Location search method, location search program, location search storage medium, and location search device

Abstract

To suppress an operation frequency of a user and to present search a result promptly and accurately.SOLUTION: A location search device 100 comprises: a key word input section 102; a setting section 103; an extraction section 105; a presentation section 106; a selection section 107; and a search section 109. The extraction section 105 extracts a search item including an input key word in a search method identified by an attribute set for the input key word when receiving an instruction to start a search. The presentation section 106 presents a plurality of search items when there are the plurality of search items. The selection section 107 receives a selection of one search item, from among the plurality of search items, selected by a user. The search section 109 searches a database 108 for a location corresponding to the one search item received by the selection section 107 when there are the plurality of search items. The search section searches the database 108 for the location corresponding to the search item when only one search item is extracted by the extraction section 105.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a location search method, a location search program, a location search storage medium, and a location search device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, vehicles and other mobile objects have been equipped with navigation systems that guide users to a route to a destination by setting the destination. A destination or registered location can be set by the user scrolling through a map screen to identify a point on the map screen, or by the user selecting a desired item or entering a keyword on a search screen.

[0003] When setting a destination or the like from a search screen, search methods such as address search, name search, and genre search are used (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Address search is a method of using an address entered by the user to search a database that stores address information for features that correspond to that address. Name search is a method of using a facility name entered by the user to search a database that records information about names for features that correspond to that name. Genre search is a method of using a genre entered by the user to search a database that records information about genres for features that correspond to the entered genre. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-138743 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above has the problem that when conducting a search, the user must perform a large number of operations to set the search method and various settings, which is not only cumbersome for the user but also makes it difficult to perform a quick search. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the location search method of the invention of claim 1 is a location search method implemented by a location search device that searches for a specific location from a database of multiple locations, and is characterized by including a keyword input process of accepting keyword input from a user, a presentation process of presenting search items that are search items assigned any of a plurality of attributes that have been pre-set as a search method and that include the keyword, a selection process of accepting from the user a selection of one search item from the search items presented by the presentation process, and a search process of searching the database for locations that match the one search item accepted by the selection process using the search method.

[0007] Furthermore, the method according to the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that the keyword input process accepts input of a first keyword and a second keyword, the presentation process presents first search items and second search items that are search items assigned any of a plurality of attributes that have been preset as a search method and that include the first keyword and the second keyword, respectively, the selection process accepts from the user a selection of one search item from each of the first search items and the second search items presented by the presentation process, and the search process searches the database using the search method for a location that corresponds to the one search item of the first search items accepted by the selection process and also corresponds to the one search item of the second search items.

[0008] In addition, the method according to the invention of claim 3 is characterized in that the attribute is a genre attribute that specifies a genre search that searches for genres of locations.

[0009] In addition, the method according to the invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the attribute is an address area attribute that specifies an address area search that searches for a location by targeting the address or area of ​​the location.

[0010] In addition, the method according to the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the presenting step presents the attribute.

[0011] Furthermore, the location search program of the invention of claim 6 is a location search program executed by a location search device that searches for a specific location from a database of multiple locations, and is characterized by including a keyword input process of accepting keyword input from a user, a presentation process of presenting search items that are search items assigned any of multiple attributes that have a search method set in advance and that include the keyword, a selection process of accepting from the user a selection of one search item from the search items presented by the presentation process, and a search process of searching the database for a location that matches the one search item accepted by the selection process using the search method.

[0012] A storage medium according to the invention of claim 7 is characterized in that it stores the above-mentioned location search program.

[0013] The location search device of the invention of claim 8 is a location search device that searches for a specific location from a database of multiple locations, and is characterized by having a control unit that performs processing including a keyword input process of accepting keyword input from a user, a presentation process of presenting search items that are assigned any of multiple attributes with a search method pre-set, and that include the keyword, a selection process of accepting from the user a selection of one search item from the search items presented by the presentation process, and a search process of searching the database for a location that matches the one search item accepted by the selection process using the search method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a location search device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a location search processing procedure of the location search device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an attribute table recorded on a magnetic disk. [Figure 5-1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search table recorded on a magnetic disk. [Figure 5-2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of search items recorded on a magnetic disk. [Figure 6-1] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an attribute setting process performed by the navigation device. [Figure 6-2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an attribute setting process performed by the navigation device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen when searching for a location. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when a keyword input from a user is accepted. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when an attribute is set for an input keyword. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed due to a change in a keyword. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed by a user's selection. [Figure 12-1] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a list display process of search items performed by the navigation device. [Figure 12-2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a list display process of search items performed by the navigation device. [Figure 12-3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen before a search start instruction is received. [Figure 12-4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list display of search items after an instruction to start a search is received. [Figure 12-5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen before a search start instruction is received. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when attributes are set for a plurality of input keywords. [Figure 14-1] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an area code extraction process in the location search process. [Figure 14-2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a genre code extraction process in the location search process. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a name search process in the location search process. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search table created in the search process. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when one search result is output. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when multiple search results are output. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a location search method, a location search program, a location search storage medium, and a location search device according to the present invention will be described in detail below using the location search device with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] (Embodiment) (Functional configuration of location search device) The functional configuration of a location search device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a location search device according to the present embodiment.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the location search device 100 is configured to include a table storage unit 101, a keyword input unit 102, a setting unit 103, a start input unit 104, an extraction unit 105, a presentation unit 106, a selection unit 107, a database 108, a search unit 109, and an output unit 110.

[0018] The table storage unit 101 stores a table in which attributes and keywords for specifying a search method are associated with each other. The search methods include a name search for searching for a location using the name of the location, a reading search for searching for a location using the reading of the location, a genre search for searching for a location genre, an address area search for searching for a location using the address or area of ​​the location, and a phone number search for searching for a location using the phone number of the location.

[0019] Attributes are used to identify search methods, and specific examples include name attributes that identify name searches, reading attributes that identify reading searches, genre attributes that identify genre searches, address area attributes that identify address area searches, and phone number attributes that identify phone number searches.

[0020] Specifically, a keyword is, for example, a word consisting of multiple characters, and includes a single kana character, alphabet, or number. The table storage unit 101 stores attributes that are likely to be searched when searching for a certain keyword, in association with the keyword. For example, the table storage unit 101 stores keywords representing place names, such as "Tokyo" and "Saitama," in association with the address area attribute. Furthermore, keywords representing facility classifications, such as "hotel," in association with the genre attribute. Furthermore, keywords representing proper names, such as "Saitama XX Hotel," represent specific facility names, and are therefore stored as name attributes.

[0021] The keyword input unit 102 accepts keyword input from the user. The keyword input unit 102 can accept multiple input keywords. Specifically, the keyword input unit 102 accepts keyword input using input buttons or a touch panel. When inputting keywords into the keyword input unit 102, the user does not need to set search methods, attributes, etc., and can input any keyword.

[0022] The setting unit 103 refers to the table stored in the table storage unit 101 and sets an attribute to a keyword (hereinafter referred to as an "input keyword") input by the keyword input unit 102. Specifically, the setting unit 103 determines which keyword in the table the input keyword matches, and sets an attribute corresponding to the matched keyword to the input keyword.

[0023] For example, when the input keyword "Saitama" is input, an address area attribute is set for the keyword by referring to the table. Also, when the input keyword "Saitama XX Hotel" is input, a name attribute is set for the keyword by referring to the table. Also, when multiple input keywords are input to the keyword input unit 102, the setting unit 103 sets an attribute for each input keyword by referring to the table stored in the table storage unit 101.

[0024] The database 108 stores information about a plurality of locations to be searched. The information about the locations specifically includes information such as the facility name, the reading of the facility name, the genre name, the address name, the latitude and longitude, the telephone number, the area code, and the genre code of the location. The start input unit 104 receives a search start instruction from the user. The start input unit 104 specifically includes input buttons and a touch panel.

[0025] When the start input unit 104 receives an instruction to start a search by accepting an input, the extraction unit 105 extracts search items that include the input keyword in a search method specified by the attribute set for the input keyword. The search items are the input keyword used in the search or a more detailed version of the input keyword. For example, if a keyword such as "Fujimi" or "Asahi" is input, which has many place names, the search items are specific place names that include such keywords. In other words, search items for keywords such as "Fujimi" or "Asahi" are place names such as "Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture" and "Fujimi, Tsurugashima City, Saitama Prefecture."

[0026] When there are multiple search items, the presentation unit 106 presents the multiple search items. The presentation method may be a display screen or audio. On the other hand, when there is a single search item, the presentation unit 106 does not present the search item. Specifically, when there is a single search item, such as when the keyword "Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture" is directly input into the keyword input unit 102, the presentation unit 106 does not present the search item. Note that when the extraction unit 105 has not extracted a search item, the presentation unit 106 may present that fact and also present a message to terminate the search process, or may present a message to prompt the user to input the keyword again.

[0027] The selection unit 107 accepts a selection of one search item from the plurality of search items when the presentation unit 106 presents the plurality of items. Specifically, the selection unit 107 accepts the selection from the user via an input button or a touch panel.

[0028] When there are multiple search items, the search unit 109 searches the database 108 for locations that match one of the search items received by the selection unit 107. On the other hand, when the extraction unit 105 extracts only one search item, the search unit 109 searches the database 108 for locations that match that search item. The search method used by the search unit 109 is specified by the attributes set for the search item as the input keyword.

[0029] For example, for a search item "Saitama" for which an address area attribute is set, the search unit 109 performs a search using a search method based on an address area search. The output unit 110 displays and outputs the search results by the search unit 109. Specifically, the output unit 110 is composed of a display, a speaker, and the like.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the keyword input unit 102 may be configured to accept input of a first keyword and a second keyword. In this case, the setting unit 103 refers to a table stored in the table storage unit 101 and sets a first attribute to the first keyword and a second attribute to the second keyword. Here, for convenience of explanation, the first attribute is set to an address area attribute and the second attribute is set to a genre attribute, that is, the first keyword is set to a word related to a place name and the second keyword is set to a word related to a genre.

[0031] In this case, when the start input unit 104 receives an instruction to start a search, the extraction unit 105 extracts a first search item including the first keyword in a first search method (address area search) specified by a first attribute (address area attribute), and extracts a second search item including the second keyword in a second search method (genre search) specified by a second attribute (genre attribute).

[0032] When there are multiple first search items and one second search item, the presentation unit 106 presents the multiple first search items to the user. That is, the presentation unit 106 presents items related to addresses but does not present items related to genres. The reason why place names are used as the first keywords and genre words are used as the second keywords is because there are many place names that include the same name, such as the above-mentioned "Fujimi," and because such keywords are expected to be most frequently input by users. Regarding genres, for example, words that are relatively frequently used as trade names in affiliated stores, such as "Fuji," "Asahi," and "Japan," can also be used as the above-mentioned first keywords.

[0033] When the first keyword and the second keyword are received, the selection unit 107 receives from the user a selection of one first search item from among a plurality of first search items. The search unit 109 uses the first search method (address area attribute) to search for locations that match the one search item received by the selection unit 107 and that match the second search item using the second search method (genre attribute).

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the attribute set for the input keyword is a specific attribute, the extraction unit 105 extracts search items that include the input keyword in a search method specified by the specific attribute. Specifically, the specific attribute is an attribute that specifies a search method that uses a search list, and representative examples include an address area attribute or a genre attribute. Note that the search list is a list that includes items such as "Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture" and "Fujimi, Tsurugashima City, Saitama Prefecture" for a given keyword such as "Fujimi."

[0035] The presentation unit 106 presents a list of multiple items. This list is arranged in descending order of administrative district. Specifically, prefectures, cities, towns, villages, etc., which include "Fujimi," are listed in that order. Furthermore, a list for keywords of genre attributes may be arranged in descending order of hierarchy, for example. Specifically, for example, facility genres (restaurants, gas stations, etc.), store genres (Japanese cuisine, Western cuisine, etc.), and affiliated store genres (Fuji Shokudo, Asahi Fast Food) are listed in that order.

[0036] On the other hand, when the search unit 109 receives an instruction to start a search in a case where an input keyword to which an attribute other than a specific attribute is set is received, the search unit 109 searches for a location corresponding to the input keyword by a search method specified by the other attribute. That is, in the case of a name search, a reading search, or a phone number search other than a genre search or an address search, the search unit 109 searches for a location without extracting a search item, presenting a search list, or receiving an item selection.

[0037] (Location search processing procedure of location search device) Next, a location search processing procedure of the location search device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a location search processing procedure of the location search device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0038] 2, the location search device 100 determines whether a keyword has been input to the keyword input unit 102 (step S201). The location search device 100 is in a standby state until a keyword is input (step S201: No loop), and when a keyword is input (step S201: Yes), the setting unit 103 sets an attribute to the input keyword (step S202). Thereafter, the location search device 100 determines whether a search start input has been received from the start input unit 104 (step S203).

[0039] The process is in a standby state until a search start input is received (step S203: No loop). When a search start input is received (step S203: Yes), the extraction unit 105 extracts search items (step S204). Then, it is determined whether there are multiple extracted search items (step S205). If it is determined that there are multiple search items (step S205: Yes), the presentation unit 106 presents the multiple search items (step S206).

[0040] After that, with multiple search items presented, the system waits until a search item is selected by the user (step S207: No loop), and when the selection of a search item is accepted (step S207: Yes), the search unit 109 searches for locations that match the accepted search item (step S208).Then, the output unit 110 outputs the search results (step S209), and the series of processes ends.

[0041] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the extracted search item is singular (step S205: No), a location corresponding to the extracted search item is searched for (step S210), and the search results are output in step S209.

[0042] As described above, according to the location search device 100 of this embodiment, when there are multiple search items, the multiple search items are presented and a search is performed, but when there is a single search item, a search is performed without presenting the search item. Therefore, in a search using so-called free keywords, information necessary for narrowing down the search can be presented to the user to accept the user's wishes, while a search can be performed without presenting unnecessary information. Therefore, the number of operations required for setting a search method and operating the device can be reduced, and search results can be presented quickly and accurately, allowing for efficient searches.

[0043] In addition, if there are multiple first search items and one second search item for an input keyword with different attributes set, it is possible to present the multiple first search items to the user and perform a search, while performing a search without presenting the single second search item to the user.

[0044] As a result, for example, when a search is performed using an input keyword of an address area attribute relating to a place name with many locations, such as "Fujimi," which is assumed to be most frequently input by the user, and a keyword of a genre attribute, such as "museum," the system can present search items for identifying which "Fujimi" is being searched for, allowing the user to narrow down the search results. Therefore, accurate search results can be presented. On the other hand, for "museum," where the input keyword itself corresponds to a search item, a search can be performed without presenting search items. Therefore, unnecessary information is not presented to the user, and the number of operations required for setting a search method and operating the system can be reduced, reducing the burden on the user when searching.

[0045] Furthermore, if the attribute set for the input keyword is a specific attribute, a search method specified by the specific attribute is used to extract search items that include the input keyword, while if an input keyword is accepted that has an attribute other than the specific attribute set, the above extraction is not performed and a search method specified by the other attribute is used to search for locations that match the input keyword. This makes it possible to present search items according to the attribute of the input keyword. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being presented to the user according to the attribute of the input keyword, and it is possible to eliminate the need for the user to input operations to accept search items, thereby reducing the number of operations and reducing the burden on the user when searching.

[0046] Furthermore, by extracting search items that include the input keyword from the search items that make up the search list of a search method identified by a specific attribute, predetermined attributes and search lists can be used, allowing searches to be performed quickly.

[0047] Furthermore, if the specific attribute is a genre attribute or an address area attribute, it is possible to effectively narrow down the search results to multiple genre names or address area names that include the input keyword, thereby enabling quick and accurate searches.

[0048] Furthermore, if the other attributes include at least one of a name attribute, a reading attribute, and a telephone number attribute, the present invention can be applied to a location search device having these multi-search functions.

[0049] Furthermore, by presenting a list of multiple search items, it is possible to present search items that are easy for the user to see and understand, thereby preventing user operation errors and enabling quick and accurate searches. [Example]

[0050] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below, which is an example of a case where the location search device 100 of this embodiment is implemented by a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.

[0051] (Hardware configuration of navigation device) The hardware configuration of the navigation device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to this embodiment.

[0052] 3, navigation device 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disk drive 306, an optical disk 307, an audio I / F (interface) 308, a speaker 309, an input device 310, a video I / F 311, a display 312, a communication I / F 313, a GPS unit 314, and various sensors 315. Furthermore, each of the components 301 to 315 is connected to each other via a bus 320.

[0053] The CPU 301 controls the entire navigation device 300. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a boot program, a current position calculation program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a keyword input program, an attribute setting program, an information search program, etc. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

[0054] The current position calculation program calculates the current position of the vehicle (the current position of the navigation device 300) based on, for example, output information from a GPS unit 314 and various sensors 315, which will be described later.

[0055] The route search program searches for the optimal route from the departure point to the destination using map data recorded on the magnetic disk 305 (described later). Here, the optimal route refers to the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. In addition to the destination, routes to stopover points and rest areas may also be searched for. The searched guidance route is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301.

[0056] The route guidance program generates real-time route guidance information based on guided route information searched by executing the route search program, current vehicle position information calculated by executing the current position calculation program, and map data read from the magnetic disk 305. The generated route guidance information is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301.

[0057] The keyword input program is a program for supporting the user in entering keywords, and when determining the entered keyword, extracts and presents candidate keywords that are presumed for the entered keyword, and outputs the presented candidate keywords that are accepted by the user as the input keyword. Keywords are entered and accepted using the input device 310.

[0058] 1 is realized by the CPU 301, the input device 310, and the display 312. That is, the CPU 301 executes a keyword input program, and receives input from the user via the input device 310 from among the candidate keywords displayed on the display 312, thereby realizing the function of the keyword input unit 102.

[0059] The attribute setting program is a program that sets an attribute for an input keyword. When multiple input keywords are received, an attribute is set for each input keyword. The set attribute is output to the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301. The setting unit 103 shown in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 301. That is, the function of the setting unit 103 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the attribute setting program.

[0060] The information search program is a program that searches for locations that match the input keywords whose attributes have been set by the attribute setting program. The information search program also extracts search items according to the attributes of the input keywords, and when there are multiple search items, it presents the multiple search items to perform a search, while when there is only one search item, it performs a search without presenting the search item. The search results are output to the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301. The extraction unit 105 and the search unit 109 shown in FIG. 1 are realized by the CPU 301. That is, the function of the search unit 109 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the information search program.

[0061] The magnetic disk drive 304 controls reading / writing of data from / to the magnetic disk 305 under the control of the CPU 301. The magnetic disk 305 records the data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. The magnetic disk 305 may be, for example, a hard disk (HD) or a flexible disk (FD).

[0062] Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 include a search table in which information about each location is registered, an attribute table in which attributes for identifying a search method are associated with keywords, history information when attribute changes are accepted from the user, a list of search items, etc. The search table records information about the name and location of each facility, address information for each facility, facility genre information, etc., and is recorded in the database 108 shown in Fig. 1. Details of the search table will be described later using Fig. 5-1.

[0063] The attribute table is a table in which keywords are associated with each attribute and classified, and is recorded in the table storage unit 101 shown in FIG. 1. Details of the attribute table will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. The history information indicates, for example, a history of when an attribute set for an input keyword is changed by selection from the user. Details of the history table will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. The list of search items is a list of search items that details the input keywords used for the search. Details of the list of search items will be described later with reference to FIG. 5-2.

[0064] Optical disc drive 306 controls reading / writing of data from / to optical disc 307 under the control of CPU 301. Optical disc 307 is a removable recording medium from which data is read under the control of optical disc drive 306. A writable recording medium can also be used for optical disc 307. In addition to optical disc 307, this removable recording medium may also be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

[0065] The audio I / F 308 is connected to a speaker 309 for audio output. The speaker 309 outputs audio. Examples of the input device 310 include a remote control having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input device 310 may be realized in any one form of the remote control, keyboard, mouse, and touch panel, or in multiple forms.

[0066] Using this input device 310, the user inputs keywords, inputs to start a search, inputs to change attributes, inputs (selections) of search items, etc. The keyword input unit 102, start input unit 104, and selection unit 107 shown in FIG.

[0067] The video I / F 311 is connected to the display 312. Specifically, the video I / F 311 is composed of, for example, a graphics controller that controls the entire display 312, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a control IC that controls the display of the display 312 based on image data output from the graphics controller.

[0068] The display 312 displays input keywords, candidate keywords, attributes, search results, a list of search items, etc. It also displays various data such as icons, cursors, menus, windows, characters, and images.

[0069] This display 312 may be, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like. The display 312 is installed, for example, near the dashboard of the vehicle. A plurality of displays 312 may be installed in the vehicle, for example, near the dashboard of the vehicle, or near the rear seats of the vehicle. The presentation unit 106 and the output unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 are realized by the display 312 or the speaker 309.

[0070] The communication I / F 313 is connected to a network via wireless communication, and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 313 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless communication, and also functions as an interface between this communication network and the CPU 301.

[0071] The GPS unit 314 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 314, together with output values ​​from various sensors 315 (described later), is used when the CPU 301 calculates the current position of the vehicle. The information indicating the current position is information that identifies a point on map data, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0072] Various sensors 315 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, acceleration sensor, and angular velocity sensor. The output values ​​of the various sensors 315 are used by the CPU 301 to calculate the current position of the vehicle, measure the amount of change in speed and direction, and so on.

[0073] The table memory unit 101, keyword input unit 102, setting unit 103, start input unit 104, extraction unit 105, presentation unit 106, selection unit 107, database 108, search unit 109, and output unit 110 provided in the location search device 100 shown in Figure 1 realize their functions by having the CPU 301 execute a predetermined program using programs and data recorded in the ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk 305, optical disk 307, etc. in the navigation device 300 shown in Figure 3, and control each unit in the navigation device 300.

[0074] In other words, the navigation device 300 of this embodiment can execute the functions of the location search device 100 shown in Figure 1 in accordance with the location search processing procedure shown in Figure 2 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 302, which serves as a recording medium in the navigation device 300.

[0075] (An example of an attribute table recorded on a magnetic disk) Next, an example of an attribute table recorded on the magnetic disk 305 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an attribute table recorded on the magnetic disk 305.

[0076] 4, attribute table 400 shows attributes 401, keywords 402, and user selection history 403. Attributes 401 consist of an address area attribute for specifying an address area search, a genre attribute for performing a genre search, a name attribute for specifying a name search, and a phone number attribute for specifying a phone number search.

[0077] The address area attribute is used to search for a location's address or location area. The genre attribute is used to search for a location based on the location genre. The name search is used to search for a location based on the location's name. The phone number search is used to search for a location based on the location's phone number.

[0078] Although not shown, the attribute 401 also includes a reading attribute for specifying a reading search. This reading search searches for a location based on the reading of the location, and searches for keywords entered in katakana or hiragana. Specifically, when "tokyo" or "tokyo" is entered as an input keyword for the place name "Tokyo," the reading attribute is set. For place names that are registered in advance as hiragana, such as "Saitama," an address area attribute is set for the hiragana.

[0079] Keywords 402 are words registered in advance for each attribute 401. User selection history 403 is history information of changed attributes when attribute changes are accepted from the user. Each attribute will now be described in detail. The name attribute records many proper nouns such as facility names, as well as branch names of affiliated stores. In other words, all unique facilities that exist on the map are recorded in the name attribute.

[0080] Furthermore, place names are recorded in the address area attribute. In other words, all place names present on the map are recorded in the address area attribute. As indicated by reference numeral 410, "Name" is recorded in the user selection history 403, which indicates that when "Saitama" 411 was input and determined as the address area attribute, the user changed it as the name attribute. This history may be the most recent history within a predetermined period, or may be the history of frequent changes. Furthermore, the genre attribute records the genre of the facility, and trade names of affiliated stores, etc. are also recorded as genres.

[0081] Furthermore, the telephone number attribute has "digits 0 to 9" as the keyword 402. This indicates that when a number is input, the telephone number attribute is set. In addition to the telephone number attribute, a postal code attribute, a map code attribute, etc. may also be recorded. Furthermore, for these number attributes, a priority order may be set when setting attributes for the input keyword.

[0082] (An example of a search table recorded on a magnetic disk) Next, an example of a search table recorded on the magnetic disk 305 will be described with reference to Fig. 5-1. Fig. 5-1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search table recorded on the magnetic disk 305.

[0083] 5-1 includes a location information table 510, an address table 520, and a genre table 530. The location information table 510 includes a facility name 511, a facility reading 512, a genre code 513, an area code 514, a latitude and longitude 515, and a telephone number 516.

[0084] Facility name 511 is the name of all facilities present on the map. Facility reading 512 is the facility name 511 written in katakana. Genre code 513 is a symbol assigned to each genre when facilities are classified by genre. Area code 514 is a symbol assigned to each specified area. Latitude and longitude 515 indicates the location where the facility is located. Telephone number 516 indicates the telephone number of the facility.

[0085] The address table 520 is made up of address names 521, area codes 514, and latitude and longitude 515. The address names 521 are all place names that exist on a map. The address table 520 records the area code 514 and latitude and longitude 515 for each address name 521 in association with each other.

[0086] The genre table 530 is made up of genre names 531 and genre codes 513. The genre names 531 are the names of the categories into which facilities are classified by genre, and also include trade names of affiliated stores, etc. The genre table 530 records genre codes 513 in association with each genre name 531.

[0087] (An example of a list of search items recorded on a magnetic disk) Next, an example of a list of search items recorded on the magnetic disk 305 will be described with reference to Fig. 5-2. Fig. 5-2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of search items recorded on the magnetic disk 305.

[0088] The list 540 shown in FIG. 5-2 consists of attributes 541, input keywords 542, and search items 543. The attributes 541 consist of an address area attribute and a genre attribute. The input keywords 542 are recorded for each attribute. The search items 543 correspond to each input keyword 542 and indicate place names or facility names that include the input keyword 542.

[0089] In addition to "Fujimi," input keywords 542 for the address area attribute include place names that are common nationwide, such as "Nakamura" and "Nitta," and place names that are registered more than once, and corresponding search items 543 are recorded. Also, in addition to "Asahi," input keywords 542 for the genre attribute include relatively common names of affiliated stores, such as "Sakura" and "Fuji," and corresponding search items 543 are recorded.

[0090] (An example of attribute setting processing by a navigation device) First, an example of attribute setting processing by the navigation device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 6-1 and Fig. 6-2 (hereinafter referred to as Fig. 6). Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of attribute setting processing by the navigation device 300. Note that Fig. 6 is based on the premise that an initial screen for location search has been displayed in advance as a result of receiving a selection of multi-search from the user. Note that this input screen will be described later with reference to Fig. 7.

[0091] 6, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 determines whether or not a keyword has been input by the user using the input device 310 (step S601). The system remains in a standby state until a keyword is input (step S601: No loop), and when a keyword is input (step S601: Yes), the system determines whether or not there are any candidate keywords (step S602). Note that the candidate keywords will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 8, but for example, they may be "Saitama," which is inferred when "sa" is input.

[0092] If it is determined that there are candidate keywords (step S602: Yes), the candidate keywords are displayed in a recommended conversion candidate box displayed below the input box (step S603). Then, it is determined whether or not a keyword selection by the user has been accepted from the candidate keywords displayed in the recommended conversion candidate box (step S604). If a candidate keyword selection has been accepted (step S604: Yes), the accepted candidate keyword is displayed in the input box as an input keyword (step S605). Then, using the attribute table 400 shown in FIG. 4, an attribute is set for the keyword displayed in the input box (step S606).

[0093] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a keyword has been subsequently input (step S607). If a keyword has been input (step S607: Yes), the process proceeds to step S602. If it is determined in step S602 that no candidate keyword has been input (step S602: No), specifically, for example, if a keyword beginning with "n" or "tsu" has been input, the process proceeds to step S606, where the keyword is used as the input keyword and an attribute is set. The attribute to be set at this time may be predetermined, for example, as a name attribute.

[0094] If the selection of a candidate keyword is not accepted in step S604 (step S604: No), the process proceeds to step S606, where the keyword displayed in the input box is used as the input keyword to set the attribute. If it is determined in step S607 that no further keyword input has been made (step S607: No), it is determined whether a change in attribute has been accepted from the user (step S608).

[0095] If a change in attribute is accepted (step S608: Yes), the attribute is changed to the accepted attribute (step S609). Then, it is determined whether or not input of other keywords in addition to the input keyword for which the attribute has been set has been accepted (step S610). Specifically, the determination in step S610 is whether or not the "Add button" shown in FIG. 7 has been selected. On the other hand, if a change in attribute is not accepted in step S608 (step S608: No), the process proceeds to step S610.

[0096] If it is determined that the input of another keyword has been accepted (step S610: Yes), the input keyword with the set attribute is displayed in the input completion box (step S611). The display of the input completion box will be described later with reference to Fig. 12. Thereafter, the input of another keyword is accepted (step S612), and the process proceeds to step S602.

[0097] On the other hand, if the input of another keyword is not accepted in step S610 (step S610: No), it is determined whether or not an input to start a search has been accepted (step S613). The system remains in a standby state until an input to start a search is accepted (step S613: No loop), and if an input to start a search is accepted (step S613: Yes), a search is performed using a table for each attribute (step S614). Details of the search process will be described later with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Thereafter, the search results are displayed on display 312 (step S615), and the series of processes ends.

[0098] (Example of input screen when searching for a location) Next, an example of an input screen when searching for a location will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen when searching for a location. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 7 shows a screen displayed as a premise for the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

[0099] 7, the display 312 displays a Japanese hiragana keypad 701, an input box 702, a predictive conversion candidate box 703, an attribute tab 704, an add button 705, and a search start button 706. The Japanese hiragana keypad 701 displays a list of Japanese hiragana characters, and accepts input from the user via a touch panel. The input box 702 displays keywords entered from the Japanese hiragana keypad 701.

[0100] The predictive conversion candidate box 703 displays candidate keywords based on the characters entered from the 50-sound keypad 701. The attribute tab 704 indicates the attribute to be set for the input keyword, and when an attribute is set for the characters entered from the 50-sound keypad 701, the tab corresponding to the set attribute is displayed actively. The add button 705 accepts selection from the user when entering another keyword with a different attribute. The start search button 706 accepts the start of a search for locations that match the input keyword displayed in the input box 702.

[0101] (An example of the screen displayed when accepting keyword input from the user) Next, an example of a display screen when a keyword input from a user is accepted will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when a keyword input from a user is accepted. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 8 shows a screen displayed in step S603 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

[0102] 8, when the user inputs "sa" from the Japanese syllabary key 701, "sa" is displayed in the input box 702. In the predictive conversion candidate box 703, candidate keywords inferred from "sa" are displayed, such as place names "Saitama" and "Saga," as well as "Circle Store," which is a category for convenience stores. Note that these candidate keywords are keywords extracted based on the most recent history when the user inputs "sa," for example.

[0103] The candidate keywords displayed in the predictive conversion candidate box 703 are selected by the user via a touch panel. For example, if the user selects "Saitama" from the predictive conversion candidate box 703 on this display screen, the display screen shown in FIG. 9 will appear.

[0104] (An example of the screen displayed when attributes are set for input keywords) Next, an example of a display screen when an attribute is set for an input keyword will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when an attribute is set for an input keyword. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 9 shows the screen displayed in step S606 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

[0105] 9, "Saitama" is displayed in the input box 702. Then, as indicated by reference numeral 900, an attribute tab 704 indicating the address area attribute corresponding to "Saitama" is displayed as active. Furthermore, a predictive conversion candidate box 703 displays candidate keywords that are predicted to be input following "Saitama." If the user selects "National Museum of Art" from the predictive conversion candidate box 703 on this display screen, the display screen shown in FIG. 10 will be displayed.

[0106] (An example of the display screen when attributes are changed due to keyword changes) Next, an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed due to a change in keyword will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed due to a change in keyword. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 10 shows the screen displayed in step S606 when there is subsequent input (step S607: Yes) in the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

[0107] In Fig. 10, "Saitama National Museum of Art" is entered in input box 702. Then, as indicated by reference numeral 1000, attribute tab 704 showing the name attribute corresponding to "Saitama National Museum of Art" is displayed as active. When the user selects start search button 706 on this display screen, a name search for locations corresponding to "Saitama National Museum of Art" is performed. On the other hand, when the add button 705 is selected on this display screen, the display screen shown in Fig. 11 is displayed.

[0108] (Example of the display screen when attributes are changed by user selection) Next, an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed by a user's selection will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when an attribute is changed by a user's selection. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 11 shows the screen displayed in step S609 when there is a subsequent input (step S607: Yes) in the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

[0109] In Fig. 11, when the user selects an item indicating a genre attribute among the attribute tabs 704 on the touch panel, "Saitama National Museum of Art" is set as the genre attribute, and the attribute tab 704 indicating the genre attribute is displayed as active, as shown by reference numeral 1100. Note that on this display screen, the user can select the attribute tab 704 indicating the name attribute to set it again to the name attribute. Also, by selecting the attribute tab 704 indicating the address area attribute, reading (kana) attribute, or telephone number attribute, it is possible to set it to the corresponding attribute. Note that, for example, even if a genre attribute or telephone number attribute is set to "Saitama National Museum of Art" and a genre search or telephone number search is performed, the search results will show no matches.

[0110] According to the attribute setting process and display screen described above, attributes are set for input keywords, and locations corresponding to the input keywords are searched for using a search method specified by the attributes. This allows a search using so-called free keywords, which does not require the user to set a search method. This reduces the hassle of setting a search method for the user, and also reduces misidentification of the search method, allowing the user to obtain appropriate search results.

[0111] Furthermore, since the system accepts changes to the attributes set for the input keywords from the user, if the set attributes differ from the user's desired ones, they can be changed to the user's desired attributes, thereby obtaining appropriate search results that reflect the user's desired attributes.

[0112] Furthermore, history information on the acceptance of attribute changes is stored, and attributes are set for input keywords by referring to the table and history information, so that even if an attribute registered in advance in the table for a certain keyword differs from an attribute desired by the user, the user does not need to change the attribute every time, and the user can set the desired attribute from the next time onwards when setting attributes.

[0113] Furthermore, when entering a keyword, candidate keywords are extracted and presented to the user, and the candidate keyword accepted from the presented keywords is output as the input keyword, thereby supporting the user in entering keywords and reducing the burden of the user's input operation.

[0114] (An example of a search item list display process performed by a navigation device) Next, an example of a list display process of search items performed by the navigation device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 12-1 and Fig. 12-2. Fig. 12-1 and Fig. 12-2 are flowcharts showing an example of a list display process of search items performed by the navigation device 300. Note that Fig. 12-1 and Fig. 12-2 are based on the premise that one or more keywords have been input and attributes have already been set for the keywords.

[0115] 12-1, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 determines whether or not a search start instruction has been received from the user using the input device 310 (step S1201). The navigation device 300 is in a standby state until a search start instruction is received (step S1201: No loop), and when a search start instruction is received (step S1201: Yes), the navigation device 300 determines whether or not there is an input keyword to which an address area attribute (or genre attribute) is set (step S1202). Note that cases in which a genre attribute is set will be described in parentheses in the following figures.

[0116] If it is determined that there is an input keyword to which an address area attribute or a genre attribute is set (step S1202: Yes), it is determined whether there is an input keyword to which another attribute is set (step S1203). If it is determined that there is an input keyword to which another attribute is set (step S1203: Yes), it is determined whether the input keyword to which the other attribute is set has a genre attribute (step S1204). Note that if it is determined in step S1202 that the input keyword has a genre attribute, it is determined in step S1204 whether it has an address area attribute. Hereinafter, explanations for cases in which a genre attribute is set will be omitted and will only be given in parentheses in the figure.

[0117] In step S1204, if it is determined that the input keyword to which another attribute is set is a genre attribute (step S1204: Yes), the search items for each attribute are extracted (step S1205). Then, it is determined whether the input keyword to which the address area attribute is set has multiple search items (step S1206). If it is determined that the input keyword to which the address area attribute is set has multiple search items (step S1206: Yes), it is determined whether the input keyword to which the genre attribute is set has multiple search items (step S1207).

[0118] If it is determined that there are no multiple search items for the input keyword with the genre attribute set (step S1207: No), a list of search items for the input keyword with the address area attribute is displayed (step S1208). Then, the process waits until a selection of a search item is accepted (step S1209: No loop), and when a selection of a search item is accepted (step S1209: Yes), a search is performed for a location corresponding to the accepted search item (step S1210). Then, the search results are displayed (step S1211), and the process ends. Details of the search will be described later using Figures 13 to 15.

[0119] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1207 that there are multiple search items for the input keyword with a genre attribute set (step S1207: Yes), the search items for the input keywords with the address area attribute and genre attribute are displayed in a list in sequence (step S1212), and it is determined whether the selection of each search item in step S1209 has been accepted.

[0120] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S1206 that the input keyword with the address area attribute set does not have multiple search items (step S1206: No), that is, if it is determined that there is a single search item, it is determined whether the input keyword with the genre attribute set has multiple search items (step S1213).If it is determined that the input keyword with the genre attribute set has multiple search items (step S1213: Yes), a list of search items for the input keyword with the genre attribute is displayed (step S1214), and it is determined whether the selection of a search item in step S1209 has been accepted.

[0121] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S1203 that there are no input keywords with other attributes set (step S1203: No), that is, if it is determined that there are only input keywords with address area attributes or genre attributes set, a search item for the input keyword is extracted (step S1215). Also, if it is determined in step S1204 that the input keyword with other attributes set is not a genre attribute (step S1204: No), the process proceeds to step S1215. Thereafter, it is determined whether there are multiple search items for the input keyword with address area attributes set (step S1216).

[0122] If it is determined that there are multiple search items for the input keyword with the address area attribute set (step S1216: Yes), a list of search items for the input keyword with the address area attribute is displayed (step S1217), and a determination is made as to whether the selection of a search item in step S1209 has been accepted.

[0123] On the other hand, in step S1216, if it is determined that the input keyword with the address area attribute set does not have multiple search items (step S1216: No), that is, if it is determined that the search item is singular, a search is made for locations that match the input keyword (singular search item) without displaying a list of search items (step S1218), and the search results are displayed in step S1211.

[0124] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S1202 that the address area attribute (or genre attribute) is not set (step S1202: No), that is, if the reading attribute, name attribute, or telephone number attribute is set, a search is made for a location that matches the input keyword in step S1218 without extracting search items or displaying a list, etc. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S1213 that the input keyword with the genre attribute set does not have multiple search items (step S1213: No), that is, if it is determined that there is a single search item, a search is made for a location that matches the input keyword (search item) in step S1218 without displaying a list of search items, etc.

[0125] (Example of the display screen before receiving a command to start a search) Next, an example of a display screen before receiving a search start instruction will be described with reference to Fig. 12-3. Fig. 12-3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen before receiving a search start instruction. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 12-3 shows a screen displayed in step S1201 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 12-1.

[0126] In FIG. 12-3, "Fujimi" is displayed in the input box 702. As indicated by reference numeral 1220, an attribute tab 704 indicating the address area attribute corresponding to "Fujimi" is displayed in an active state. Furthermore, an input completion box 1230 indicates that a genre attribute has been set for the input keyword "Asahi Convenience Mart." The notation in this input completion box 1230 indicates that the input keyword "Asahi Convenience Mart" has already been entered into the input box 702 by a user operation, and that a genre attribute has been set for the input keyword. When the user selects the search start button 706 on this display screen, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 12-4.

[0127] (An example of a list of search items displayed after receiving a command to start a search) Next, an example of a list display of search items after receiving a search start instruction will be described with reference to Fig. 12-4. Fig. 12-4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list display of search items after receiving a search start instruction. The explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 12-4 shows a screen displayed in step S1208 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 12-1.

[0128] In Fig. 12-4, a list 1240 of search items for "Fujimi" is displayed on the display 312. When the user selects one item from this list, the search item is confirmed and a search is performed.

[0129] On this display screen, the genre attribute "Asahi Convenience Mart" is displayed in the input completion box 1230. However, if the genre attribute "Asahi" is displayed in the input completion box 1230, a list of search items for "Asahi" will be displayed after the selection in the list 1240 is completed. When the user selects one item from the list of search items for "Asahi," the item is confirmed and a search is performed. The list displayed in this case is the list displayed in step S1212 shown in FIG. 12-1.

[0130] (Another example of the display screen before receiving a search start instruction) Next, another example of the display screen before receiving the instruction to start a search will be described with reference to Fig. 12-5. Fig. 12-5 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen before receiving the instruction to start a search. Note that the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 12-5 shows the screen displayed in step S1201 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 12-1.

[0131] 12-5, "Asahi Convenience Mart" is displayed in the input box 702. Then, as indicated by reference numeral 1250, the attribute tab 704 indicating the genre attribute corresponding to "Asahi Convenience Mart" is displayed as active. Also, the input completion box 1230 displays that the address area attribute is set for the input keyword "Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture."

[0132] The notation shown in this input completion box 1230 indicates that the user has already entered the input keyword "Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture" into the input box 702 and set a genre attribute for the input keyword. Note that the search item for "Asahi Convenience Mart" is singular, meaning that there is no genre other than "Asahi Convenience Mart."

[0133] When the user selects search start button 706 on this display screen, the search starts without displaying a list of search items. This indicates the case where the process moves from step S1213 to step S1218 in Figures 12-1 and 12-2. In other words, this indicates the case where the search item list is not displayed and the search starts when there are no multiple search items for the input keyword with a genre attribute and the input keyword with an address area attribute.

[0134] (An example of the display screen when attributes are set for multiple input keywords) Next, an example of a display screen when attributes are set for a plurality of input keywords will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when attributes are set for a plurality of input keywords. The explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 13 shows a screen displayed in step S611 and step S612 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The display screen shown in Fig. 13 shows a screen unrelated to the keywords shown in Figs. 8 to 11, 12-3, 12-4, and 12-5.

[0135] 13, input completion boxes 1310 and 1311 are displayed on the display screen. This input completion box 1310 displays that the address area attribute has been set for the input keyword "Saitama." This indicates that the input keyword "Saitama" has been entered in input box 702, and that the address area attribute has been set for the input keyword.

[0136] Furthermore, the input completion box 1311 displays that the genre attribute has been set for the input keyword "stadium." This indicates that after "Saitama" was entered, the user selected the add button 705 and entered the input keyword "stadium," thereby setting the genre attribute for the input keyword.

[0137] Furthermore, on this display screen, the input keyword "Urawa" has been entered in the input box 702, and the attribute tab 704 indicating the name attribute is displayed as active, as indicated by the reference numeral 1320. Note that the keyword "Urawa" would normally be set to an address area attribute, but here the name attribute is set. This is because "Saitama" has already been registered as the address area attribute, and so the system is set in advance not to accept input of the address attribute. Note that even if the address area attribute has already been registered, it is also possible to set the system in advance so that input of the address area attribute can be accepted again.

[0138] When the user selects the search start button 706 on this display screen, an address area search, a genre search, and a name search are performed for the three input keywords based on the set attributes. The details of the search process are explained below using Figures 14-1, 14-2, and 15.

[0139] (Example of detailed search processing by a navigation device) Next, an example of the details of the search process by the navigation device will be described with reference to Figures 14-1, 14-2, and 15. Figure 14-1 is a flowchart showing an example of the area code extraction process in the location search process. The flowchart shown in Figure 14-1 shows the process of extracting an area code from an input keyword to which an address area attribute is set. Note that Figure 14-1 assumes the display screen shown in Figure 13, that is, that the address area attribute is set to the input keyword "Saitama", the genre attribute is set to the input keyword "stadium", and the name attribute is set to the input keyword "Urawa".

[0140] In FIG. 14-1, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 compares the input keyword for the address area ("Saitama") with the address name in the address table 520 shown in FIG. 5-1 (step S1401). Then, as a result of the comparison, it is determined whether there is a match (step S1402). If it is determined that there is a match (step S1402: Yes), it extracts the area code "11100" (see reference numeral 514 in FIG. 5-1) corresponding to the matched address name (step S1403).

[0141] The extracted area code "11100" is then stored in buffer 1 (for example, the drive buffer of the magnetic disk drive 304) (step S1404). The buffer number is a number determined for convenience for each search result based on each attribute. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1402 that there is no match as a result of the comparison (step S1402: No), an invalid value is stored in buffer 1 (step S1405), and the process ends. The invalid value indicates that there is no location that matches the input keyword.

[0142] Fig. 14-2 is a flowchart showing an example of a genre code extraction process in the location search process. The flowchart shown in Fig. 14-2 shows the process of extracting a genre code from an input keyword to which a genre attribute is set.

[0143] In FIG. 14-2, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 compares the input keyword ("stadium") of the genre name with the genre names in the genre table 530 shown in FIG. 5-1 (step S1411). Then, as a result of the comparison, it determines whether there is a match (step S1412). If it determines that there is a match (step S1412: Yes), it extracts the genre code "1" (see reference numeral 513 in FIG. 5-1) corresponding to the matched genre name (step S1413).

[0144] The extracted genre code "1" is then stored in buffer 2 (step S1414). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1412 that there is no match as a result of the comparison (step S1412: No), an invalid value is stored in buffer 2 (step S1415), and the process ends.

[0145] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the name search process in the location search process. The flowchart shown in Fig. 15 shows the process of identifying a facility using an input keyword with a name attribute set, an area code extracted by the area code extraction process shown in Fig. 14-1, and a genre code extracted by the genre code extraction process shown in Fig. 14-2.

[0146] 15, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 acquires the area code "11100" stored in the buffer 1 (step S1501). Then, the acquired area code "11100" is compared with the area codes in the location information table 510 shown in FIG. 5-1 (step S1502). Then, as a result of the comparison, it is determined whether or not there is a match (step S1503). If it is determined that there is a match (step S1503: Yes), the matching location information is extracted and a search table is created (step S1504). Details of this search table will be described later using FIG. 16.

[0147] Furthermore, the genre code "1" stored in buffer 2 is then acquired (step S1505). The acquired genre code "1" is then compared with the genre codes in the search table created in step S1504 (step S1506). As a result of the comparison, it is determined whether there is a match (step S1507). If it is determined that there is a match (step S1507: Yes), the matching location information is extracted and the search table is recreated (step S1508).

[0148] The input keyword for the facility name ("Urawa") is then compared with the facility names in the search table recreated in step S1508 (step S1509). It is then determined whether or not a match is found as a result of the comparison (step S1510). If it is determined that a match is found (step S1510: Yes), the matching location information is extracted and saved in buffer 3 (step S1511). The location information saved in buffer 3 is then output as the search result (step S1512), terminating the series of processes.

[0149] On the other hand, in step S1503, if it is determined that there is no match as a result of comparing the area code with the area code in location information table 510 (step S1503: No), a message indicating that there is no relevant location information is output (step S1513), and the series of processes ends. Also, in step S1507, if it is determined that there is no match as a result of comparing the genre code with the genre code in the search table (step S1507: No), the process proceeds to step S1513. Also, in step S1510, if it is determined that there is no match as a result of comparing the input keyword for the facility name with the facility name in the recreated search table (step S1510: No), the process proceeds to step S1513.

[0150] (An example of a search table created during search processing) Next, an example of a search table created in the search process will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search table created in the search process.

[0151] 16, first search table 1610 shows a table in which matching location information is extracted when a match is found as a result of comparing the acquired area code "11100" with the area code in location information table 510 shown in FIG. 5-1. In other words, first search table 1610 shows facility information when area code "11100" ("Saitama") is extracted from location information table 510.

[0152] The second search table 1620 shows a table that is recreated by extracting matching location information when a match is found as a result of comparing the acquired genre code "1" with the genre codes in the first search table 1610. In other words, the second search table 1620 shows the facility names when the genre code "1" ("stadium") is extracted from the first search table 1610.

[0153] Search result 1630 indicates the search result that is output by extracting the matching location information when a match is found as a result of comparing the input keyword ("Urawa") for the facility name with the facility name in second search table 1620. That is, search result 1630 indicates facility information that includes the characters "Urawa" from second search table 1620. That is, it indicates that "Urawa Stadium" is output as search result 1630.

[0154] In the above description, the searches are performed in the order of area search to create the first search table 1610, genre search to create the second search table, and name search to extract location information from the second search table, but the order of the searches is arbitrary. The display screen when the search result 1630 is output will be described below with reference to Figures 17 and 18.

[0155] (An example of the display screen when search results are output) Next, an example of a display screen when a search result is output will be described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when one search result is output.

[0156] 17, a search result screen 1710 and a map screen 1720 are displayed on the display 312. The search result screen 1710 displays the address of "Urawa Stadium" and the like as search results. The search result screen 1710 also displays a selection button 1711 that accepts an input as to whether or not to set "Urawa Stadium" as a destination. When the user selects "Yes" from this selection button 1711, "Urawa Stadium" is set as a destination.

[0157] The map screen 1720 displays a map of the surrounding area with "Urawa Stadium" at the center. Note that although only one search result is shown on the search result screen 1710, if there are multiple search results, multiple search results may be displayed. The display screen when multiple search results are displayed will be explained below using FIG. 18.

[0158] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen when multiple search results are output. In Fig. 18, a list of multiple search results is displayed on display 312. When, for example, "Urawa Stadium" is selected by the user on this display screen, the display screen changes to that shown in Fig. 17. Note that when a location other than "Urawa Stadium" is selected by the user, the display screen also changes to a display screen displaying the respective search result screen or map screen.

[0159] According to the above-described processing and display screen, multiple keywords ("Saitama," "stadium," "Urawa") are accepted, attributes are set for each input keyword, and a search method specified by each attribute is used to search for locations that match each input keyword, so that multiple input keywords with different attributes can be entered on the same screen.

[0160] As described above, the navigation device 300 according to this embodiment performs a search by presenting multiple search items when there are multiple search items, but performs a search without presenting any search items when there is only one search item. Therefore, in a search using so-called free keywords, information necessary for narrowing down the search can be presented to the user to accept the user's wishes, while a search can be performed without presenting unnecessary information. Therefore, the number of operations required for setting a search method and for operating the device can be reduced, and search results can be presented quickly and accurately, allowing for efficient searches.

[0161] In addition, if there are multiple first search items (search items with address area attributes) and one second search item (search item with genre attribute) for input keywords each with different attributes set, the multiple first search items will be presented to the user and a search will be performed, while the single second search item will not be presented to the user and a search will be performed.

[0162] Specifically, as shown in Figure 12-4, when a search is performed using input keywords with address area attributes related to numerous place names such as "Fujimi" and keywords with genre attributes such as "Asahi Convenience Mart," the system can present search items to identify the "Fujimi" location, allowing the user to narrow down the search results. This allows for accurate search results to be presented. On the other hand, for "Asahi Convenience Mart," where the input keyword itself corresponds to a search item, a search can be performed without presenting search items. This reduces the burden on the user when searching by minimizing the number of operations required to set up a search method and operate the system without presenting unnecessary information to the user.

[0163] Furthermore, if the attribute set for the input keyword is a specific attribute, a search method specified by the specific attribute is used to extract search items that include the input keyword. However, if an input keyword is received that has an attribute other than the specific attribute set, the above extraction is not performed, and a search method specified by the other attribute is used to search for locations that match the input keyword (see Figures 12-1 and 12-2, step S1202: No → step S1218). This makes it possible to present or not present search items depending on the attribute of the input keyword. Therefore, depending on the attribute of the input keyword, unnecessary information can be prevented from being presented to the user, and the user's operation input for accepting search items can be eliminated, reducing the number of operations and reducing the burden on the user when searching.

[0164] In addition, search items containing the input keyword are extracted from the search items that make up the search list of a search method specified by a specific attribute, so that predetermined attributes and search lists can be used, allowing searches to be performed quickly.

[0165] Furthermore, since the specific attribute is a genre attribute or an address area attribute, it is possible to effectively narrow down the search to a plurality of genre names or address area names that include the input keyword, thereby enabling quick and accurate searches.

[0166] Furthermore, since the other attributes include at least one of a name attribute, a reading attribute, and a telephone number attribute, the present invention can be applied to a location search device having these multi-search functions.

[0167] In addition, by presenting multiple search items in a list (see Figure 12-4), the system can present search items that are easy for users to see and understand, thereby preventing user operation errors and enabling quick and accurate searches.

[0168] As described above, according to the location search method, location search program, location search storage medium, and location search device of the present invention, when a search is performed using multiple keywords, the user does not need to determine which keyword corresponds to which search method, thereby reducing the burden on the user when searching.

[0169] The search method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. This program may also be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 100 point search device 101 Table storage unit 102 Keyword input section 103 Settings 104 Start input section 105 Extraction part 106 Presentation section 107 Selection section 108 databases 110 Output section 300 Navigation Device

Claims

1. A location search method implemented by a location search device that searches for a specific location from a database of multiple locations, comprising: a keyword input step of accepting an input of a keyword from a user; a presentation step of presenting search items to which any one of a plurality of attributes that are preset for a search method is assigned, the search items including the keyword; a selection step of accepting, from the user, a selection of one search item from among the search items presented in the presentation step; a search step of searching the database for a location that matches the one search item accepted in the selection step using the search method.

2. the keyword input step includes accepting input of a first keyword and a second keyword; the presenting step presents a first search item and a second search item that are search items to which any of a plurality of attributes set in advance for a search method is assigned and that include the first keyword and the second keyword, respectively; the selection step receives from the user a selection of one search item from each of the first search item and the second search item presented in the presentation step; The location search method according to claim 1, characterized in that the search process searches the database using the search method for a location that corresponds to one of the first search items accepted by the selection process and also corresponds to one of the second search items.

3. 3. The location search method according to claim 1, wherein the attribute is a genre attribute that specifies a genre search that searches for a genre of locations.

4. 4. The location search method according to claim 1, wherein the attribute is an address area attribute that specifies an address area search that searches for a location by targeting an address or area of ​​the location.

5. 5. The location search method according to claim 1, wherein the presenting step presents the attribute.

6. A location search program executed by a location search device that searches for a specific location from a database of multiple locations, a keyword input step of accepting an input of a keyword from a user; a presentation step of presenting search items to which any one of a plurality of attributes that are preset for a search method is assigned, the search items including the keyword; a selection step of accepting, from the user, a selection of one search item from among the search items presented in the presentation step; a search step of searching the database for a location that matches the one search item accepted by the selection step using the search method.

7. A computer-readable storage medium storing the location search program according to claim 6.

8. A location search device that searches for a specific location from a database of multiple locations, a keyword input step of accepting an input of a keyword from a user; a presentation step of presenting search items to which any one of a plurality of attributes that are preset for a search method is assigned, the search items including the keyword; a selection step of accepting, from the user, a selection of one search item from among the search items presented in the presentation step; A location search device characterized by having a control unit that performs processing including a search process of searching the database using the search method for locations that match the one search item accepted by the selection process.

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