Property search device and program

Abstract

To provide a terminal device and a program that can expand possibilities for users to consider properties.SOLUTION: A property search device comprises: an abstract tag selection unit for receiving an operation to select an abstract tag with a higher level of abstraction among search conditions for properties to be displayed; a specific tag selection unit for receiving an operation to select a specific tag, which is a tag associated with the selected abstract tag and has a lower level of abstraction among the search conditions; a location selection unit for receiving a location selection operation to select locations of properties among the search conditions; and a display control unit for displaying property information of the corresponding properties based on the selected specific tag and locations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a property search device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a system for searching for real estate properties has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-110475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] These conventional real estate property search systems allow users to specify the desired property as a search condition, and then narrow down and present properties that match or are similar to the desired conditions.However, conventional search systems have had issues, such as the fact that the properties are narrowed down too much depending on the search conditions entered, or that users do not know how to express their search conditions in order to extract properties that are close to their desired image, thereby limiting the properties that users can consider.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a property search device and program that can expand the possibilities for users to consider properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a property search device that includes an abstract tag selection unit that accepts an operation to select an abstract tag with a higher level of abstraction from among the search conditions for a property to be displayed; a specific tag selection unit that accepts an operation to select a specific tag from among the search conditions that is associated with the selected abstract tag and has a lower level of abstraction; a location selection unit that accepts a location selection operation to select a location for the property from among the search conditions; and a display control unit that displays property information for the corresponding property based on the selected specific tag and location.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the following operations: accepting an operation to select an abstract tag with a higher level of abstraction from among the search conditions for a property to be displayed; accepting an operation to select a specific tag from among the search conditions that is associated with the selected abstract tag and has a lower level of abstraction; accepting a location selection operation to select a location for the property from among the search conditions; and displaying property information for the corresponding property based on the selected specific tag and location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibilities for users to consider properties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a property search system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a property search system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations of the property search system of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an abstract tag selection screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific tag selection screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection completion screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a major division selection screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a major division selection screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an area drill-down screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an area-free word search screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a station line drill-down screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a station line free word search screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a property search result screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a property search result screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific tag change operation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the basic configuration of a subsection selection screen according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A property search system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following embodiment. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, in this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a property search system 1. The property search system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a property information server 20, and a property search device 30.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is a computer device operated by a user searching for a real estate property (hereinafter also referred to as property 40). The terminal device 10 includes a display unit 11 and an operation unit 12. The display unit 11 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various images. In the following description, displaying an image on the display unit 11 is also referred to as presenting the image to the user. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel, and detects operations by the user.

[0013] The properties 40 searched for by the property search system 1 include rooms, buildings, and land such as rental properties and properties for sale. Buildings include detached houses and apartment complexes. In addition to residential buildings, the properties 40 also include a wide range of categories such as commercial buildings (for example, corporate offices), parking lots, and warehouses. The search that the property search system 1 performs regardless of the category of the property 40 described above is also called a cross-search.

[0014] [Configuration of Property Search System 1] The terminal device 10 and the property search device 30 can communicate with each other via a network NT. The network NT includes the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a public line, a provider device, a dedicated line, a wireless base station, and the like. Each user may use one terminal device 10. Alternatively, n terminal devices 10-1 to 10-n may be used. Each of these terminal devices 10 is connected to the property search device 30 via a network NT.

[0015] The property information server 20 stores information on properties 40 in various locations and in various categories (hereinafter also referred to as property information).

[0016] The property search device 30 is a computer device operated by the provider of the property search system 1. The property search device 30 may be configured as a distributed computer such as a cloud server. The property search device 30 searches for property information stored in the property information server 20 based on the operation information 101 transmitted by the terminal device 10. The property search device 30 outputs the search results to the terminal device 10 as screen display information 301.

[0017] Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 and the property search device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the property search system 1 of this embodiment. The terminal device 10 includes a calculation unit 100 and a storage unit 150. The storage unit 150 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various information such as programs and data read by the calculation unit 100. Note that the storage unit 150 may be realized by a virtual storage device such as a cloud server external to the terminal device 10.

[0019] The calculation unit 100 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and operates based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 150 to provide various functions.

[0020] As an example, the calculation unit 100 detects an operation by a user on the operation unit 12 and transmits the operation information 101 to the property search device 30. The calculation unit 100 receives screen display information 301 transmitted by the property search device 30 and causes the display unit 11 to display an image based on the screen display information 301.

[0021] The property search device 30 includes a calculation unit 310 and a storage unit 350. The storage unit 350 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various information such as programs and data read by the calculation unit 310. Note that the storage unit 350 may be realized by a virtual storage device such as a cloud server external to the property search device 30.

[0022] The calculation unit 310 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and operates based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 350 to provide various functions.

[0023] As an example, the calculation unit 310 includes, as its functional units, a communication unit 311, an operation reception unit 312, a display control unit 313, an abstract tag selection unit 314, a concrete tag selection unit 315, a category selection unit 316, a screen selection unit 317, and a change operation reception unit 318. As described above, some or all of these functions may be configured as a distributed computer such as a cloud server.

[0024] The communication unit 311 transmits and receives information between the terminal device 10 and the property information server 20. The operation receiving unit 312 receives the operation information 101 transmitted by the terminal device 10 and outputs the contents of the operation to each functional unit of the calculation unit 310 . The display control unit 313 generates various types of screen display information 301 based on the operation information 101 accepted by the operation accepting unit 312. The display control unit 313 outputs the generated screen display information 301 to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 311.

[0025] As described above, the property information server 20 stores property information for various categories of properties 40. This property information includes specific attribute information such as the property 40 category, location, number of floors, layout, room size, room specifications, shared facilities, availability of parking and bicycle parking, access by public transport, delivery date, security specifications, etc. By using such specific attribute information as a search condition, it is possible to extract properties 40 that match the search condition from among the many properties 40 stored in the property information server 20.

[0026] On the other hand, although the user of the terminal device 10 has an abstract image of the desired property 40, it may be difficult to convert that abstract image into specific attributes that can be searched for on the property information server 20.

[0027] Furthermore, when a search is narrowed down based on the specific attributes of the property 40, a situation may occur in which only a few properties 40 that match the search criteria to a very high degree (for example, a perfect match with the search criteria) are extracted.From the user's perspective, there may be properties 40 that match the abstract image and are close to what the user desires, even if the properties do not match the specific search criteria to a very high degree. In other words, if you narrow down your search by specific attributes when starting to search for property 40, the narrowing down may be too strong, and a property 40 that does not match the search criteria well but is close to what you want may not be included in the search results.

[0028] To prevent the above-mentioned situation from occurring, the property search system 1 of this embodiment provides at least the following two types of functions. (1) Tag suggestion function that enables users to search based on abstract images (2) A cross-match search function that displays search results without narrowing down the search criteria

[0029] In this embodiment, the "degree of agreement" refers to the degree of agreement between the specific attributes of the property 40 registered in the property information and the search conditions. The degree of agreement is also called the "degree of match." In this embodiment, the "user's abstract image" is also referred to as the user's "wishes." In other words, the property search system 1 of this embodiment provides a function that allows the user to search for properties 40 based on "wishes."

[0030] The property search system 1 configured in this manner can increase the possibility that users will consider the property 40. The detailed functional configuration and operation flow of the property search system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations of the property search system 1 of this embodiment. The property search system 1 extracts property information from the property information server 20 and proposes it to the user in the following procedure.

[0032] (1) Tag suggestion: Users are presented with options for abstract attributes of 40 properties that are difficult to incorporate into search criteria (exterior and interior image, facilities and specifications, surrounding environment, etc.). (2) Area setting: Set the minimum area required for narrowed search. (3) Displaying cross-match search results and narrowing down the search: Displaying property information in order of highest match. Presenting clear options for basic conditions for narrowing down the search.

[0033] [1: Tag suggestion function] (Step S310) The display control unit 313 of the property search device 30 causes the display unit 11 of the terminal device 10 to display an abstract tag selection screen P1.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an abstract tag selection screen P1 of this embodiment. The abstract tag selection screen P1 includes an abstract tag field P11 and a next page button P12. The abstract tag field P11 displays abstract tag images (e.g., a first abstract tag P111, a second abstract tag P112, ...). An abstract tag image is an image that expresses a user's abstract image in a property search as a topic. As shown in the figure, the abstract tag image may be composed of an icon portion that shows the topic in a picture and a title portion that shows the topic in text.

[0035] Topics include family, quiet and lush greenery, shopping, housework, etc. "Family" is a topic that expresses abstractly that the specifications, such as the layout and room size, and the surrounding environment are suitable for families. "Quiet and lush greenery" is a topic that expresses abstractly that the property is located in a residential area away from main roads and commercial and industrial areas, and is close to parks and natural environments.

[0036] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to specify a position within an image, the explanation will be given using xy coordinates, with the upper left position of the screen as the origin, the x axis running horizontally on the screen, and the y axis running vertically on the screen. For example, the first abstract tag P111 and the second abstract tag P112 are displayed at the position where the vertical dimension y of the screen is smallest among the multiple abstract tags (i.e., at the top of the screen). Also, the first abstract tag P111 is displayed at the position where the horizontal dimension x of the screen is smallest compared to the second abstract tag P112 (i.e., on the left side of the screen). In this example, abstract tags placed at the top of the screen have a higher display priority than other abstract tags. Also, abstract tags placed on the left side of the screen have a higher display priority than abstract tags placed on the right side of the screen. That is, in this example, the first abstract tag P111 has the highest display priority among the multiple abstract tags. The second abstract tag P112 has the second highest display priority after the first abstract tag P111.

[0037] In one example of this embodiment, the display priority is determined in descending order of frequency of selection (i.e., descending order of popularity) based on the results of past abstract tag selections by users, survey results, etc. The display priority may also be changed according to the results of abstract tag selections by users (e.g., changes in selection frequency within a certain period of time). The property search device 30 may have a function to change the display priority of abstract tags according to the results of abstract tag selections by users.

[0038] The property search system 1 of this embodiment can make it easier for users to select abstract tags by setting display priorities for the abstract tags.

[0039] (Step S110) Returning to FIG. 3, the user selects, from among the plurality of abstract tags displayed on the abstract tag selection screen P1, an abstract tag of a topic that is closest to the desired image of the property 40. The user can select multiple abstract tags.

[0040] The next page button P12 is an operation image that is operated when the user has finished selecting abstract tags. When the next page button P12 is operated, the terminal device 10 transmits information on the abstract tag selected by the user's selection operation as operation information 101 to the property search device 30.

[0041] The abstract tag selection unit 314 of the property search device 30 accepts the operation information 101 transmitted by the terminal device 10 as an abstract tag selection operation. As described above, an abstract tag indicates a search condition with a higher level of abstraction among the search conditions for the property 40 to be displayed.

[0042] That is, the abstract tag selection unit 314 accepts an operation to select an abstract tag with a higher level of abstraction among the search conditions for the property 40 to be displayed.

[0043] The concrete tag selection unit 315 selects a concrete tag based on the selection result of the abstract tag received by the abstract tag selection unit 314 .

[0044] A specific tag is a tag that is associated with a selected abstract tag among the search conditions and has a lower level of abstraction.

[0045] Correspondence between abstract tags and specific tags is stored in advance in the storage unit 350 of the property search device 30. For example, the storage unit 350 stores tag table information indicating the correspondence between abstract tags and specific tags. The specific tag selection unit 315 selects, based on the tag table information, a specific tag corresponding to the abstract tag received by the abstract tag selection unit 314. The specific tag selection unit 315 generates a specific tag selection screen P2 including the selected specific tag.

[0046] (Step S320) The display control unit 313 of the property search device 30 causes the display unit 11 of the terminal device 10 to display a specific tag selection screen P2.

[0047] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a specific tag selection screen P2 of this embodiment. The specific tag selection screen P2 includes a specific tag field P21, a next page button P22, and a title field P23. The specific tag field P21 displays one or more specific tag fields (e.g., a first specific tag field P211, a second specific tag field P212, ...). The specific tag field is a field that displays, for each corresponding abstract tag, one or more specific tags corresponding to the abstract tag.

[0048] In the example shown in the same figure, the first specific tag column P211 displays multiple specific tags (free parking, 100% parking, parking available, etc.) corresponding to the abstract tag "family" (i.e., the first abstract tag P111). The second specific tag field P212 displays multiple specific tags (low traffic volume in the area, low-rise residential area, quiet residential area, etc.) that correspond to the abstract tag "quiet and lush greenery" (i.e., the second abstract tag P112).

[0049] As described above, the user of the terminal device 10 may have difficulty recalling the specific search criteria indicated in the specific tag for the desired property 40. For example, even if the user has an abstract image of the desired property 40 as being "quiet and lush," it is generally difficult for the user to recall "low-rise residential area" as a search criterion.

[0050] Furthermore, even if only the specific search conditions indicated by the specific tags are displayed as search condition options, it may be difficult for the user to imagine the conditions of the property 40 from the specific tags. For example, it is generally difficult for the user to imagine that specific search conditions such as "100% parking" or "available parking" can be search conditions when searching for a property 40 for "families," which has a more abstract image.

[0051] On the other hand, specific search conditions such as those indicated by the specific tags described above are associated with property information and registered in the property information server 20. For this reason, even if a user attempts to search for property information in the property information server 20 using abstract search conditions that are easy for users to recall, such as "family," appropriate search results will not be obtained.

[0052] As described above, the property search system 1 of this embodiment presents abstract tags that are easily recalled by the user as search conditions for the property 40. Furthermore, the property search system 1 presents the user with specific tags associated with the abstract tags selected by the user. The property search system 1 configured in this manner can guide the user to select specific search conditions that can search the property information server 20 from abstract search conditions that are easily recalled by the user. Therefore, the property search system 1 allows the user to set specific search conditions that are generally difficult to recall simply by selecting desired conditions for the property 40 according to the display on the screen. In other words, the property search system 1 can expand the possibility of the user considering a property.

[0053] Here, the specific tag selection unit 315 groups the specific tags by the abstract tags selected by the user in step S110, and displays the specific tags in the specific tag field P21.

[0054] As an example, a case will be described in which the user selects the first abstract tag P111 (family) and the second abstract tag P112 (quiet and lush greenery) shown on the abstract tag selection screen P1. In this case, the specific tag selection unit 315 displays specific tags (free parking, 100% parking, parking spaces available, ...) associated with the first abstract tag P111 (family) and specific tags (low traffic volume in the vicinity, low-rise residential area, quiet residential area, ...) associated with the second abstract tag P112 (quiet / lush greenery).

[0055] Here, abstract tags can be said to be search conditions that are closer to the desired conditions that users first think of, while concrete tags can be said to be search conditions that users can more easily select if options related to the abstract tags are presented. According to the property search system 1, specific tags grouped by abstract tags that are closest to the desired conditions that the user first recalls are presented, allowing the user to understand the meaning of the specific tags by associating them with the meaning of the abstract tags. The property search system 1 configured in this way makes it possible to set specific search conditions that are generally difficult to recall. In other words, the property search system 1 can expand the possibilities for the user to consider properties.

[0056] Furthermore, the specific tag selection unit 315 presents the specific tags in the order of display priority of the abstract tags selected by the user in step S110.

[0057] As described above, in the specific example of this embodiment, among the multiple abstract tags, the first abstract tag P111 (family) has the highest display priority, and the second abstract tag P112 (quiet and lush) has the next highest display priority. In this case, the specific tag selection unit 315 displays the first specific tag field P211 corresponding to the first abstract tag P111 (family) at the top position in the vertical direction y of the screen in the specific tag field P21. The specific tag selection unit 315 displays the second specific tag field P212 corresponding to the second abstract tag P112 (quiet and lush greenery) at the second position from the top in the vertical direction y of the screen.

[0058] According to the property search system 1 configured in this manner, specific tags can be selected in descending order of display priority, making it easier for the user to select specific tags.

[0059] (Step S120) Returning to FIG. 3, the user selects, from among the multiple specific tags displayed on the specific tag selection screen P2, a specific tag that is closest to the desired conditions of the property 40. The user can select multiple specific tags.

[0060] The next page button P22 is an operation image that is operated when the user has finished selecting specific tags. When the next page button P22 is operated, the terminal device 10 transmits information on the specific tag selected by the user's selection operation as operation information 101 to the property search device 30.

[0061] The specific tag selection unit 315 accepts an operation to select a specific tag.

[0062] 5 includes a title field P23. In the title field P23, for example, an explanatory text such as "No matter how many specific tags you select, the number of candidate properties will not decrease." In other words, the title field P23 indicates to the user that the search results will not decrease even if the number of specific tags selected increases.

[0063] In general, users may interpret search conditions as being used to narrow down a large number of properties 40 to properties 40 that are closest to their desired properties. In other words, users may interpret that the more search conditions they add, the more narrowly the properties 40 extracted by the search will be narrowed down.

[0064] The property search system 1 of this embodiment prioritizes and displays specific tags in descending order of the degree of match between the specific tags and the attributes of the property 40, but does not perform a refined search using specific tags as a search condition. The property search system 1 can encourage the user to select more specific tags by displaying in the title field P23 that the search results will not decrease even if the number of selected specific tags increases.

[0065] In general statistical processing, the more specific tags are selected, the greater the "number of cases" for the degree of match between the specific tags for each property 40 and the attributes of the property 40. For example, when only one specific tag is selected, the property 40 is classified into two cases: whether the property attribute matches the specific tag or not. In other words, when only one specific tag is selected, the number of cases is two. On the other hand, when two specific tags are selected, the results are classified into four cases: both specific tags match, the first specific tag matches, the second specific tag matches, and neither matches. In other words, when two specific tags are selected, whether or not the property 40 matches these specific tag groups is classified into four cases. In other words, the number of cases (four cases) when two specific tags are selected is greater than the number of cases (two cases) when only one specific tag is selected. That is, the more specific tags are selected, the more the number of possible matching degrees (how many different matching degrees there are). Generally, when determining the degree of match between search criteria and the information being searched for, a situation where there are a large number of cases of match (i.e., where the degree of match is appropriately distributed) will result in more valid search results from a statistical processing perspective than a situation where there are a small number of cases of match.

[0066] By prompting the user to select a large number of specific tags, the property search system 1 is able to suggest properties 40 that have a higher degree of match between the specific tags (i.e., the user's desired conditions) and the attributes of the properties 40.

[0067] (Step S330) Returning to FIG. 3, the display control unit 313 of the property search device 30 causes the display unit 11 of the terminal device 10 to display a selection completion screen P3.

[0068] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a selection completion screen P3 according to this embodiment. The selection completion screen P3 is a screen indicating that the selection of search conditions using abstract tags and specific tags has been completed. The selection completion screen P3 includes a selection completion display field P31 and a next page button P32.

[0069] The selection completion display field P31 includes an abstract tag image field P311. The abstract tag image field P311 is a screen containing an image showing the content of the abstract tag selected by the user on the abstract tag selection screen P1. The image showing the content of the abstract tag is, for example, an icon image. This icon image matches the design of the icon image of the abstract tag displayed in the abstract tag field P11 on the abstract tag selection screen P1 and the specific tag field P21 on the specific tag selection screen P2.

[0070] That is, the display control unit 313 displays a selection completion screen P3 which is a screen indicating the completion of the selection of the concrete tag and which includes an image showing the content of the selected abstract tag.

[0071] For example, the abstract tag image field P311 displays a first abstract tag image P3111 corresponding to the first abstract tag P111 and a second abstract tag image P3111 corresponding to the second abstract tag P112.

[0072] According to the property search system 1 configured in this way, when the selection completion screen P3 is displayed, it is possible to visually present to the user the desired conditions that the user has selected.

[0073] The next page button P32 is an operation image that is operated by the user to proceed to area setting, which is the second stage of search conditions.

[0074] That is, the selection completion screen P3 is a screen displayed at the boundary between the tag suggestion function and the area setting function. In the area setting function of this embodiment, a search for properties 40 is narrowed down by area. Therefore, the selection completion screen P3 can be said to be a screen that notifies the user that the condition setting for the search based on the degree of match of specific tags, which is a non-narrowed search, (selection of abstract tags and specific tags) has ended, and that the process will move to an area search, which is a narrowed down search.

[0075] According to the property search system 1 configured in this manner, in a system in which two different types of searches, non-narrowed search and narrowed search, are performed, misunderstanding or confusion by users about the search mechanism is prevented, and users can search for properties 40 more smoothly.

[0076] [2: Area setting function] (Step S340) Returning to FIG. 3, the category selection unit 316 of the property search device 30 displays the major category selection screen P4. (Step S130) The terminal device 10 displays the major category selection screen P4 on the display unit 11.

[0077] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a major division selection screen P4 of this embodiment. The major division selection screen P4 includes a major division field P41 and a next page button P42. The major division field P41 displays selection buttons for major divisions 51 of the location of the property 40.

[0078] The major divisions 51 are, for example, divisions of a place by region. In one example of this embodiment, the major divisions 51 are nine regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu-Hokuriku, Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu-Okinawa. The major divisions 51 may also be divided into seven, eight, or nine regional divisions.

[0079] The next page button P42 is an operation image that is operated when the selection of the major section 51 is completed. In this example, the user selects the major category button P411 (Kanto). When the next page button P42 is operated, the calculation unit 100 of the terminal device 10 transmits operation information 101 indicating that the major category button P411 has been selected to the property search device 30. The category selection unit 316 acquires the selection result of the major category 51.

[0080] That is, the category selection unit 316 accepts a major category selection operation to select a major category 51 of the location of the property 40 to be displayed.

[0081] Next, the display control unit 313 displays the medium section selection screen P5.

[0082] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the large category selection screen P4 of this embodiment. The medium category selection screen P5 includes a medium category field P51 and a next page button P52. The medium category field P51 displays a selection button for the medium category 52 of the location of the property 40.

[0083] The medium divisions 52 are, for example, divisions of locations by prefecture. In this embodiment, Kanto is selected as the large division 51. In this example, the medium divisions 52 are one metropolis and six prefectures: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma. Note that multiple medium divisions 52 can be selected.

[0084] The next page button P52 is an operation image that is operated when the selection of the middle section 52 is completed. In this example, the user selects the medium division button P511 (Tokyo) and the medium division button P512 (Kanagawa). When 52 is operated, the calculation unit 100 of the terminal device 10 transmits operation information 101 indicating that the medium division buttons (medium division button P511 and medium division button P512) have been selected to the property search device 30. The division selection unit 316 acquires the selection result of medium division 52.

[0085] That is, the category selection unit 316 receives a location selection operation for selecting the location of the property 40 from among the search conditions.

[0086] Next, the display control unit 313 displays a small section selection screen P6. The small section selection screen P6 includes an area drill-down screen P6-1a, an area free word search screen P6-1b, a station line drill-down screen P6-2a, and a station line free word search screen P6-2b.

[0087] 9 to 12 are diagrams showing an example of the subsection selection screen P6. The subsection selection screen P6 includes a free word input field P61 (character input field), a tab field P62, a selection candidate field P63, and a next page button P64.

[0088] The free word entry field P61 is a field where the user can enter any search string. The tab field P62 is a field displayed at the bottom of the screen of the free word input field P61, and includes an area tab P621 and a station line tab P622. The area tab P621 is an operation image for switching to an area display mode in which search conditions are displayed by area. The station line tab P622 is an operation image for switching to a station line display mode in which search conditions are displayed by station name or line name.

[0089] The selection candidate field P63 is a field that displays selection candidates for search conditions for areas or along station lines according to the subdivisions 53. The subdivisions 53 classify search conditions by local government names (for example, wards, cities, towns, and villages) or town names that are divided more finely than the medium divisions 52 (for example, prefectures).

[0090] The content displayed in the selection candidate field P63 changes based on whether or not a search string is entered in the free word input field P61 and the result of selecting a tab in the tab field P62.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the area drill-down screen P6-1a of this embodiment. The drill-down screen is a search condition setting screen when no search string is entered in the free word entry field P61. The area drill-down screen P6-1a is the screen displayed when the area tab P621 is selected on the drill-down screen.

[0092] In this example of the present embodiment, Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture are selected as the medium section 52. In this case, the selection candidate field P63 displays the names of the wards, cities, towns, and villages that make up Tokyo (the wards in this case are special wards) and the names of the cities, cities, towns, and villages that make up Kanagawa prefecture as search condition candidates for the small section 53. In this example, the selection candidate field P63 displays, for example, an area selection field P631a (Chiyoda Ward).

[0093] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an area free word search screen P6-1b of this embodiment. The free word search screen is a search condition setting screen when a search string is entered in the free word input field P61. The area free word search screen P6-1b is the screen displayed when the area tab P621 is selected on the free word search screen.

[0094] In one example of this embodiment, Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture are selected as the medium division 52, and "Shibuya" is entered in the free word input field P61. In this case, the selection candidate field P63 displays place names that contain "Shibuya" among the names of the wards, cities, towns, and villages that make up Tokyo (the wards in this case are special wards) and the names of the cities, cities, towns, and villages that make up Kanagawa prefecture, as search condition candidates for the small division 53. In this example, the selection candidate field P63 displays, for example, an area selection field P631b (Shibuya Ward).

[0095] That is, the display control unit 313 narrows down the search results based on the character string entered in the free word entry field P61 (character entry field) where characters indicating a location are entered.

[0096] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a station line area drill-down screen P6-2a according to this embodiment. The station line area drill-down screen P6-2a is a screen that appears when the station line area tab P622 is selected from among the drill-down screens.

[0097] In this example of the present embodiment, Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture are selected as the medium section 52. In this case, the selection candidate field P63 displays the names of the railway lines that are laid in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture as search condition candidates for the small section 53. In this example, the selection candidate field P63 displays, for example, a station line selection field P632a (JR Yamanote Line). When the station line selection field P632a is operated, the station names of the displayed line are displayed. The user narrows down the candidates for the property 40 by selecting the line name or station name.

[0098] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a station area free-word search screen P6-2b according to this embodiment. The station area free-word search screen P6-2b is a screen that appears when the station area tab P622 is selected on the free-word search screen.

[0099] In this example of the present embodiment, Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures are selected as the medium section 52, and "Shibuya" is entered in the free word input field P61. In this case, the selection candidate field P63 displays, as search condition candidates for the small section 53, the names of railway lines or station names that include "Shibuya" among the railway lines that run through Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures. In this example, the selection candidate field P63 displays, for example, a station along the line selection field P632b (Shibuya Station).

[0100] If "Shinjuku" is entered in the free word input field P61, station names such as "Shinjuku Station," "Nishi-Shinjuku Station," "Shinjuku-Sanchome Station," "Seibu-Shinjuku Station," etc. and line names such as "Shinjuku Line (Toei Subway)," "Seibu-Shinjuku Line," etc. are displayed as search condition candidates for subsection 53. In other words, the display control unit 313 displays search condition candidates for subsection 53 based on a partial match of the character string entered in the free word input field P61.

[0101] In other words, the display control unit 313 displays the line names whose station names match the input character string.

[0102] As described above, the small section selection screen P6 includes a free word input field P61 and a tab field P62. The screen selection unit 317 switches between displaying a first screen P6-1 that displays search results for sub-divisions 53 of locations included in the selected major division 51, and a second screen P6-2 that displays search results for station names or line names included in the selected major division 51.

[0103] As described with reference to Figures 9 to 12, the property search device 30 performs a free word search (partial match search) if a search string is entered in the free word input field P61, and performs a drill-down search if no search string is entered.

[0104] Generally, for users who have clearly defined search criteria, a free word search can be performed more quickly than a drill-down search. On the other hand, free-word searches can be difficult for users who do not have clearly defined search criteria, and in such cases drill-down searches, which display search criteria candidates one by one, may be more suitable.

[0105] The property search system 1 of this embodiment switches the search method depending on whether a search string is entered in the free word input field P61, without the user having to perform a separate selection operation to choose between free word search and drill-down search. The property search system 1 configured in this way provides the user with an intuitive operating environment and reduces the effort required for the user to perform input operations.

[0106] It can be said that the small section selection screen P6 shown in Figures 9 to 12 has the basic configuration of Figure 16. The basic screen configuration of the small section selection screen P6 will be explained again.

[0107] 16 is a diagram showing an example of the basic configuration of the subsection selection screen P6 of this embodiment. As described above, the subsection selection screen P6 includes a free word input field P61, a tab field P62, and a selection candidate field P63. 9 to 12. In order to clarify the screen configuration, the screen is not labeled with reference numerals. The following description will be given with reference to the reference numerals that are labeled on the subsection selection screen P6 shown in FIGS.

[0108] The free word input field P61 is located above the tab field P62 on the screen, and any character string can be input as a search keyword. An icon image (for example, an image of a magnifying glass) is displayed in the free word input field P61 to indicate that it is a field for inputting a search keyword. An example input string (for example, "Enter a city, ward, town, or village such as Shibuya-ku or Yokohama-shi") may be displayed in a light color in the free word input field P61 to prompt input of a character string.

[0109] The tab field P62 is located below the free word input field P61 on the screen and above the selection candidate field P63, and allows the user to select one of a number of tabs (in the example shown in the figure, there are two tabs: an area tab P621 and a station line tab P622). The area tab P621 displays a character string representing the area (for example, "city, ward, county"). The station line tab P622 displays a character string representing the station name or line name (for example, "station, line").

[0110] The tab field P62 displays an image indicating which tab is selected. In the example shown in the same figure, the area tab P621 is selected. The thick line displayed at the bottom of the area tab P621, the dark color display of "City, Ward, County" and the light color display of "Station, Line" are images indicating that the area tab P621 is selected.

[0111] In the figure, a thick line is placed at the bottom of the tab column P62 as an image indicating which tab is selected, but this is not limiting. The image indicating which tab is selected may also be a line placed so as to surround the selected tab.

[0112] (Step S350) Returning to Fig. 3, the property search device 30 searches for property information based on the search conditions set by the above-described procedure. More specifically, the property search device 30 searches for property information of the property 40 that matches the user's desire from among the property information registered in the property information server 20, based on the specific tag selected by the user and the narrowing-down conditions for the location of the property 40.

[0113] [3: Presentation of cross-match search results and refined search function] (Step S360) The display control unit 313 transmits information on candidate properties that meet the user's preferences as screen display information 301 to the display unit 11 of the terminal device 10.

[0114] (Step S140) The calculation unit 100 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 11 to display information on the candidate property based on the screen display information 301 transmitted by the property search device 30.

[0115] That is, the display control unit 313 displays the property information of the corresponding property 40 based on the selected specific tag and location.

[0116] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a property search result screen P7 of this embodiment. The figure shows an example of a property search result screen P7-1. The property search result screen P7 includes a matching number display field P71, a narrowing operation field P72, and a search result field P73.

[0117] The matching number display field P71 is a field that shows the number of pieces of property information that match the desired conditions of the specific tag and the location of the property 40, among the multiple pieces of property information stored in the property information server 20. The narrowing operation field P72 is an operation image that accepts a narrowing operation by the user. In this example, the narrowing operation field P72 has a field for narrowing down by free word and a field for narrowing down by options (for example, new property / used property, price range, floor plan, age of building, etc.). The search result field P73 is a field where the search results of the property information by the property search device 30 are displayed.

[0118] The display control unit 313 displays the property information from among the plurality of property information in descending order of the degree of match between the selected specific tag and the attribute of the property 40 indicated by the property information.

[0119] For example, the display control unit 313 displays property information of a property 40 having a higher degree of match between the specific tag and the attribute of the property 40 indicated by the property information at a position closer to the origin of the vertical direction y of the screen (i.e., at the top of the screen). Also, the display control unit 313 displays property information of a property 40 having a lower degree of match at the bottom of the screen. Property information that does not fit on the screen can be displayed by scrolling the screen.

[0120] As described above, the display control unit 313 displays even properties 40 with a low degree of match in the search result field P73. In other words, the display control unit 313 displays even properties 40 with a low degree of match in the search result field P73 without narrowing down the search results. The property search system 1 configured in this way can increase the possibility of a user considering a property compared to when the search results are narrowed down based on the search conditions.

[0121] The search result field P73 includes a degree of match display field P731, a breakdown display operation button P732, and a specific tag change operation button P733. The degree of match display field P731 displays the degree of match between the selected specific tag and the attributes of the property 40 indicated by the property information. As an example, if the number of specific tags that match the attributes of the property 40 indicated by the property information is n (n is a natural number), the degree of match display field P731 displays "n 'n nice things to have' matches."

[0122] That is, the display control unit 313 displays the degree of match between the selected specific tag and the attribute of the property 40 indicated by the property information.

[0123] The breakdown display operation button P732 is an operation image for displaying a breakdown of specific tags that match the attributes of the property 40 indicated by the property information. When the user operates (for example, taps) the breakdown display operation button P732, the display control unit 313 displays the property search result screen P7-2.

[0124] 14 is a diagram showing an example of the property search result screen P7-2 of this embodiment. The search result field P73a includes a breakdown display operation button P732a and a specific tag display field P734. The specific tag display field P734 is a field that displays the details of the specific tags that match the attributes of the property 40 indicated by the property information. According to the property search system 1 configured in this manner, the user can visually understand which specific tag of the specific tags selected by the user matches the property 40. The breakdown display operation button P732a is an operation image for closing the display of the specific tag display field P734 and returning to the display form of the property search result screen P7-1.

[0125] The specific tag change operation button P733 is an operation image for displaying a specific tag change operation screen P8, which is an operation screen for changing the specific tag used in the match degree search.

[0126] (Step S150) Returning to FIG. 3, when the specific tag change operation button P733 is operated, the display control unit 313 displays the specific tag change operation screen P8.

[0127] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a specific tag change operation screen P8 of this embodiment. The specific tag change operation screen P8 includes a specific tag field P81 and a confirm button P82. The specific tag field P81 displays the specific tags selected by the user in the above procedure, grouped by abstract tag. In this example, a first specific tag field P811 (family) and a second specific tag field P812 (quiet / lush greenery) are displayed. The specific tag field P81 displays selected specific tags and unselected specific tags in different ways (for example, in different colors).

[0128] The change operation receiving unit 318 receives a change operation of a specific tag by a user. As an example, when a selected specific tag is operated (for example, a tap operation), the change operation receiving unit 318 switches the specific tag to unselected. When an unselected specific tag is operated (for example, a tap operation), the change operation receiving unit 318 switches the specific tag to selected.

[0129] That is, the change operation receiving unit 318 receives an operation to change the selected specific tag. When the enter button P82 is operated, the change operation accepting section 318 accepts the specific tag after the selection change as a new search condition.

[0130] (Step S370) Returning to FIG. 3, the property search device 30 searches for property information in the property information server 20 based on the new specific tag in the same manner as in the search performed in step S350. (Step S380) The property search device 30 transmits the property information obtained as a result of the search (that is, the property information of the candidate property) to the terminal device 10 as screen display information 301, in the same manner as in step S360. (Step S160) The terminal device 10 displays the property information of the candidate property on the display unit 11 based on the screen display information 301 transmitted by the property search device 30, in the same manner as in step S140.

[0131] As described above, the property search system 1 of this embodiment can increase the possibility of a user considering a property.

[0132] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, a computer program for implementing the functions of each of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system. Note that the term "computer system" may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0133] In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as a flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, or flash memory, portable media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes those that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0134] The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1...property search system, 10...terminal device, 11...display unit, 12...operation unit, 100...calculation unit, 101...operation information, 150...storage unit, 20...property information server, 30...property search device, 301...screen display information, 310...calculation unit, 311...communication unit, 312...operation reception unit, 313...display control unit, 314...abstract tag selection unit, 315...concrete tag selection unit, 316...category selection unit, 317...screen selection unit, 318...change operation reception unit, 350...storage unit

Claims

1. an abstract tag selection unit that accepts an operation to select an abstract tag with a higher level of abstraction among search conditions for properties to be displayed; a specific tag selection unit that accepts an operation to select a specific tag that is associated with the selected abstract tag among the search conditions and has a lower level of abstraction; a location selection unit that accepts a location selection operation to select a location of a property from among the search conditions; a display control unit that displays property information of a corresponding property based on the selected specific tag and the location; A property search device comprising:

2. The display control unit a selection completion screen indicating the completion of the selection of the specific tag, the selection completion screen being a screen including an image showing the content of the selected abstract tag; The property search device according to claim 1.

3. The display control unit Displaying the degree of match between the selected specific tag and the property attribute indicated by the property information. The property search device according to claim 1.

4. The display control unit Among the plurality of pieces of property information, the property information is displayed in descending order of the degree of match between the selected specific tag and the property attribute indicated by the property information. The property search device according to claim 1.

5. a change operation receiving unit that receives an operation to change the selected specific tag; The property search device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

6. On the computer, Accepting an operation to select an abstract tag with a higher level of abstraction among search conditions for properties to be displayed; Accepting an operation to select a specific tag that is associated with the selected abstract tag among the search conditions and has a lower level of abstraction; Accepting a location selection operation to select a location of a property among the search conditions; Displaying property information of a corresponding property based on the selected specific tag and the location; A program to execute.

Images