JP2004341960A - Position-dependent information search method, position-dependent information search device, position-dependent information providing device, and position-dependent information search program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to present data having a meaning close to a search condition as a search result when there is no information matching the search condition.
A range determining unit determines a search range based on position information. The search unit 5 searches the position-dependent information database 2 for position-dependent information that matches the input item condition 9b. When the search result satisfies a predetermined condition, the re-search item condition generating means 6 traces from the search target classification item specified by the item condition 9b to a higher hierarchy. Next, the re-search item condition generating means 6 generates a re-search item condition 9c in which another concept included in the classification item of the upper hierarchy is set as a new search target classification item. Then, the re-search means 7 performs a search according to the re-search item condition 9c. Thus, when there is no information that matches the search condition, other information included in a concept wider than the search condition is presented as a search result.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a position-dependent information search method, a position-dependent information search device, a position-dependent information providing device, and a position-dependent information search program for searching for position-dependent information, particularly when there is no information that matches the search condition. The present invention relates to a position-dependent information search method, a position-dependent information search device, a position-dependent information providing device, and a position-dependent information search program that can automatically perform a re-search.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, a database of map information is being created, and various information providing services using map information are being provided. As an example of a service using map information, there is an information terminal device that searches for information on facilities and landmarks existing around an arbitrary point and presents it to a user. For example, when a search condition such as a bank or a convenience store near a railway station is set, a search is performed from the facility / landmark database. Then, information of the detected facility is displayed on the screen together with a map around the location of the facility.
[0003]
Further, the position information of the user can be automatically acquired by using a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like. This makes it possible to search for peripheral information based on the current position of the user. In-vehicle navigation devices and pedestrian navigation devices are widely used as such information terminal devices. Further, it is possible to use the registered information only when the user is in the same environment (position, altitude, temperature, etc.) as when registering information such as registered memos and photographs (for example, see Patent Document 1). 1).
[0004]
In the database of facilities and landmarks, each element can be classified hierarchically. Since the database has a hierarchical structure, it is possible to search for a target facility or landmark while narrowing down from an upper hierarchy to a lower hierarchy. For example, when a search is performed using “restaurant” as a search condition, the search is performed for all of “Japanese food”, “Chinese food”, and “Western food” included in the lower hierarchy. On the other hand, when the search is performed at the level of “Japanese food”, only the Japanese restaurant is searched.
[0005]
In addition, properties registered in the database are added with location information indicating a geographical location, such as latitude and longitude. The location information associates each property with map data. Therefore, the location of the property obtained as a search result can be indicated on a map obtained from the map database.
[0006]
However, the information search in cooperation with the map database is a search target only for facilities within a predetermined range from the reference position. Therefore, in many cases, facilities that match the search conditions cannot be found within the search range. Conventionally, when no corresponding information is found within a certain distance from a reference point, the search range is automatically expanded. At this time, it has been considered that not only the radius of the circular search range is increased, but also that the search range is arbitrarily shaped or that the traveling direction is focused on.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-92553 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, depending on the search purpose of the user, simply expanding the search range on the map may not provide the best search result for the user. For example, when a Japanese restaurant to be searched cannot be found by searching around the current position, a Western restaurant may be searched as an alternative facility. In this case, in the related art, the search condition has to be re-input.
[0009]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result when a search is performed according to the related art. This is an example of a case where a Japanese restaurant was not found during a meal search.
[0010]
A map 91 is displayed on the display screen 90. On the map 91, a mark 92 indicating a search reference point is displayed. The search reference point is, for example, the current position of the user. Further, a message 93 for notifying the search result is displayed on the display screen 90. In the example of FIG. 28, a message 93 "Japanese restaurant: N / A Please set another search condition" is displayed.
[0011]
In this example, since there is no Japanese restaurant within the search range, only a result of “not applicable” is obtained. At this time, when giving up a meal at a Japanese restaurant and instead searching for a Chinese restaurant or a Western restaurant, the user has to specify a Chinese or Western restaurant each time and perform a search again.
[0012]
In this way, whenever a facility or the like that matches the search condition is not found, the semantic concept of the search condition must be expanded, and another search condition included in the broad concept must be re-entered. Was complicated. Therefore, there has been a demand for a system that can easily perform a re-search by expanding the semantic concept of the search condition.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and provides an information search device capable of presenting data having a meaning close to a search condition as a search result when there is no information matching the search condition. With the goal.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems, in a position-dependent information search method for searching for position-dependent information, when position information and an item condition related to a search target classification item are input, the position information is A search target range is determined based on the position-dependent information, and the position-dependent information in the range that matches the item condition is searched from a position-dependent information database in which the position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered, and the search result is obtained. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, a re-search item condition for tracing from the classification item specified by the item condition to a higher hierarchy and setting another concept included in the classification item of the higher hierarchy as a new classification target item to be searched And re-searching the position-dependent information within the range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database while maintaining the range. Location-dependent information retrieval method according to symptoms is provided.
[0015]
According to such a position-dependent information search method, when position information and item conditions are input, a search target range is determined based on the position information. Next, position-dependent information within a range that matches the item condition is searched from the position-dependent information database. If the search result satisfies the predetermined condition, the re-search item condition that traces to the upper hierarchy from the classification item specified in the item condition and sets another concept included in the upper hierarchy classification item as a new search target classification item is Generated. Then, while maintaining the range, the position-dependent information within the above-mentioned range that matches the re-search item condition is searched again from the position-dependent information database.
[0016]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a position-dependent information search device for searching for position-dependent information includes a position-dependent information database in which the position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered, When an item condition relating to an item is input, a range determining unit that determines a range of a search target based on the position information, and the position-dependent information in the range that matches the item condition from the position-dependent information database. And a search unit that searches for a different concept included in the classification item of the higher hierarchy from the classification item specified by the item condition to a higher hierarchy when the search result satisfies a predetermined condition. A re-search item condition generating means for generating a re-search item condition to be set as a search target classification item; and Serial and search means for re-searching the position dependent information in the range that matches the search item condition, location-dependent information retrieval apparatus characterized by having a are provided.
[0017]
According to such a position-dependent information search device, when the position information and the item condition are input, the range to be searched is determined by the range determining means based on the position information. Next, search means searches the position-dependent information database for position-dependent information within a range that matches the item condition. If the result of the search satisfies the predetermined condition, the re-search item condition generating means traces from the classification item specified by the item condition to the upper hierarchy, and replaces another concept included in the upper hierarchy classification item with a new search target classification item. A re-search item condition to be set as is generated. Then, the re-searching means re-searches the position-dependent information within the above-mentioned range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database while maintaining the range.
[0018]
Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in a position-dependent information providing apparatus for providing position-dependent information via a network, a position-dependent information database in which the position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered, and When the position information and the item condition related to the search target classification item are input from the connected terminal device, range determination means for determining a range of the search target based on the position information, A search unit for searching for the position-dependent information within the range that meets a condition, and, when the search result satisfies a predetermined condition, tracing from a classification item designated by the item condition to a higher hierarchy, and Re-search item condition generating means for generating a re-search item condition for setting another concept included in the item as the new search target classification item; Re-search means for re-searching the position-dependent information within the range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database while maintaining the range, and searching by the search means and / or the re-search means. Transmitting means for transmitting a result to the terminal device.
[0019]
According to such a position-dependent information providing device, when the position information and the item condition are input from the terminal device, the range determining unit determines the range of the search target based on the position information. Next, search means searches the position-dependent information database for position-dependent information within a range that matches the item condition. If the result of the search satisfies the predetermined condition, the re-search item condition generating means traces from the classification item specified by the item condition to the upper hierarchy, and replaces another concept included in the upper hierarchy classification item with a new search target classification item. A re-search item condition to be set as is generated. Then, the re-searching means re-searches the position-dependent information within the above-mentioned range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database while maintaining the range. Then, the search result is transmitted to the terminal device by the transmission means.
[0020]
Further, in order to solve the above problem, in a position-dependent information search program for searching for position-dependent information, when position information and an item condition relating to a search target classification item are input to a computer, the position A search target range is determined based on the information, and the position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered, and the position-dependent information within the range that matches the item condition is searched from the registered position-dependent information database. If the result of the above satisfies a predetermined condition, the re-search item that traces from the classification item specified by the item condition to a higher hierarchy and sets another concept included in the classification item of the higher hierarchy as a new classification target item to be searched A condition is generated, and the position-dependent information within the range that matches the re-search item condition is re-examined from the position-dependent information database while maintaining the range. To position dependent information retrieval program for causing to execute a process is provided.
[0021]
When such a program is installed in a computer, the computer executes processing according to the position-dependent information search method according to the present invention.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, an outline of the invention applied to the embodiment will be described, and then, specific contents of the embodiment will be described.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the invention applied to the embodiment. The present invention relates to a method for providing location-dependent information. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functions for executing the information providing method. FIG. 1 shows a map database 1, a position-dependent information database 2, an input unit 3, a range determination unit 4, a search unit 5, a re-search item condition generation unit 6, a re-search unit 7, and a display unit 8.
[0024]
The map database 1 stores map data.
In the position-dependent information database 2, position-dependent information in which a location on a map is designated is hierarchically classified and registered so that the higher the hierarchy, the wider the meaning. In the example of FIG. 1, the classification item having the broadest meaning is “classification item A”. “Classification item B” and “classification item C” are subordinate structures of “classification item A”. In this case, the meaning indicated by “classification item B” and the meaning indicated by “classification item C” are included in the meaning indicated by “classification item A”. “Category D” and “Category E” are subordinate structures of “Category B”. In this case, the meaning indicated by “classification item D” and the meaning indicated by “classification item E” are included in the meaning indicated by “classification item B”.
[0025]
Position-dependent information is associated with “classification item D” and “classification item E”. The position-dependent information includes information (for example, latitude and longitude) for specifying a position on the map. Note that the position-dependent information associated with “classification item D” and “classification item E” is also associated with higher-level classification items (“classification item A” and “classification item B”).
[0026]
The input unit 3 inputs the position information 9a and the item conditions 9b related to the search target classification items according to an operation input or the like from the user.
The range determining means 4 determines a range to be searched (a geographic range specified based on the position information) based on the position information 9a. For example, a space within a predetermined distance from the position information 9a is determined as a range. The determined range is the search range.
[0027]
The search unit 5 searches the position-dependent information database 2 for position-dependent information that matches the input item condition 9b. Specifically, from the position-dependent information associated with the classification item specified by the item condition 9b, the position-dependent information in which the location within the range determined by the range determining means 4 is specified is searched. The search means 5 acquires the map data around the position indicated by the position information from the map database 1 and passes it to the display means 8 together with the search result.
[0028]
When the result of the search satisfies the predetermined condition, the re-search item condition generating means 6 traces from the classification item specified by the item condition 9b to the upper hierarchy, and searches for another concept included in the upper hierarchy classification item as a new search target. A re-search item condition 9c to be set as a classification item is generated. The predetermined condition is, for example, a case where there is no position-dependent information that matches the item condition 9b, or a case where the number of matching cases is equal to or less than a predetermined number. Then, the re-search item condition generating means 6 inputs the generated re-search item condition 9c to the re-search means 7.
[0029]
In addition, if another category item in the upper hierarchy of the search target category item is selected as another concept included in the category item in the upper hierarchy, all the position-dependent information included in the broad concept is searched.
[0030]
If another category item that shares a higher-level category item with the search subject category item is selected, some position-dependent information included in a broad concept is searched. This means that the search target classification item is traced to a higher hierarchy, and then to a lower hierarchy by another route.
[0031]
The re-search means 7 searches the position-dependent information database 2 for position-dependent information that matches the re-search item condition 9c generated by the re-search item condition generating means 6. Specifically, from the position-dependent information associated with the classification item specified by the re-search item condition 9c, the position-dependent information in which the location within the range determined by the range determining unit 4 is specified is searched. . The re-search means 7 acquires the map data around the position indicated by the position information from the map database 1 and passes it to the display means 8 together with the search result.
[0032]
The display means 8 displays a search result by the search means 5 and / or the re-search means 7 on a screen. For example, the display unit 8 displays a map based on the map data, and displays a mark indicating the location of the location information included in the search condition and the location-dependent information obtained as a search result on the map. The display unit 8 displays a message indicating the number of pieces of position-dependent information that match each of the item condition 9b and the re-search item condition 9c.
[0033]
With the system having such a configuration, it is possible to efficiently search for the position-dependent information. Hereinafter, a search procedure by the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. In the following example, if no position-dependent information that matches the input item condition is detected, a re-search is performed.
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for searching for position-dependent information. Hereinafter, the process illustrated in FIG. 2 will be described along with step numbers.
[Step S1] The input means 3 receives an input of the position information 9a and the item condition 9b. The input unit 3 passes the received search condition to the search unit 5. In the example of FIG. 1, “classification item D” is designated as the item condition 9b.
[0035]
[Step S2] The range determining means 4 determines a search target range (geographical range) based on the position information 9a.
[Step S3] The search means 5 searches the position-dependent information database 2 for position-dependent information matching the item condition 9b from the determined range.
[0036]
[Step S4] The search means 5 determines whether there is matching position-dependent information. If there is no matching position-dependent information, the search means 5 notifies the re-search item condition generation means 6 of "not applicable", and the process proceeds to step S5. If there is matching position-dependent information, the search unit 5 acquires map data around the located position information from the map database 1 and passes it to the display unit 8 together with the position-dependent information obtained as a search result. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6.
[0037]
When the re-search item condition 9c is generated, a similar search process is performed by the re-search means 7.
[Step S5] The re-search item condition generating means 6 generates a re-search item condition 9c. The position information of the re-search item condition is the same as the position information input by the input unit 3. The search target classification item of the re-search item condition 9c is a classification item of another concept that can be reached by tracing to a higher hierarchy than the search target classification item of the item condition 9b input by the input unit 3. In the example of FIG. 1, “classification item D” is traced up by one layer, and “classification item B” is set in the re-search item condition 9c. By setting the classification items of the higher hierarchy, the concept of the classification items is expanded, and a broad meaning search is performed.
[0038]
The re-search item condition generation means 6 passes the generated re-search item condition 9c to the search means 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S2. As a result, the search means 5 performs a re-search based on the re-search item condition 9c.
[0039]
[Step S6] The display means 8 displays the search result.
As described above, when the search condition is not met, the classification item specified by the item condition can be converted into a classification item of a broad concept and automatically searched again. Thus, when there is no position-dependent information that matches the search condition, the position-dependent information included in another semantically close classification item is displayed. As a result, the trouble of re-inputting the search condition is omitted, and the operability of the information search system is improved.
[0040]
It is also possible to generate a re-search item condition by using a classification item one level higher than the search target classification item specified by the item condition as a new search target classification item. Similarly, it is also possible to generate a re-search item condition as a new search target category item with a category item of the same hierarchy sharing a higher-level category item with the search target category item specified by the item condition. Further, both of these re-search item condition generation processes may be performed.
[0041]
As described above, by performing a re-search using the classification item one level higher or the classification item in the same hierarchy, a search result of a concept similar to the input item condition is automatically obtained.
Further, when there are a plurality of classification items of the same hierarchy and / or higher classification items, a classification item selected according to a priority arbitrarily set by the user in advance is generated as a new search target classification item as a re-search item condition. be able to. Similarly, based on the past selection history, it is also possible to preferentially select a category item having a large number of selections as a new search target category item and generate a re-search item condition. Alternatively, a list of classification items at the same level may be displayed, and a classification item specified by the user may be selected as a new search target classification item to generate a re-search item condition. Further, a plurality of processes of the process of generating the re-search item condition may be performed.
[0042]
In this way, by defining the priority order for selecting the re-search item condition, it is possible to perform a re-search that meets the user's search intention.
When there are a plurality of classification items of the same hierarchy, a list of the classification items of the same hierarchy is displayed, and a classification item designated by the user is selected, a new search target classification item is selected, and a re-search item condition is generated. When there are a plurality of higher-level classification items of the search target classification items, a list of the same-level classification items sharing at least one of the higher-level classification items can be displayed.
[0043]
Thus, when the search target classification item specified by the input item condition has a plurality of higher classification items, it is possible to display a list of the classification items when tracing each upper hierarchy.
[0044]
Further, when the search target classification item is input, the current position is measured by the geodetic function, and the range can be determined based on the current position. This saves the user from having to input the position information.
[0045]
Hereinafter, specific contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiment, the functions of the range determining unit 4, the searching unit 5, the re-search item condition generating unit 6, and the re-searching unit 7 are realized by one arithmetic unit.
[0046]
[First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, an information search function according to the present invention is applied to a system in which a user associates various information with an arbitrary position in a three-dimensional space and provides the information. First, a concept of a location-dependent information providing system according to the first embodiment will be described.
[0047]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a concept of managing information in the information providing system. In a place-dependent information providing system, the concept of "place" corresponding to various places, the concept of various "things" existing in "place", and the concept of various "acts" of users in "place" are considered. It is defined by three.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 3, the “place” is a virtual closed area 101 of an arbitrary size existing in the real world. The information associated with the "thing" in is provided.
[0049]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between “act”, “place”, and “thing”. As shown in FIG. 4, the “action” of the user “Enter”, “Direct”, and “Release” exists in the “place”.
[0050]
“Enter” is an act of entering a “place”. By entering the “place”, information corresponding to the “place” can be received.
“Direct” is an act of entering a “place” and turning in a certain direction. By facing a certain direction, information corresponding to the facing direction can be received.
[0051]
“Release” is an act of putting information in a “place”. Placing the information allows another user to view the information later.
The “thing” is a thing (information, for example, a building) to which information is actually added in the real world. When the user views the "thing", information provision corresponding to the "thing" is performed for the user.
[0052]
The “thing” includes “act” of the user “Enter” and “Release”. “Enter” is an act of seeing the “thing”. The user can receive information corresponding to “things” by watching. “Release” is an act of placing information in the “thing”. This allows another user to view the information later.
[0053]
In the first embodiment, there are a plurality of “things” in a “place”, and a “thing” that satisfies a condition determined by a user is searched from the plurality of “things”. Then, when the corresponding “thing” is not found in the search, the “thing” as an alternative is automatically presented.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information search system according to the first embodiment. The information retrieval system has a map database 10, a facility / landmark database 20, an input unit 30, a position acquisition unit 40, a calculation unit 50, and a display unit 80.
[0055]
The map database 10 is a database in which map information is stored. From the map database 10, a predetermined range of map information can be extracted from the designated position.
[0056]
The facility / landmark database 20 is a database in which information on facilities and landmarks (objects such as buildings and monuments) is stored in a hierarchical structure. The information stored in the facility / landmark database 20 corresponds to “thing”.
[0057]
The input unit 30 receives a search target classification item according to an operation input from a user, and passes the input content to the arithmetic unit 50. The input means 30 includes a keyboard and a mouse.
[0058]
The position obtaining means 40 obtains position information of the user. For example, the position acquisition unit 40 acquires the position information of the user using the GPS. For example, a GPS antenna is provided on a mobile terminal device owned by a user. Then, the position acquisition unit 40 receives a signal from a geodetic satellite using the GPS antenna, and calculates the current position of the user based on the received signal. The position acquisition unit 40 passes the acquired position information to the calculation unit 50.
[0059]
The calculation means 50 performs a search on the facility / landmark database 20 in response to the input from the input means 30, and passes the search result to the display means 80. Specifically, upon receiving the search target classification item from the input unit 30, the calculation unit 50 acquires the current position from the position acquisition unit 40. Then, the calculating means 50 searches the facility / landmark database 20 using the current position and the search target classification item as search conditions. When the corresponding “thing” is found as a search result, the calculating means 50 acquires a map around the current position from the map database 10 and displays image data in which the “thing” of the search result is arranged on the acquired map. Hand over to 80. If no “thing” that matches the search condition is found, a re-search is performed with the meaning of the search target classification item expanded.
[0060]
The display unit 80 displays a search result based on the image data received from the calculation unit 50.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the facility / landmark database. In the facility / landmark database 20, a plurality of classification items 21 to 27 are hierarchically associated. The classification items of the higher hierarchy expand the meaning and concept of the classification items of the lower hierarchy. In the lowermost classification items 25 to 27, information belonging to the classification item and the upper classification item is set.
[0061]
In the example of FIG. 6, the classification item 21 of "meal" and the classification item 22 of "shopping" are classified in the same hierarchy. The "meal" classification item 21 includes a "restaurant" classification item 23 and a "cafe" classification item 24 as lower-level structures. The "restaurant" classification item 23 includes a "Japanese food" classification item 25, a "Chinese food" classification item 26, and a "Western food" classification item 27 as lower-level structures.
[0062]
In the classification item 25 of “Japanese food”, information on a Japanese restaurant is set. In the “Chinese” classification item 26, information on Chinese restaurants is set. In the category item “Western food”, information on a Western restaurant is set. The information set in the classification items 25 to 27 includes latitude, longitude, business hours, and the like.
[0063]
Since the facility / landmark database 20 has a hierarchical structure, it is possible to search for a target facility or landmark while narrowing down from an upper hierarchy to a lower hierarchy. For example, when a search is performed using “restaurant” as a search condition, a search is performed for all of “Japanese food”, “Chinese food”, and “Western food” included in the lower hierarchy, while a search is performed for the “Japanese food” hierarchy. You can search for Japanese restaurants only. The property registered in the facility / landmark database 20 has information indicating a geographical position such as latitude and longitude, and can indicate the position on a map obtained from the map database 10.
[0064]
In the system configured as described above, search processing is performed in the following procedure.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a search procedure according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing illustrated in FIG. 7 will be described along with step numbers.
[0065]
[Step S11] The arithmetic unit 50 selects a “place” in response to a search instruction from the input unit 30. At this time, a "place" including an arbitrary point on the map can be selected. However, it is desirable to select a “place” including the current position of the user, that is, a “place” where the user is “Enter”. When selecting a “place” including the current position of the user, the calculating unit 50 acquires the current position from the position acquiring unit 40. The current position is indicated by, for example, latitude and longitude. The calculation means 50 defines the space within a predetermined distance from the reference position with the current position as the reference position as a “field”.
[0066]
[Step S12] The calculation means 50 sets search conditions. Specifically, the calculating means 50 determines a search condition based on the search target classification item input from the input means 30 and the "place" selected in step S11. As the search target classification item, an arbitrary classification item can be designated from the classification items in the facility / landmark database 20. For example, “Japanese restaurant” can be designated as a search target classification item.
[0067]
[Step S13] The computing unit 50 searches the facility / landmark database 20 for “things” that satisfy the search condition from the “place”. Specifically, the calculating means 50 selects the “item” included in the “place” selected in step S11 from the information set in the classification item specified as the search target classification item and the classification item of the lower structure thereof. Search for "things". Whether or not each “thing” is in the “place” can be determined by calculating the distance between the position (latitude and longitude) of the “thing” and the reference position of the “place”. If the distance between the “thing” and the reference position of the “place” is within a predetermined distance, the “thing” is in the “place”.
[0068]
[Step S14] The calculation means 50 determines whether or not a search result that matches the search condition is found. If a corresponding “thing” is found, the process proceeds to step S15. If the corresponding “thing” is not found, the process proceeds to step S16, and a search for an alternative “thing” is performed.
[0069]
[Step S15] When the corresponding “thing” is found, the arithmetic unit 50 passes image data indicating the search result to the display unit 80. Thus, the search result is displayed by the display means 80, and the process ends. As a result, "things" that match the search conditions are presented to the user.
[0070]
[Step S16] The arithmetic unit 50 determines whether to continue the search. This is also a decision as to whether to go back up the database hierarchy. As a determination criterion, for example, a method of terminating the search when the number of times of tracing up the hierarchy reaches a predetermined number can be considered. If the user has already gone back up the hierarchy several times, canceling the search can prevent unnecessary setting of the search condition widely. If the search is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S17. When ending the search, the process proceeds to step S18.
[0071]
[Step S17] The calculation means 50 sets the category item of the next higher hierarchy in the facility / landmark database 20 as the search target category item of the search condition. For example, if a search result is not found under the condition of “Japanese restaurant”, “restaurant”, which is one level higher than that, becomes a new search condition. That is, a search condition having a wider meaning is automatically set, and the possibility that some "thing" is searched as an alternative is increased. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13, and a search based on the newly generated condition is executed.
[0072]
[Step S18] If it is determined in step S16 that the search is not to be continued, the arithmetic unit 50 passes a message to that effect to the display unit 80. Then, a message indicating that there is no corresponding information (for example, a message of “not applicable”) is displayed on the display unit 80. Thereby, it is presented that the corresponding [thing] is not found in the search condition specified by the user and the search condition for re-search in which the meaning of the search condition is expanded. Thereafter, the process ends.
[0073]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the first embodiment. In this example, when the user sets "Japanese restaurant" as a search condition, information corresponding to "Japanese restaurant" was not found, and as a substitute, the corresponding information was found when searching for "restaurant" of a broad concept. Shows the case.
[0074]
On the display screen 61, a map 61a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. A mark 61b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed near the center of the map 61a. In addition, marks 61c to 61f indicating the location of "things" are displayed at the locations of the detected restaurants.
[0075]
The display screen 61 includes a message display unit 61g. A message indicating the search result is displayed on the message display section 61g. In the example of FIG. 8, a message “Japanese restaurant: N / A Four restaurants were found” is displayed.
[0076]
As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when no “thing” that satisfies the specified search condition is found, an alternative having a wider meaning (classification item of a higher hierarchy) is provided. It can be automatically presented to the user. That is, first, information on facilities and landmarks around an arbitrary place is searched in a certain hierarchy of the facility / landmark database 20. If no corresponding search result is found as a result of the search, a search condition in a wider sense of the upper hierarchy of the database is automatically set, and the search is continued.
[0077]
Therefore, some alternatives are often presented without performing the operation of resetting the search condition and performing the search again. For example, even when the Japanese restaurant specified by the user is not in the “place”, the presence of another restaurant in the “place” can be known without performing an operation such as re-input of the search condition. This makes it possible to easily search for information depending on the position.
[0078]
Further, by acquiring the current position of the user by the position acquisition unit 40, information on facilities and landmarks around the user can be searched based on the current position of the user. At this time, if a corresponding search result is not found, a search condition for another classification item under the upper hierarchy of the database is automatically set, and the search is continued. Therefore, information having a wider meaning is presented as an alternative from the “place” around the current position of the user without performing the operation of resetting the search condition and performing the search again.
[0079]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment of the present invention, when a "thing" satisfying a specified search condition is not found, an alternative of another classification item having a similar meaning can be presented to the user. The other classification item having a similar meaning is, for example, a classification item having the same hierarchy as the specified search target classification item, and sharing a higher classification item.
[0080]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to the second embodiment. Since the system configuration for implementing the second embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the elements having the same functions, and the description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, an action history database 70 is newly added, and the processing function of the calculation unit 51 is changed.
[0081]
The action history database 70 is a database that stores a user's action history. For example, the number of selections of a classification item at the time of performing an information search is stored in the action history database 70.
[0082]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the action history database. In this example, the action history database 70 includes columns for a classification item and the number of selections. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each column is associated with each other.
[0083]
In the category item column, the name of each category item in the facility / landmark database 20 is set. The number of times the corresponding classification item has been selected by the user is set in the selection frequency column. In the example of FIG. 10, the classification item of “Japanese food” is selected three times. The classification item of "China" has been selected eight times. The category item “Western food” has been selected five times.
[0084]
In the second embodiment, priorities are assigned to classification items of the same hierarchy according to the number of selections. That is, the classification item having a larger number of selections is preferentially selected when automatically selecting the classification item to be searched.
[0085]
When no information matching the search condition including the classification item selected by the user is found, the calculation means 51 automatically selects another classification item in the same hierarchy and performs a search again.
[0086]
The processing performed by the calculating means 51 will be described below.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a search processing procedure according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing illustrated in FIG. 11 will be described along with step numbers.
[0087]
[Step S21] The calculation unit 51 selects a “place” in response to a search instruction from the input unit 30. At this time, a "place" including an arbitrary point on the map can be selected. However, it is desirable to select a “place” including the current position of the user, that is, a “place” where the user is “Enter”. When selecting the “place” including the current position of the user, the calculating unit 51 acquires the current position from the position acquiring unit 40. The calculation means 51 determines a space within a predetermined distance from the reference position with the current position as a reference position, as a “field”.
[0088]
[Step S22] The calculation means 51 sets search conditions. Specifically, the calculating unit 51 determines the search condition based on the search target classification item input from the input unit 30 and the “place” selected in step S21. As the search target classification item, an arbitrary classification item can be designated from the classification items in the facility / landmark database 20. For example, “Japanese restaurant” can be designated as a search target classification item.
[0089]
At this time, the calculating means 51 accesses the action history database 70 and adds 1 to the number of times of selection of the classification item set as the search target classification item.
[Step S23] The calculation unit 51 searches the facility / landmark database 20 for “things” that satisfy the search condition from the “place”. Specifically, the calculating unit 51 selects, from among the information set in the classification item specified as the search target classification item and the classification item of the lower structure thereof, included in the “place” selected in step S21. Search for "things". Whether or not each “thing” is in the “place” can be determined by calculating the distance between the position (latitude and longitude) of the “thing” and the reference position of the “place”. If the distance between the “thing” and the reference position of the “place” is within a predetermined distance, the “thing” is in the “place”.
[0090]
[Step S24] The calculation means 51 determines whether or not a search result that matches the search condition is found. If a corresponding "thing" is found, the process proceeds to step S25. If the corresponding "thing" is not found, the process proceeds to step S26, and a search for an alternative "thing" is performed.
[0091]
[Step S25] When the corresponding “thing” is found, the calculation unit 51 passes image data indicating the search result to the display unit 80. Thus, the search result is displayed by the display means 80, and the process ends. As a result, "things" that match the search conditions are presented to the user.
[0092]
[Step S26] The calculation means 51 determines whether to continue the search. This is also a decision as to whether to go back up the database hierarchy. As a determination criterion, for example, a method of terminating the search when the number of times of tracing up the hierarchy reaches a predetermined number can be considered. If the user has already gone back up the hierarchy several times, canceling the search can prevent unnecessary setting of the search condition widely. If the search is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S27. When ending the search, the process proceeds to step S30.
[0093]
[Step S27] The calculation unit 51 determines whether or not there is another classification in the facility / landmark database 20 at the same level (higher-level classification item is the same) as the currently set search target classification item. Do. For example, at the same level as “Japanese food” (below “restaurant”), there are other classification items such as “Chinese food” and “Western food”. If another classification item exists in the same hierarchy, the process proceeds to step S28. If there is no other classification item in the same hierarchy, the process proceeds to step S29.
[0094]
[Step S28] If it is determined that there is another classification item in the same hierarchy as the currently set search condition, the calculation means 51 selects and sets a new search target classification item from among them. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23, and the search is performed again according to the new search condition. As a result, for example, a Chinese restaurant is automatically searched as an alternative when a Japanese restaurant is not found.
[0095]
Here, the priority is automatically determined from the past action history of the user. Specifically, the calculation unit 51 refers to the action history database 70 and obtains the number of times of selection of a category item in the same hierarchy as the category item currently set in the search condition. Then, among the classification items that have not yet been searched, the classification item with the largest number of selections is selected. In this way, priorities can be automatically determined in descending order of the number of times the user has selected in the past.
[0096]
[Step S29] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S27 that there is no other classification item in the same hierarchy as the current search condition, the hierarchical structure of the facility / landmark database 20 is traced upward, and a new higher order is searched. Set hierarchical classification items as search conditions. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23, and the search is performed again according to the new search condition.
[0097]
In this case, the search is completed for all the current hierarchies, and it is determined in step S27 that the corresponding property cannot be found. Therefore, the hierarchy is traced up two at a time. For example, if a search result is not found under any of the conditions of “Japanese food”, “Chinese food”, and “Western food”, “meal”, which is two levels higher, becomes the search target classification item of the new search condition. Thus, not only "restaurants" but also "cafes" can be searched. That is, a search condition with a wider meaning is automatically set, and the possibility that some “thing” is searched as an alternative is increased.
[0098]
[Step S30] If it is determined in step S26 that the search is not to be continued, the arithmetic unit 51 passes a message to that effect to the display unit 80. Then, a message indicating that there is no corresponding information (for example, a message of “not applicable”) is displayed on the display unit 80. Thereby, it is presented that the corresponding “thing” was not found in the search condition specified by the user and the search condition for re-search in which the meaning of the search condition is expanded. Thereafter, the process ends.
[0099]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the second embodiment. In this example, when the user sets "Japanese restaurant" as a search condition, information corresponding to "Japanese restaurant" is not found, and the corresponding information is found when searching for "Chinese restaurant" of a different concept as an alternative. Shows the case where
[0100]
On the display screen 62, a map 62a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. A mark 62b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed near the center of the map 62a. Further, marks 62c to 62d indicating the location of "things" are displayed at the locations of the detected Chinese restaurants.
[0101]
Further, the display screen 62 is provided with a message display unit 62e. A message indicating the search result is displayed on the message display unit 62e. In the example of FIG. 12, a message “Japanese restaurant: not applicable Two Chinese restaurants were found” is displayed.
[0102]
In the above description, the classification item set in the action history database 70 having a larger number of selections is preferentially selected at the time of re-searching. However, the priority order must be specified in advance by the user. You can also. In this case, a priority designation database having a data structure similar to that of the action history database 70 is provided. In the priority designation database, the priority is set as information corresponding to the number of selections. The information of the priority order is arbitrarily set by the user, and is not updated by the calculating means 51.
[0103]
Then, when no information that matches the search condition is found, the calculating unit 51 selects a category item having a higher priority order from among the category items in the same hierarchy as the category item to be searched, and generates a search condition for re-search. . For example, the user sets in advance that the preference of meals is given priority in the order of “Japanese food”, “Chinese food”, and “Western food”. In this case, the calculating unit 51 selects a classification item that has not been searched yet according to the set priority order.
[0104]
As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when no “thing” that satisfies the specified search condition is found, an alternative with the next highest search condition is automatically given to the user. Can be presented. That is, first, information on facilities and landmarks around an arbitrary place or the current position of the user is searched in a certain hierarchy of the database. If no corresponding search result is found as a result of the search, another classification item in the same hierarchy is automatically selected as a search condition, and the search is continued.
[0105]
Here, the priority when selecting another classification item can be set by the user in advance, or can be automatically set from the user's past selection history. Therefore, some alternatives are often presented without performing the operation of resetting the search condition and performing the search again.
[0106]
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a case where there are a plurality of higher-level structures for a search target classification item.
[0107]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to the third embodiment. Since the system configuration for realizing the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the elements having the same functions, and the description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 13, in the third embodiment, a concept extension history database 80 is newly added. Further, the processing function of the calculating means 52 has been changed, and the data structure of the facility / landmark database 20a has been changed.
[0108]
The facility / landmark database 20a is a database having a hierarchical structure in which a plurality of classification items can be set as a higher hierarchy for one classification item.
The concept extension history database 80 is a database that stores the number of times a concept extension destination is selected when a user issues a concept extension instruction during a search.
[0109]
The calculation means 52 searches the facility / landmark database 20a according to the input search conditions. When there is no “thing” corresponding to the search condition, the calculating unit 52 selects one of the upper-level classification items and performs a search with the selected classification item as a search target.
[0110]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a facility / landmark database according to the third embodiment. In the facility / landmark database 20a, a plurality of classification items 21a to 25a are hierarchically associated. The classification items of the higher hierarchy expand the meaning and concept of the classification items of the lower hierarchy. Information belonging to the classification items is set in the classification items 23a to 25a at the lowest layer. Further, the lower-level classification items can be associated with a plurality of higher-level classification items. That is, in the third embodiment, the possibility that a certain classification item belongs to a plurality of classification items in the hierarchical structure of the facility / landmark database 20a is recognized.
[0111]
In the example of FIG. 14, the classification item 21a of "ATM" and the classification item 22a of "bento" are classified into the same hierarchy. As a structure below the classification item 21a of "ATM", a classification item 23a of "bank" and a classification item 24a of "convenience store" are provided. In addition, as a subordinate structure of the classification item 22a of “lunch box”, a classification item 24a of “convenience store” and a classification item 25a of “supermarket” are provided.
[0112]
As described above, the classification item 24a of “convenience store” is a substructure of the classification item 21a of “ATM” and a substructure of the classification item 22a of “bento”. Recently, ATMs of financial institutions such as banks have been installed in many convenience stores. Therefore, assuming a case where a convenience store is being searched for the purpose of withdrawing cash from a bank account, a classification item of "ATM" is set as an upper layer of the classification item 24a of "convenience store". Further, assuming that a convenience store is being searched for the purpose of purchasing a lunch box, a classification item 21a of "ATM" is set as a higher layer of the classification item 24a of "convenience store". That is, the classification item 24a of "convenience store" belongs under the classification item 21a of "ATM" from the viewpoint of a facility for withdrawing cash, but at the same time, from the viewpoint of a facility for buying a lunch box, "lunch box""Also belongs to the category item 22a.
[0113]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the concept extension history database. The concept extension history database 80 is provided with columns for a search target category, a higher-level category, and a concept extension selection count. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each column is associated with each other.
[0114]
In the column of the search target classification item, the name of the classification item specified as the search target is set. In the column of the upper-level structure classification item, the name of the classification item of the higher-level structure of the search target classification item is set. In the column of the number of concept extension selections, the number of times each same-level category item is selected when “thing” is not found in the category item set as the search target category item is set.
[0115]
In the example of FIG. 15, two higher-level structural classification items “ATM” and “Lunch” are set for the search target classification item “convenience store”. The number of concept extension selections for “ATM” is “5”. The number of concept extension selections of “lunch” is “4”.
[0116]
In this way, a plurality of classification items are associated with a higher-level structure for one classification item, and the number of times of concept extension selection is set. Accordingly, when the corresponding “thing” is not found by the search based on the search condition, the calculating unit 52 selects a category item that has been selected in the past from the upper-level structure of the category item to be searched and re-selects it. A search condition for a search can be generated.
[0117]
Hereinafter, the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 52 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a search processing procedure according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing illustrated in FIG. 16 will be described along with step numbers.
[0118]
[Step S41] The calculation means 52 selects a “place” in response to a search instruction from the input means 30. At this time, a "place" including an arbitrary point on the map can be selected. However, it is desirable to select a “place” including the current position of the user, that is, a “place” where the user is “Enter”. When selecting the “place” including the current position of the user, the calculation unit 52 acquires the current position from the position acquisition unit 40. The calculation means 52 determines the space within a predetermined distance from the reference position with the current position as the reference position, as a “field”.
[0119]
[Step S42] The calculation means 52 sets search conditions. Specifically, the calculating unit 52 determines the search condition based on the search target classification item input from the input unit 30 and the “place” selected in step S41. As the search target classification item, any classification item can be designated from the classification items in the facility / landmark database 20a. For example, “convenience store” can be specified as a search target classification item.
[0120]
[Step S43] The calculation means 52 searches the facility / landmark database 20a for "things" satisfying the search condition from "places". Specifically, the calculation means 52 selects the “item” included in the “place” selected in step S41 from the information set in the classification item specified as the search target classification item and the classification item of the lower structure thereof. Search for "things". Whether or not each “thing” is in the “place” can be determined by calculating the distance between the position (latitude and longitude) of the “thing” and the reference position of the “place”. If the distance between the “thing” and the reference position of the “place” is within a predetermined distance, the “thing” is in the “place”.
[0121]
[Step S44] The calculation means 52 determines whether or not a search that matches the search condition is found. If a corresponding "thing" is found, the process proceeds to step S45. If the corresponding "thing" is not found, the process proceeds to step S46, and a search for an alternative "thing" is performed.
[0122]
[Step S45] When a corresponding “thing” is found, the calculating unit 52 passes image data indicating the search result to the display unit 80. Thus, the search result is displayed by the display means 80, and the process ends. As a result, "things" that match the search conditions are presented to the user.
[0123]
[Step S46] The calculation means 52 determines whether to continue the search. This is also a decision as to whether to go back up the database hierarchy. As a determination criterion, for example, a method of terminating the search when the number of times of tracing up the hierarchy reaches a predetermined number can be considered. If the user has already gone back up the hierarchy several times, canceling the search can prevent unnecessary setting of the search condition widely. If the search is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S47, where a search for an alternative "thing" is performed. When ending the search, the process proceeds to step S50.
[0124]
[Step S47] The calculation means 52 determines whether or not a plurality of upper layers are associated with the search target classification item set in the current search condition in the facility / landmark database 20a. If it is determined that the search target classification item belongs to a plurality of classification items, the process proceeds to step S48. If there is only one upper-level classification item, the process proceeds to step S49.
[0125]
[Step S48] The calculation means 52 selects an upper layer for searching for an alternative. Normally, this can be automatically selected based on the history when the user has expanded the concept of the classification item in the past. Specifically, the calculation unit 52 refers to the concept extension history database 80, and obtains the number of selections set for the category item that is a higher hierarchy of the current search target category item. Then, the calculating means 52 selects the unselected classification items in order from the one with the largest number of selections.
[0126]
Further, the calculating means 52 can also indicate that there are a plurality of higher layers, and allow the user to select it explicitly. For example, in the facility / landmark database 20a as shown in FIG. 14, when "convenience store" is not found in "place", "ATM" and "lunch box" are presented as alternative candidates. When one of the classification items of the upper hierarchy is designated by the user, the calculating means 52 selects the designated classification item as the next upper hierarchy to be traced. At this time, the calculation means 52 accesses the concept extension history database 80 and adds 1 to the value of the number of selections corresponding to the selected higher-level classification item.
[0127]
Whether the calculation means 52 automatically selects the upper layer or whether the user explicitly selects it can be set in the system in advance, for example. Further, at the start of the process in step S48, the user may instruct whether the calculation unit 52 performs the process automatically or the user explicitly selects the process.
[0128]
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S49.
[Step S49] The calculation means 52 sets the next higher hierarchy as a new search condition. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S43.
[0129]
Thus, for example, if "convenience store" is not found, the classification item "ATM" is used for cash withdrawal purposes, and the classification item "Lunch box" is used for lunch purchase purposes as alternatives. Searching can be realized. In other words, a search condition with a wider meaning in the upper hierarchy according to the purpose is automatically set, and the possibility that some “thing” is searched as an alternative is increased.
[0130]
[Step S50] If it is determined in step S46 that the search is not to be continued, the arithmetic unit 52 passes a message indicating that to the display unit 80. Then, a message indicating that there is no corresponding information (for example, a message of “not applicable”) is displayed on the display unit 80. Thereby, it is presented that the corresponding [thing] is not found in the search condition specified by the user and the search condition for re-search in which the meaning of the search condition is expanded. Thereafter, the process ends.
[0131]
In this way, if the “object” corresponding to the classification item specified first by the user is not found in the “place”, any of the multiple existing concepts or the upper layer of the upper hierarchy according to the past concept extension history Re-search by classification item can be performed.
[0132]
The following is an example of screen transition when the user arbitrarily selects a higher-level classification item during re-search.
FIG. 17 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a search result display screen according to the third embodiment. This example shows a case where, when the user sets “convenience store” as a search condition, no information corresponding to “convenience store” is found, and a classification item of a higher hierarchy is presented as an alternative candidate.
[0133]
On the display screen 63, a map 63a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. A mark 63b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed near the center of the map 63a. Further, the display screen 63 is provided with a message display section 63c. A message indicating the search result is displayed on the message display section 63c. In the example of FIG. 17, a message “Convenience store: N / A Alternative candidate: ATM bento” is displayed.
[0134]
The display screen 63 shown in FIG. 17 allows the user to know alternative options. Here, when "ATM" is selected as an alternative, a search is performed according to a search condition using "ATM" as a search target classification item.
[0135]
FIG. 18 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the third embodiment. This example shows the display screen 64 when “ATM” is selected as an alternative from the state shown in FIG.
[0136]
On the display screen 64, a map 64a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. Near the center of the map 64a, a mark 64b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed. Further, a mark 64c indicating the location of the "thing" is displayed at the location of the detected ATM.
[0137]
Further, the display screen 64 is provided with a message display section 64d. A message indicating the search result is displayed on the message display section 64d. In the example of FIG. 18, a message “Convenience store: N / A One was found at ATM” is displayed.
[0138]
When "Lunch" is selected as an alternative, a search is performed according to search conditions in which "Lunch" is a search target classification item.
FIG. 19 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the third embodiment. This example shows the display screen 65 when “Lunch” is selected as an alternative from the state shown in FIG.
[0139]
On the display screen 65, a map 65a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. A mark 65b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed near the center of the map 65a. Further, marks 65c to 65e indicating the location of "things" are displayed at the location of the retail store that sells lunches.
[0140]
Further, the display screen 65 is provided with a message display section 65f. A message indicating the search result is displayed on the message display section 65f. In the example of FIG. 19, a message “Convenience store: N / A Lunch box found 3 items” is displayed.
[0141]
As described above, in the third embodiment, when no “thing” satisfying the specified search condition is found, alternative candidates having a wide meaning according to the purpose can be automatically presented to the user. That is, information on facilities and landmarks around a given location or the user's current location is searched at a certain level in the database, and if no corresponding search result is found, the upper level of the database is searched according to the purpose of the search. A classification item having a wider meaning is selected from the hierarchy, and is automatically set as a search condition, and the search is continued. The purpose of the search can be selected by the user from the candidates, or can be automatically selected from the user's past selection history. Therefore, some alternatives are often presented without resetting the search conditions.
[0142]
In the above description, it is assumed that the classification item set in the concept extension history database 80 having a larger number of selections is preferentially selected at the time of re-searching, but the user specifies the priority order in advance. You can also. In this case, a priority designation database having the same data structure as the concept extension history database 80 is provided. In the priority designation database, the priority is set as information corresponding to the number of concept extension selections. The information of the priority order is arbitrarily set by the user, and is not updated by the calculating means 52. Then, when no information that matches the search condition is found, the calculation unit 52 selects a category item having a higher priority order from among the higher-order category items of the search target category item, and generates a search condition for re-search. .
[0143]
[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, when “thing” is not found as a search result, a classification item having the same hierarchy as the search target classification item is selected as an alternative. Note that in the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a plurality of classification items can be set as an upper layer of one classification item.
[0144]
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to the fourth embodiment. Since the system configuration for realizing the fourth embodiment is almost the same as that of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the elements having the same functions, and the description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 20, in the fourth embodiment, a concept change history database 81 is newly added. Further, the processing function of the calculating means 53 has been changed. The data structure of the facility / landmark database 20a is the same as in the third embodiment.
[0145]
The concept change history database 81 is a database that stores the number of times a concept change destination is selected when a user issues a concept change instruction during a search. When there is no “thing” corresponding to the search condition, the calculating unit 53 selects one of the same-level classification items that shares a higher-level classification item and performs a search with the selected classification item as a search target. .
[0146]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the concept change history database. The concept change history database 81 is provided with columns for a search target category item, a higher-level structure category item, a same-level category item, and a concept change selection count. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each column is associated with each other.
[0147]
In the column of the search target classification item, the name of the classification item specified as the search target is set. In the column of the upper-level structure classification item, the name of the classification item of the higher-level structure of the search target classification item is set. In the column of the same hierarchical classification item, the name of a classification item (excluding a search target classification item) of a lower structure of the above structural classification item is set. In the column of the number of concept change selections, the number of selections is set for each of the category items of the same hierarchy when "thing" is not found in the category item set as the search target category item.
[0148]
In the example of FIG. 21, two higher-level structural classification items “ATM” and “Bento” are set for the search target classification item “convenience store”. In the classification item of "ATM", classification items of "bank" and "consumer finance" are set as the same hierarchical classification items. In the classification item of “Lunch Box”, classification items of “supermarket” and “lunch house” are set as the same hierarchical classification items.
[0149]
The number of concept change selections for “bank” is “5”. The number of times of concept change selection of “consumer finance” is “0”. The number of times of concept change selection of “super” is “1”. The number of concept change selections for "Lunch box" is "3".
[0150]
As described above, when a plurality of classification items are associated as a higher-order structure with respect to one classification item, the number of times of selection of a classification item in the same hierarchy as the search target classification item is recorded. As a result, when the corresponding "thing" is not found as a result of the search by the search target category item, the calculating means 53 selects one of the same-level category items sharing the higher-level category item with the search target category item. Select Then, the calculating means 53 can perform a re-search using the selected classification item as a search target classification item.
[0151]
Hereinafter, the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 53 will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a search processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing illustrated in FIG. 22 will be described along with step numbers.
[0152]
[Step S61] The calculation means 53 selects a “place” in response to a search instruction from the input means 30. At this time, a "place" including an arbitrary point on the map can be selected. However, it is desirable to select a “place” including the current position of the user, that is, a “place” where the user is “Enter”. When selecting the “place” including the current position of the user, the calculating unit 53 acquires the current position from the position acquiring unit 40. The calculation means 50 defines the space within a predetermined distance from the reference position with the current position as the reference position as a “field”.
[0153]
[Step S62] The calculation means 53 sets search conditions. Specifically, the calculating unit 53 determines the search condition based on the search target classification item input from the input unit 30 and the “place” selected in step S61. As the search target classification item, any classification item can be designated from the classification items in the facility / landmark database 20a. For example, “convenience store” can be specified as a search target classification item.
[0154]
[Step S63] The calculation means 53 searches the facility / landmark database 20a for "things" satisfying the search condition from "places". Specifically, the calculating means 53 selects, from among the classification items designated as the retrieval target classification items and the information set in the sub-structure classification items, the “place” included in the “place” selected in step S61. Search for "things". Whether or not each “thing” is in the “place” can be determined by calculating the distance between the position (latitude and longitude) of the “thing” and the reference position of the “place”. If the distance between the “thing” and the reference position of the “place” is within a predetermined distance, the “thing” is in the “place”.
[0155]
[Step S64] The calculation means 53 determines whether or not a search result that matches the search condition is found. If a corresponding "thing" is found, the process proceeds to step S65. If the corresponding "thing" is not found, the process proceeds to step S66, and a search for an alternative "thing" is performed.
[0156]
[Step S65] If the corresponding “thing” is found, the arithmetic unit 53 passes image data indicating the search result to the display unit 80. Thus, the search result is displayed by the display means 80, and the process ends. As a result, "things" that match the search conditions are presented to the user.
[0157]
[Step S66] The calculation means 53 determines whether to continue the search. This is also a decision as to whether to go back up the database hierarchy. As a criterion, for example, a method of terminating the search when the number of times of ascending the hierarchy reaches a predetermined number is considered. If the user has already gone back up the hierarchy several times, canceling the search can prevent unnecessary setting of the search condition widely. If the search is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S67, and a search for an alternative "thing" is performed. When ending the search, the process proceeds to step S70.
[0158]
[Step S67] The calculation unit 53 determines whether or not a plurality of upper layers are associated with the search target classification item set in the current search condition in the facility / landmark database 20a. If it is determined that the search target classification item belongs to a plurality of classification items, the process proceeds to step S68. If there is only one upper-level classification item, the process proceeds to step S69.
[0159]
[Step S68] The calculation means 53 selects another classification item in the same hierarchy for searching for an alternative. Usually, this can be automatically selected based on the history of the past change of the concept of the classification item by the user. Specifically, the calculating unit 53 refers to the concept change history database 81 and acquires the number of selections set for the category item of the same hierarchy as the current search target category item. Then, the calculating means 53 selects the classification item having the largest number of selections.
[0160]
In addition, the calculation means 53 can present that there is another classification item of the same hierarchy having a common upper hierarchy, and allow the user to explicitly select it. For example, in the facility / landmark database 20a as shown in FIG. 14, when "convenience store" is not found in "place", "bank", "supermarket", etc. are presented as alternative candidates. When one of the category items of the same hierarchy is designated by the user, the calculating means 53 selects the designated category item as a category item to be searched next. At this time, the calculating means 53 accesses the concept change history database 81 and adds 1 to the value of the number of concept change selections corresponding to the selected category item of the same hierarchy.
[0161]
Whether the calculation means 53 automatically selects another classification item in the same hierarchy or whether the user explicitly selects the classification item can be set in the system in advance, for example. Further, at the start of the process in step S68, the user may input an instruction as to whether the operation is to be performed automatically by the arithmetic means 53 or to be explicitly selected by the user.
[0162]
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S69.
[Step S69] The calculation means 53 sets the next higher hierarchy as a new search condition. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S63.
[0163]
As a result, for example, if a `` convenience store '' is not found, the classification item `` bank '' for cash withdrawal purposes and the `` supermarket '' classification item for lunch purchase are each an alternative. Can be searched. In other words, a search condition with a wider meaning in the upper hierarchy according to the purpose is automatically set, and the possibility that some “thing” is searched as an alternative is increased.
[0164]
[Step S70] If it is determined in step S66 that the search is not to be continued, the arithmetic unit 53 passes a message to that effect to the display unit 80. Then, a message indicating that there is no corresponding information (for example, a message of “not applicable”) is displayed on the display unit 80. Thereby, it is presented that the corresponding [thing] is not found in the search condition specified by the user and the search condition for re-search in which the meaning of the search condition is expanded. Thereafter, the process ends.
[0165]
In this way, if the "thing" corresponding to the classification item specified first by the user is not found in the "place", the classification according to any of the other classification items in the same hierarchy or according to the past concept change history Re-search by item can be performed.
[0166]
The following is an example of screen transition when the user arbitrarily selects a higher-level classification item during re-search.
FIG. 23 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the fourth embodiment. This example shows a case where, when the user sets “convenience store” as a search condition, information corresponding to “convenience store” is not found, and another classification item in the same hierarchy is presented as an alternative candidate.
[0167]
On the display screen 66, a map 66a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. A mark 66b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed near the center of the map 66a. Further, the display screen 66 is provided with a message display section 66c. A message indicating the search result is displayed on the message display section 66c. In the example of FIG. 18, the message “convenience store: N / A Alternative candidate: Bank Lunch box Supermarket Consumer finance” is displayed.
[0168]
The display screen 66 shown in FIG. 23 allows the user to know alternative candidates. Here, when "bank" is selected as an alternative, a search is performed according to a search condition in which "bank" is a search target classification item.
[0169]
FIG. 24 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a search result display screen according to the fourth embodiment. This example shows the display screen 67 when “bank” is selected as an alternative from the state shown in FIG.
[0170]
On the display screen 67, a map 67a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. Near the center of the map 67a, a mark 67b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed. Further, a mark 67c indicating the location of the "thing" is displayed at the location of the detected ATM.
[0171]
The display screen 67 has a message display section 67d. A message indicating the search result is displayed on the message display section 67d. In the example of FIG. 24, a message “Convenience store: N / A One was found at the bank” is displayed.
[0172]
When “super” is selected as an alternative, a search is performed according to a search condition using “super” as a search target classification item.
FIG. 25 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a search result display screen according to the fourth embodiment. This example shows the display screen 68 when “super” is selected as an alternative from the state shown in FIG.
[0173]
On the display screen 68, a map 68a of an area included in the "place" is displayed. In the vicinity of the center of the map 68a, a mark 68b indicating a reference position (for example, the current position of the user) is displayed. Further, marks 68c and 68d indicating the location of "things" are displayed at the location of the retail store that sells lunches.
[0174]
Further, the display screen 68 is provided with a message display section 68e. In the message display section 68e, a message indicating the search result is displayed. In the example of FIG. 25, a message “Convenience store: N / A Two items were found at the supermarket” is displayed.
[0175]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when no “thing” that satisfies the specified search condition is found, a candidate alternative having a meaning according to the purpose can be automatically presented to the user. Since the user only has to input an alternative from the presented alternative candidates, operation input becomes easy.
[0176]
In the above description, the classification item set in the concept change history database 81 having a larger number of selections is preferentially selected in the re-search, but the user specifies in advance the priority order. You can also. In this case, a priority order designation database having the same data structure as the concept change history database 81 is provided. In the priority designation database, the priority is set as information corresponding to the number of concept change selections. The information of the priority order is arbitrarily set by the user, and is not updated by the calculating means 53. Then, when no information matching the search condition is found, the calculating means 53 selects a classification item having a higher priority order from among the classification items of the same hierarchy as the search target classification item, and generates a search condition for re-search. I do.
[0177]
[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a part of the functions for realizing the first to fourth embodiments is assigned to a server computer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a server).
[0178]
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a server 300 and a mobile terminal device 400 are connected via the Internet 200. The mobile terminal device 400 has at least a user interface function. Specifically, an input unit, an acquisition unit, and a display unit are configured in the mobile terminal device 400. The calculation means and various databases may be provided in either the server 300 or the mobile terminal device 400.
[0179]
For example, if the mobile terminal device 400 is provided with a user interface function, a position measurement function, and a communication function via a network, and other functions are provided in the server 300, the server 300 has the following processing.
[0180]
That is, the server 300 has a position-dependent information database, a search unit, a re-search item condition generation unit, and a transmission unit.
The position-dependent information database is a database in which position-dependent information for which a location on a map is designated is registered by being classified into classification items having a hierarchical structure having a wider meaning as the hierarchy is higher. This corresponds to the facility / landmark database in the first to fourth embodiments.
[0181]
When a search condition specifying position information and a search target classification item is input from a terminal device connected to the network, the search means searches the position-dependent information database for position-dependent information that matches the search condition.
[0182]
When there is no position-dependent information that matches the search condition, the re-search item condition generating means traces the search target classification item specified by the search condition to the upper hierarchy and adds another concept included in the upper hierarchy classification item to a new concept. Generate the re-search item condition set as the search target classification item. Then, the re-search item condition generating means inputs the re-search item condition to the search means.
[0183]
The transmitting unit transmits a result of the search by the searching unit to the terminal device.
On the other hand, mobile terminal device 400 only needs to have at least a function of transmitting search conditions to server 300 and a function of displaying search results.
[0184]
By causing the server 300 to execute such a function, the server 300 functions as a position-dependent information providing device. In this case, there is no need to provide a large-capacity database in the mobile terminal device 400, and the size and weight can be reduced. Also, the data processing capability required for the mobile terminal device 400 is reduced, and power saving can be achieved.
[0185]
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal device. In the mobile terminal device 400, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 402, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 403, an external storage device 404, an input interface 405, an output interface 406, and a network interface 407 are connected to a bus 408. Connected through.
[0186]
The CPU 401 controls the entire mobile terminal device 400. The RAM 402 is a main storage device for the CPU 401 to temporarily store programs, processing target data, and the like. The ROM 403 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs necessary for realizing the functions of the mobile terminal device 400 such as an OS (Operating System). The external storage device 404 is a recording medium such as a hard disk device or a flash memory.
[0187]
The input interface 405 is a communication interface that receives data input from another external device and passes the data to the CPU 401. A GPS antenna 411, a camera 412, a key group 413, and a pointing device 414 are connected to the input interface 405. The GPS antenna 411 is an antenna for receiving a signal from a geodetic satellite. The GPS antenna 411 passes the received signal to the input interface 405. The camera 412 generates image data using a CCD (Charge-Coupled Devices), and passes the image data to the input interface 405. The key group 413 is a plurality of keys for inputting characters and numbers. A signal corresponding to the key pressed by the user is passed from the key group 413 to the input interface 405. The pointing device 414 is an input device for moving a cursor on the screen up, down, left, and right. When the pointing device 414 is operated, a signal indicating the moving direction of the cursor is passed from the pointing device 414 to the input interface 405.
[0188]
The output interface 406 is a communication interface for outputting data to another external device. The display 421 and the speaker 422 are connected to the output interface 406. The display 421 is a device that displays an image based on image data. For example, a liquid crystal display device. The speaker 422 is a device that reproduces various sounds including sound and the like based on sound data. When receiving the image data via the bus 408, the output interface 406 outputs the image data to the display 421. When receiving the sound data via the bus 408, the output interface 406 passes the sound data to the speaker 422.
[0189]
The network interface 407 is a communication interface for performing data communication with another device such as the server 300. The network interface 407 is connected to the Internet 200 and performs data communication with the server 300 via the Internet 200.
[0190]
With such a system, the functions according to the first to fourth embodiments can be realized. In this case, since some functions are executed by the server 300, the size and weight of the mobile terminal device 400 can be easily reduced. For example, if the map database is provided in the server 300, the storage capacity of the external storage device 404 of the mobile terminal device 400 may be small.
[0191]
When the user carries the mobile terminal device 400, the position of the user can be automatically determined by the GPS function. As a result, there is no need to input the current position of the user.
[0192]
[Other application examples]
In the above embodiment, the current position is measured using the GPS, but the current position can be measured by another function. For example, in a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), the current position can be known using information such as a reception state from a wireless base station with which communication is possible.
[0193]
Further, the above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In this case, a position-dependent information search program that describes the processing contents of the functions that the server or the mobile terminal device should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing content can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and semiconductor memories. The magnetic recording device includes a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), a magnetic tape, and the like. Examples of the optical disc include a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and a CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable). Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical disc).
[0194]
When distributing the program, for example, portable recording media such as DVDs and CD-ROMs on which the program is recorded are sold. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a storage device of a server computer, and the program may be transferred from the server computer to another computer via a network.
[0195]
The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Further, the computer may execute the processing according to the received program each time the program is transferred from the server computer.
[0196]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, if there is no position-dependent information that matches the item condition, the search target classification item specified by the search condition is traced to the upper hierarchy, and another concept included in the upper hierarchy classification item is newly added. Re-search is performed according to the re-search item condition set as a simple search target classification item. Thus, the user can obtain information having a meaning close to the search condition as a search result without re-inputting the search condition. As a result, the operation for searching for the position-dependent information is facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the invention applied to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for searching for position-dependent information.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a concept of information management in the information providing system.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between “act”, “place”, and “thing”.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information search system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a facility / landmark database.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a search procedure according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example according to a second embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of an action history database.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a search processing procedure according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a facility / landmark database according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a concept extension history database.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a search processing procedure according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a first diagram showing an example of a search result display screen according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a concept change history database.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a search processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a search result display screen according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a search result according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a search result display screen according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal device.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a search result when a search is performed by a conventional technique.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Map database, 2 ... Position dependent information database, 3 ... Input means, 4 ... Range determination means, 5 ... Search means, 6 ... Re-search item condition generation means, 7 ... Re-search means, 8 ... Display means, 9a ... Position information, 9b ... Item conditions, 9c ... Re-search item conditions

Claims (9)

In a position-dependent information search method for searching for position-dependent information,
When the position information and the item conditions related to the search target classification item are input,
Determine the range of the search target based on the location information,
From the position-dependent information database in which position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered, searching for the position-dependent information within the range that matches the item condition,
If the result of the search satisfies a predetermined condition, the classification item specified in the item condition is traced to a higher hierarchy, and another concept included in the classification item of the higher hierarchy is set as a new classification target for the search. Generate a re-search item condition,
While maintaining the range, re-search the position-dependent information within the range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database,
A position-dependent information search method, characterized in that: Generating the re-search item condition using the classification item one level higher than the search target classification item specified by the item condition as the new search target classification item; and / or
The re-search item condition is generated as a new search target category item, with a category item of the same hierarchy sharing the higher-level category item with the search target category item specified by the item condition. Item 1. The position-dependent information retrieval method according to Item 1. When there are a plurality of classification items of the same hierarchy and / or higher classification items,
Classification items selected according to the priority order arbitrarily set by the user in advance, the re-search item condition is generated as the new search target classification item,
Based on the past selection history, preferentially select as the new search target classification item from the classification items having a large number of selections, generate the re-search item condition, and / or
Displaying a list of the category items of the same hierarchy, selecting a category item specified by a user as a new category item to be searched, and generating the re-search item condition;
3. The position-dependent information search method according to claim 2, wherein: When there are a plurality of classification items of the same hierarchy, a list of the classification items of the same hierarchy is displayed, and the classification items specified by the user are selected by selecting a new search target classification item to generate the re-search item condition. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein when there are a plurality of higher-level classification items of the search target classification item, a list of the classification items of the same hierarchy sharing at least one of the higher-level classification items is displayed. Location-dependent information retrieval method. The position-dependent information search method according to claim 1, wherein when the search target classification item is input, a current position is measured by a geodetic function, and a range is determined based on the current position. When displaying the search and re-search results, a map around the position specified by the position information is displayed, and a mark indicating the position of the position-dependent information obtained as a search result is displayed on the map. The method according to claim 1, wherein In a position-dependent information search device that searches for position-dependent information,
A position-dependent information database in which position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered,
When position information and an item condition related to a search target classification item are input, a range determination unit that determines a search target range based on the position information,
Search means for searching the position-dependent information database for the position-dependent information within the range that matches the item condition;
When the result of the search satisfies a predetermined condition, the classification item specified by the item condition is traced to a higher hierarchy, and another concept included in the classification item of the higher hierarchy is set as a new classification target item to be searched. A re-search item condition generating means for generating a re-search item condition;
Re-searching means for re-searching the position-dependent information within the range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database while maintaining the range,
A position-dependent information search device characterized by having: In a position-dependent information providing device that provides position-dependent information via a network,
A position-dependent information database in which position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered,
When position information and an item condition related to a search target classification item are input from a terminal device connected to the network, a range determination unit that determines a search target range based on the position information,
Search means for searching the position-dependent information database for the position-dependent information within the range that matches the item condition;
When the result of the search satisfies a predetermined condition, the classification item specified by the item condition is traced to a higher hierarchy, and another concept included in the classification item of the higher hierarchy is set as a new classification item to be searched. A re-search item condition generating means for generating a search item condition;
Re-searching means for re-searching the position-dependent information within the range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database while maintaining the range,
Transmitting means for transmitting a result of the search by the search means and / or the re-search means to the terminal device;
A position-dependent information providing device, comprising: In a position-dependent information search program for searching position-dependent information,
On the computer,
When the position information and the item conditions related to the search target classification item are input,
Determine the range of the search target based on the location information,
From the position-dependent information database in which position-dependent information is hierarchically classified and registered, searching for the position-dependent information within the range that matches the item condition,
If the result of the search satisfies a predetermined condition, the search proceeds from the classification item specified by the item condition to a higher hierarchy, and another concept included in the classification item of the higher hierarchy is set as a new classification target search item. Generate search condition,
While maintaining the range, re-search the position-dependent information within the range that matches the re-search item condition from the position-dependent information database,
A position-dependent information search program for executing a process.

Images