Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of retrieving a facility using a search word.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, an arrival point specifying unit, and a storage processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires search processing information pertaining to facility search processing executed based on a search word. The arrival point specifying unit specifies, when the search processing information indicates that a destination point is not set after the search processing, an arrival point at which a mobile body arrives after the search processing. The storage processing unit stores a facility corresponding to position information of the arrival point and the search word in a database in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A service is available that identifies a destination based on an input keyword, searches for a route to the destination, and presents the route to the destination to the user.

[0003] For example, an example of technology related to the above-mentioned service is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. The device (update device) disclosed in Patent Document 1 executes processes including, for example, the following (1) and (2): (1) If a candidate facility searched for by a first search query is not selected, but a candidate facility searched for by a second search query entered after the first search query is selected, the update device identifies keywords included in the first search query that are not included in the second search query. (2) The update device stores the identified keywords in the storage unit as search words for the selected facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-179816 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When searching for a destination facility using the facility's name or other search words, if an incorrect search word (for example, an alias or incorrect name for a facility) is used, the user may not get the search results they want.

[0006] One example of a problem that the invention of the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a technology that improves the accuracy of searches for facilities using search words. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention in the present disclosure is: An acquisition means for acquiring search processing information relating to facility search processing executed based on a search word; an arrival point specifying means for specifying an arrival point at which a mobile object arrives after the search process when the search process information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search process; a storage processing means for storing the search word in a database in association with a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point; The information processing device is provided with:

[0008] The second invention in the present disclosure is: The computer Obtaining search processing information regarding facility search processing performed based on the search word; If the search processing information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search processing, an arrival point at which the mobile object arrived after the search processing is identified; The facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point is associated with the search word and stored in a database. The information processing method includes:

[0009] The third invention in the present disclosure is: When executed by a computer, the program causes the computer to: Obtaining search processing information regarding facility search processing performed based on the search word; If the search processing information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search processing, an arrival point at which the mobile object arrived after the search processing is identified; The facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point is associated with the search word and stored in a database. It is a program that executes operations including the above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a first example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing executed by an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first specific example of a flow for linking a facility set as a destination in the second search processing with the search word used in the first search processing and storing them in the database. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second specific example of the flow of associating a facility set as a destination in the second search process with the search word used in the first search process and storing them in the database. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a second example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first specific example of a flow for linking a facility corresponding to location information of an arrival point with a search word used in a search process and storing the linked information in a database. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second specific example of the flow of associating facilities corresponding to location information of an arrival point with search words used in search processing and storing them in the database. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments.

[0012] In the following description, each component of each device represents a functional block, not a hardware configuration. Each component of each device is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered around the CPU of any computer, memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and a network connection interface. There are many variations in the realization method and device.

[0013] Furthermore, when elements such as blocks in a diagram are linked by arrows, the direction of the arrows is merely to make the flow of information easier to understand. In this case, the direction of the arrows does not limit the direction of communication (one-way communication / two-way communication) unless otherwise specified.

[0014] ·overview The information processing device according to the present disclosure has a function for managing search keywords used to identify destination points such as facilities in a search process, using information related to an actually executed search process (hereinafter also referred to as "search process information"). The information processing device according to the present disclosure will be described below using exemplary embodiments.

[0015] First embodiment <Example of functional configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing a first example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 shown in the figure includes at least an acquisition unit 110, a similarity determination unit 120, and a storage processing unit .

[0016] The acquisition unit 110 acquires search processing information. Here, "search processing information" includes any information related to a search process executed to search for a destination point (such as a facility). For example, the search processing information includes log data generated by a route search function and / or a navigation function implemented in the information processing device 10 or another device not shown.

[0017] The similarity determination unit 120 analyzes the acquired search processing information and determines whether the analysis result satisfies predetermined conditions. Here, the "predetermined conditions" include at least the following first and second conditions: First condition: The search processing information indicates that a destination point has not been set after a first search processing based on a search word has been executed. Second condition: The search processing information indicates that a facility identified in a second search processing performed by a method different from that of the first search processing has been set as the destination point.

[0018] Note that the "method different from the first search process" in the second condition above refers to a method that does not use a search word. While not particularly limited, the "method different from the first search process" in the second condition includes, for example, "a method of specifying the location of the destination point on a map displayed on the screen" or "a search method by inputting attributes such as the facility genre or telephone number." If the first and second conditions above are satisfied, the similarity determination unit 120 determines the similarity between the search word used in the first search process and the name of the facility set as the destination point in the second search process.

[0019] If the similarity determination unit 120 determines that the similarity between the search word used in the first search process and the name of the facility set as the destination in the second search process meets the criteria, the storage processing unit 130 links the facility with the search word used in the first process and stores them in the database 20.

[0020] <Hardware configuration example> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0021] The computer 1000 includes a bus 1010 , a processor 1020 , a memory 1030 , a storage device 1040 , an input / output interface 1050 , and a network interface 1060 .

[0022] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0023] The processor 1020 is implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like.

[0024] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a random access memory (RAM) or the like.

[0025] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, or a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage device 1040 stores at least program modules that realize the functions of the information processing device 10 described above (the acquisition unit 110, the similarity determination unit 120, and the storage processing unit 130).

[0026] The processor 1020 loads a program module read from the storage device 1040 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the program module. For example, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the acquisition unit 110 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the acquisition unit 110 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the similarity determination unit 120 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the similarity determination unit 120 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the storage processing unit 130 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the storage processing unit 130 described in the present disclosure. This operation of the processor 1020 is common to each embodiment included in the present disclosure.

[0027] The above-described program modules may be recorded on a recording medium other than the storage device 1040. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may include any non-transitory, tangible medium usable by the computer 1000. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may have embedded therein program code that can be read by the computer 1000 (processor 1020).

[0028] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to various input / output devices. The computer 1000 (information processing device 10) can be connected via the input / output interface 1050 to input devices such as operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0029] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to an arbitrary network. The network may be, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may connect to the network wirelessly or by wire. In the former case, the network interface 1060 supports various wireless communication standards.

[0030] <Example of operation> FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing executed by an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0031] First, the acquisition unit 110 acquires search processing information (step S102). As an example, if the information processing device 10 has a route search function or a navigation function, the acquisition unit 110 acquires, as the search processing information, information indicating operations and processes performed when using these functions (for example, log data of user input operations and processes executed in response to the input operations). As another example, if another device different from the information processing device 10 has a route search function or a navigation function, the acquisition unit 110 acquires, as the search processing information, information similar to the previous example from the other device.

[0032] The similarity determination unit 120 analyzes the search processing information acquired in step S102 (step S104) and determines whether the analysis result satisfies predetermined conditions (step S106). Here, the "predetermined conditions" include the first and second conditions described above. The predetermined conditions may also include conditions other than the first and second conditions. For example, the "predetermined conditions" may further include a third condition that "the second search processing is executed before a predetermined reference time has elapsed since the first search processing was executed." This third condition can also be considered a condition for determining the strength of the association between the first and second search processing. For example, assume that search processing information indicating that a second search processing not using a search word (e.g., a search processing based on an input specifying a location on a map) was executed within a relatively short interval (e.g., within a few seconds to a few minutes) after a first search processing based on a search word was executed is acquired. Such search process information can be interpreted as indicating a strong relationship between the first search process and the second search process (for example, "It is highly likely that the user performed the second search process because the first search process did not produce the results the user wanted"). For example, suppose search process information is acquired indicating that a second search process not using a search word (for example, a search process based on an input specifying a location on a map) was performed a relatively long time interval (for example, more than several tens of minutes) after a first search process based on a search word was performed. Unlike the previous example, such search process information can be interpreted as indicating a weak relationship between the first search process and the second search process.

[0033] If the analysis result of the search processing information does not satisfy the predetermined condition (step S106: NO), subsequent processing is not executed. On the other hand, if the analysis result of the search processing information satisfies the predetermined condition (step S106: YES), the similarity determination unit 120 generates information indicating the similarity between the search word and the name of the facility set as the destination by comparing the search word with the name of the facility (step S108). For example, the similarity determination unit 120 operates as follows. First, the similarity determination unit 120 identifies the search word used in the first search process based on information related to the first search process in the search processing information. The similarity determination unit 120 also identifies the name of the facility set as the destination based on information related to the second search process in the search processing information. Then, the similarity determination unit 120 compares the identified search word with the name of the facility to determine whether or not the facility name contains a word that is identical or similar to the search word, and generates information based on the determination result (e.g., a numerical value indicating the degree of similarity). In addition, the similarity determination unit 120 may be configured to determine the similarity between the search word included in the search processing information and the name of the facility, for example, using a known natural language processing algorithm, and output information based on the determination result (for example, a numerical value indicating the degree of similarity).

[0034] The storage processing unit 130 determines whether a word identical to or similar to the search word exists in the facility name based on the information generated by the processing of step S108 (step S110). If it is determined that a word identical to or similar to the search word does not exist in the facility name (step S110: NO), the storage processing unit 130 does not execute the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that a word identical to or similar to the search word exists in the facility name (step S110: YES), the storage processing unit 130 associates the facility set as the destination with the search word and stores them in the predetermined database 20 (step S112).

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage processing unit 130 may link the facility set as the destination in the second search process with the search words used in the first search process and store them in a database common to multiple users (e.g., all users).

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a first specific example of a flow in which a facility set as a destination in the second search process is associated with the search word used in the first search process and stored in a database. This example illustrates a flow in which a server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information from each of user A's communication device 30A and user B's communication device 30B and updates the information in the common database 20. The communication devices 30A and 30B each have a function for accepting a search word related to a destination from the user and providing the user with information about facilities corresponding to the search word. The communication devices 30A and 30B are any devices that can use a wide variety of services, including route search services and navigation services. For example, the communication devices 30A and 30B are dedicated navigation devices installed in a vehicle. Alternatively, the communication devices 30A and 30B may be any devices that each user personally uses, such as a smartphone, tablet, or stationary personal computer.

[0037] In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information A from a communication device 30A used by user A. The search processing information A shown in the figure indicates at least that a first search process was executed using the search word "abc" but no destination point was set, and that a second search process was executed without using a search word and "facility ABC" was set as the destination. In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information B from a communication device 30B used by user B. The search processing information B shown in the figure indicates at least that a first search process was executed using the search word "abd" but no destination point was set, and that a second search process was executed without using a search word and "facility ABC" was set as the destination.

[0038] In the example shown in the figure, the similarity determination unit 120 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines that the search processing information A and the search processing information B satisfy the first and second conditions described above. In this case, the similarity determination unit 120 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines the similarity between the search words used in the search processing information A and the search processing information B, respectively, and the name of the facility set as the destination. It is assumed that the search word "abc" included in the search processing information A and the search word "abd" included in the search processing information B are both words similar to the facility name "ABC." In this case, the similarity determination unit 120 outputs a comparison result indicating that words similar to each search word exist in the name of the facility set as the destination.

[0039] The storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) updates the search information for the target facility (facility ABC) based on the comparison result output from the similarity determination unit 120. Specifically, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) associates the search word "abc" included in the search processing information A and the search word "abd" included in the search processing information B as search keywords for "facility ABC" and stores them in the common database 20.

[0040] In this way, by updating the information in the common database based on the results of numerous search processes performed by multiple users, it is expected that the accuracy of identifying appropriate destinations (facilities) from arbitrarily entered search terms can be improved.

[0041] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the storage processing unit 130 may store the facility set as the destination in the second search process in association with the search words used in the first search process in a personal database prepared for each user.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second specific example of the flow of linking a facility set as a destination in the second search process with the search word used in the first search process and storing the linked information in the database. In this example, the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information from user A's communication device 30A and updates the information in user A's personal database 20A (the flow of solid arrows). Also, in this example, the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information from user B's communication device 30B and updates the information in user B's personal database 20B (the flow of dotted arrows). Similar to the example in FIG. 4, the communication devices 30A and 30B have the function of accepting a search word input related to a destination from a user and providing the user with information about facilities corresponding to the search word. The communication devices 30A and 30B are any devices capable of using a wide variety of services, including route search services and navigation services. For example, the communication devices 30A and 30B are dedicated navigation devices installed in a vehicle. Alternatively, the communication device 30A and the communication device 30B may be any device that each user personally uses, such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a stationary personal computer.

[0043] In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) is configured to acquire search processing information associated with user identification information that identifies a user in the process of step S102, for example, in order to identify the target personal database. Here, the user identification information may be, for example, an arbitrary character string assigned to each user or unique information of the communication device used by each user (e.g., the terminal serial number). In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information A and identification information indicating "user A" from the communication device 30A used by user A. The search processing information A in the figure indicates at least that a first search process was performed using the search word "abc" but no destination was set, and that a second search process was performed without using the search word and "facility ABC" was set as the destination. In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information B and identification information indicating "user B" from the communication device 30B used by user B. Search processing information B in this figure indicates at least that a first search process was performed using the search word "abd" but no destination point was set, and that a second search process was performed without using a search word and "facility ABC" was set as the destination point.

[0044] In the example of this figure, similar to the example of FIG. 4, the similarity determination unit 120 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines that the search processing information A and the search processing information B satisfy the first and second conditions described above. In this case, the similarity determination unit 120 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines the similarity between the search words used in the search processing information A and the search processing information B, respectively, and the name of the facility set as the destination. It is assumed that the search word "abc" included in the search processing information A and the search word "abd" included in the search processing information B are both words similar to the facility name "ABC." In this case, the similarity determination unit 120 outputs a comparison result indicating that words similar to each search word exist in the name of the facility set as the destination.

[0045] The storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) updates the search information for the target facility (facility ABC) for each user based on the comparison result output from the similarity determination unit 120. In the example shown in the figure, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the personal database 20A for user A using the identification information of user A acquired together with the search processing information A. Then, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) associates the search word "abc" included in the search processing information A as a search keyword for "facility ABC" and stores it in the personal database 20A for user A. Similarly, in the example shown in the figure, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the personal database 20B for user B using the identification information of user B acquired together with the search processing information B. Then, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) associates the search word "abd" included in the search processing information B as a search keyword for "facility ABC" and stores it in the personal database 20B for user B.

[0046] By updating the information in the database dedicated to each user in this way, the information used in the facility search process based on search words can be optimized to suit the characteristics of each user, which is expected to improve the accuracy of the facility search results for each user's search words.

[0047] Second embodiment <Example of functional configuration> 6 is a block diagram showing a second example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 shown in the figure includes at least an acquisition unit 110, an arrival point identification unit 140, and a storage processing unit 130.

[0048] In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 acquires information (search processing information) related to the facility search processing executed based on the search word.

[0049] When the search processing information indicates that a destination point was not set after the above-mentioned search processing, the arrival point identification unit 140 identifies the arrival point, which is the point to which a moving body (e.g., a vehicle or a person) moved and arrived after the search processing.

[0050] In the example shown in the figure, the storage processing unit 130 stores in the database 20 the facility corresponding to the location information of the identified arrival point and the search word used in the above-mentioned search process in association with each other.

[0051] <Hardware configuration example> The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 illustrated in Fig. 6 is the same as the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 illustrated in Fig. 2. In this case, the storage device 1040 stores at least program modules that realize each function (acquisition unit 110, arrival point identification unit 140, and storage processing unit 130) of the information processing device 10 illustrated in Fig. 6. The processor 1020 loads the program module read from the storage device 1040 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the program module.

[0052] <Example of operation> FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the process executed by the information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0053] The acquisition unit 110 acquires search processing information (step S202). Here, the search processing information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 is information related to a search process for facilities based on a search word. As an example, if the information processing device 10 has a route search function or a navigation function, the acquisition unit 110 acquires, as the search processing information, information indicating operations and processes performed when using these functions (for example, log data of a user's input operation and processes executed in response to the input operation). As another example, if a device other than the information processing device 10 has a route search function or a navigation function, the acquisition unit 110 acquires, as the search processing information, information similar to the previous example from the other device.

[0054] Next, the arrival point identification unit 140 analyzes the search processing information acquired in the processing of step S202, and determines whether or not a destination point has been set after executing the search processing for facilities based on the search word (step S204). Here, "if a destination point has not been set" includes the following (1) and (2).

[0055] (1) When a search of the database 20 fails to identify a corresponding facility (no candidates were found for the entered search term) (2) When a corresponding facility is identified as a result of searching the database 20, but the facility is not set as a destination point.

[0056] If it is determined that a destination point has been set (step S204: YES), the processing described below is not executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that a destination point has not been set (step S204: NO), the arrival point identification unit 140 determines whether or not the mobile object has arrived at a certain point after the search processing is executed (step S206). Note that the processing for determining the arrival point of this mobile object may be executed for a limited time range, for example, from the time the search word is input until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0057] As an example, the arrival point identification unit 140 can determine whether the mobile object has arrived at a certain location based on the history of the mobile object's location information. Specifically, when the change in the mobile object's location information remains less than a reference value (the mobile object's location information remains substantially unchanged) for a certain period of time or more, and the location information indicates a location that is more than a certain distance away from the location at the time of execution of the search process, the arrival point identification unit 140 can determine that the mobile object has arrived at the location corresponding to the location information. Furthermore, when the mobile object is a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle, the arrival point identification unit 140 can determine whether the mobile object has arrived at a certain location based on a control signal obtainable from an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) via a network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN). In this case, the arrival point identification unit 140 can determine that the mobile object has arrived at (stayed or parked at) a certain location based on a control signal output when the transmission gear position is set to the P position or a control signal for stopping the engine. The arrival point identification unit 140 can then identify the location related to this determination (the location where the mobile object is determined to have stayed or parked) as the arrival point of the mobile object.

[0058] Then, when the arrival point identification unit 140 determines that the mobile object has arrived at a certain point (step S206: YES), it identifies the facility corresponding to the location information of the point, i.e., the arrival point (step S208). For example, suppose that the arrival point identification unit 140 determines that "the mobile object has arrived at a certain point" in response to the acquisition of the control signal as exemplified above. In this case, the arrival point identification unit 140 can refer to map data or the like based on the location information (e.g., GPS information) of the mobile object at the time the control signal was generated, and identify the facility located at the location corresponding to the location information. Furthermore, the arrival point identification unit 140 can also refer to map data or the like to acquire various information about the identified facility (such as the facility's name and official location information associated with the facility).

[0059] Then, the storage processing unit 130 links the facility identified in the processing of step S208 as the "facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point" with the search word indicated by the search processing information acquired in the processing of step S202, and stores them in a specified database 20 (step S210).

[0060] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the storage processing unit 130 may associate the facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with the search word used in the search process and store them in a database common to multiple users (e.g., all users).

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a first specific example of a process for linking facilities corresponding to location information of an arrival point with search terms used in a search process and storing the linked information in a database. This example illustrates a process in which a server device (information processing device 10) acquires search process information from each of user A's communication device 30A and user B's communication device 30B and updates the information in the common database 20. Note that the communication devices 30A and 30B have a function for accepting search terms related to a destination from the user and providing the user with information about facilities corresponding to the search terms. The communication devices 30A and 30B are any devices that can use a wide variety of services, including route search services and navigation services. For example, the communication devices 30A and 30B are dedicated navigation devices installed in a vehicle. Alternatively, the communication devices 30A and 30B may be any devices that each user personally uses, such as a smartphone, tablet, or desktop personal computer.

[0062] In the example of this figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information A from a communication device 30A used by user A. The search processing information A in this figure at least indicates that a search process was performed using the search word "abc" but a destination point was not set. Also in the example of this figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information B from a communication device 30B used by user B. The search processing information B in this figure at least indicates that a search process was performed using the search word "abd" but a destination point was not set.

[0063] In the example shown in the figure, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines from search processing information A that a destination point was not set after the facility search process based on the search word executed by communication device 30A. Similarly, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines from search processing information B that a destination point was not set after the facility search process based on the search word executed by communication device 30B. In this case, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the arrival points at which mobile objects corresponding to each communication device (e.g., vehicles equipped with each communication device / people carrying each mobile object) arrived after the search processes executed by each communication device, based on the location information history of communication device 30A and communication device 30B. For example, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) can identify the arrival points at which mobile objects corresponding to each communication device arrived after the search processes executed by each communication device, based on the location information history of communication device 30A and communication device 30B. In the example shown in the figure, the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30A as "position information β" based on the position information history A. Similarly, the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30B as "position information β" based on the position information history B. Then, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the facility corresponding to the position information based on the position information corresponding to the identified arrival point, for example, by referring to map data (not shown). In the example shown in the figure, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies "facility ABC" as the facility corresponding to the "position information β." Here, the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30A and the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30B are both "position information β." Therefore, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the facility corresponding to the arrival point of each communication device as "facility ABC."

[0064] Then, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) updates the search information for the facility (facility ABC) identified by the arrival point identification unit 140. Specifically, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) associates the search word "abc" included in the search processing information A and the search word "abd" included in the search processing information B as search keywords for "facility ABC" and stores them in the common database 20.

[0065] In this way, by updating the information in the common database based on the results of numerous search processes performed by multiple users, it is expected that the accuracy of identifying appropriate destinations (facilities) from arbitrarily entered search terms can be improved.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the storage processing unit 130 may store the facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point in association with the search word used in the search process in a personal database prepared for each user.

[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates a second specific example of a flow for linking a facility corresponding to location information of an arrival point with a search term used in a search process and storing the linked information in a database. In this example, the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information from user A's communication device 30A and updates the information in user A's personal database 20A (the flow of solid arrows). Also, in this example, the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information from user B's communication device 30B and updates the information in user B's personal database 20B (the flow of dotted arrows). Similar to the example in FIG. 4, the communication devices 30A and 30B have the function of accepting a search term related to a destination from a user and providing the user with information about facilities corresponding to the search term. The communication devices 30A and 30B are any devices capable of using a wide variety of services, including route search services and navigation services. For example, the communication devices 30A and 30B are dedicated navigation devices installed in a vehicle. Alternatively, the communication device 30A and the communication device 30B may be any device that each user personally uses, such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a stationary personal computer.

[0068] In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) is configured to acquire search processing information associated with user identification information that identifies a user in the processing of step S202, for example, in order to identify the target personal database. Here, the user identification information is, for example, an arbitrary character string assigned to each user or unique information of the communication device used by each user (e.g., the terminal serial number). In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information A and identification information indicating "user A" from the communication device 30A used by user A. The search processing information A in the figure at least indicates that a search process was performed using the search word "abc" but no destination point was set. In the example shown in the figure, the acquisition unit 110 of the server device (information processing device 10) acquires search processing information B and identification information indicating "user B" from the communication device 30B used by user B. The search processing information B in the figure at least indicates that a search process was performed using the search word "abd" but no destination point was set.

[0069] In the example shown in the figure, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines from search processing information A that a destination point was not set after the facility search process based on the search word executed by communication device 30A. Similarly, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) determines from search processing information B that a destination point was not set after the facility search process based on the search word executed by communication device 30B. In this case, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the arrival points at which mobile objects corresponding to each communication device (e.g., vehicles equipped with each communication device / people carrying each mobile object) arrived after the search processes executed by each communication device, based on the location information history of communication device 30A and communication device 30B. For example, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) can identify the arrival points at which mobile objects corresponding to each communication device arrived after the search processes executed by each communication device, based on the location information history of communication device 30A and communication device 30B. In the example shown in the figure, the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30A as "position information β" based on the position information history A. Similarly, the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30B as "position information β" based on the position information history B. Then, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the facility corresponding to the position information based on the position information corresponding to the identified arrival point, for example, by referring to map data (not shown). In the example shown in the figure, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies "facility ABC" as the facility corresponding to the "position information β." Here, the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30A and the arrival point of the mobile body corresponding to communication device 30B are both "position information β." Therefore, the arrival point identification unit 140 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the facility corresponding to the arrival point of each communication device as "facility ABC."

[0070] The storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) updates the search information for the facility (facility ABC) identified by the arrival point identification unit 140 for each user. In the example of the figure, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the personal database 20A for user A using the identification information of user A acquired together with the search processing information A. Then, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) associates the search word "abc" included in the search processing information A as a search keyword for "facility ABC" and stores it in the personal database 20A for user A. Similarly, in the example of the figure, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) identifies the personal database 20B for user B using the identification information of user B acquired together with the search processing information B. Then, the storage processing unit 130 of the server device (information processing device 10) associates the search word "abd" included in the search processing information B as a search keyword for "facility ABC" and stores it in the personal database 20A for user B.

[0071] By updating the information in the database dedicated to each user in this way, the information used in the facility search process based on search words can be optimized to suit the characteristics of each user, which is expected to improve the accuracy of the facility search results for each user's search words.

[0072] <Modification> In this embodiment, the facility (destination) that the user wanted to search for using a search word is not necessarily the facility corresponding to the arrival point. For example, it is possible that the user suddenly decides to head to a facility at a location different from the original destination. In this case, it can be said that the relationship between the search word and the facility corresponding to the arrival point is weak or even unrelated. In such cases, if the search word and the facility are linked and stored in a database, there is a risk that the accuracy of the search process using the information stored in the database will be reduced.

[0073] As an example of a configuration that solves the above-mentioned problem, the information processing device 10 may further include a function that determines, based on the travel time to the arrival point, whether to associate a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with a search word and store the associated information in the database 20 (e.g., FIG. 10). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 in the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 10, the storage processing unit 130 includes an estimated required time acquisition unit 132 and a determination unit 134.

[0074] The estimated travel time acquisition unit 132 acquires an estimated travel time from the location of the mobile body at the time the search word is input to the location of the destination point. The estimated travel time acquisition unit 132 is configured to estimate the travel time based on information such as the total travel distance of the route connecting two points and the type of mobile body (vehicle / person), similar to known route search functions. Furthermore, if the estimated travel time acquisition unit 132 has access to additional information such as traffic information at the time of travel (such as the congestion status of the route), it may be configured to adjust the estimated travel time using the additional information as a parameter.

[0075] The determination unit 134 acquires the time actually required for the mobile object to arrive at the arrival point (hereinafter also referred to as "actual travel time"). The determination unit 134 can acquire the actual travel time, for example, as follows: First, the determination unit 134 identifies the time (departure time) when the search word was input based on the search processing information. Then, the determination unit 134 acquires the time (arrival time) when the arrival point identification unit 140 determines that the mobile object has arrived at the arrival point. Then, the determination unit 134 acquires the difference between the arrival time and the departure time as the actual travel time. Then, based on the comparison result between the actual travel time and the estimated travel time, the determination unit 134 determines whether to associate the facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with the search word and store them in the database 20. For example, if the difference between the actual travel time and the estimated travel time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 134 associates the facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with the search word and stores them in the database 20. The predetermined threshold value can be set to an appropriate value taking into consideration the allowable error between the actual required time and the estimated required time.

[0076] In this modification, an actual travel time is obtained based on a first time point when a facility search process based on a search word is executed and a second time point when a mobile object arrives at a certain arrival point. The actual travel time is then compared with an estimated travel time for a route connecting location information at the first time point and location information at the second time point. If the actual travel time and the estimated travel time deviate by more than a predetermined criterion (i.e., the travel time is unnaturally long), it can be determined that the facility the user intended to search for using the search word is not closely related to the facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point. On the other hand, if the actual travel time and the estimated travel time satisfy the predetermined criterion, it can be determined that the facility the user intended to search for using the search word is closely related to the facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point. In this case, the search database 20 is updated to link the search word with the facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point. As a result, the search database 20 is constructed so that, when a search word is entered, an appropriate facility corresponding to the search word can be searched for. This improves the accuracy of the search process based on the search word.

[0077] As another example of a configuration that solves the above-described problem, the information processing device 10 may further include a function for determining the similarity between the search word and the name of the identified facility, as in the first embodiment (e.g., FIG. 11). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 in the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a similarity determination unit 120 in addition to the configuration of FIG. 6 (the acquisition unit 110, the arrival point identification unit 140, and the storage processing unit 130).

[0078] 11, the similarity determination unit 120 determines the similarity between the search word used in the search process and the name of a facility identified as a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point. Also in the example of Fig. 11, the storage processing unit 130 further uses the similarity determination result by the similarity determination unit 120 to determine whether or not to associate the facility identified based on the location information of the arrival point with the search word and store them in the database 20. Note that the similarity determination unit 120 can determine the similarity between the name of the facility identified based on the location information of the arrival point and the search word by, for example, processing similar to the processing described in the first embodiment.

[0079] In this modification, a configuration is added that determines the relevance of a facility identified based on the search word and the location information of the arrival point. This allows the entered search word to be associated with a facility that is likely to correspond to that search word and stored in the database 20. As a result, when a search word is entered, it becomes possible to search for an appropriate facility that corresponds to that search word. In other words, this has the effect of improving the accuracy of search processing based on search words.

[0080] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the description of the embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiments and modifications. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the configurations of the embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description describe multiple steps (processes) in a sequential order, the order in which the steps are executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected. Furthermore, the processes illustrated in each flowchart may be executed in real time, for example, in conjunction with the execution of a process for searching for a facility to be used as a destination, or may be executed non-real time according to a predetermined schedule.

[0082] Below, examples of reference forms are added. 1. An acquisition means for acquiring search processing information relating to facility search processing executed based on a search word; an arrival point specifying means for specifying an arrival point at which a mobile object arrives after the search process when the search process information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search process; a storage processing means for storing the search word in a database in association with a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point; An information processing device comprising: 2. The storage processing means obtain an estimated time required from the location of the mobile body at the time the search word was entered to the location of the arrival point; determining whether to associate a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with the search word and store the association in a database based on a comparison result between the time actually required for the mobile body to arrive at the arrival point and the estimated required time; 1. An information processing device according to claim 1. 3. Further, a similarity determination means is provided for determining a similarity between the search word and the name of the facility, The storage processing means further uses the result of the similarity determination to determine whether or not to associate the facility with the search word and store them in the database. 2. An information processing device according to the present invention. 4. the arrival point specification means specifies, as the arrival point, a point at which the mobile object has stayed within a predetermined time from the time the search word was input; 1. An information processing device according to any one of 1. to 3. 5. The storage processing means stores the facility and the search word in association with each other in a database common to a plurality of users. 10. An information processing device according to any one of 1. to 4. 6. the acquiring means acquires the search processing information in association with user identification information that identifies a user; the storage processing means stores the facility and the search word in association with each other in a personal database for the user identified by the user identification information; 10. An information processing device according to any one of 1. to 4. 7. The computer Obtaining search processing information regarding facility search processing performed based on the search word; If the search processing information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search processing, an arrival point at which the mobile object arrived after the search processing is identified; The facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point is associated with the search word and stored in a database. An information processing method including: 8. The computer obtain an estimated time required from the location of the mobile body at the time the search word was entered to the location of the arrival point; determining whether to associate a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with the search word and store the association in a database based on a comparison result between the time actually required for the mobile body to arrive at the arrival point and the estimated required time; 7. The information processing method according to claim 7, 9. The computer determining the similarity between the search word and the name of the facility; further using the result of the similarity determination to determine whether or not to associate the facility with the search word and store them in a database; 8. The information processing method according to claim 8, 10. The computer A point where the mobile object stayed within a predetermined time from the time when the search word was input is identified as the arrival point. 10. The information processing method according to any one of 7. to 9., 11. The computer The facility and the search word are associated and stored in a database common to a plurality of users. The information processing method according to any one of 7. to 10., 12. The computer Acquire the search processing information in association with user identification information that identifies the user; storing the facility and the search word in association with each other in a personal database for the user identified by the user identification information; The information processing method according to any one of 7. to 10., 13. When executed by a computer, the program causes the computer to: Obtaining search processing information regarding facility search processing performed based on the search word; If the search processing information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search processing, an arrival point at which the mobile object arrived after the search processing is identified; The facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point is associated with the search word and stored in a database. A program that performs an action including: 14. The storage processing means obtain an estimated time required from the location of the mobile body at the time the search word was entered to the location of the arrival point; determining whether to associate a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with the search word and store the association in a database based on a comparison result between the time actually required for the mobile body to arrive at the arrival point and the estimated required time; 13. The program described in paragraph 13. 15. Further, a similarity determination means is provided for determining a similarity between the search word and the name of the facility, The storage processing means further uses the result of the similarity determination to determine whether or not to associate the facility with the search word and store them in the database. 14. The program described in. 16. the arrival point specification means specifies, as the arrival point, a point at which the mobile object has stayed within a predetermined time from the time the search word was input; 16. The program according to any one of 13. to 15. 17. The storage processing means stores the facility and the search word in association with each other in a database common to a plurality of users. 17. A program according to any one of 13. to 16. 18. the acquiring means acquires the search processing information in association with user identification information that identifies a user; the storage processing means stores the facility and the search word in association with each other in a personal database for the user identified by the user identification information; 17. A program according to any one of 13. to 16. 19. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 13 to 18 is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10. Information processing equipment 1000 computers 1010 Bus 1020 processor 1030 memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network Interface 110 Acquisition Department 120 Similarity determination unit 130 Memory Processing Unit 132 Estimated required time acquisition part 134 Judgment Department 140 Arrival Point Identification Unit 20 databases 30 Communication equipment

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring search processing information relating to facility search processing executed based on a search word; an arrival point specifying means for specifying an arrival point at which a mobile object arrives after the search process when the search process information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search process; a storage processing means for storing the search word in a database in association with a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point; An information processing device comprising:

2. The storage processing means obtain an estimated time required from the location of the mobile body at the time the search word was entered to the location of the arrival point; determining whether to associate a facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point with the search word and store the association in a database based on a comparison result between the time actually required for the mobile body to arrive at the arrival point and the estimated required time; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. Further, a similarity determination means is provided for determining a similarity between the search word and the name of the facility, The storage processing means further uses the result of the similarity determination to determine whether or not to associate the facility with the search word and store them in the database. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the arrival point specification means specifies, as the arrival point, a point at which the mobile object has stayed within a predetermined time from the time the search word was input; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The storage processing means stores the facility and the search word in association with each other in a database common to a plurality of users. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the acquiring means acquires the search processing information in association with user identification information that identifies a user; the storage processing means stores the facility and the search word in association with each other in a personal database for the user identified by the user identification information; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The computer Obtaining search processing information regarding facility search processing performed based on the search word; If the search processing information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search processing, an arrival point at which the mobile object arrived after the search processing is identified; The facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point is associated with the search word and stored in a database. An information processing method including:

8. When executed by a computer, the program causes the computer to: Obtaining search processing information regarding facility search processing performed based on the search word; If the search processing information indicates that a destination point has not been set after the search processing, an arrival point at which the mobile object arrived after the search processing is identified; The facility corresponding to the location information of the arrival point is associated with the search word and stored in a database. A program that performs an action including:

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