JP2005234991A - Information retrieval apparatus, information retrieval method, and information retrieval program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and properly display information of high precision in a limited display area. <P>SOLUTION: In an information retrieval apparatus 100, a retrieval condition input part 201 accepts input of a retrieval condition. A retrieval part 202 retrieves objective information from a plurality of kinds of databases DB<SB>1</SB>to DB<SB>n</SB>on the basis of the inputted retrieval condition. A determination part 204 determines so that only objective information retrieved from a database having the highest priority is displayed on the display screen, on the basis of a conversion table. An objective information report control part 205 controls display of contents determined by the determination part 204. When a display switching indication is inputted by a display switching indication input part 206, the determination part 204 determines so that objective information retrieved from a database having a priority next to that of the database from which objective information displayed at present has been retrieved is displayed in the display screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information search device, an information search method, and an information search program. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described information search apparatus, information search method, and information search program.

  Conventionally, for example, a map including a point where various moving objects such as automobiles, airplanes, and ships currently exist is displayed on a screen of a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). A navigation device is known in which a position mark indicating the position of the moving body is superimposed and displayed at the point on the map, and the route guidance to the destination is performed based on the position mark (for example, the following patent document) 1).

  The navigation devices described above are usually provided for various genres such as administrative institutions, transportation facilities, hospitals, schools, sights, amusement parks, restaurants, convenience stores, parking lots or gas stations scattered throughout Japan. A basic database for storing purpose information is provided as standard. And this basic database covers almost all purpose information scattered throughout the country.

  However, this basic database has a low update frequency, and there are cases where the destination name, address, telephone number, etc. included in the destination information are incorrect, and the destination information is not sufficiently accurate. was there. For this reason, on the map, the mark indicating the destination will be superimposed on a point or representative point that is different from the actual point of the selected destination, and even if route search is performed, correct route guidance is performed. It was difficult to reach the destination.

  Therefore, conventionally, the above-described navigation apparatus is provided with one or a plurality of specific databases specialized for purpose information regarding a specific region and a specific genre, in addition to the basic database. Since this specific database limits the purpose information, the update frequency is high and the content of the purpose information stored is more accurate than the content of the purpose information stored in the basic database. Therefore, when the objective information of the basic database and the specific database overlap, accurate route guidance can be performed by using the objective information of the specific database.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307039

  However, when a destination search is performed in the above-described conventional navigation device, a plurality of pieces of target information common to both the basic database and the specific database are simultaneously searched, and the plurality of pieces of the same purpose information are displayed on the screen of the display device. Will be displayed. Since the accuracy of the plurality of identical purpose information displayed on this screen varies depending on the storage source database, which of the plurality of identical purpose information is most accurate, but is unknown to the user. Therefore, there is a problem that the user may hesitate to select the target information, and it takes time and effort to perform the route search, which is troublesome.

  In particular, since the navigation device is provided in the vehicle and there are restrictions on the installation location and installation space in the vehicle, the size of the display device is limited. For this reason, the information display area is limited to a size that can display the minimum necessary contents. Therefore, when many pieces of the same purpose information are displayed on one screen of the display device, it takes time and effort to scroll the screen, so the user cannot easily select the target information, and until the route search is performed. An example is the problem that it takes time and the operation becomes complicated.

  Furthermore, when inaccurate purpose information is selected from a plurality of the same purpose information, it is superimposed on a point different from the actual point of the selected destination or a representative point. Accordingly, there is an example of a problem that even if the route search is executed, the correct route guidance cannot be performed and it is difficult to reach the destination. As a result, a problem that the reliability of the navigation device itself is lowered as a result is given as an example.

  An information search apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information search apparatus for searching for target information from a plurality of types of databases, displaying the searched target information on a display screen, and receiving an input of an arbitrary search condition. Search condition input means, search means for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search conditions input by the search condition input means, and information related to the priority order of the plurality of types of databases determined in advance And determining the content to be notified on the display screen from the purpose information searched by the search means, and controlling the display screen to notify the content determined by the determination means And a purpose information notification control means.

  An information search apparatus according to claim 2 is an information search apparatus for searching for target information from a plurality of types of databases and notifying the searched target information by voice output, and accepting an input of an arbitrary search condition. Search condition input means, search means for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search conditions input by the search condition input means, and information related to the priority order of the plurality of types of databases determined in advance Based on the objective information searched by the search means, determining means for determining the content to be output voice, and voice output means for notifying the content determined by the determination means, To do.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information search method for searching for target information from a plurality of types of databases and displaying the searched target information on a display screen. Based on an input step, a search step for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search conditions input in the search condition input step, and information relating to priorities of the predetermined types of databases A determination step for determining the content to be notified on the display screen from the target information searched by the search step; a purpose information notification step for notifying the display screen of the content determined by the determination step; It is characterized by including.

  The information search method according to the invention of claim 9 is an information search method for searching for target information from a plurality of types of databases and notifying the searched target information by voice output. A condition input step, a search step for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search conditions input in the search condition input step, and information relating to the priorities of the predetermined types of databases. A decision step for deciding contents to be outputted from the target information searched in the search step, and a voice output step for informing the contents decided by the decision step. .

  An information search program according to a tenth aspect of the invention causes a computer to execute the information search method according to the eighth or ninth aspect.

Exemplary embodiments of an information search apparatus, an information search method, and an information search program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(Embodiment)
(Hardware configuration of information retrieval device)
First, the hardware configuration of the information search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information search apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information retrieval apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an HDD (hard disk drive) 104, an HD (hard disk) 105, a CD / DVD drive 106, and a removable recording medium. As an example, a CD / DVD 107, an input I / F (interface) 108, an input key 109, a remote controller 110, a video I / F (interface) 111, a display (or touch panel) 112, and an audio I / F ( Interface) 113, speaker 114A, microphone 114B, communication I / F (interface) 115, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 116, angular velocity sensor 117, travel distance sensor 118, tilt sensor 119, It is composed of In addition, each of the components 101 to 119 is connected by a bus 120.

  Here, the CPU 101 governs overall control of the information search apparatus 100. The ROM 102 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 103 is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The HDD 104 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the HD 105 according to the control of the CPU 101. The HD 105 stores data written under the control of the HDD 104.

  The CD / DVD drive 106 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the CD / DVD 107 according to the control of the CPU 101. The CD / DVD 107 is a detachable recording medium from which data recorded under the control of the CD / DVD drive 106 is read. Further, a writable recording medium can be used as the CD / DVD 107. In addition to the CD / DVD 107, the removable recording medium may be a CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, memory card, or the like.

  The input I / F 108 inputs data transmitted from an input key 109 for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like, or a remote controller 110 having a part or all of the input keys 109. Although not shown, an output I / F is provided as necessary, and a scanner that optically reads characters and images and a printer that prints characters and images can be connected via the output I / F. .

  The video I / F 111 is connected to a video display (or touch panel) 112. Specifically, the video I / F 111 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display (or touch panel) 112, and a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image information that can be displayed immediately. A control IC that controls display of the display (or touch panel) 112 based on image data output from the graphic controller.

  The display (or touch panel) 112 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 112, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted. In the case of the touch panel 112, the touch panel 112 is connected to the input I / F 108, detects whether the touch panel 112 is pressed or not, and inputs data to the input I / F 108.

The audio I / F 113 is connected to a speaker 114A for sound output and a microphone 114B for sound input. Specifically, the audio I / F 113 includes, for example, a D / A converter that performs D / A conversion of audio digital data, and an amplifier that amplifies an audio analog signal output from the D / A converter. Yes. The speaker 114A outputs sound, and the microphone 114B inputs sound read out from the outside. In addition, the communication I / F 115 inputs various data output from the GPS receiver 116, the angular velocity sensor 117, the travel distance sensor 118, and the tilt sensor 119.
The GPS receiver 116 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and obtains a geometric position with respect to the GPS satellites, and can be measured anywhere on the earth. The radio wave is generated using an L1 radio wave carrying a C / A (Coarse and Access) code and a navigation message with a carrier wave of 1.575.42 MHz. The C / A code has a bit rate of 1.023 Mbps, and the code length is 1023 bits = 1 ms. The navigation message has a bit rate of 50 bps, the code length is 300 bits = 6 s for a subframe, 1500 bits = 30 s for a main frame, 5 main frames are 1 main frame, and 25 main frames are 1 master. It is a frame. That is, it receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs GPS positioning data, and also outputs absolute direction data of the traveling direction of the vehicle.

The angular velocity sensor 117 detects the angular velocity when the host vehicle is rotating, and outputs angular velocity data and relative azimuth data. The travel distance sensor 118 calculates the number of pulses per one rotation of the wheel by counting the number of pulses of a pulse signal with a predetermined period output along with the rotation of the wheel, and the travel distance based on the number of pulses per one rotation. Output data. The inclination sensor 119 detects the inclination angle of the road surface and outputs inclination angle data.
(Functional configuration of information retrieval device)
Next, a functional configuration of the information search apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information search apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The information search apparatus 100 searches for target information from a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n (n is an integer of 2 or more), and displays the searched target information on the display screen of the display unit 207 for notification.

The information search apparatus 100 includes a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n , a search condition input unit 201, a search unit 202, a priority information storage unit 203, a determination unit 204, a target information notification control unit 205, , Display switching instruction input unit 206, display unit 207, data input unit 208, purpose information input unit 209, map information database 210, map information extraction unit 211, positioning unit 212, route search input unit 213 A route search execution unit 214, a position information display control unit 215, and an audio output unit 216.

The plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n each store purpose information. This destination information can be, for example, navigation information including position information representing the position of the destination. This navigation information is classified according to at least one genre among various genres such as government agencies, transportation facilities, hospitals, schools, sights, amusement parks, restaurants, convenience stores, parking lots or gas stations. Can do.

It can also be classified by city, town or prefecture. The purpose information stored in the plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n will be described later. Specifically, the functions of the plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n are realized by, for example, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, the CD / DVD 107, etc. shown in FIG.

  The search condition input unit 201 receives an input of an arbitrary search condition. The search criteria include, for example, the genre of destination information such as government agencies, transportation facilities, hospitals, schools, sights, amusement parks, restaurants, convenience stores, parking lots or gas stations, the prefecture where the destination is located, Examples include a search condition for indirectly specifying the position of the destination such as a municipality area, and a search condition for directly specifying the destination such as the name, address and telephone number of the destination.

  Specifically, the search condition input unit 201 is executed by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. The function is realized by the input I / F 108 or the voice I / F 113.

The search unit 202 searches the target information from a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n based on the search conditions input by the search condition input unit 201. Here, specifically, for example, contents such as a genre, a name, a telephone number, and an address included in the purpose information stored in any of a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n are input. By completely matching the search condition, it is possible to search for target information that matches the search condition.

  In addition, for example, when the contents such as genre, name, phone number, and address included in the purpose information stored in any of a plurality of databases partially match the input search condition, the search condition It is possible to search for target information that conforms to. Specifically, the search unit 202 realizes its function by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. .

The priority information storage unit 203 stores information related to priority. The information on the priority order is, for example, a conversion table 300 in which the database names of a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n and the priority order are associated as shown in FIG. This priority order can be set by, for example, an accuracy order indicating the accuracy of the position information of the destination included in the destination information.

In addition to this, the priorities can also be set according to the last update date and time of each database DB _{1 to} DB _n , the amount of information stored, and the like. Specifically, the priority information storage unit 203 realizes its function by, for example, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, the CD / DVD 107, etc. shown in FIG.

The determination unit 204 notifies on the display screen of the display unit 207 from the target information searched by the search unit 202 based on information regarding the priority order of the plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n determined in advance. Determine the content. Specifically, the determination unit 204 uses the conversion table 300 stored in the priority information storage unit 203 to convert the database name that is the search source of the target information into the priority order, thereby giving priority to each target information. You can get a ranking.

  The purpose information notification control unit 205 controls the display screen of the display unit 207 to notify the content determined by the determination unit 204. Here, the content determined by the determination unit 204 includes searched purpose information, search-disabled display information when the purpose information is not searched, and the like. Specifically, the purpose information notification control unit 205 has a function of the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. Is realized.

  The display switching instruction input unit 206 receives an input of a display switching instruction for the content displayed on the display screen of the display unit 207. When the display switching instruction is input, the determination unit 204 described above displays the target information retrieved from the database having the next highest priority after the database in which the currently displayed target information is retrieved on the display screen. To be determined. Specifically, the display switching instruction input unit 206 is executed by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. The function is realized by the input I / F 108.

  The display unit 207 has a display screen and displays various types of information output from the purpose information notification control unit 205 and the position information display control unit 215. Specifically, the display unit 207 realizes its function by, for example, the display (or touch panel) 112 shown in FIG.

  The data input unit 208 inputs various data output from the GPS receiver 116, the angular velocity sensor 117, the travel distance sensor 118, or the tilt sensor 119 shown in FIG. The data input unit 208 realizes its function by the communication I / F 115 shown in FIG.

  The purpose information input unit 209 receives input of the purpose information notified (displayed) on the display screen by the purpose information notification control unit 205. Specifically, for example, when the user operates the input key 109 or the remote controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 or when the user presses a desired position on the touch panel 112, the user is notified on the display screen. Accept input of purpose information. Further, the input of the purpose information can be performed by voice recognition. Specifically, by reading out the target information, the read-out voice is input from the microphone 114B shown in FIG. The voice input from the microphone 114B is recognized.

  Specifically, the purpose information input unit 209 is executed by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. The function is realized by the input I / F 108 or the voice I / F 113.

  The map information database 210 stores, for example, map information that covers maps of municipalities and prefectures. In addition, position information including latitude information and longitude information is added to the map information, and can be associated with a position measured by a positioning unit 212 described later. Specifically, the map information database 210 realizes its function by, for example, the ROM 102, RAM 103, HD 105, CD / DVD 107, etc. shown in FIG.

  The map information extraction unit 211 extracts map information corresponding to position information (latitude information and longitude information) indicating the position of the vehicle or the destination calculated by the positioning unit 212 from the map information database 210. Specifically, the map information extraction unit 211 has its function when the CPU 101 executes a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. Realize.

  The positioning unit 212 measures the current position of the vehicle based on the data output from the data input unit 208. Specifically, in the case of the self-supporting type, angular velocity data and relative azimuth data output from the angular velocity sensor 117, travel distance data output from the travel distance sensor 118, and tilt angle data output from the tilt sensor 119. To calculate the moving direction and moving distance of the vehicle, and add it to the reference point to calculate the current position. Then, based on the calculated position information (latitude information and longitude information) of the current position, corresponding map information is acquired from the map information extraction unit 211.

  In the case of the GPS type, radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites launched into outer space are received, and the current position of the moving object is calculated by a three-dimensional survey method or a two-dimensional survey method based on the reception result. Based on the calculated current position, the position mark of the vehicle and the corresponding map are displayed on the display screen. Moreover, it is good also as providing the function of both the above-mentioned self-supporting type and GPS type.

  In addition, the positioning unit 212 calculates the position of the destination based on the position information included in the purpose information input from the purpose information input unit 209. Based on the calculated destination position, the destination position mark and the corresponding map are displayed on the display screen. Specifically, the positioning unit 212 realizes its function by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. .

  The route search input unit 213 receives a search input of a route (route) from the own vehicle to the destination. More specifically, for example, when the user operates the input key 109 or the remote controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 or when the user presses a desired position on the touch panel 112, an input for route search is accepted. Specifically, the route search input unit 213 is executed by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. The function is realized by the input I / F 108.

  When there is a route search input, the route search execution unit 214 executes a search for a route (route) from the own vehicle to the destination. Specifically, a route search is performed using the position information (latitude information and longitude information) of the host vehicle and the destination calculated by the positioning unit 212 and map information corresponding to the position information. Details of the route search are well known and are omitted here. Specifically, the route search execution unit 214 is executed by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. The function is realized by the input I / F 108.

  The position information display control unit 215 controls the display screen of the display unit 207 to display the position information of the vehicle and the destination and the searched route with the map information corresponding to the position information superimposed. Specifically, the position information display control unit 215 functions as the CPU 101 executes a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the HD 105, and the CD / DVD 107 shown in FIG. Is realized.

The audio output unit 216 outputs the content determined by the determination unit 204 as audio. Here, the content determined by the determining unit 204 includes searched purpose information and voice such as non-searchable information when the purpose information is not searched. For example, in the case of searched destination information, the destination name, address, genre, and other additional information included in the destination information can be read out. This audio information may be stored for each purpose information as, for example, compressed audio data in a database DB _i described later. In the case of non-searchable information, the voice is output by reading out the fact. This non-searchable information may also be stored as, for example, compressed audio data in the database DB _i described later. Further, the audio output unit 216 specifically realizes its function by, for example, the audio I / F 113 and the speaker 114 shown in FIG.

Next, the contents of a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n will be described. 4-6 is an explanatory view of data contents of each database _DB 1 to DB _n according to this embodiment. Here, the case where the number of databases n is n = 3 will be described. The destination information stored in the database DB ₃ shown in FIG. 4 is composed of, for example, navigation information including a destination name, location information, a telephone number, and a genre. The position information is composed of an address, latitude information, and longitude information.

In addition to the destination name, location information, telephone number, and genre shown in FIG. 4, the purpose information stored in the database DB ₂ shown in FIG. 5 includes additional information such as business hours, closed days, and usage charges. It consists of navigation information consisting of the number of parked vehicles and vehicle restrictions. The database DB ₁ shown in FIG. 6, the additional information shown in FIG. 5, further tie shop, partners conditions, presence or absence of reservation are constituted by added navigation information in the form of parking.

Here, the database DB ₃ shown in FIG. 4 is a database covering, for example, nationwide purpose information, and the database DB ₂ shown in FIG. 5 is a database covering, for example, the purpose information of the Kanto area. The database DB ₁ shown in FIG. ₁ is a database that covers, for example, purpose information of Tokyo. Among these databases DB _{1 to} DB ₃ , the database DB ₁ shown in FIG. 6 has the smallest amount of information of the target information, but the target information is the most accurate database. On the other hand, the database DB ₃ shown in FIG. 4 has the largest amount of target information, but the target information is an inaccurate database than the databases DB ₁ and DB ₂ .

Next, Example 1 of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the determination unit 204 determines to display only the target information retrieved from the database DB _i having the highest priority on the display screen, and the display switching instruction input unit 206 issues a display switching instruction. In this example, the target information retrieved from the database DB _j having the next highest priority after the database DB _i searched for the currently displayed target information is determined to be displayed on the display screen. In addition, here, for example, the information related to the priority order represents the precision order related to the accuracy of the position information. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an embodiment of the information search apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the priority order i is set to i = 1 (step S701). Then, it is determined whether a search condition has been input (step S702). FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the search condition input screen 901 displayed on the display screen 900. The search condition input screen 901 of FIG. 9 is an example in which the genre is limited to “parking lot” and the name “ai” of the parking lot that is the destination is used as the search condition. On this search condition input screen 901, the search condition can be input by pressing the input key 902 and pressing the enter key 903. When the search condition is input (step S702: Yes), the search is performed from all of the plurality of types of databases based on the input search condition (step S703).

  When there is no searched purpose information (step S704: No), a message indicating that the search has not been performed, that is, a search disabled display is displayed (step S705), and the process returns to step S702. On the other hand, when there is searched purpose information (step S704: Yes), the database name of the searched purpose information is converted into a priority by the conversion table 300 shown in FIG. 3 (step S706).

Then, it is determined whether or not there is target information retrieved from the database DB _{i having} the priority order i (step S707). If there is no object information retrieved from the database DB _i of priority i is (step S707: No), is incremented one priority i (step S 708). Then, it is determined whether or not the incremented priority order i matches the number of databases n (step S709). If they do not match (step S709: NO), the process returns to step S707. On the other hand, if they match (step S709: Yes), the priority order i is reset to i = 1 (step S710), and the process returns to step S707.

If there is purpose information retrieved from the database DB _{i having} the priority order i (step S707: Yes), the purpose information is determined to be displayed (step S711). Then, the purpose information determined to be displayed is displayed on the display screen 900 (step S712). An example of the purpose information 1000 displayed on the display screen 900 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, as a result of the processing from step S <b> 701 to step S <b> 712, the display screen 900 displays the parking lot “searched from the database shown in FIG. 6 as the target information searched from the database with the highest priority. The target information 1000 displaying only the information “Ai” is displayed.

According to this, even when the same parking lot “ai” is searched from a plurality of types of databases, the parking lot purpose information displayed in the purpose information 1000 is shown in FIG. 6 with the highest accuracy. is a parking lot desired information that has been retrieved from the database DB _1. Therefore, even when the size of the display screen 900 is limited, such as an in-vehicle navigation device, only the most accurate information can be displayed within a limited display area, and the display screen 900 can be easily viewed. Can do.

  In addition, since the same parking lot objective information is not displayed at the same time, there is no need for the driver or passenger to select and input from the displayed information on the same parking lot. And passengers can be saved. In particular, since the number of operations during driving is reduced for the driver, it is not necessary to turn the line of sight toward the information search device 100, and safe driving can be performed.

Further, if the additional information 1001 is included in the objective information retrieved from the database DB ₁ shown in FIG. 6 because a plurality of pieces of objective information of the same parking lot are not displayed at the same time, as shown in FIG. A display area to be displayed can be secured, and useful information can be provided to the driver within the limited display area.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, by depressing the next information display button 1002, it is determined whether or not there has been a display switching instruction input to the target information retrieved from the database DB _j having the next highest priority. (Step S713). When there is a display switching instruction input (step S713: Yes), the process proceeds to step S708. Then, after the processing of S707 to S710, it is possible to determine and display the target information with the next highest priority (step S711) and display it on the display screen 900 (step S712). As a result, it is possible to sequentially display on the display screen 900 from the target information retrieved from the database having a high priority.

  On the other hand, when there is no display switching instruction input (step S713: No), as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not desired purpose information is selected from the purpose information displayed on the display screen 900 (step S801). . If the purpose information is not selected (step S801: No), the process returns to step S712 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the purpose information is selected (step S801: Yes), the map information corresponding to the position information included in the purpose information is extracted from the map information database 210 (step S802).

Then, the destination is superimposed on the map and displayed on the display screen 900 based on the extracted map information and the selected destination information (step S803). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen 900 in which a destination is superimposed on a map. As shown in FIG. 11, T1 is the parking lot “ai” retrieved from the database DB ₁ with the highest priority shown in FIG. 6, and T3 is the database DB with the highest priority shown in FIG. It is the parking lot “ai” retrieved from ₃ . Thus, even if it is the same parking lot, the position superimposed and displayed on the map is different due to the difference in accuracy of the databases DB _{1 to} DB _n , but by selecting the target information searched from the database with high accuracy, Only a destination whose position is accurate can be displayed on the map, and the position of the destination can be accurately grasped. Thereby, when a route search is performed, a correct route can be set.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a route search input (step S804). If there is no route search input (step S804: No), the process returns to step S803. On the other hand, if there is a route search input (step S804: Yes), the route search is executed based on the selected purpose information (step S805). By executing this route search, the searched route is displayed on the map (step S806).

  According to this route search, the route search can be executed based on the target information searched from a highly accurate database, so that the route can be accurately guided to the destination, and the route searched for can be operated with confidence. This makes it possible to give the driver a sense of security and support safe driving.

Next, Example 2 of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the determination unit 204 emphasizes the display screen 900 from the purpose information searched by the search unit 202 based on information regarding the priority order of a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n determined in advance. It is an example which determines the content to display. Further, as in the first embodiment, here, for example, the information related to the priority order represents the precision order related to the accuracy of the position information. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the information search apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment. The flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is also applied to the second embodiment.

First, it is determined whether a search condition has been input (step S1201). Then, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the search condition is set to the name “ai” of the parking lot that is the destination, and the input key 902 is pressed. Then, a search condition can be input by pressing the enter key 903. When the search condition is input (step S1201: Yes), the search is performed from all of the plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n based on the input search condition (step S1202).

  When there is no searched purpose information (step S1203: No), a message indicating that the search has not been performed, that is, a search disabled display is displayed (step S1204), and the process returns to step S1201. On the other hand, if there is searched purpose information (step S1203: Yes), the database name obtained from the searched purpose information is converted into priority by the conversion table 300 shown in FIG. 3 (step S1205). .

Next, it is determined whether or not the objective information has been searched from a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n (step S1206). When the target information is searched from only one type of database (step S1206: No), the searched target information is displayed on the display screen 900 (step S1207). On the other hand, when the target information is searched from a plurality of types of databases (step S1206: Yes), only the target information searched from the database DB _i having the highest priority is determined to be highlighted (step S1208).

  Then, the target information determined to be highlighted is highlighted on the display screen 900 (step S1209). Further, other searched purpose information may be displayed on the display screen 900. FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen that highlights only the target information retrieved from the database with the highest priority. As shown in FIG. 13, the searched target information is displayed by rectangular icons 1301 to 1303. For the target information icon 1301 that is determined to be highlighted, the colors of the other target information icons 1302 and 1303 are displayed. It can be highlighted by making it a different color.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, even when the target information icons 1301 to 1303 are all the same color, when the target information icons 1301 to 1303 are arranged vertically, the target information icons 1301 that are determined to be highlighted are displayed. By placing it at the top (for example, at the top of the display screen), it can be highlighted. Then, by selecting the highlighted target information icon 1301, an information display screen 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 can be displayed.

According to the second embodiment, even when target information is searched from a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n , the target information searched from the database DB _i having the highest priority is highlighted and determined. Thus, it is possible to prompt the driver and passengers about which purpose information is correct purpose information.

In the above-described embodiment and examples, the information search apparatus 100 that searches for target information from a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n and displays the searched target information on the display screen 900 has been described. It retrieves the object information from the type of database DB ₁ to DB _n, the object information retrieved may be configured to sound output.

In this case, voice data for voice output of destination name, address, telephone number and other additional information included in the destination information stored in each of the databases DB _{1 to} DB _n is stored. When it is determined, only the audio data of the determined target information is reproduced, so that the target information with the highest priority can be output as a sound.

  As a result, the target information with low priority ranking, that is, the accuracy ranking is not output by voice, so the driver or passenger does not need to continue to listen to the voice output of the different destination information for the same destination, and the target with high accuracy ranking. Only information can be heard efficiently. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which performs both this audio | voice output and the display of the display screen 900. FIG. According to this, the driver can grasp the target information retrieved from the database having the highest priority (accuracy rank) without looking at the display screen 900, and then, by viewing the display screen 900, the information can be obtained. The contents of can be confirmed.

  Alternatively, when the user reads out the target information output as voice, the target information read out by the user may be input from the microphone 114B shown in FIG. 1 and recognized as voice. Thereby, the driver and the passenger do not need to turn the line of sight toward the information search device 100 for the purpose of selecting and inputting the target information, and can perform safe driving.

In the embodiments and examples described above, it is assumed that using multiple types of databases DB ₁ to DB _n which stores navigation information purposes information is stored in a plurality of types of databases DB ₁ to DB _n The purpose information is not limited to navigation information. For example, a plurality of types of databases DB _{1 to} DB _n are applied to, for example, a plurality of dictionary databases from different publishers, and information on priorities is set in advance in the dictionary database, so that the semantic content is defined according to the same search condition. Even in the case of checking, since only the semantic content retrieved from the most accurate database is displayed or output by voice, highly accurate information can be efficiently displayed or output by voice.

  As described above, in the information search apparatus, information search method, and information search program according to this embodiment and examples, high-precision information is easily and appropriately displayed on a display screen in a limited area. The effect of being able to be obtained can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to easily select the target information without hesitation, and to improve the efficiency of route search. In addition, since the route search can be performed using the target information retrieved from the accurate database, the driver can drive with peace of mind and easily reach the destination according to the route guidance. .

  The information retrieval method described in this embodiment and example can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conversion table with which the database name of the multiple types database of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention and the priority were linked | related. Is an explanatory diagram showing the data contents of the database DB ₃ according to the embodiment of the present invention. Is an explanatory diagram showing the data content of the database DB ₂ according to the embodiment of the present invention. Is an explanatory diagram showing the data contents of the database DB ₁ according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart (the first half) which shows Example 1 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (latter half) which shows Example 1 and Example 2 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the search condition input screen displayed on the display screen in Example 1 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the objective information displayed on the display screen in Example 1 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen by which the destination was superimposed and displayed on the map in Example 1 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (the first half) which shows Example 2 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen which highlighted only the target information searched from the database with the highest priority in Example 2 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a screen which highlighted only the target information searched from the database with the highest priority in Example 2 of the information search device concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 information retrieval apparatus 201 search condition input unit 202 search unit 204 determination unit 205 object information notification control unit 206 display switching instruction input unit 207 display unit DB ₁ to DB _n plural types of databases

Claims (10)

In an information search apparatus for searching for target information from a plurality of types of databases, displaying the searched target information on a display screen, and informing it,
Search condition input means for accepting input of an arbitrary search condition;
Search means for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search conditions input by the search condition input means;
Determining means for determining the content to be notified on the display screen from the target information searched by the search means based on information relating to the priority order of the plurality of types of databases determined in advance;
Purpose information notification control means for controlling the display screen to notify the content determined by the determination means;
An information retrieval apparatus comprising: In an information search apparatus for searching for target information from a plurality of types of databases and notifying the searched target information by voice output,
Search condition input means for accepting input of an arbitrary search condition;
Search means for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search conditions input by the search condition input means;
Determining means for deciding contents to be output from the target information searched by the searching means based on information relating to priorities of the plurality of types of databases determined in advance;
Audio output means for informing the content determined by the determination means;
An information retrieval apparatus comprising:   3. The information search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to notify only the target information searched from at least the database having the highest priority. 4. Comprising a display switching instruction input means for receiving an input of a display switching instruction for the content displayed on the display screen;
The determination means, when a display switching instruction is input by the display switching instruction input means, notifies the target information retrieved from the database having the next highest priority after the database in which the currently displayed target information is retrieved. The information search device according to claim 1, wherein the information search device is determined so as to do.   The determination means determines content to be highlighted on the display screen from the target information searched by the search means based on information relating to the priority order of the plurality of types of databases determined in advance. The information search device according to claim 1.   The information search apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information related to the priority order is information representing an accuracy order related to the accuracy of the position information.   The information search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination information is navigation information including location information indicating a location of the destination. In an information retrieval method for retrieving purpose information from a plurality of types of databases and displaying the retrieved purpose information on a display screen.
A search condition input process for inputting arbitrary search conditions,
A search step for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search condition input by the search condition input step,
A determination step for determining the content to be notified on the display screen from the target information searched by the search step, based on information relating to the priorities of the plurality of types of databases determined in advance;
A purpose information notification step of notifying the display screen of the content determined by the determination step;
Information search method characterized by including In an information search method for searching for target information from a plurality of types of databases and notifying the searched target information by voice output,
A search condition input process for inputting arbitrary search conditions,
A search step for searching for target information from each of the plurality of types of databases based on the search condition input by the search condition input step,
A determination step for determining the content to be output as voice from the target information searched by the search step, based on information relating to priorities of the plurality of types of databases determined in advance;
A voice output step for notifying the content determined by the determination step;
Information search method characterized by including   An information search program for causing a computer to execute the information search method according to claim 8 or 9.

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