JP2011127960A - Apparatus, method and program for navigation - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a traveling route appropriately on the basis of point information prepared by using a comment which a user gives to a point. <P>SOLUTION: A navigation apparatus includes a comment information acquisition unit for acquiring comment information including the comment which the user gives to the point, a peculiar expression extractor for extracting a peculiar expression from the comment information, a point information memory for storing the point information prepared by making the information of the peculiar expression correspond to the point, a feature degree calculator for calculating a feature degree of the point by using the point information, a user condition acquisition unit for acquiring conditions regarding a search for the traveling route, and a traveling route candidate ranking unit for ranking traveling route candidates on the basis of the feature degree according to the conditions specified by the user. According to this constitution, the traveling route candidate can be ranked appropriately, based on the point information prepared in conformity to the comment which the user gives to the point. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device that guides a travel route to a destination to a user.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a navigation device that searches for a route to a destination and shows a travel route to the destination on a map displayed on a display screen is known. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for searching for information that matches a user's desire (preference) using a point information database and setting a route that passes through the point. Specifically, in this technique, the facility of the advertisement provider related to the user information is extracted between the first point and the second point specified by the user, and the route is passed through some of the plurality of extracted facilities. Among the plurality of traveling routes, a traveling route that meets the conditions set by the user is set.

Japanese Patent No. 4080649

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, information on a characteristic point is appropriately generated using a comment given to the point by the user, and a travel route is set based on the information. It was difficult. That is, it is difficult to guide a travel route including a point to which an expression peculiar to the region is given by the user.

  Examples of the problem to be solved by the present invention include the above. The present invention provides a navigation device, a navigation method, and a navigation program capable of appropriately setting a travel route based on point information created using a comment given to a point by a user. Is an issue.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the navigation device includes comment information acquisition means for acquiring comment information including a comment given by the user to the point, and a unique expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment information Using the specific expression extracting means for extracting the point information, the point information storing means for storing the point information in which at least the specific expression information is associated with the point, and the point information stored in the point information storing means A feature degree calculating means for calculating a feature degree representing a degree indicating that the spot is a characteristic place, and storing the feature degree in the spot information storage means as one piece of the spot information; and a user And a user condition acquisition means for acquiring conditions relating to the search for the travel route, and a search for a travel route candidate to the destination based on the map information. Comprising a traveling route searching unit, wherein in response to the condition that the user condition acquisition unit has acquired, and a travel route candidate ranking means for ranking the candidate of the travel route based on the feature level.

  In the invention according to claim 7, the navigation method includes a comment information acquisition step of acquiring comment information including a comment given by the user to the point, and a unique expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment information A unique expression extraction step of extracting the point information, a point information storage step of storing point information in which at least the information of the specific expression is associated with the point, and the point information stored in the point information storage step , Calculating a feature degree indicating a degree indicating that the point is a characteristic place, and storing the feature degree as one piece of information of the point information; A user condition acquisition step of acquiring conditions, a travel route search step of searching for a route candidate to the destination based on the map information, Serial in response to the condition that has been acquired at the user condition acquisition step, and a travel route candidate ranking step of ranking the candidate of the travel route based on the feature level.

  In the invention according to claim 8, a navigation program executed by an apparatus including a computer includes comment information acquisition means for acquiring comment information including a comment given to a point by a user from the comment information. Specific expression extraction means for extracting a specific expression indicating a specific expression at the point, point information storage means for storing point information in which at least the information of the specific expression is associated with the point, and the point information storage means. Using the stored point information, a feature degree representing a degree indicating that the point is a characteristic place is calculated, and the feature degree is stored in the point information storage unit as one piece of the point information. Feature level calculation means for storing, user condition acquisition means for acquiring conditions relating to travel route search from the user Based on the map information, a travel route search means for searching for a travel route candidate to the destination, and ranking the travel route candidates based on the feature degree according to the condition acquired by the user condition acquisition means It functions as a travel route candidate ranking means.

1 shows a schematic configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment. 1 shows a functional configuration of a navigation device according to the present embodiment. The functional configuration of the comment information digitizing unit is shown. The specific example which showed the one part information of point information is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an incidental information storage process part. A specific example of the extraction result of the specific expression is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the process for memorize | storing a specific expression and the frequency | count of appearance in a point information storage part. The figure for demonstrating the calculation method of distribution density concretely is shown. A specific example of point information having a distribution density, a characteristic degree, and the like will be shown. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of a feature degree. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process of the comment information digitization part. The function structure of a route ranking part is shown. The specific example of the selection range which a range determination part uses is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the selection process of point information. The figure for demonstrating the specific example of a priority setting is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of a priority. A specific example of ranking the travel route candidates is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the ranking process of a driving | running | working route candidate. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process of a route ranking part.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the navigation device includes comment information acquisition means for acquiring comment information including a comment given by a user to a point, and a unique expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment information. Using the specific expression extracting means to extract, the point information storage means for storing the point information in which at least the information of the specific expression is associated with the point, and the point information stored in the point information storage means A feature degree calculating means for calculating a feature degree indicating a degree indicating that the point is a characteristic place, and storing the feature degree in the point information storage means as one piece of the point information; , Search for a candidate for a driving route to the destination based on map information and user condition acquisition means for acquiring conditions relating to the search for the driving route Comprising a line route search means, in response to the condition in which the user condition acquisition unit has acquired, and a travel route candidate ranking means for ranking the candidate of the travel route based on the feature level.

  Said navigation apparatus is mounted suitably for a mobile body. The comment information acquisition unit acquires comment information including a comment given to the spot by the user. For example, the comment information acquisition unit acquires comment information including comments input by the user using keys, switches, buttons, a remote controller, a touch panel, and voice. The specific expression extraction unit analyzes the comment information to extract a specific expression indicating a specific expression at the point, and the point information storage unit stores the point information in which such a specific expression is associated with the point. Remember. The feature degree calculating means uses the point information stored in the point information storing means, that is, taking into account the contents of the point information related to other points, and represents the degree indicating that the point is a characteristic place Calculate the degree. Then, the characteristic degree calculation means stores the characteristic degree as point information in the point information storage means. The user condition acquisition unit acquires a condition related to the search for the travel route specified by the user. The travel route search means searches for a travel route candidate to the destination based on the map information. For example, the travel route search means searches for the shortest route from the departure point to the destination via the waypoint as a travel route candidate. The travel route candidate ranking means ranks the travel route candidates based on the features stored in the point information storage means according to the conditions specified by the user. According to said navigation apparatus, a driving | running route candidate can be appropriately ranked based on the spot information created by the comment which the user provided with respect to the spot.

  In one aspect of the navigation device, the feature calculation means uses the spot information stored in the spot information storage means to calculate the distribution density of the same unique expression within a predetermined range including the spot. And calculating the feature based on the distribution density.

  According to this aspect, since the degree of feature is calculated based on the distribution density of points having the same unique expression, it becomes clear that the extracted unique expression is an expression specific to the region. For example, since the feature value becomes large at a point located in a range where the distribution density of the unique expression is high, it is easy to determine that the unique expression is an expression unique to the region. Thereby, it becomes possible to appropriately guide the travel route including the point to which the region-specific expression is given by the user.

  Preferably, in the above navigation device, the feature degree calculation means includes a value obtained by integrating the number of times that the same specific expression appears at the point and the distribution density, and the point that appears at the point. The feature degree can be calculated based on the number of types of specific expressions.

  In another aspect of the above navigation device, the user condition acquisition means acquires selection conditions for selecting the spot information used when setting the travel route from a user, and ranks the travel route candidates. The means selects the spot information from the spot information storage means according to the selection conditions, and ranks the travel route candidates based on the feature degree of the spot information. Thus, it is possible to appropriately select the spot information that satisfies the conditions specified by the user and rank the travel route candidates based on the spot information.

  In a preferred example, the selection condition includes a condition regarding a range of a distance from a position on the route to a point corresponding to the point information, a condition regarding a range of a period of the point information, and a driving route. And a condition relating to a range of the number of times the point information has been selected in the past.

  In another aspect of the navigation device, when the travel route search means searches for the travel route candidates, the travel route candidate ranking means sets a rank for the travel route candidates. The priority is calculated for each of the travel route candidates based on the feature degree of the selected spot information, and the travel route is determined based on the priority and the order set by the travel route search means. Rank the candidates.

  In this aspect, priority is set for the travel route candidates based on the feature degree of the point information, and the travel route candidates are ranked in consideration of both the priority and the order set by the travel route search means. . As a result, for example, it is possible to appropriately rank the travel route candidates in consideration of the content of the point information with respect to the estimated time of the travel route.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the navigation method includes a comment information acquisition step of acquiring comment information including a comment given to a point by a user, and a unique expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment information. Using the specific information extraction step to extract, the point information storage step for storing the point information in which at least the specific expression information is associated with the point, and the point information stored in the point information storage step, A feature degree calculating step for calculating a degree of degree indicating that the point is a characteristic place, and storing the feature degree as one piece of information of the point information, and a condition relating to a travel route search from the user A user condition acquisition step of acquiring a travel route search step of searching for a candidate of a travel route to a destination based on map information, Depending on the conditions obtained in the chromatography. The condition acquiring step, and a travel route candidate ranking step of ranking the candidate of the travel route based on the feature level.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, a navigation program executed by an apparatus including a computer includes: comment information acquisition means for acquiring comment information including a comment given by a user to a point from the comment information; Specific expression extraction means for extracting a specific expression indicating a specific expression at the point, point information storage means for storing point information in which at least the information of the specific expression is associated with the point, and the point information storage means. Using the stored point information, a feature degree representing a degree indicating that the point is a characteristic place is calculated, and the feature degree is stored in the point information storage unit as one piece of the point information. Feature level calculation means for storing, user condition acquisition means for acquiring conditions relating to travel route search from the user Based on the map information, a travel route search means for searching for a travel route candidate to the destination, and ranking the travel route candidates based on the feature degree according to the condition acquired by the user condition acquisition means It functions as a travel route candidate ranking means.

  Also according to the navigation method and the navigation program described above, it is possible to appropriately rank the travel route candidates based on the spot information created by the comment given to the spot by the user.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle navigation apparatus.

[Navigation device]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the navigation device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a self-supporting positioning device 10, a GPS receiver 18, a system controller 20, a disk drive 31, a data storage unit 36, a communication interface 37, a communication device 38, a display unit 40, an audio output. A unit 50 and an input device 60 are provided.

  The self-supporting positioning device 10 includes an acceleration sensor 11, an angular velocity sensor 12, and a distance sensor 13, and functions as a self-supporting positioning sensor. The acceleration sensor 11 is made of, for example, a piezoelectric element, detects vehicle acceleration, and outputs acceleration data. The angular velocity sensor 12 is composed of, for example, a vibrating gyroscope, detects the angular velocity of the vehicle when the direction of the vehicle is changed, and outputs angular velocity data and relative azimuth data. The distance sensor 13 measures a vehicle speed pulse composed of a pulse signal generated with the rotation of the vehicle wheel.

  The GPS receiver 18 receives radio waves 19 carrying downlink data including positioning data from a plurality of GPS satellites. The positioning data is used to detect the absolute position of the vehicle from latitude and longitude information.

  The system controller 20 includes an interface 21, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, and controls the entire navigation apparatus 1.

  The interface 21 performs an interface operation with the acceleration sensor 11, the angular velocity sensor 12, the distance sensor 13, and the GPS receiver 18. From these, vehicle speed pulses, acceleration data, relative azimuth data, angular velocity data, GPS positioning data, absolute azimuth data, and the like are input to the system controller 20. The CPU 22 controls the entire system controller 20. The ROM 23 includes a nonvolatile memory (not shown) in which a control program for controlling the system controller 20 is stored. The RAM 24 stores various data such as route data preset by the user via the input device 60 so as to be readable, and provides a working area to the CPU 22.

  A system controller 20, a disk drive 31 such as a CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive, a data storage unit 36, a communication interface 37, a display unit 40, an audio output unit 50, and an input device 60 are mutually connected via a bus line 30. It is connected to the.

  The disk drive 31 reads and outputs content data such as music data and video data from a disk 33 such as a CD or DVD under the control of the system controller 20. The disk drive 31 may be either a CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive, or may be a CD and DVD compatible drive.

  The data storage unit 36 is configured by, for example, an HDD and stores various data used for navigation processing such as map data and facility data. The data storage unit 36 has a map database in which map information is stored.

  The communication device 38 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a beacon receiver, a mobile phone, a dedicated communication card, and the like, and acquires information distributed from a VICS (Vehicle Information Communication System) center or the like via the communication interface 37. .

  The display unit 40 displays various display data on a display device such as a display under the control of the system controller 20. Specifically, the system controller 20 reads map data from the data storage unit 36. The display unit 40 displays the map data read from the data storage unit 36 by the system controller 20 on the display screen. The display unit 40 includes a graphic controller 41 that controls the entire display unit 40 based on control data sent from the CPU 22 via the bus line 30 and a memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM), and can display image information that can be displayed immediately. A buffer memory 42 that temporarily stores, a display control unit 43 that controls display of a display 44 such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) based on image data output from the graphic controller 41, and a display 44 are provided. . The display 44 functions as an image display unit, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device having a diagonal size of about 5 to 10 inches and is mounted near the front panel in the vehicle.

  The audio output unit 50 is a D / A (Digital) of audio digital data sent from the CD-ROM drive 31, DVD-ROM 32, BD-ROM, RAM 24 or the like via the bus line 30 under the control of the system controller 20. to Analog) D / A converter 51, amplifier (AMP) 52 that amplifies the audio analog signal output from D / A converter 51, and the amplified audio analog signal is converted into audio and output to the vehicle And a speaker 53.

  The input device 60 includes keys, switches, buttons, a remote controller, a voice input device, and the like for inputting various commands and data. The input device 60 is disposed around the front panel and the display 44 of the main body of the in-vehicle electronic system mounted in the vehicle. When the display 44 is a touch panel system, the touch panel provided on the display screen of the display 44 also functions as the input device 60.

[Function configuration]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the navigation device 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation apparatus 1 includes a comment information acquisition unit 101, a user condition acquisition unit 102, a position / time information acquisition unit 103, a comment information digitization unit 105, a point information storage unit 106, A travel route search unit 107 and a route ranking unit 108 are provided. Here, each component will be briefly described.

  The comment information acquisition unit 101 acquires comment information including a comment given to the spot by the user. Here, the comment information includes incidental information including a target point name and position information (latitude and longitude) at a point to which a user gives a comment, a comment (for example, text format) and time information (year / month / day) given by the user. And comment contents having. The target spot name is information included in the map information stored in the map database, and the position information and time information are information received by the GPS receiver 18. The comment is information input by the user using, for example, a key, switch, button, remote controller, touch panel, or voice. The comment information acquisition unit 101 supplies the acquired comment information to the comment information digitization unit 105. The comment information acquisition unit 101 includes the input device 60 described above. The comment information acquisition unit 101 functions as a comment information acquisition unit.

  The user condition acquisition unit 102 acquires a condition related to a search for a travel route specified by the user (hereinafter referred to as “user specified condition”). For example, the user condition acquisition unit 102 acquires user-specified conditions input by the user using keys, switches, buttons, a remote controller, a touch panel, and voice. Here, the user-specified conditions include conditions such as waypoints and destinations specified by the user. The user condition acquisition unit 102 supplies information regarding the acquired user-specified conditions to the travel route search unit 107 and the route ranking unit 108. The user condition acquisition unit 102 corresponds to the input device 60 described above. Note that the user condition acquisition unit 102 functions as a user condition acquisition unit.

  The position / time information acquisition unit 103 corresponds to the GPS receiver 18 described above, and acquires current position information and time information. The position / time information acquisition unit 103 supplies the acquired current position information and time information to the travel route search unit 107.

  The comment information digitizing unit 105 obtains comment information from the comment information obtaining unit 101, performs a process of digitizing the comment information, and the point information storage unit 106 obtains information obtained by digitizing in this way. The point information including is stored. In this case, the comment information digitizing unit 105 refers to the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106 and performs statistical processing regarding the comment information. The details of the operation and point information of the comment information digitizing unit 105 will be described later. The comment information digitizing unit 105 corresponds to the system controller 20 described above, and the point information storage unit 106 corresponds to the data storage unit 36 described above. The comment information digitizing unit 105 functions as a specific expression extracting unit and a feature degree calculating unit, and the point information storage unit 106 functions as a point information storage unit.

  The travel route search unit 107 acquires current position information and time information from the position / time information acquisition unit 103, and acquires route point and target value information from the user condition acquisition unit 102. Based on the map information stored in the map database, the travel route search unit 107 uses a known method to select a travel route candidate from the departure point (current location) to the destination via the waypoint (hereinafter, referred to as “route route candidate”). It is also called “travel route candidate”). In this case, the travel route search unit 107 generates information including the number of travel route candidates and the rank of the travel route candidates (hereinafter referred to as “route information”) in addition to the travel route candidates. For example, the travel route search unit 107 sets the shortest route from the departure point to the destination via the waypoint as a travel route candidate. The travel route search unit 107 supplies the generated route information to the route ranking unit 108. The travel route search unit 107 corresponds to the system controller 20 described above. The travel route search unit 107 functions as travel route search means.

  The route ranking unit 108 acquires user-specified conditions from the user condition acquisition unit 102 and acquires route information from the travel route search unit 107. The route ranking unit 108 ranks the travel route candidates searched by the travel route search unit 107. Specifically, the route ranking unit 108 selects spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106 in accordance with user-specified conditions, and ranks the travel route candidates based on the selected spot information. Details of the operation of the route ranking unit 108 will be described later. The route ranking unit 108 corresponds to the system controller 20 described above. The route ranking unit 108 functions as a travel route candidate ranking unit.

[Operation of comment information digitizing section]
Next, the operation of the comment information digitizing unit 105 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the comment information digitizing unit 105. As shown in FIG. 3, the comment information digitizing unit 105 includes a comment information separating unit 105a, an accompanying information storage processing unit 105b, a specific expression extracting unit 105c, a feature degree calculating unit 105d, a text dictionary unit 105e, Have Here, each component will be briefly described.

  The comment information separation unit 105a acquires comment information from the comment information acquisition unit 101, and performs processing for separating the comment information into incidental information and comment content. Specifically, the comment information separation unit 105a includes the acquired comment information, the incidental information including the target point name and position information (latitude and longitude), the comment (text format), and the time information (year / month / day). It is separated from the comment content it has. The comment information separation unit 105a supplies the separated comment content to the specific expression extraction unit 105c (see arrow d1) and supplies the separated supplementary information to the supplementary information storage processing unit 105b (see arrow d2). In this case, the positional information of the accompanying information is also supplied to the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 and the feature degree calculating unit 105d of the specific expression extracting unit 105c (see arrows d2a and d2b). The time information included in the comment content is also supplied to the incidental information storage processing unit 105b.

  The incidental information storage processing unit 105 b acquires incidental information from the comment information separation unit 105 a and performs a process for storing the incidental information in the point information storage unit 106. Specifically, the supplementary information storage processing unit 105 b performs processing for storing the supplementary information in the spot information storage unit 106 while referring to the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106.

  FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106. As shown in FIG. 4, the spot information includes incidental information having a target spot name and position information, and comment content having time information. Note that only a part of the point information is shown here.

  Returning to FIG. The specific expression extraction unit 105c includes a morpheme analysis unit 105c1, a dependency analysis unit 105c2, and a specific expression specifying unit 105c3. The specific expression extracting unit 105c mainly acquires a comment content from the comment information separating unit 105a, and performs a process of extracting a specific expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment included in the comment content.

  Specifically, the morphological analysis unit 105c1 extracts words from the comments, and the dependency analysis unit 105c2 performs sentence structure analysis and association (modification) analysis. In this case, the morpheme analysis unit 105c1 and the dependency analysis unit 105c2 perform such analysis by referring to words, sentences, and patterns recorded in the text dictionary unit 105e. The specific expression specifying unit 105c3 extracts specific expressions based on the analysis results of the morphological analysis unit 105c1 and the dependency analysis unit 105c2. Also, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 obtains the number of times (the number of appearances) that the same specific expression has appeared in one comment. The specific expression specifying unit 105c3 supplies the obtained specific expression and the number of appearances to the feature degree calculation unit 105d and the spot information storage unit 106. In this case, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 refers to the point information stored in the point information storage unit 106 based on the position information acquired from the comment information separation unit 105a (see the arrow d2a), and the specific expression and Processing for storing the number of appearances in the point information storage unit 106 is performed.

  The feature degree calculation unit 105d acquires the specific expression and the number of appearances from the specific expression specifying unit 105c3, and represents a degree indicating that the point where the comment is given by the user is a characteristic place based on the information. The feature degree is calculated. In this case, the feature calculation unit 105d adds a comment by referring to the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106 based on the position information acquired from the comment information separation unit 105a (see arrow d2b). The distribution density of the same unique expression within a predetermined range including the determined point is calculated, and the feature degree is calculated based on the distribution density. The distribution density is a value indicating the number of times that the same specific expression as the specific expression extracted from the comment appears within a predetermined range including the point where the comment is given. Then, the feature degree calculation unit 105 d supplies the calculated distribution density and feature degree to the point information storage unit 106.

  Hereinafter, operations of the incidental information storage processing unit 105b, the specific expression extraction unit 105c, and the feature degree calculation unit 105d will be specifically described.

(Operation of incidental information storage processing unit)
With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the incidental information storage processing unit 105b will be specifically described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the incidental information storage processing unit 105b.

  First, in step S101, the incidental information storage processing unit 105b acquires spot information from the spot information storage unit 106 and acquires incidental information from the comment information separation unit 105a. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the incidental information storage processing unit 105b determines whether or not spot information having the same spot name and position information as the target spot name and position information included in the incidental information is stored in the spot information storage unit 106. To do.

  When spot information having the same spot name and position information is stored in the spot information storage unit 106 (step S102; Yes), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S <b> 103, the incidental information storage processing unit 105 b maintains the target spot name and position information included in the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106. In this case, the incidental information storage processing unit 105b holds the time information as time information used when storing the unique expression. Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the spot information having the same spot name and position information is not stored in the spot information storage unit 106 (step S102; No), the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the incidental information storage processing unit 105b causes the point information storage unit 106 to store the target spot name and position information acquired from the comment information separation unit 105a as new spot information. That is, the incidental information storage processing unit 105b creates a new spot information by assigning a number, and stores the target spot name and the position information as a part of the spot information. In this case, the incidental information storage processing unit 105b holds the time information as time information used when storing the unique expression. Then, the process ends.

(Operation of specific expression extraction unit)
Next, the operation of the specific expression extraction unit 105c will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, the specific expression extraction unit 105c acquires the comment content from the comment information separation unit 105a, and extracts the specific expression from the comment included in the comment content. Specifically, the morphological analysis unit 105c1 extracts words from the comments by referring to words, sentences, and patterns recorded in the text dictionary unit 105e. The dependency analysis unit 105c2 refers to the words, sentences, and patterns recorded in the text dictionary unit 105e with respect to the words extracted by the morpheme analysis unit 105c1, thereby analyzing sentence structures and related (modification). Analyze. The specific expression specifying unit 105c3 extracts specific expressions based on the analysis results of the morphological analysis unit 105c1 and the dependency analysis unit 105c2.

  The specific expression specifying unit 105c3 calculates the number of appearances of the specific expression at the same time as the extraction of the specific expression. The expression related to the specific expression is treated as the same as the specific expression, and the number of appearances is also the same. Add to proper expressions.

  FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the extraction result of the specific expression by the specific expression extraction unit 105c. Here, as an example, a case where the user gives a comment such as “This is beautiful in the spring when cherry blossoms are beautiful” to the point is given. In this example, a comment given by the user is obtained by using words such as “here”, “spring”, “naru”, “sakura”, “blow snow”, and “beautiful” recorded in the text dictionary unit 105e. , “This is / Spring / Ni / Naru / To / Sakura / Fukiyuki / Ga / Beautiful / Da / Ne” and so on. Then, from such an analysis result, specific expressions such as “Spring”, “Sakura Fubuki”, and “Beautiful” are extracted. In this case, the process of combining “sakura” and “snowstorm” obtained by the analysis is performed by the unique expression specifying unit 105c3, so that “sakura snowstorm” is extracted as the proper expression. Further, the number of appearances of each extracted unique expression is calculated by the specific expression specifying unit 105c3. In this example, since each extracted unique expression appears only once in the comment, the number of appearances of all the unique expressions is one.

  Note that it is not necessary to use all words extracted from the comments as specific expressions. The specific expression identifying unit 105c3 determines whether or not the word extracted from the comment is a word indicating a specific expression at the point, and only the words determined as the word indicating the specific expression at the point are determined. It can be used as a proper expression. For example, a word derived from the area, a word representing the user's emotion, and the like can be determined as a word indicating a specific expression at the point.

  Here, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 stores the specific expression and the number of appearances thus obtained in the point information storage unit 106. Specifically, the unique expression specifying unit 105c3, when the above-described incidental information storage processing unit 105b creates new spot information using the incidental information, the unique expression and the number of appearances for the new spot information. Remember. On the other hand, when the incidental information storage processing unit 105b is new and does not create the spot information, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 performs the process for the spot information already stored in the spot information storage unit 106, that is, A process for storing the unique expression and the number of appearances is performed on the existing point information.

  More specifically, if the existing point information does not have the same specific expression as the extracted specific expression, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 sets the extracted specific expression and the number of appearances of the specific expression to the existing specific expression. It memorize | stores newly with respect to point information. On the other hand, if the existing point information has the same specific expression as the extracted specific expression, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 does not perform the process of storing the specific expression, and the existing point information Only the process of adding the number of appearances of the extracted specific expression to the number of appearances of the specific expression included in is performed.

  The number of appearances determined by the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 is the number of times the same specific expression appears in one comment given by the user, but the number of appearances of the point information stored in the point information storage unit 106 is This is the number of times the same unique expression has appeared at the same point.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for storing the unique expression and the number of appearances in the point information storage unit 106 performed by the unique expression specifying unit 105c3.

  First, in step S201, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 acquires point information from the point information storage unit 106, and acquires the extracted specific expression and the number of appearances of the specific expression. Then, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 determines whether or not new spot information has been created by the incidental information in the incidental information storage processing unit 105b. When new point information is created (step S202; Yes), the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 stores the specific expression and the number of appearances for the new point information created by the auxiliary information storage processing unit 105b, and the time held by the auxiliary information storage processing unit 105b. Remember information. Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when new point information is not created (Step S202; No), processing progresses to Step S203. In step S203, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 determines whether or not the point information storage unit 106 stores point information having the same specific expression as the extracted specific expression. In this case, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 performs this process on the point information having the same additional information as the additional information corresponding to the extracted specific expression in the point information stored in the point information storage unit 106. Make a good judgment.

  If the same specific expression as the extracted specific expression is not stored (step S203; Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 newly stores the specific expression and the number of appearances for the point information already stored in the point information storage unit 106, and is held by the incidental information storage processing unit 105b. Memorize the time information. Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the same specific expression as the extracted specific expression is stored (step S203; No), the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the specific expression specifying unit 105c3 adds the number of appearances of the unique expression that the point information has to the number of appearances of the extracted specific expression to the point information already stored in the point information storage unit 106. And the time information held by the incidental information storage processing unit 105b is stored. Then, the process ends.

(Operation of the feature calculation unit)
Next, the operation of the feature degree calculation unit 105d will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, the feature degree calculation unit 105d acquires the specific expression and the number of appearances from the specific expression extraction unit 105c, and calculates the feature degree for the point where the comment is given by the user based on these. Specifically, the feature degree calculation unit 105d refers to the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106, thereby calculating the distribution density of the same unique expression within a predetermined range including the spot where the comment is given. Then, the feature degree is calculated based on the distribution density. That is, the feature calculation unit 105d calculates the distribution density of points (positional coordinates) having the same unique expression within a range defined on the map.

  Specifically, the point information storage unit 106 stores information related to the range defined on the map (hereinafter referred to as “range information”), and the feature degree calculation unit 105d is the position of the point where the comment is given. By comparing information (information acquired from the comment information separation unit 105a) with range information, a range to which the point belongs is searched. Then, the feature degree calculation unit 105d searches the point information storage unit 106 for point information having the same specific expression in the searched range, thereby calculating the distribution density of the specific expression in the range.

Here, if the position coordinates of a certain point are expressed as “Pi (x _i , y _i )” and the range information is expressed as “Pn (x _{n−1 to} x _n , y _{n−1 to} y _n )”, The condition that Pi belongs to Pn is “x _n−1 <x _i <x _n ” and “y _n−1 <y _i <y _n ”. Further, when Pi belongs to Pn, the distribution density D of the same unique expression in the range of Pn is calculated by the following equation (1).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a distribution density calculation method. FIG. 8 shows x (latitude) on the horizontal axis and y (longitude) on the vertical axis. Here, a method for calculating the distribution density at the point P1 is taken as an example. The point P1 belongs to a range R1 represented by a bold line. In this example, there are three points including the point P1 in the range R1 and having the same specific expression as the specific expression extracted from the comment given at the point P1. That is, in the range R1, there are three pieces of point information having the same specific expression as the specific expression obtained at the point P1. Therefore, at the point P1, the distribution density D of the same unique expression in the range R1 is “3”.

  Next, a method for calculating the feature degree from the distribution density thus obtained will be described. The feature degree calculation unit 105d determines the value obtained by weighting the number of appearances with the distribution density of the point, and the number of types of unique expressions that appear at the point with respect to the point for which the feature degree is to be calculated. Based on the above, the feature degree at the point is calculated. Specifically, the feature calculation unit 105d obtains a value (hereinafter, referred to as “appearance density”) obtained by integrating the number of appearances of the unique expression and the distribution density at the same point, and obtains the value at the point. The feature degree at the point is calculated by adding the sum of the appearance densities and the number of types of specific expressions. Thereafter, the feature degree calculation unit 105d supplies information such as the calculated distribution density and feature degree to the point information storage unit 106, thereby storing the information as point information.

Specifically, when the number of appearances is expressed as “Oc”, the distribution density is expressed as “D”, and the appearance density is expressed as “OD”, the appearance density OD is calculated from the equation (2). Then, if the sum of the appearance densities OD is expressed as “Cnt_OD”, the number of types of unique expressions is expressed as “Cnt_Var”, and the characteristic degree is expressed as “X”, the characteristic degree X is calculated from Equation (3). . Note that the sum Cnt_OD of the appearance densities OD corresponds to the sum of the appearance densities OD calculated for all the unique expressions included in one point information.
OD = Oc × D Formula (2)
X = Cnt_OD + Cnt_Var Expression (3)
FIG. 9 shows a specific example of the spot information having the calculated distribution density, feature degree, and the like. As shown in the figure, for the point information, the kind of unique expression Var, the number of occurrences of the unique expression Oc, the distribution density D of the same unique expression, the number of appearances Oc, and the distribution density D are integrated with respect to one point. The appearance density OD obtained by doing this and the time information from which the unique expression is obtained are stored in association with the unique expression. Further, the point information stores the sum Cnt_OD of the appearance density OD, the number of types of unique expressions Cnt_Var, and the characteristic degree X.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the feature X calculation process performed by the feature calculator 105d.

First, in step S301, the feature calculation unit 105d acquires the position information Pi (x _i , y _i ) from the comment information separation unit 105a, and acquires the specific expression and the number of appearances Oc from the specific expression extraction unit 105c. Then, the process proceeds to step S302.

In step S <b _> 302, the feature degree calculation unit 105 d uses the range information “Pn (x _{n−1 to} x _n , y _n−1 to y) stored in the point information storage unit 106 as the position information Pi (x _i , y _i ). _n ) ”is searched for a range to which the point corresponding to the position information Pi (x _i , y _i ) belongs. Then, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the feature degree calculation unit 105d refers to the position information and the specific expression included in the point information stored in the point information storage unit 106 in accordance with the range searched in step S302, so that the characteristic expression extraction unit 105c The point information storage unit 106 is searched for point information having the same specific expression as the obtained specific expression. Then, the feature degree calculation unit 105d calculates the distribution density D of points having the same unique expression within the range. Specifically, the feature degree calculation unit 105d calculates the distribution density D using the above equation (1). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, the feature calculation unit 105d displays the number of appearances Oc acquired from the specific expression extraction unit 105c, the distribution density D calculated in step S303, and the point information stored in the point information storage unit 106 (points at the same point). The characteristic degree X is calculated based on the number of types of unique expressions Cnt_Var included in the information. Specifically, the feature calculation unit 105d calculates the appearance density OD by integrating the number of appearances Oc and the distribution density D, and adds the total Cnt_OD of the appearance density OD at the point and the number of types of unique expressions Cnt_Var. By doing so, the feature degree X at the point is calculated. Then, the process ends.

(Overall processing)
Next, the overall processing of the comment information digitizing unit 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall processing of the comment information digitizing unit 105.

  First, in step S <b> 401, the comment information separation unit 105 a in the comment information digitization unit 105 acquires comment information from the comment information acquisition unit 101. Then, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the comment information separating unit 105a in the comment information digitizing unit 105 performs processing for separating the acquired comment information into incidental information and comment content. Then, the comment information separation unit 105a supplies the separated supplementary information to the supplementary information storage processing unit 105b and supplies the separated comment content to the specific expression extraction unit 105c. In this case, the comment information separation unit 105a also supplies the positional information of the incidental information to the specific expression extraction unit 105c and the feature degree calculation unit 105d. Then, the process proceeds to step S403 and step S404.

  In step S403, the incidental information storage processing unit 105b in the comment information digitizing unit 105 performs processing for causing the point information storage unit 106 to store the incidental information acquired from the comment information separation unit 105a. Specifically, the supplementary information storage processing unit 105 b refers to the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106 and performs processing for storing the supplementary information in the spot information storage unit 106. Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, in step S404, the specific expression extraction unit 105c in the comment information digitization unit 105 performs a process of extracting a specific expression from the comments included in the comment content acquired from the comment information separation unit 105a. At the same time, the specific expression extraction unit 105c calculates the number of appearances Oc of the specific expression. The specific expression extraction unit 105c supplies the specific expression and the appearance count Oc obtained in this way to the feature degree calculation unit 105d. Further, the unique expression extraction unit 105 c refers to the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106 and performs processing for storing the unique expression and the number of appearances Oc in the spot information storage unit 106. Then, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, the feature degree calculation unit 105d in the comment information digitization unit 105 calculates the distribution density D for the unique expression acquired from the specific expression extraction unit 105c. Specifically, the feature calculation unit 105d uses the position information Pi acquired from the comment information separation unit 105a to refer to the spot information and the range information Pn stored in the spot information storage unit 106, thereby The distribution density D of the same unique expression within a predetermined range including the point to which is given is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, the feature degree calculation unit 105d in the comment information digitizing unit 105 refers to the spot information (the spot information at the same spot) stored in the spot information storage unit 106, and the distribution density calculated in step S405. A feature degree X is calculated based on D. Specifically, the feature degree calculation unit 105d obtains the appearance density OD by accumulating the number of appearances Oc of the specific expression and the distribution density D for the point to which the comment is given by the user, and the appearance density OD at the point. Is added to the total number Cnt_OD and the number of types of unique expressions Cnt_Var, thereby calculating the feature degree X at the point. Then, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, the feature degree calculation unit 105d in the comment information digitization unit 105 stores the distribution density D, the number of types Cnt_Var, the feature degree X, and the like obtained as described above in the point information storage unit 106. Process. Then, the process ends.

(effect)
According to the comment information quantification unit 105 described above, the feature degree is calculated based on the distribution density of the points having the same unique expression. It becomes. That is, since the feature value increases at a point located in a range where the distribution density of the unique expression is high, it is easy to determine that the unique expression is an expression unique to the region. Thereby, it becomes possible to appropriately guide the travel route including the point to which the region-specific expression is given by the user.

[Operation of route ranking unit]
Next, the operation of the above-described route ranking unit 108 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 12 shows a functional configuration of the route ranking unit 108. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the route ranking unit 108 includes a range determination unit 108a and a rank determination unit 108b. Here, each component will be briefly described.

  The range determination unit 108 a acquires user-specified conditions from the user condition acquisition unit 102 and acquires route information from the travel route search unit 107. The range determination unit 108a selects point information from the point information storage unit 106 to be used for the travel route candidate searched by the travel route search unit 107 according to the user-specified condition. That is, the range determination unit 108 a determines the selection range of the spot information based on the travel route candidate and the user-specified condition, and selects the corresponding spot information from the spot information storage unit 106. The range determination unit 108a supplies the selected point information to the rank determination unit 108b.

  The rank determination unit 108b acquires the spot information selected by the range determination unit 108a, and ranks the travel route candidates searched by the travel route search unit 107 based on the spot information. Specifically, the rank determination unit 108b calculates a priority for each of the travel route candidates based on the feature level of the selected spot information. Then, the rank determination unit 108b ranks the travel route candidates based on the calculated priority and the ranks (information included in the route information) set for each of the travel route candidates by the travel route search unit 107. Attach.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the range determination unit 108a and the rank determination unit 108b will be specifically described.

(Operation of range judgment unit)
The range determination unit 108a acquires, for example, conditions related to distance, period, and history as user-specified conditions, and determines the selection range of point information based on these conditions. In this case, the condition regarding the distance is a condition regarding the range of the distance (shortest distance) from the position on the route (line) in the travel route candidate to the point corresponding to the point information. Moreover, the condition regarding the period is a condition regarding the range of the point information period, and indicates, for example, the season, year, month, and date / time range of the selected point information (time information). The history-related condition is a condition regarding the range of the number of times point information has been selected in the past (hereinafter referred to as “number of selections”) when setting the travel route. Such number of selections is stored in the point information storage unit 106. The range determination unit 108a selects point information that satisfies all these three conditions from the point information storage unit 106.

  FIG. 13 shows a specific example of the selection range used by the range determination unit 108a. In FIG. 13, the condition regarding “distance L” means that point information (position) within a range of radius L, which is defined by the center route coordinates of the travel route candidate, is selected. Further, the condition relating to “period T” means that point information (time) in the range of the period T from the current date and time is selected. Further, the condition regarding “history H” means that point information (number of times of selection) in the range of the number H of times of selecting point information in the past is selected. In this case, the selection range is expressed as “(distance) AND (period) AND (history)”. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the user designates a selection range of point information by selecting a condition from a plurality of candidates presented for each of the distance L, the period T, and the history H.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of point information selection processing by the range determination unit 108a.

  First, in step S501, the range determination unit 108a requests the user to specify user-specified conditions. Specifically, the user is requested to specify conditions regarding the distance L, the period T, and the history H. Then, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, the range determination unit 108a determines whether or not the distance L is designated by the user. If the distance L is specified (step S502; Yes), the process proceeds to step S503. If the distance L is not specified (step S502; No), the process returns to step S501.

  In step S503, the range determination unit 108a selects point information from the point information storage unit 106 based on the position coordinates of a range with the distance L as the radius centered on the route coordinates of the travel route candidate. Then, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, the range determination unit 108a determines whether or not the period T is designated by the user. If the period T is specified (step S504; Yes), the process proceeds to step S505. If the period T is not specified (step S504; No), the process returns to step S501.

  In step S505, the range determination unit 108a selects spot information from the spot information storage unit 106 based on the period information that covers the period T. In this case, the range determination unit 108a selects point information from the point information selected in step S503. Then, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the range determination unit 108a determines whether or not the history H is designated by the user. If the history H is specified (step S506; Yes), the process proceeds to step S507. If the history H is not specified (step S506; No), the process returns to step S501.

  In step S <b> 507, the range determination unit 108 a selects spot information from the spot information storage unit 106 based on the number of selections including the selection count of the history H as a range. In this case, the range determination unit 108a selects point information from the point information selected in steps S503 and S505. As a result, point information that satisfies all three conditions of distance L, period T, and history H is selected. Then, the process proceeds to step S508.

  In step S508, the range determination unit 108a adds the number of times of selection of the spot information to the spot information storage unit 106 with respect to the spot information selected in step S507. Then, the process ends.

(Operation of rank judgment unit)
Next, the operation of the rank determination unit 108b will be specifically described. The rank determination unit 108b sets a priority for each of the travel route candidates based on the spot information selected by the range determination unit 108a as described above. Specifically, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the sum of the features included in the selected spot information, and sets the priority based on the sum. For example, the rank determination unit 108b sets a priority having a larger value as the sum of the feature levels increases. As an example, the rank determination unit 108b sets priorities stepwise according to the total sum of the feature degrees.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of priority setting. In FIG. 15, “ΣX” represents the total sum of the features, “K” represents a certain number, and “Y” represents the priority. The constant K is defined as “K1 <K2 <K3 <... <Kn”, and the priority Y is defined as “Y1 <Y2 <Y3 <. In this case, the priority level Yn is set based on the relationship “Kn−1 ≦ ΣX <Kn” from the total sum ΣX of feature levels and a certain number Kn. In other words, the priority Yn is set in the range defined by the constant number Kn according to the range including the total sum of features ΣX.

  Note that the fixed number Kn defining such a range is set in advance by the user, for example. In this case, the fixed number Kn may be used as one of the user specifying conditions to be specified by the user. The priority Yn is also set in advance.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of priority setting processing by the rank determination unit 108b.

  First, in step S601, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the sum ΣX of the feature values from the feature values included in the spot information selected by the range determination unit 108a. Then, the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, the order determination unit 108b sets the increment operator n used when setting the priority to “1”. Then, the process proceeds to step S603.

  In step S603, the rank determination unit 108b uses the increment operator n set in step S602 to establish a relationship “Kn−1 ≦ ΣX <Kn” between the feature sum ΣX and the constant number Kn. It is determined whether or not to do. Specifically, the rank determination unit 108b determines whether or not the relationship “K0 ≦ ΣX <K1” is established. The certain number Kn is set in advance by the user or the like, and for example, “K0” is set to “0”.

  If the relationship “Kn−1 ≦ ΣX <Kn” is established (step S603; Yes), the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, when the relationship “Kn−1 ≦ ΣX <Kn” is not satisfied (step S603; No), the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, the rank determination unit 108b increments the increment operator n. Then, the process returns to step S603, and the rank determination unit 108b determines whether or not the relationship “Kn−1 ≦ ΣX <Kn” is established. In other words, the rank determination unit 108b increments the increment operator n and repeats such determination until the relationship “Kn−1 ≦ ΣX <Kn” is established.

  In step S604, the order determination unit 108b sets the priority to the priority Yn corresponding to the currently set increment operator n. The priority Yn is set in advance to a value associated with “n”. Then, the process ends.

  Next, a method for ranking the travel route candidates based on the priority Yn set as described above will be described. The rank determination unit 108b ranks the travel route candidates based on the set priority Yn and the ranks (information included in the route information) set for each of the travel route candidates by the travel route search unit 107. To do. Specifically, the rank determination unit 108b scores the rank included in the route information for each of the travel route candidates, and calculates a total score based on the score and the priority Yn. Then, the rank determination unit 108b assigns ranks of travel route candidates in descending order of the total score.

  The travel route search unit 107 sets ranks for the travel route candidates according to the arrival time of each route, the total distance from the departure point (current location) to the destination via the waypoint, and the like.

  FIG. 17 shows a specific example of ranking of travel route candidates by the rank determining unit 108b. In FIG. 17, “m” indicates the number of travel route candidate routes, “p” indicates the rank of the travel route candidates, and “R” indicates the score for the rank p. The route number m and the rank p are information included in the route information. In this example, the score R is calculated from “R = m−p + 1”. In FIG. 17, “S” indicates the total score calculated based on the score R and the priority Yn. In this example, the total score S is calculated from “S = R + Yn”.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the rank determination unit 108b ranks the travel route candidates in descending order of the total score S, so that the rank is changed from the rank p initially set by the travel route search unit 107. Recognize.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of ranking processing of travel route candidates by the rank determining unit 108b.

  First, in step S701, the rank determination unit 108b acquires the route information (the number of routes m and the rank p) set by the travel route search unit 107 and the set priority Yn. Then, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the rank determination unit 108b gives a score R to the travel route candidate set by the travel route search unit 107. Specifically, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the score R based on the rank p of the travel route candidate. For example, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the score R from “R = m−p + 1”. Then, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S703, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the total score S based on the score R and the priority Yn of the travel route candidate. For example, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the total score S from “S = R + Yn”. Then, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, the rank determination unit 108b compares the total score S calculated for all the travel route candidates, and ranks the travel route candidates in descending order of the total score S. Then, the process ends.

(Overall processing)
Next, the overall processing of the route ranking unit 108 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the overall processing of the route ranking unit 108.

  First, in step S <b> 801, the range determination unit 108 a in the route ranking unit 108 acquires user-specified conditions from the user condition acquisition unit 102. Specifically, the range determination unit 108a acquires the distance L, the period T, and the history H that define the selection range of the spot information as the user designation condition, and uses a certain number Kn used when setting the priority Yn. get. Then, the process proceeds to step S803.

  Simultaneously with the processing in step S801, in step S802, the range determination unit 108a in the route ranking unit 108 acquires route information from the travel route search unit 107. Then, the process proceeds to steps S803 and S807.

  In step S803, the range determination unit 108a in the route ranking unit 108 refers to the spot information stored in the spot information storage unit 106 using the conditions regarding the distance L, the period T, and the history H acquired in step S801. By doing so, the selection range of point information is determined. That is, the range determination unit 108a selects, from the point information storage unit 106, point information that satisfies all these three conditions for each of the travel route candidates set by the travel route search unit 107. In this case, the range determination unit 108a selects point information using the position information related to the travel route candidate set by the travel route search unit 107. Then, the process proceeds to steps S804 and S805. In step S805, the range determination unit 108a adds the number of times of selection of the spot information to the spot information selected in step S803 and stores it in the spot information storage unit 106.

  In step S804, the rank determination unit 108b in the route ranking unit 108 calculates the total sum ΣX of the features included in the point information selected in step S803 for each of the travel route candidates. Then, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the rank determination unit 108b sets a priority Yn for each of the travel route candidates based on the total sum of features ΣX calculated in step S804. In this case, the rank determination unit 108b sets the priority Yn according to the range including the total sum of features ΣX using the range defined by the fixed number Kn acquired in step S801. Then, the process proceeds to step S808.

  On the other hand, in step S807, the rank determination unit 108b in the route ranking unit 108 gives a score R to each of the travel route candidates. Specifically, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the score R based on the rank p of the travel route candidate and the number m of routes. Then, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S808, the rank determination unit 108b in the route ranking unit 108 calculates the total score for each of the travel route candidates based on the priority Yn set in step S806 and the score R calculated in step S807. S is calculated. For example, the rank determination unit 108b calculates the total score S from “S = R + Yn”. Then, the process proceeds to step S809.

  In step S809, the rank determination unit 108b in the route ranking unit 108 compares the total score S calculated for all the travel route candidates, and ranks the travel route candidates in descending order of the total score S. Then, the process ends.

(effect)
According to the route ranking unit 108 described above, priorities are set for the travel route candidates based on the feature degree of the point information, and both the priority and the order set by the travel route search unit 107 are considered. Rank the route candidates. This makes it possible to appropriately rank the travel route candidates in consideration of the content of the point information along with the estimated time of the travel route.

[Modification]
In the selection of point information, if there is point information that is not located on the route of the candidate route (including the distance range specified by the user), but has a certain degree of feature (for example, specified by the user) The information may be presented to the user. Further, a point corresponding to such point information may be additionally designated as a transit point. When the designation is made, the travel route may be reset and the ranking may be performed again based on the route information obtained therefrom. In this case, since the travel route is different from before adding the transit point, it does not pass the point (excluding the transit point specified by the user) that was supposed to pass before adding the transit point. Since there is a possibility that the arrival time may change, it is desirable to present such a message to the user when adding a waypoint.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation apparatus 20 System controller 36 Data storage unit 60 Input device 101 Comment information acquisition part 102 User condition acquisition part 105 Comment information digitization part 105a Comment information separation part 105c Specific expression extraction part 105d Feature degree calculation part 106 Point information storage part 107 Travel route search unit 108 Route ranking unit 108a Range determination unit 108b Rank determination unit

Claims (8)

Comment information acquisition means for acquiring comment information including a comment given to the point by the user;
A specific expression extracting means for extracting a specific expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment information;
Point information storage means for storing point information in which at least the specific expression information is associated with the point;
Using the spot information stored in the spot information storage means, a feature degree representing a degree indicating that the spot is a characteristic place is calculated, and the feature degree is used as one piece of information of the spot information. A feature degree calculation means to be stored in the point information storage means;
User condition acquisition means for acquiring conditions related to the search for the travel route from the user;
A travel route search means for searching for a candidate travel route to the destination based on the map information;
A navigation apparatus comprising: a travel route candidate ranking unit that ranks the travel route candidates based on the feature degree according to the condition acquired by the user condition acquisition unit.   The feature degree calculation means calculates the distribution density of the same unique expression within a predetermined range including the point, using the point information stored in the point information storage means, and based on the distribution density The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the feature degree is calculated.   The feature degree calculating means is based on a value obtained by integrating the number of times that the same specific expression appears at the point and the distribution density, and the number of types of the specific expressions that appear at the point. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the feature degree is calculated. The user condition acquisition means acquires a selection condition for selecting the point information used when setting the travel route from a user,
The travel route candidate ranking unit selects the spot information from the spot information storage unit according to the selection condition, and ranks the travel route candidates based on the feature degree of the spot information. The navigation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the navigation apparatus is characterized. The selection conditions are:
A condition regarding a range of a distance from a position on the route in the candidate for the travel route to a point corresponding to the point information;
Conditions regarding the period range of the point information;
The navigation apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a condition regarding a range of the number of times the point information has been selected in the past when setting a travel route. When the travel route search means searches for the travel route candidates, the travel route search means sets a rank for the travel route candidates,
The travel route candidate ranking unit calculates a priority for each of the travel route candidates based on the feature level of the selected spot information, and the priority and the rank set by the travel route search unit The navigation device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the candidates for the travel route are ranked based on the ranking. A comment information acquisition step of acquiring comment information including a comment given to the point by the user;
A specific expression extracting step of extracting a specific expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment information;
A point information storing step for storing point information in which at least the specific expression information is associated with the point;
Using the spot information stored in the spot information storage step, a feature degree representing a degree indicating that the spot is a characteristic place is calculated, and the feature degree is stored as one piece of information of the spot information. A feature calculation step to be performed;
From the user, a user condition acquisition step of acquiring conditions related to the search for the travel route;
Based on the map information, a travel route search step for searching for a travel route candidate to the destination,
A navigation method comprising: a travel route candidate ranking step that ranks the travel route candidates based on the feature degree according to the condition acquired in the user condition acquisition step. A navigation program executed by an apparatus comprising a computer,
The computer,
Comment information acquisition means for acquiring comment information including a comment given to the point by the user;
A specific expression extracting means for extracting a specific expression indicating a specific expression at the point from the comment information;
Point information storage means for storing point information in which at least the specific expression information is associated with the point;
Using the spot information stored in the spot information storage means, a feature degree representing a degree indicating that the spot is a characteristic place is calculated, and the feature degree is used as one piece of information of the spot information. Feature degree calculating means to be stored in the point information storing means;
User condition acquisition means for acquiring conditions related to the search for the travel route from the user,
A travel route searching means for searching for a route candidate to the destination based on the map information;
A navigation program that functions as a travel route candidate ranking unit that ranks the travel route candidates based on the characteristics according to the condition acquired by the user condition acquisition unit.

Images