a point corresponding to the input keyword from the database by a search means. In the keyword input step, a plurality of the input keywords can be received. In the setting step, when a plurality of the input keywords are input, an attribute is set for each input keyword with reference to the table. In the search step, only a keyword in which a specific attribute among the plurality of attributes is set is accepted, and a keyword in which the specific attribute is set and a keyword in which another attribute is set are accepted. The search method for searching for a point corresponding to the keyword for which the specific attribute is set from the database is different from the case where the specific attribute is set.

  A spot search program according to claim 7 causes a computer to execute the spot search method according to claim 6.

  A recording medium according to an eighth aspect is characterized in that the point search program according to the seventh 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 For example, address area search for searching for a location as a target, phone number search for searching for a location for a phone number of a location, 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 attribute, telephone number attribute for specifying telephone number search, 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 address area attributes. 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.

  The database 140 stores information regarding a plurality of points to be searched. Specifically, the information regarding the point includes information such as the facility name, the facility name reading, the genre name, the address name, the latitude / longitude, the telephone number, the area code, and the genre code of the point. 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 via the start input unit 150, the search unit 160 uses the search method specified by the attribute set for the input keyword to find a point corresponding to the input keyword from the database 140. Search for. For example, when the input keyword “Saitama” is input, the search unit 160 performs a search using a search method based on an address area 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.

  The search unit 160 accepts only a keyword set with a specific attribute among a plurality of attributes, or accepts a keyword set with a specific attribute and a keyword set with another attribute. Thus, different search methods are used to search the database 140 for points corresponding to keywords for which specific attributes are set. That is, the search unit 160 performs one of the search by the first search method and the search by the second search method. The first search method is a method in the case of searching for a single keyword set with a specific attribute (attribute A). On the other hand, the second search method is a search method in a case where a search is performed using a plurality of keywords in which attribute A and other attributes are set.

  As a specific example, the specific attributes are an address area attribute and a genre attribute. First, address area attributes will be described. The address area attribute is an attribute that specifies an address search for searching for a point for the address of the point or an area search for searching for the point area.

  In this case, when only a keyword for which an address area attribute is set is accepted, the search unit 160 searches the database 140 for a point corresponding to the keyword by address search. As a specific example of address search, when an address, a location, or the like is input as a keyword up to a lot number, a point corresponding to the address is searched. In addition, if only characters indicating the prefecture or city, such as “Saitama” or “Kawagoe”, are entered as keywords, a pre-set representative point is searched, for example, a prefectural office or government office (government office) Search for.

  On the other hand, when the first keyword set with the address area attribute and the second keyword set with other attributes are received, the search unit 160 corresponds to the first keyword by area search, and A point corresponding to the second keyword is searched from the database 140 using a search method specified by the other attribute.

  The other attributes here are a name attribute that specifies a name search that searches for a point with respect to the name of the point, a reading attribute that specifies a reading search that searches for a point with a reading of the point, and the genre of the point It includes at least one of a genre attribute that specifies a genre search that performs a search as a target and a telephone number attribute that specifies a phone number search that performs a search for a point with respect to a telephone number of a point.

  Here, a specific example in the case of performing a search using the first keyword in which the address area attribute is set and the second keyword in which another attribute is set will be described. When the name attribute is set for the second keyword, the name corresponding to the second keyword is searched for in the area corresponding to the first keyword. That is, if the area as the first keyword is “Saitama” and the facility name as the second keyword is “A bookstore”, a facility named “A bookstore” in Saitama prefecture is searched.

  If the second keyword is set with a reading attribute, a search for a reading corresponding to the second keyword is performed in the area corresponding to the first keyword. That is, if the area as the first keyword is “Saitama” and the second keyword as “Yomiten”, the facility of Yomi as “Eishoten” in Saitama Prefecture is searched.

  If the genre attribute is set for the second keyword, the genre corresponding to the second keyword is searched for in the area corresponding to the first keyword. That is, when the area as the first keyword is “Saitama” and the genre as the second keyword is “bookstore”, a bookstore in Saitama is searched.

  When the telephone number attribute is set for the second keyword, the telephone number corresponding to the second keyword is searched for in the area corresponding to the first keyword. That is, when the area as the first keyword is “Saitama” and the telephone number as the second keyword is “0492” which is the area code of Kawagoe City, Kawagoe City is searched. When only “Kawagoe City” is searched, a representative point set in advance is searched, for example, Kawagoe City Hall is searched.

  It is also possible to set attributes by accepting a third keyword or a fourth keyword having different attributes with respect to the first keyword or the second keyword. In this case, the search unit 160 is set for each keyword. A point corresponding to each keyword is searched using a search method specified by the attribute. For example, if the area as the first keyword is “Saitama”, the genre as the second keyword is “bookstore”, and the name as the third keyword is “A”, the bookstore in Saitama Prefecture Among them, the bookstore named “A” is searched.

  Next, genre attributes will be described. The genre attribute is an attribute that identifies a first genre search that searches for a genre of points around the current position or a second genre search that searches for genres of all points.

  In this case, when only the keyword for which the genre attribute is set is accepted, the search unit 160 searches the database 140 for a point corresponding to the keyword by the first genre search. As a specific example of the first genre search, when “bookstore” is input as a keyword, a bookstore around the current position is searched.

  On the other hand, when the first keyword with the genre attribute set and the second keyword with the other attribute set are received, the search unit 160 corresponds to the first keyword by the second genre search, and Using the search method specified by the other attribute, a point corresponding to the second keyword is searched from the database 140.

  The other attributes here are a name attribute that specifies a name search that searches for a point by the name of the point, a reading attribute that specifies a reading search that searches for a point by reading the spot, a location address or It includes at least one of an address area attribute for specifying an address area search for searching for an area and a phone number attribute for specifying a phone number search for searching for a point for a point telephone number.

  Here, a specific example in the case of performing a search using the first keyword set with the genre attribute and the second keyword set with another attribute will be described. When the name attribute is set for the second keyword, the name corresponding to the second keyword is searched for the genre corresponding to the first keyword. That is, when the genre as the first keyword is “bookstore” and the facility name as the second keyword is “Kawagoe”, as the bookstore named “Kawagoe”, for example, “A bookstore Kawagoe”, “ Search for “B Shobo Kawagoe” and “Kawagoe BOOK”.

  If the second keyword is set with a reading attribute, a search for a reading corresponding to the second keyword is performed for the genre corresponding to the first keyword. That is, if the genre as the first keyword is “bookstore” and the second keyword is “Kawagoe”, for example, a bookstore including “Kawagoe”, for example, a bookstore “KAWAGOOE” Search for.

  When the address area attribute is set for the second keyword, the address area corresponding to the second keyword is searched for the genre corresponding to the first keyword. That is, when the genre as the first keyword is “bookstore” and the address area as the second keyword is “Saitama”, a bookstore in Saitama is searched.

  If the telephone number attribute is set for the second keyword, the telephone number corresponding to the second keyword is searched for the genre corresponding to the first keyword. That is, when the genre as the first keyword is “bookstore” and the telephone number as the second keyword is “0492” which is the area code of Kawagoe City, the first telephone number is registered as 0492 ( Search for bookstores in Kawagoe City.

  It is also possible to set attributes by accepting a third keyword or a fourth keyword having different attributes with respect to the first keyword or the second keyword. In this case, the search unit 160 is set for each keyword. A point corresponding to each keyword is searched using a search method specified by the attribute. For example, if the genre as the first keyword is “bookstore”, the address area as the second keyword is “Saitama”, and the name as the third keyword is “A”, Among the bookstores, the bookstore named “A” is searched.

(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), the setting unit 130 sets an attribute for the input keyword (step S202). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a keyword is further input (step S203).

  Further, when a keyword is input (step S203: Yes), the attribute is set in step S202. On the other hand, if no keyword is further input (step S203: No), it is determined whether or not a specific attribute is set for the input keyword (step S204). If it is determined that a specific attribute is set for the input keyword (step S204: Yes), it is determined whether there are a plurality of input keywords (step S205).

  When it is determined that there are a plurality of input keywords (step S205: Yes), that is, when a plurality of input keywords are input and different attributes are set for the plurality of keywords, the search unit 160 uses the second search method. The point corresponding to the input keyword is searched using (step S206). Then, the search result is output from the output unit 170 (step S207), and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S205 that the input keyword is singular (step S205: No), a point corresponding to the input keyword is searched using the first search method (step S208), and the search result in step S207 is obtained. Is output. If it is determined in step S204 that a specific attribute has not been set (step S204: No), a point corresponding to the input keyword is searched using the search method specified by the set attribute (step S204). In step S209), the search result in step S207 is output.

  As described above, the point search apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment sets an attribute for a plurality of input keywords, and only receives an input keyword with a specific attribute set, and sets a specific attribute. The search method differs depending on whether a keyword with a different attribute is accepted. Accordingly, it is possible to perform a so-called free keyword search that does not require the 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. In particular, when a search is performed using a plurality of keywords, the user does not need to determine which keyword corresponds to which search method, and the burden on the user at the time of search can be reduced.

  When only a keyword with an address area attribute set is accepted, a search is performed by address search, while a first keyword with an address area attribute set and a second keyword with another attribute set are obtained. If accepted, search for a point that corresponds to the first keyword using a search method based on area search and that corresponds to the second keyword using a search method specified by other attributes. Depending on the attribute and number of input keywords, a search by address search or area search can be performed. Therefore, a search desired by the user can be performed without the user determining address search or area search. Thereby, a search result can be obtained quickly and accurately.

  In addition, if other attributes include at least one of a name attribute, a reading attribute, a genre attribute, and a telephone number attribute, a complicated operation in which the user designates an area as in the past. If the input keyword set with the other attribute is received without performing the search, the search can be performed using the search method based on the other attribute by narrowing down to the input keyword area.

  In addition, when only a keyword with a genre attribute is accepted, a search is performed by a first genre search that performs a peripheral search, while a first keyword with a genre attribute and other attributes are set. When two keywords are accepted, the second keyword is searched for by using a search technique that corresponds to the first keyword by the second genre search for the genres at all points and is specified by other attributes. If the corresponding point is searched, the search by the first genre search or the second genre search can be performed according to the attribute and the number of the input keywords. Therefore, the user's desired search can be performed without the user determining the first genre search or the second genre search. Thereby, a search result can be obtained quickly and accurately.

  Further, if the other attributes include at least one of the name attribute, the reading attribute, the address area attribute, and the telephone number attribute, the user can perform the first genre search or the second search as in the related art. When an input keyword set with the other attribute is accepted without performing a complicated operation such as specifying a genre search, the second genre search is used and a search method based on the other attribute is used. You can search.

  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 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. In addition, the information search program searches for only a keyword with a specific attribute (address area attribute or genre attribute) among a plurality of attributes, and sets a keyword with a specific attribute and other attributes. This is a program for performing a search by using different search methods when performing a search with respect to a keyword that has been performed. 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.

  Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 include 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 attribute information from the user. Record history information when changes are accepted. The search table records information on names and positions for each facility, address information for each facility, genre information of facilities, and the like, 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 data such as input keywords, candidate keywords, attributes, and search results. 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 telephone number attribute for specifying a telephone number search.

  The address area attribute is an attribute for specifying one of an address search for only a keyword with the address area attribute set and an area search for a keyword with the address area attribute set and a keyword with another attribute set. It is. Note that the address search is a search for a point for the address of the point. In the area search, a search is performed for a point area.

  Similarly, the genre attribute is an attribute for specifying a first genre search for only a keyword for which a genre attribute is set and a second genre search for a keyword for which a genre attribute is set and a keyword for which another attribute is set. It is. Note that the first genre search is a search for points in the genre of points around the current position. The second genre search is performed by searching for genres at all points.

  In the name search, a point is searched for the name of the point. The phone number search is to search for a location for the phone number of the location. 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.

  In the telephone number attribute, “0 to 9” is shown as the keyword 402. That is, when a number is input, the telephone number attribute is set. In addition to the telephone number attribute, a postal code attribute, a map code attribute, and the like may be recorded. Moreover, you may set the priority at the time of setting an attribute with respect to an input keyword to these number attributes.

(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. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search table recorded on the magnetic disk 305.

  The search table shown in FIG. 5 includes a spot information table 510, an address table 520, and a genre table 530. The point information table 510 includes a facility name 511, a facility reading 512, a genre code 513, an area code 514, a latitude / longitude 515, and a telephone number 516.

  The facility name 511 is the name of all the facilities existing on the map. 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 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 a trade name of an affiliated store or the like. The genre table 530 records a genre code 513 in association with each genre name 531.

(An example of attribute setting processing by the navigation device)
First, an example of attribute setting processing by the navigation apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2 (hereinafter referred to as FIG. 6). FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of attribute setting processing 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.

  If it is determined that the input of another keyword has been accepted (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). The details of the search process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14-1, 14-2, and 15. 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, “Saitama” and “Saga” as place names, and “Circle Store” as a genre of convenience stores are 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”.

(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. This search corresponds to a search when a keyword having a specific attribute and a keyword having another attribute are accepted. The processing of address area search, genre search, and name search will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14-1, 14-2, and 15.

  According to the processing described above, an attribute is set for an input keyword, and a search method specified by the attribute is used to search for a point corresponding to the input keyword. It is possible to perform a search using so-called free keywords that do not require setting of a technique. 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.

  According to the attribute setting process and the display screen described above, since the change of the attribute set in the input keyword is accepted from the user, when the set attribute is different from the user's desired, the user's desired It can be changed to an attribute. 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 point search processing by navigation device)
Next, an example of the point search process by the navigation device 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13-1 and 13-2. FIG. 13A is a flowchart illustrating an example of the point search process when the address area attribute is set. In FIG. 13A, it is assumed that a keyword is input to the input box 702 and an attribute is set for the keyword.

  13A, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 determines whether or not a search start button 706 (see FIG. 7) has been pressed (step S1301). It is in a standby state until the search start button 706 is pressed (step S1301: No loop), and when the button is pressed (step S1301: Yes), it is determined whether the address area attribute is set (step S1301: Yes). Step S1302).

  If it is determined that the address area attribute is set (step S1302: Yes), it is determined whether there are a plurality of input keywords (step S1303). If there are a plurality of input keywords, different attributes are set for each input keyword. If it is determined that there are a plurality of input keywords (step S1303: Yes), a point search process is performed by area search (step S1304), and the series of processes is terminated. The point search process by area search will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1303 that there is a single input keyword (step S1303: No), the input keyword in which the address area attribute is set is compared with the address name in the address table 520 (see FIG. 5). (Step S1305). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1306). If there is a match (step S1306: YES), the latitude and longitude information of the matching address name is extracted (step S1307).

  Then, the extracted latitude / longitude information (point information) is output as a search result (step S1308), and a series of processing ends. As an output format, for example, a search result can be displayed as a mark indicating a point on a map screen. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1307 that there is no match as a result of the matching between the input keyword and the address name in the address table 520 (step S1306: No), the fact that there is no corresponding point is output (step S1309). ), A series of processing ends.

  If it is determined in step S1302 that the address area attribute is not set (step S1302: No), a point search process corresponding to each attribute is performed (step S1310), and the series of processes ends.

(Example of point search processing by navigation device)
FIG. 13-2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the point search process when the genre attribute is set. In FIG. 13B, as in FIG. 13A, it is assumed that a keyword is input in the input box 702 and an attribute is set for the keyword.

  In FIG. 13B, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 determines whether or not the search start button 706 has been pressed (step S1321). It is in a standby state until the search start button 706 is pressed (step S1321: No loop), and when the button is pressed (step S1321: Yes), it is determined whether or not the genre attribute is set (step S1321). S1322).

  When it is determined that the genre attribute is set (step S1322: Yes), it is determined whether there are a plurality of input keywords (step S1323). If there are a plurality of input keywords, different attributes are set for each input keyword. When it is determined that there are a plurality of input keywords (step S1323: Yes), the point search process is performed by the second genre search (step S1324), and the series of processes is terminated. In addition, the point search process by 2nd genre search is later mentioned using FIG. 14-1, FIG. 14-2, and FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1323 that the input keyword is singular (step S1323: No), the input keyword for which the genre attribute is set is collated with the genre name in the genre table 530 (see FIG. 5) ( Step S1325). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1326). When there is a match (step S1326: Yes), the genre code of the matching genre name is extracted (step S1327).

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 executes the current position calculation program using the output result of the GPS unit 314, thereby acquiring current position information (step S1328). Then, the area code of the current position is extracted using the address table 520 shown in FIG. 5 (step S1329). Then, the spot information that matches the previously extracted genre code and area code is extracted from the spot information table 510 shown in FIG. 5 (step S1330).

  Then, the extracted spot information is output as a search result (step S1331), and the series of processes is terminated. In addition to the above-described processing, for example, the processing in step S1329 to step S1331 deletes the processing in step S1329, that is, uses only the genre code in step S1330 without extracting the area code of the current position. To extract point information. Then, using the information on the current position acquired in step S1328, the extracted spot information can be arranged in order from the current position, and the search result in step S1331 can be output.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1326 that there is no match as a result of matching the input keyword with the genre name in the genre table 530 (step S1326: No), the fact that there is no corresponding point is output (step S1332). ), A series of processing ends.

  If it is determined in step S1322 that the genre attribute is not set (step S1322: No), a point search process corresponding to each attribute is performed (step S1333), and the series of processes ends.

(An example of point search processing when a keyword with a specific attribute and a keyword with another attribute are accepted)
Next, with reference to FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 15, when a keyword having a specific attribute (address area attribute or genre attribute) and a keyword having another attribute set are received. An example of the point search process will be described.

  FIG. 14A is a flowchart illustrating an example of an area code extraction process in an area search in which a search is performed for a point area. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14A illustrates processing when an area code is extracted from an input keyword in which an address area attribute is set. 14-1 is based on the display screen shown in FIG. 12, that is, an address area attribute is set for the input keyword “Saitama”, and a genre attribute is set for the input keyword “stadium”. It is assumed that a name attribute is set for the input keyword of “Urawa”.

  14A, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 collates the input keyword for the address area (“Saitama”) with the address name in the address table 520 shown in FIG. 5 (step S1401). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1402). If it is determined that there is a match (step S1402: Yes), the area code “11100” (see reference numeral 514 in FIG. 5) corresponding to the matched address name is extracted (step S1403).

  Then, the extracted area code “11100” is stored in the buffer 1 (for example, the drive buffer of the magnetic disk drive 304) (step S1404). 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 S1402 that there is no match as a result of the collation (step S1402: No), an invalid value is stored in the buffer 1 (step S1405), and a series of processing ends. The invalid value indicates that there is no point corresponding to the input keyword.

  FIG. 14-2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a genre code extraction process in the point search process. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14B illustrates processing when a genre code is extracted from an input keyword in which a genre attribute is set. Note that this extraction processing is performed in both searches of the first genre search that searches for the genres of the points around the current position and the second genre search that searches for the genres of all points. Process.

  In FIG. 14, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 collates the input keyword (“stadium”) of the genre name with the genre name in the genre table 530 shown in FIG. 5 (step S1411). Then, it is determined whether there is a match as a result of the collation (step S1412). If it is determined that there is a match (step S1412: Yes), a genre code “1” (see reference numeral 513 in FIG. 5) corresponding to the matched genre name is extracted (step S1413).

  Then, the extracted genre code “1” is stored in the buffer 2 (step S1414). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1412 that there is no match as a result of the collation (step S1412: No), an invalid value is stored in the buffer 2 (step S1415), 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 is extracted by the input keyword in which the name attribute is set, the area code extracted by the area code extraction process shown in FIG. 14-1, and the genre code extraction process shown in FIG. 14-2. The process at the time of specifying a facility using the made genre code 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. 5 (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 collation and extraction process using the area code “11100” and the genre code “1” corresponds to the second genre search. In the first genre search that searches for a genre of points around the current position, collation and extraction are performed using an area code corresponding to the current position.

  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.

  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 matching point information 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. 5. The extracted table 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. If no name attribute is input for the input keyword, the contents of the second search table 1620 are output as a search result.

  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.

  14-1 to 16 are based on the display screen shown in FIG. 12, that is, the address area attribute is set for the input keyword “Saitama” and the input keyword “stadium”. Genre attribute is set and name attribute is set for "Urawa" input keyword, but there is no input keyword for address area attribute, that is, genre attribute "stadium" and name attribute A supplementary explanation of the case where “Urawa” is entered.

  In this case, the first search table 1610 is not created, and the genre code “1” is extracted from the genre table 530 shown in FIG. 5 to correspond to the second search table 1620 having no area code information. Create a table. Then, the facility information including the characters “Urawa” is extracted from the created table. The extracted information is output as a search result. That is, in this case, the genre code “1” indicating the stadium is output as a search result with the name “Urawa”.

(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, in the navigation device 300 according to the present embodiment, attributes are set for a plurality of input keywords, and only when an input keyword set with a specific attribute is accepted, a specific attribute is set. The search method is different depending on whether a keyword and a keyword with other attributes are accepted. Accordingly, it is possible to perform a so-called free keyword search that does not require the 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. In particular, when a search is performed using a plurality of keywords, the user does not need to determine which keyword corresponds to which search method, and the burden on the user at the time of search can be reduced.

  In addition, when only a keyword having an address area attribute is accepted, a search is performed by address search, while a first keyword having an address area attribute and a second keyword having another attribute are accepted. In such a case, the search method based on the area search is used to search for a point that corresponds to the first keyword and that corresponds to the second keyword using a search method specified by other attributes. Search by address search or area search can be performed according to the attribute and number of input keywords. Therefore, a search desired by the user can be performed without the user determining address search or area search. Thereby, a search result can be obtained quickly and accurately.

  In addition, since other attributes include at least one of a name attribute, a reading attribute, a genre attribute, and a telephone number attribute, a complicated operation in which the user designates an area as in the past. If the input keyword set with the other attribute is received without performing the search, the search can be performed using the search method based on the other attribute by narrowing down to the input keyword area.

  In addition, when only a keyword with a genre attribute is accepted, a search is performed by a first genre search that performs a peripheral search, while a first keyword with a genre attribute and other attributes are set. When two keywords are accepted, the second keyword is searched for by using a search technique that corresponds to the first keyword by the second genre search for the genres at all points and is specified by other attributes. Since the corresponding point is searched, the search by the first genre search or the second genre search can be performed according to the attribute and the number of the input keywords. Therefore, the user's desired search can be performed without the user determining the first genre search or the second genre search. Thereby, a search result can be obtained quickly and accurately.

  Further, if the other attributes include at least one of the name attribute, the reading attribute, the address area attribute, and the telephone number attribute, the user can perform the first genre search or the second search as in the related art. When an input keyword set with the other attribute is accepted without performing a complicated operation such as specifying a genre search, the second genre search is used and a search method based on the other attribute is used. You can search.

  As described above, according to the spot search device, spot search method, spot search program, and recording medium of the present invention, when a search is performed using a plurality of keywords, which keyword corresponds to which search method. It is not necessary for the user to determine the above, and the burden on the user at the time of search can be reduced.

  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 a flowchart which shows an example of the attribute setting process by a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the attribute setting process 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 point search process in case an address area attribute is set. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the point search process in case a genre attribute is set. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the extraction process of the area code in the area search which searches for the area of a point. 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

100 point search device 110 table storage unit 120 keyword input unit 130 setting unit 140 database 150 start input unit 160 search unit 170 output unit 300 navigation device

Claims (8)

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;
When receiving an instruction to start a search, search means for searching the database for a point corresponding to the input keyword by a search method specified by the attribute set in the input keyword;
A point search device comprising:
The keyword input means can accept a plurality of the input keywords,
The setting means refers to the table when a plurality of the input keywords are input, sets an attribute for each input keyword,
The search means accepts only a keyword set with a specific attribute among the plurality of attributes, and a keyword set with the specific attribute and a keyword set with another attribute. The point search device, wherein the search method for searching the database for points corresponding to the keyword for which the specific attribute is set is different. The specific attribute is an address area attribute that specifies an address search for searching a point for the address of the point, or an area search for searching for a point area,
The search means includes
When only the keyword for which the address area attribute is set is accepted, the point corresponding to the keyword is searched from the database by the address search,
When the first keyword with the address area attribute set and the second keyword with another attribute set are accepted, the area search corresponds to the first keyword and the other attribute The point search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a point corresponding to the second keyword is searched from the database using a specified search method.   The other attributes are a name attribute that specifies a name search for searching for a point with respect to the name of the point, a reading attribute that specifies a reading for searching for a point with respect to the spot of the point, and a genre of the point 3. A genre attribute for specifying a genre search for performing a search and a telephone number attribute for specifying a telephone number search for performing a location search for a location phone number as an object. The point search device described in 1. The specific attribute is a genre attribute that specifies a first genre search that searches for a genre of points around the current position or a second genre search that searches for genres of all points. ,
The search means includes
When only the keyword for which the genre attribute is set is accepted, the point corresponding to the keyword is searched from the database by the first genre search,
When the first keyword set with the genre attribute and the second keyword set with another attribute are accepted, the second keyword search corresponds to the first keyword and the other attribute. The point search device according to claim 1, wherein a point corresponding to the second keyword is searched from the database using a search method specified by the method.   The other attribute includes a name attribute that specifies a name search for searching for a point with respect to the name of the point, a reading attribute that specifies a reading for searching for a point with respect to the reading of the point, an address or area of the point It includes at least one of an address area attribute that specifies an address area search to be searched as a target and a telephone number attribute that specifies a phone number search that is to be searched for a point as a target. The point search device according to claim 4. A location search method in which a location search device performs a search for a specific location from a database of multiple locations,
A keyword input step for receiving keyword input from the user by keyword input means ;
A setting step of setting the attribute to a keyword input in the keyword input step (hereinafter referred to as “input keyword”) by a setting unit with reference to a table in which attributes and keywords for specifying a search method are associated with each other; ,
A start input step of accepting a search start instruction from a user by a start input means ;
A search step of searching for a point corresponding to the input keyword by a search means from the database by a search method specified by an attribute set in the input keyword when receiving an instruction to start search;
Including
In the keyword input step, a plurality of the input keywords can be accepted,
In the setting step, when a plurality of the input keywords are input, the attribute is set for each input keyword with reference to the table,
In the search step, only a keyword set with a specific attribute among the plurality of attributes is accepted, and a keyword set with the specific attribute and a keyword set with another attribute are accepted. A point search method, wherein a search method for searching a point corresponding to a keyword for which the specific attribute is set is searched from the database.   A point search program that causes a computer to execute the point search method according to claim 6.   A computer-readable recording medium in which the point search program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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