JP2006059106A - Provision of locational information through network - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology capable of reducing user's load for providing information expressing a geographical location. <P>SOLUTION: A locational character string related to a geographical location is extracted from a text included in a report received from a first client apparatus, map image information including the geographical location related to the locational character string and concerned with a map image in which a geographical range is defined is generated, and the map image information and information including the received report are transmitted to a second client apparatus in accordance with a request from the second client apparatus. It is also available that locational information transmitted in accordance with a request from the first client apparatus is received, a location displaying character string related to the geographical location expressed by the locational information is transmitted to the first client apparatus, a report including the location displaying character string is received from the first client apparatus, and information including the received report is transmitted to the second client apparatus in accordance with a request from the second client apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for providing information representing a geographical position via a network.

  In recent years, with the spread of the Internet, a wide variety of information is provided by systems using Web servers and the like. In addition, as a device for browsing provided information, devices that represent a geographical position (for example, a store location) indicated by the provided information on a map have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). reference).

JP 7-28813 A JP 2003-67379 A

  By the way, in a system that provides such information, if a user registers an article (information) including text, images, and the like, many other users can view the article. At this time, if new information is frequently registered, other users can browse the new information frequently. However, the burden on the user for registering information may be large. In particular, preparing information representing a geographical position has been a heavy burden for users who register information.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the burden on the user for providing information representing a geographical position. .

  In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, a server according to a first aspect of the present invention is a server that provides information via a network, and a text is sent from a first client device connected to the network. A post information receiving unit that receives post information that includes information, a provision information generation unit that generates provision information that is information including the post information, and a character string associated with a geographical position from the text A position character string extracting unit that extracts a position character string, and generating map image information related to a map image including a geographical position associated with the extracted position character string and having a geographical range defined In response to a request from a map image information generation unit that performs the operation and a second client device connected to the network, the provided information and the map image information are Comprises a possible information transmission unit that transmits to the second client device.

  According to this server, if the user registers an article including a character string representing a geographical position in the server, the server provides map image information related to the map image including the geographical position. It is possible to reduce the burden on the user for providing information indicating the correct position.

  In the server, when the information transmission unit receives a request for designating only one of the provision information and the map image information from the second client device, the information transmission unit and the map image information Alternatively, only the specified information may be transmitted to the second client device.

  According to this configuration, the server can transmit appropriate information according to the request of the second client device.

  In each of the above servers, each time the posted information receiving unit receives the posted information, the position character string extracting unit executes the extraction process only for new posted information received by the posted information receiving unit. The provision information generation unit may generate the extraction-completed provision information by adding the new post information to the provision information.

  According to this configuration, since the extraction process by the position character string extraction unit is sequentially performed on a plurality of posted information posted, when providing information including a plurality of posted information is provided However, it is possible to suppress the burden on the server for performing the extraction process on each piece of posted information from being concentrated in a short time.

  In each of the above servers, the map image information generated by the map image information generation unit may be a map image.

  According to this configuration, since the map image including the geographical position is provided by the server, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position.

  In the server, the provision information generation unit is capable of generating a plurality of types of provision information and adding the posted information to the types of provision information designated by an instruction from the first client device. The map image information generation unit is capable of generating a plurality of types of map images having the same geographical range and different displayed contents, and determining the types of contents of the map image, You may determine according to the kind of provision information to which contribution information is added.

  According to this configuration, the content of the map image provided by the server can be made suitable for the type of content of the provided information, so that the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position is reduced. It can be greatly reduced.

  In this configuration, the information transmission unit includes designated provision information, which is the kind of provision information designated by an instruction from the second client device, among the plurality of kinds of provision information, and the designated provision information. It is preferable to transmit a map image generated according to the posted information included in the second client device.

  In each of the servers described above, the map image information generation unit can generate a plurality of types of map images having the same geographical range and different displayed contents, and the server further includes: A map type character string extracting unit that extracts a map type character string that is a character string associated with one of the types of map images from the text, and the map image information generating unit The content type may be determined based on the extracted map type character string.

  According to this configuration, since the contents of the map image provided by the server can be made suitable for the contents of the text, the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position is greatly reduced. can do.

  In each of the above-described servers, the map image information generation unit can generate a plurality of types of map images having different geographical ranges, and the server can further generate a geography from the text. A range character string extraction unit that extracts a range character string that is a character string associated with a specific range size, and the map image information generation unit determines the size of the geographical range represented by the generated map image. , And may be determined based on the extracted range character string.

  According to this configuration, since the size of the range represented by the map image provided by the server can be made suitable for the content of the text, the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position Can be greatly reduced.

  In each of the above servers, the map image information generation unit can generate a plurality of types of map images having the same geographical range and different time ranges, and further, the time range of the map image to be generated May be determined based on the time related to the posted information.

  According to this configuration, the time range of the map image provided by the server can be made suitable for the time related to the article, so that the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position is greatly increased. Can be reduced.

  In each of the servers described above, the map image information generation unit, when a plurality of position character strings are extracted from the text included in one piece of post information, represents a geographical position represented by each of the plurality of position character strings. A map image representing a route passing through may be generated.

  According to this configuration, since the contents of the map image provided by the server can represent a route passing through a plurality of positions, the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position is greatly increased. Can be reduced.

  Each of the servers further includes an additional position information receiving unit that receives additional position information that is information representing a geographical position from the second client device, and the map image information generation unit includes the additional position information. A map image representing a route passing through the represented geographical position and the geographical position associated with the extracted position character string may be generated.

  According to this configuration, the content of the map image provided by the server can represent a route passing through the position represented by the additional position information and the position related to the position character string included in the article. The burden on the user for providing information representing a specific position can be greatly reduced.

  In each of the servers, in response to a request from the first client device, the posted information receiving unit receives at least a part of the posted information including the text, and the map image information generating unit May generate the map image based on the text, and the information transmission unit may transmit the map image to the first client device in a state where the post information can be corrected.

  According to this configuration, since the user can check the map image provided by the server and correct the posted information, the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position is greatly reduced. be able to.

  The server according to the second aspect of the present invention is a server that provides information via a network, and is a geographical location transmitted to the server in response to a request from a first client device connected to the network. A position information receiving unit that receives position information that represents a position, and a position display character string generation that generates a position display character string that is a character string associated with the geographical position represented by the position information based on the position information A position display character string transmission unit that transmits the position display character string to the first client device, and post information that is information including text including the position display character string is received from the first client device. A posting information receiving unit, a providing information generating unit that generates providing information that is information including the posting information, and a second client device connected to the network Depending on the requirements, and a provided information transmission unit that transmits the provided information to the second client device.

  According to this server, since the character string relating to the geographical position represented by the position information is provided by the server, the burden on the user for providing information representing the geographical position can be reduced.

  In the server, the position information receiving unit may receive the position information from the first client device.

  According to this configuration, the character string provided by the server can be made suitable for the position information sent from the first client device used by the user to post the article. The burden on the user for providing the information to be expressed can be greatly reduced.

  Each of the servers further includes a designation map image generation unit that generates a designation map image used for designation of the geographical position, and designation map image transmission that transmits the designation map image via the network. And the designation map image generation unit generates the designation map image and the designation map image transmission unit is generated before the location information reception unit receives the location information. The specified map image may be transmitted to the first client device, and the position information receiving unit may receive position information representing the position on the transmitted specified map image from the first client device.

  According to this configuration, since the character string provided by the server can be made suitable for the position on the designated map image transmitted in advance to the first client device, information representing the geographical position can be obtained. The burden on the user for providing can be significantly reduced.

  In the first aspect and the second aspect described above, the first client device and the second client device may be the same client device.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, an information providing method and an information providing apparatus, a computer program for realizing the function of the method or apparatus, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. Or the like.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Fourth embodiment:
E. Example 5:
F. Example 6:
G. Seventh embodiment:
H. Example 8:
I. Ninth embodiment:
J. et al. Tenth embodiment:
K. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a network system 300 as an embodiment of the present invention. The network system 300 includes two client computers 100a and 100b and a Web server 200 connected via the Internet INET.

  In each of the client computers 100a and 100b, a Web browser (hereinafter simply referred to as “browser”) is operating. The web browser acquires a web page from the web server 200 and displays the web page on a monitor (not shown). The user can give various instructions to the Web server 200 by operating the Web browser.

  The Web server 200 includes a data processing unit 210, a communication unit 250, a timer 260 that measures date and time, and a data storage unit 270 that stores various data. The data processing unit 210 updates and transmits Web pages in response to requests from the client computers 100a and 100b. At this time, the data processing unit 210 exchanges data with the Internet INET via the communication unit 250. The data storage unit 270 stores Web page data representing a Web page and various data used for updating the Web page. As the data storage unit 270, various memories such as an HDD and a RAM can be used. In the first embodiment, the Web page data is described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). However, as the format of the Web page data, any other format (for example, Java (registered trademark of Sun Microsystems)) may be adopted.

  FIG. 1 shows the internal configuration of the data processing unit 210. The data processing unit 210 of the first embodiment includes a web data receiving unit 212, a web data transmitting unit 214, a web data generating unit 216, a syntax analyzing unit 218, a position data managing unit 220, and a map data managing unit 222. And. The data processing unit 210 includes a CPU and a memory, and realizes the functions of each component by executing a computer program. Details of the function of each component will be described later.

  The computer program executed by the data processing unit 210 can be supplied in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed matter printed with codes such as barcodes, computer internal storage devices (such as RAM and ROM). A variety of computer-readable media such as a memory) and an external storage device can be used. Note that part or all of the functions of the data processing unit 210 may be realized by hardware.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a Web page provided by the Web server 200. This Web page has a calendar area CL, a year / month designation area YMA, a category designation area CA, and an article display area RA. In the article display area RA, a plurality of articles including text (shown by broken lines in the figure) are displayed. These plurality of articles are posted via the Internet INET. At the top of each article, the date the article was posted is shown. A plurality of articles are presented in the article display area RA in the chronological order.

  Also, at the bottom of each article, the posting time of the article, a link to a comment on the article, and a link to a Web page related to the article (also called “trackback”) are shown. When a web page viewer operates “comment”, a comment related to the article is displayed, and when “trackback” is operated, a list of links to the web page related to the article is displayed (not shown). “Comments” and “trackbacks” can be freely added (posted) by the viewer of the Web page. As “comments”, information (articles) including text can be posted, as in the above-described articles. The numbers in parentheses indicate the number of comments and the number of trackbacks, respectively. Note that “link” is also called “hyperlink” in HTML, and the user can browse link destination information by operating the link.

  In addition, a calendar for one month is displayed in the calendar area CL. When the date is manipulated, the articles posted on that day are displayed in the article display area RA. If the year / month designation area YMA is operated, the calendar of the designated year and month is displayed in the calendar area CL. In the first embodiment, articles are classified into a plurality of categories. In the category designation area CA, three categories for classifying articles (“shopping”, “gourmet”, and “movie”) are displayed. When the user operates one of the categories presented in the category designation area CA, articles in the designated category are displayed in the article display area RA. Note that the total number of categories is not limited to three, and an arbitrary number can be adopted.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for posting an article. FIG. 3 shows a case where an article is posted from the client computer 100a. In step S100, the user inputs an article. This input is performed using an input screen displayed by the Web browser.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the input screen. This input screen IS is a Web page provided by the Web server 200, similarly to the Web page of FIG. This input screen IS has a category menu CM, a title field TF, a text field BF, and a registration button RB. The user can designate a category for posting an article by operating the category menu CM. Further, the user can input text representing the title (hereinafter referred to as “title text”) in the title field TF, and can input text representing the body (hereinafter referred to as “body text”) in the body field BF.

  When the user operates the registration button RB, article data including each information input on the input screen IS is transmitted from the client computer 100a to the Web server 200 (FIG. 3: step S110). In the Web server 200, a Web page to which the received article is added is created according to the following procedure (Steps S120 to S150).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the process of adding an article. In the Web server 200 (FIG. 1), first, the Web data receiving unit 212 receives article data. Next, in step S120 (FIG. 3), the syntax analysis unit 218 extracts a position character string from the body text. FIG. 5 shows an example of a position database PDB in which position character strings are registered. In the position database, various character strings and coordinates (latitude and longitude in the example of FIG. 5) representing a geographical position are registered in association with each other. Thus, the position character string means a character string associated with a geographical position. Such a location database PDB is stored in the data storage unit 270 of the Web server 200. In the example of FIG. 5, the syntax analysis unit 218 extracts a position character string “B station” from the body text. Note that the position character string is not limited to the name of the building, and various character strings related to the geographical position such as the name of the administrative district (for example, city name or town name) and the name of the store may be adopted. it can.

  In the next step S130, the position data management unit 220 acquires the latitude and longitude associated with the extracted position character string using the position database PDB. In the next step S140, the web data generation unit 216 updates the web page data. At this time, body text, title text, data indicating latitude and longitude (hereinafter also referred to as “latitude / longitude data”), and reception date and time of article data obtained from the timer 260 are used (details will be described later). ). In the next step S150, the Web data generation unit 216 stores the generated updated Web page data in the data storage unit 270. The data storage unit 270 stores Web page data for each category. The Web data generation unit 216 adds an article to the specified category of Web page data.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the generated web page. In the article display area RA, a plurality of articles including the latest posted article (uppermost article) are displayed. A map button MB is displayed at the bottom of the posted article. This map button MB indicates a link to a map image. Data representing the link destination (hereinafter referred to as “link destination data”, for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) includes the above-described “latitude / longitude data”. The link destination map image is provided by the Web server 200 (details will be described later). The process shown in FIG. 3 is executed every time an article is posted. The map button MB is provided for each article. However, the map button MB is not provided for articles from which position character strings have not been extracted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for browsing such an updated Web page. FIG. 7 shows a case where a Web page is browsed by the client computer 100b (FIG. 1). In step S200, the client computer 100b transmits a web page browsing request to the web server 200. Such a browsing request is transmitted, for example, when a user inputs a predetermined URL or when a user operates a link to a Web page in a browser operating on the client computer 100b.

  In the next step S210, in the Web server 200, the Web data receiving unit 212 receives the browsing request, and the Web data transmitting unit 214 transmits the Web page data specified by the browsing request to the client computer 100b. Then, in the client computer 100b, the browser receives the web page data and displays the contents (FIG. 6) (step S220).

  Next, when the user operates the map button MB (FIG. 6), the client computer 100b acquires a map image from the Web server 200. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of how the client computer 100b acquires a map image. When the user operates the map button MB, the client computer 100b transmits a link destination browsing request (link destination data) including “latitude / longitude data” to the Web server 200 (FIG. 7: Step S230: Yes). The link destination data is received by the web data receiving unit 212 of the web server 200.

  Next, the map data management unit 222 extracts the “latitude / longitude data” included in the link destination data and refers to the map database MDB, thereby making the map centered on the position represented by the “latitude / longitude data”. Map image data representing an image is generated (FIG. 7: Step S240). Here, the map database MDB is a database stored in the data storage unit 270 (FIG. 1), and the map information (positions and shapes of features such as roads and buildings) has geographical coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude). ) And a registered database. The map data management unit 222 adopts a predetermined size (for example, 500 m × 500 m) as the size of the geographical range represented by the map image.

  Thereafter, the Web data generation unit 216 generates Web page data for displaying a map image (FIG. 7: Step S250), and the Web data transmission unit 214 transmits the Web page data to the client computer 100b (Step S260). ). In the client computer 100b, the web browser displays the web page (FIG. 8) including the map image (step S270).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, if a text including a character string representing a geographical position is registered in the server, a map image including the position is also provided by the server in addition to the text. As a result, even if the user who registers the information does not prepare the map image, the viewer can browse the map image including the position, which can greatly reduce the burden on the user who registers the information. It becomes.

  In the example of FIG. 5, only one position character string is extracted, but a plurality of position character strings may be extracted. In such a case, a map button for each position character string may be displayed on the Web page. Instead, the map data management unit 222 may generate one map image including all positions. Further, instead of displaying the map button, the position character string itself in the body text may indicate a link to the map image.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the size of the geographical range represented by the map image is determined in advance, but instead, the user may designate the size of the range. At this time, the user who posts the article may specify the size, or the user who browses the article may specify the size. At this time, the user may designate one of a plurality of size candidates. For example, the user may designate one of the candidates by operating a pull-down menu (not shown) representing a plurality of candidates.

  Note that the format for determining the geographical range is not limited to a format that uses coordinates representing the position of the range and the shape and size of the range (for example, a square of 500 m × 500 m), and any format should be adopted. Can do. For example, the shape and size of the map image may be determined in advance, and the geographical range may be determined using coordinates representing the center position of the map image and the scale of the map image.

  In the first embodiment, a map image is provided for a posted article, but a map image may be provided for a comment. At this time, even when the position character string is included in the comment, if the position character string is also included in the base article, a map image related to the position character string is used for the comment. It is good also as not providing. In this way, it is possible to prevent the same map image from being provided twice to a user who is browsing a comment related to the article after browsing the base article.

  In the present embodiment, the entire position data management unit 220 and the map data management unit 222 correspond to the “map image information generation unit” in the present invention. The map image generated by the map data management unit 222 corresponds to “map image information”.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a Web page and a map image in the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is that the map data management unit 222 refers to the map database MDB so that the geographical range is the same and the display contents are different from each other. A map image can be generated. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the map data management unit 222 can generate three types of map images: a store map, a movie theater map, and a restaurant map. The store map displays the location and name of the store, the movie theater map displays the location and name of the movie theater, and the restaurant map displays the location and name of the restaurant.

  FIG. 9 shows a state in which the web data generation unit 216 adds an article to the web page data. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is that the link destination data associated with the map button MB includes data for identifying the map type (hereinafter referred to as “map type data”). The process of adding an article is performed according to the same procedure as in FIG.

  In the upper right of FIG. 9, a table (hereinafter referred to as “category map type table”) that defines the correspondence between the map type and the category of the Web page is shown. In the example of FIG. 9, “shop map” is associated with “shopping”, “movie theater map” is associated with “movie”, and “restaurant map” is associated with “gourmet”. Yes. This category map type table is stored in advance in the data storage unit 270 of the Web server 200. The Web data generation unit 216 incorporates “map type data” representing the type of map associated with the category in which the article should be registered, together with “latitude / longitude data”, into the link destination data of the map button MB (FIG. 3: step). S140). In the example of FIG. 9, map type data representing a “cinema map” associated with the category “movie” is incorporated.

  Further, the lower part of FIG. 9 shows a state in which the map data management unit 222 generates a map image. This process is performed according to the same procedure as in FIG. When the user who browses the Web page operates the map button MB, link destination data including “latitude / longitude data” and “map type data” is transmitted to the Web server 200 (FIG. 7: step S230). The map data management unit 222 determines the position represented by the map image based on “latitude / longitude data”, and determines the type of map image based on “map type data”. In the example of FIG. 9, a movie theater map associated with the category “movie” is generated (FIG. 7: step S240).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the type of the map image is determined according to the type of the Web page in which the article is registered, it is possible to provide a map image suitable for the type of the Web page. . Note that the contents of the position database PDB may be modified in accordance with a user instruction.

  In addition, it is good also as displaying only a specific restaurant in a restaurant map. For example, only the restaurant that provided the advertisement fee may be displayed on the restaurant map. In this way, it is possible to actively introduce the restaurant that provided the advertisement fee to the Web page viewer. The same applies to other types of maps (for example, store maps and movie theater maps).

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a Web page and a map image in the third embodiment. The difference from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is that the type of map image is determined based on the analysis result of the body text. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, the map data management unit 222 can generate a store map, a movie theater map, and a restaurant map as in the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the web data generation unit 216 adds an article to the web page data. In the third embodiment, the syntax analysis unit 218 (FIG. 1) extracts a category character string from the body text in addition to the position character string. In the upper right of FIG. 10, a category character string database CDB in which category character strings are registered is shown. In this category character string database CDB, various character strings and map types are registered in association with each other. For example, “shop map” is associated with “鞄”, “restaurant map” is associated with “meal”, and “cinema map” is associated with “movie”. Thus, the category character string means a character string associated with one of the map content types. Such a category character string database CDB is stored in the data storage unit 270 of the Web server 200. In the example of FIG. 10, the syntax analysis unit 218 extracts the category character string “meal” from the body text. In addition, as a category character string, the arbitrary character strings relevant to the kind of content of a map are employable.

  The Web data generation unit 216 incorporates the map type data for identifying the map type associated with the extracted category character string into the link destination data together with the “latitude / longitude data” (FIG. 3: step S140). In the example of FIG. 10, map type data indicating a “restaurant map” is incorporated.

  When the user who browses the Web page operates the map button MB, link destination data including “latitude / longitude data” and “map type data” is transmitted to the Web server 200 (FIG. 7: step S230). The map data management unit 222 determines the position represented by the map image based on “latitude / longitude data”, and determines the type of map image based on “map type data”. In the example of FIG. 10, a restaurant map associated with the category character string “meal” is generated (FIG. 7: Step S240).

  As described above, in the third embodiment, since the type of the map image is determined according to the category character string extracted from the body text, a map image suitable for the content of the article can be provided. Note that the contents of the category character string database CDB may be modified in accordance with a user instruction.

  A plurality of category character strings may be extracted from one body text. In this case, the number of category character strings may be calculated for each map type, and the map type having the largest number of category character strings may be adopted. Further, when extracting the category character string from the body text, the category character string may be extracted from only one sentence (one sentence) including the position character string. As a method for determining the map type, any method for determining the map type based on the category character string extracted from the body text can be used. For example, the map type associated with the category character string with the character string position in the body text at the forefront may be adopted, or the map type associated with the category character string at the back may be adopted.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a Web page and a map image in the fourth embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is that the size of the range represented by the map image is determined based on the analysis result of the body text. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the map data management unit 222 generates three types of map images having different geographical ranges of “10 km × 10 km”, “100 m × 100 m”, and “40 m × 40 m”. It is possible.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which the web data generation unit 216 adds an article to the web page data. In the fourth embodiment, the syntax analysis unit 218 (FIG. 1) extracts a range character string in addition to the position character string from the body text. In the upper right of FIG. 11, an example of a range character string database RDB in which range character strings are registered is shown. In this range character string database RDB, various character strings and range sizes are associated and registered. For example, “radius 20 m” is associated with “front”, and “radius 50 m” is associated with “near”. Thus, the range character string means a character string associated with the size of the geographical range. Such a range character string database RDB is stored in the data storage unit 270 of the Web server 200. In the example of FIG. 11, the syntax analysis unit 218 extracts a range character string “previous” from the body text. In addition, as a range character string, the arbitrary character strings showing the distance and the magnitude | size of a range are employable.

  The Web data generation unit 216 incorporates the map range data for identifying the size of the range associated with the extracted range character string together with the “latitude / longitude data” into the link destination data (FIG. 3: step S140). In the example of FIG. 11, map range data indicating “radius 20 m” is incorporated. If no range character string is extracted, map range data indicating “radius 5 km” associated with “no range character string” is employed.

  When the user who browses the web page operates the map button MB, link destination data including “latitude / longitude data” and “map range data” is transmitted to the web server 200 (FIG. 7: step S230). The map data management unit 222 determines the position represented by the map image based on “latitude / longitude data”, and determines the size of the range of the map image based on “map range data”. In the fourth embodiment, the size of the range of the map image is determined as the size of the narrowest range including the range indicated by the “map range data” among the sizes of the available range. In the example of FIG. 11, a map image representing the narrowest range “40 m × 40 m” including “radius 20 m” associated with the range character string “previous” is generated (FIG. 7: step S240).

  Thus, in the fourth embodiment, since the size of the range of the map image is determined according to the range character string extracted from the body text, a map image representing the range suitable for the content of the article is provided. Can do.

  As a method for determining the size of the range of the map image, any method for determining the size of the range based on the extracted range character string can be employed. For example, the range character string and the size of the range of the generated map image (for example, “1 km × 1 km”) are associated in advance, and the size of the range related to the extracted range character string is adopted as it is. May be. Note that the contents of the range character string database RDB may be modified in accordance with a user instruction.

  Further, when extracting the range character string from the body text, it is preferable to extract the range character string from words (words, idioms, etc.) that modify the position character string. For example, the range character string may be extracted from words adjacent to the position character string in the order of words in the body text. By doing this, it is possible to extract a range character string “near” that modifies the position character string “B station” from a sentence such as “... close to B station”. Further, a range character string may be extracted from words in which a predetermined connection word is sandwiched between position character strings. For example, “no” can be adopted as the predetermined connection word. By doing this, it is possible to extract the range character string “near” that modifies the position character string “B station” from a sentence such as “... near B station ...” Further, a character string composed of a plurality of words may be adopted as a range character string while being used adjacent to the position character string such as “near”.

  The range character string is not limited to a character string that directly represents the distance or the size of the range, but may be another character string. For example, a character string related to the movement distance may be used as the range character string. For example, when a text string such as “drive” or “car” is included in the body text, the posted article is highly likely to be related to a topic when moving a relatively long distance. Therefore, “drive” and “car” may be used in association with a relatively wide size (for example, a scale of 1/5000 or 1 km × 1 km). On the other hand, when a text string such as “walking” or “walking” is included in the body text, the posted article is highly likely to be related to the topic when moving a relatively short distance. Therefore, “walk” and “walk” may be used in association with a relatively small size (for example, a scale of 1/1500 or 200 m × 200 m). As described above, if the character string related to the movement distance is used as the range character string, a map image representing a range suitable for the topic can be generated. In addition, as a character string regarding a movement distance, you may employ | adopt not only the above-mentioned character string but another character string.

E. Example 5:
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a Web page and a map image in the fifth embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is that the map data management unit 222 refers to the map database MDB so that the geographical range is the same and the types of maps are different from each other in year and month ranges. It is possible to generate an image. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the map data management unit 222 includes a map image “before December 2002”, a map image “from January to December 2003”, and a map image “after January 2004”. And three types of map images can be generated. The map image of “Before December 2002” displays the state of roads and buildings before December 2002, and the map image of “January to December 2003” displays January to December 2003. A map image of “after January 2004” displays a state of roads and buildings after January 2004.

  FIG. 12 shows Web page data generated by adding an article by the Web data generation unit 216. In the fifth embodiment, the Web data generation unit 216 displays the year / month when the article data is received, that is, the year / month data representing the year / month when the article was posted, together with the “latitude / longitude data”, and the link of the map button MB It is incorporated in the previous data (FIG. 3: step S140).

  When the user who browses the web page operates the map button MB, link destination data including “latitude / longitude data” and “year / month data” is transmitted to the web server 200 (FIG. 7: step S230). The map data management unit 222 determines the position represented by the map image based on “latitude / longitude data”, and determines the range of the year and month of the map image based on “year / month data”. In the fifth embodiment, a date range including the posting date is selected. In the example of FIG. 12, a map image of “January to December 2003” including the posting date “July 2003” is generated (FIG. 7: Step S240).

  FIG. 12 shows a Web page WP2 that displays the generated map image. This web page WP2 is displayed on the browser of the client computer 100b by operating the map button MB. The web page WP2 includes a map image MI, a comment MC explaining the map image, and a latest map button LMB. The comment MC represents that the applicable date range of the displayed map image is “January to December 2003”. The latest map button LMB indicates a link to the latest map image. When this latest map button LMB is operated, the latest map image is displayed on the browser.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the range of the year and month of the map image is determined according to the reception time (year and month) of the body text, that is, the posting time of the article. A suitable map image can be provided.

  In addition, as a format showing the application time of a map image, not only the format using a year and month but arbitrary formats can be employ | adopted. For example, the date may be used, or the date may be used.

  As a method for selecting the time range of the generated map image, any method for selecting the time range according to the posting time can be employed. For example, the map data management unit 222 generates the latest map image in addition to the map image of the time range including the posting time, and the Web data generation unit 216 further displays the two types of map images simultaneously. It is good also as producing | generating. In any case, the generated map image preferably includes a map image in a time range including the posting time. In this way, the user browsing the Web page can check the state of the road and the building at the time when the article was posted.

  The method for specifying the posting time is not limited to the method using the reception time when the article data is received, and various methods can be used. For example, when information indicating the time of article transmission is transmitted from a client device that posts an article, the time of transmission may be used. Moreover, it is good also as selecting the time range of a map image based on various time regarding the posted article instead of posting time. For example, when the text string includes a character string representing the date and time, the time range may be selected according to the date and time represented by the character string. At this time, the syntax analysis unit 218 may extract a character string representing the date and time. The time related to the posted article is not limited to the time when the Web server 200 receives the article or the time when the client device transmits the article, but the time obtained by analyzing the body text can be used.

  By the way, the map database MDB is updated as appropriate. However, it may take a long time (for example, one year) to develop a new map database. For example, a map image representing a state six months ago may not be provided at present. However, after six months, the map database MDB may be updated and available. Therefore, it is preferable that the map data management unit 222 regenerates the map image every time there is a request for browsing the map image from the client computer 100b. In this way, it is possible to always provide the latest map image.

F. Example 6:
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a Web page and a map image in the sixth embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is that the map data management unit 222 generates a map image representing a route passing through each position when a plurality of position character strings are extracted. . Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows a state where the web data generation unit 216 adds an article to the web page data. In the example of FIG. 13, the syntax analysis unit 218 (FIG. 1) extracts three position character strings (“I Square”, “J Lighthouse”, and “K Park”) from the body text. Therefore, the position data management unit 220 acquires the latitude and longitude associated with each position character string. Next, the Web data generation unit 216 generates Web page data using a combination of three latitudes and longitudes. Specifically, the Web data generation unit 216 uses three “latitude / longitude data” (hereinafter referred to as “first to third latitude / longitude data” in the order of appearance of the position character string) for one map button MB. It is incorporated in the link destination data (FIG. 3: step S140).

  When the user who browses the web page operates the map button MB, link destination data including three “latitude / longitude data” is transmitted to the web server 200 (FIG. 7: step S230). The map data management unit 222 generates a map image representing a route passing through the position represented by the three “latitude / longitude data” (FIG. 7: step S240). At this time, a route that follows a plurality of positions in the order in which the position character strings appear in the body text may be adopted as the route. As a method for searching for a route, various known methods such as Dijkstra method can be employed.

  Thus, in the sixth embodiment, when a plurality of position character strings are extracted from the body text, a map image representing a route passing through each position is provided. As a result, even if the user who registers information (article) does not prepare a map image representing the route for visiting each position, the viewer can browse the route for visiting each position. The burden on the user who registers the article can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, as a path | route, the arbitrary path | routes which pass through each position are employable. For example, when the same position character string appears repeatedly in the body text, the route may be determined using only the first position character string. Alternatively, a route obtained by approximating a route whose total movement distance is relatively close to the theoretical shortest from a plurality of routes that pass through each position once may be adopted.

  Further, another position independent of the article (hereinafter referred to as “additional position”) may be added to a position along the route in accordance with an instruction of a user browsing the Web page. Also in this case, any route can be adopted as the route. For example, a route starting from the additional position may be adopted, or a route starting from the additional position may be adopted.

  As a method for adding a position, any method can be adopted. For example, when the user operates the map button MB, current position information indicating the current position may be transmitted from the client computer 100b to the Web server 200. In the Web server 200, the Web data receiving unit 212 receives the current position information, and the map data management unit 222 generates a map image representing a route passing through the current position and the position represented by the position character string. Here, if the position detection device is provided in the client computer 100b, the burden on the user for transmitting the current position information can be reduced. As the position detection device, for example, a device using GPS (Global Positioning System) can be used.

  Moreover, you may determine an additional position based on the text arbitrarily input by the user. For example, a field in which text can be input is provided on a Web page including the map button MB (not shown), and the position data management unit 220 may extract a position character string from the input text and determine an additional position. The input text may be transmitted to the Web server 200 by operating the map button MB.

  Thus, if the map data management part 222 produces | generates the map image showing the path | route which passes along an additional position and the geographical position regarding the position character string extracted from the article, a map image will browse a web page. It can be suitable for the user's preference. In this case, the number of position character strings extracted from the article may be one. Note that as the information indicating the additional position transmitted to the Web server 200, various information related to the position such as text (position character string) and information indicating latitude and longitude can be adopted. In this embodiment, the Web data receiving unit 212 corresponds to the “additional position information receiving unit” in the present invention.

G. Seventh embodiment:
In each of the embodiments described above, the Web server 200 provides a Web page that displays an article (text) and a Web page that displays a map image independently (FIG. 8). It is good also as providing a web page containing both a map image. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of such a Web page. In the example of FIG. 14, a map image is displayed at the bottom of the added article. The web data generation unit 216 can generate a web page including the article and the map image by using the article data and the map image data generated by the map data management unit 222. At this time, in step S140 of FIG. 3, the map data management unit 222 may generate map image data in the same manner as in step S240 of FIG.

H. Example 8:
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an article input screen according to the eighth embodiment. The difference from the input screen IS of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that it has a map button MBa.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for posting an article using the input screen ISa of FIG. In step S300, the user inputs an article on the input screen ISa. Furthermore, when the user operates the map button MBa (step S310: Yes), each piece of input information (article data) is transmitted to the web server 200.

  In the Web server 200 (FIG. 1), a map image is generated based on the article data. First, as in steps S120 and S130 of FIG. 3, the syntax analysis unit 218 extracts a position character string from the body text (step S320), and the position data management unit 220 obtains the latitude and longitude associated with the position character string. (Step S330). Next, as in Steps S240, S250, and S260 of FIG. 7, the map data management unit 222 generates a map image including the position represented by the position character string (Step S340), and the Web data generation unit 216 generates the map image. A web page to be displayed is generated (step S350), and the web data transmission unit 214 transmits the web page data to the client computer 100a (step S360).

  In the client computer 100a, the web browser displays a web page including the map image (step S370, not shown). A user who posts an article can confirm whether or not the body text is intended by confirming the displayed map image.

  When the user returns to the original input screen ISa and operates the registration button RB (step S380: Yes), article data is transmitted to the Web server 200 (step S390). The web server 200 creates and stores a web page to which the received article is added (step S395). This Web page creation / storage process is performed according to the same procedure as in the above-described embodiments (for example, steps S120 to S150 in FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, the user can correct the article by returning to the original input screen ISa and operating the input screen ISa (step S300: No) without operating the registration button RB (step S380: No). Thereafter, the user can confirm a map image based on the corrected article by operating the map button MBa. In addition, the corrected article can be registered by operating the registration button RB.

  As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the map image including the position is provided by the server in a state where the article including the character string representing the geographical position can be corrected. As a result, since the user can correct the article while checking the map image, the burden on the user who registers the article (information) can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, as a map image provided in a state in which an article can be corrected, various images can be adopted as in the above-described embodiments. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the type of the map image may be determined according to the type of the Web page for registering the article or the category character string extracted from the body text. In addition, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the size of the range of the map image may be determined according to the range character string extracted from the body text, and as in the embodiment shown in FIG. The time range of the map image may be determined according to the posting time. Further, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, when a plurality of position character strings are extracted from the body text, a map image representing a route passing through each position may be provided, and additional positions may be provided. And a map image representing a route passing through the position related to the position character string. Further, when the user operates the map button MBa (FIG. 16: Step S310: Yes), the information transmitted from the client computer 100a to the Web server 200 does not need to include all of the article data, and the map image It is only necessary to include information required for generation of.

  In addition, a map image provided in a state where the article can be corrected may be posted as an article. At this time, the poster may be able to edit the map image. In this way, it is possible to post a favorite map image in which a landmark is entered at the destination.

I. Ninth embodiment:
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a network system 300a as another embodiment of the present invention. The network system 300a includes a plurality of base stations BS1 to BS5 connected to a base station network BNET, a mobile phone 600 connected to the base station by wireless communication, a Web server 200a connected to the Internet INET, a base station A relay server 500 that connects the network BNET and the Internet INET. Note that the number of base stations is not limited to five, and an arbitrary number can be adopted.

  The mobile phone 600 includes a communication unit 610, a data processing unit 620, a position detection unit 630, and a monitor 650. The data processing unit 620 includes a CPU and a memory, and realizes a function as a Web browser by executing a computer program. The web browser is displayed on the monitor 650. Here, the data processing unit 620 exchanges data with the base station via the communication unit 610. The position detection unit 630 can detect the current position using, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System). A method of using the detected current position will be described later.

  The Web server 200a provides a Web page via the Internet INET, similar to the Web server 200 shown in FIG. The only difference from the Web server 200 of FIG. 1 is that the data processing unit 210a has a position character string providing unit 224, and the other configuration is the same as the Web server 200 shown in FIG. In FIG. 17, only the data processing unit 210a and the communication unit 250 are shown as components of the Web server 200a, and the other components are not shown.

  The relay server 500 relays data between the base station network BNET and the Internet INET. For example, when a web page browsing request to the web server 200a is transmitted from the mobile phone 600, the browsing request sent from the mobile phone 600 to the base station network BNET via the base station is relayed to the Internet INET. To do. When Web page data for the mobile phone 600 is transmitted from the Web server 200a, the Web page data sent from the Web server 200a to the Internet INET is relayed to the base station network BNET. In this way, in mobile phone 600, the browser displays the Web page provided by Web server 200a. Similarly, articles are posted from the mobile phone 600 to the Web server 200a.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for posting an article from the mobile phone 600. In step S400, the user inputs an article. This input is performed using an input screen displayed by the web browser of the mobile phone 600.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of posting an article. FIG. 19A shows an example of an input screen. This input screen ISb has a category menu CMb, a title field TFb, a text field BFb, a current position button PB, and a registration button RBb. The category menu CMb has the same function as the category menu CM in FIG. 4, the title field TFb has the same function as the title field TF in FIG. 4, and the body field BFb has the same function as the body field BF in FIG. .

  When the user inputs an article (FIG. 18: Step S400) and further operates the current position button PB (Step S410: Yes), the position detection unit 630 (FIG. 17) detects the current position and represents the current position. The current position data is transmitted to the Web server 200a by the communication unit 610. The current position data represents latitude and longitude in this embodiment.

  In the Web server 200a, the Web data receiving unit 212 receives the current position data transmitted from the mobile phone 600, and the position character string providing unit 224 obtains a character string representing the current position by referring to the position database PDB. (Step S420). Specifically, the position character string associated with the position (latitude / longitude) closest to the current position (latitude / longitude) represented by the current position data is acquired. FIG. 19B shows an example of the position database PDB. In the example of FIG. 19B, the position character string “M station” is selected.

  In the next step S430, the Web data transmission unit 214 (FIG. 17) transmits the selected position character string to the mobile phone 600. Then, in mobile phone 600, the position character string is added to the body text in body field BFb (step S440). FIG. 19C shows the input screen ISb after the position character string (“M station” in this example) is added. Furthermore, the user can correct the article by operating the input screen ISb without operating the registration button RBb (step S450: No) (step S400, FIG. 19D).

  Next, when the user operates the registration button RBb, each information (article) input on the input screen ISb is transmitted from the mobile phone 600 to the Web server 200a (steps S450: Yes, S460). The Web server 200a creates and stores a Web page to which the received article is added (Step S470). This Web page creation / storage process is performed according to the same procedure as in the above-described embodiments (for example, steps S120 to S150 in FIG. 3).

  As described above, in the ninth embodiment, since the character string representing the current position is provided by the server, the burden on the user who posts an article including the character string representing the current position can be greatly reduced. For example, when registering an article representing a place visited for the first time, an appropriate text can be registered using words provided by the server without knowing the name of the place.

  In the example of FIG. 19, the Web server 200a provides one position character string related to the position closest to the current position, but may provide a plurality of position character strings close to the current position. . In this case, in the mobile phone 600, the user may specify a position character string to be used for the article from among the provided character strings.

  In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 600 corresponds to a “first client device” that transmits articles in the present invention, and also corresponds to a device that transmits position information (current position data). The web data receiving unit 212 corresponds to a “position information receiving unit” and a “post information receiving unit”, the position character string providing unit 224 corresponds to a “position display character string generating unit”, and the web data transmitting unit 214. Corresponds to a “position display character string transmission unit” and a “provided information transmission unit”.

  In network system 300a shown in FIG. 17, mobile phone 600 performs communication using one base station among a plurality of base stations BS1 to BS5. At this time, normally, the base station closest to the mobile phone 600 is used for communication. Therefore, the approximate current position of the mobile phone 600 can be grasped by identifying the base station used for communication. Therefore, the Web server 200a may transmit a position character string based on the identification result of the base station used for communication to the mobile phone 600.

  For example, when the current position button PB (FIG. 19A) of the mobile phone 600 is operated, the mobile phone 600 transmits an instruction to the relay server 500 that the current position button PB has been operated, and further receives the instruction. The relay server 500 may transmit base station identification information for identifying a base station used for communication to the Web server 200a. Here, in the data storage unit 270 (not shown) of the Web server 200a, a base station position character string table that defines the correspondence between the base station identification information and the position character strings is stored in advance (not shown). As the position character string, for example, a character string representing an address where the base station is located, such as “X town” for the base station BS1 and “Y town” for the base station BS2, is adopted. be able to. The position character string providing unit 224 acquires the position character string corresponding to the base station identification information by referring to the base station position character string table. The acquired position character string is transmitted to the mobile phone 600 by the Web data transmission unit 214. In this case, the position detector 630 of the mobile phone 600 can be omitted. Further, “base station identification information” corresponds to “position information”, and further, the relay server 500 corresponds to a device that transmits position information (base station identification information).

J. et al. Tenth embodiment:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure for posting an article from the mobile phone 600 in the tenth embodiment. A difference from the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is that a position character string representing a position on a map designated by the user is provided from the Web server 200 a to the mobile phone 600 instead of the current location of the mobile phone 600. Only. Other configurations are the same as those of the network system 300a shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of posting an article. FIG. 21A shows an example of the input screen. A difference from the input screen ISb in FIG. 19A is that a map search button MSB is provided instead of the current position button PB. Other configurations are the same as those of the input screen ISb.

  When the user inputs an article (FIG. 20: Step S500) and further operates the map search button MSB (Step S510: Yes), the position detection unit 630 (FIG. 17) detects the current position, and the detected current Current position data representing the position is transmitted to the Web server 200a. These processes are the same as steps S400 and S410 in FIG.

  In the Web server 200a, the Web data receiving unit 212 receives the current position data sent from the mobile phone 600. Further, similarly to steps S240, S250, and S260 of FIG. 7, the map data management unit 222 generates a map image including the current position (step S512), and the Web data generation unit 216 displays the map image. Web page data is generated (step S514), and the web data transmission unit 214 transmits the web page data to the mobile phone 600 (step S516).

  In the next step S518, on the mobile phone 600, the web browser displays a web page including a map image. FIG. 21B shows an example of a Web page. In this Web page, a map image and an OK button OB are shown. The user can designate one position on the map by operating the web browser. In FIG. 21B, the position designated by the user is indicated by a cross mark CP. When the user operates the OK button OB, position data representing the position designated by the user is transmitted to the Web server 200a. This position data is, for example, coordinate data (for example, X coordinate and Y coordinate) representing a relative position in the map image.

  In the Web server 200a, the Web data receiving unit 212 receives the position data sent from the mobile phone 600, and the position character string providing unit 224 refers to the position database PDB to acquire a character string representing the position ( Step S520). This process is the same as step S420 in FIG. In the example of FIG. 21C, the character string “P Kaikan” is selected. The selected position character string is transmitted to the mobile phone 600 by the Web data transmission unit 214 (step S530). The position character string providing unit 224 can calculate the latitude and longitude of the designated position by using the position data and the latitude and longitude represented by the map image.

  In mobile phone 600, the position character string is added to the body text in body field BFb (step S540). FIG. 21D shows the input screen ISc after the position character string (in this example, “P Kaikan”) is added.

  Thereafter, the user can correct the article by operating the input screen ISc without operating the registration button RBb (step S550: No) (step S500, FIG. 21E). When the user operates the registration button RBb, each piece of information (article) input on the input screen ISc is transmitted from the mobile phone 600 to the Web server 200a (step S560). The web server 200a creates and stores a web page to which the received article is added (step S570). These processes S550, S560, and S570 are the same as steps S450, S460, and S470 in FIG. 18, respectively.

  As described above, in the tenth embodiment, the Web server 200a provides a map image and also provides a character string representing a designated position in accordance with a user instruction that designates one point on the map image. As a result, the user can create an article that includes a character string that represents the position simply by specifying the position on the map, greatly increasing the burden on the user who posts an article that includes the character string that represents the position. Can be reduced.

  In addition, as a map image for designating a position, not only the map image containing the present position of the mobile phone 600 but arbitrary map images can be adopted. For example, you may employ | adopt the map image containing the address position designated by the user. In this case, the position detector 630 of the mobile phone 600 (FIG. 17) can be omitted.

  Further, the position data representing the position designated on the map is not limited to the coordinate data representing the relative position in the map image, and any data representing the geographical position can be adopted. For example, data representing latitude and longitude calculated from relative positions in the map image may be used.

  In this embodiment, the Web data transmission unit 214 corresponds to the “designation map image transmission unit” in the present invention, and the map data management unit 222 also corresponds to the “designation map image generation unit”.

  In the ninth and tenth embodiments described above, the Web server 200a (FIG. 17) includes the syntax analysis unit 218 and the position data management unit 220. However, these components are omitted. Also good. However, it is assumed that these components are included, and, similarly to each of the above-described embodiments (first to eighth embodiments), the Web server 200a determines the position represented by the article and the position character string included in the article. It is preferable to provide a map image including the map image.

K. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

Modification 1:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the article is not limited to text (body text and title text), but may include articles including various other types of data. For example, an article including an image may be posted. Here, when an image is included in the article, the viewer may be able to specify whether or not to transmit a map image related to the article to the browsing client device. In this way, when the geographical position can be confirmed by observing the posted image, reception of the map image can be further suppressed. Further, the posting date and time may not be recorded on the Web page representing the article. In this case, the timer 260 can be omitted from the Web servers 200 and 200a. Further, the web pages provided by the web servers 200 and 200a are not limited to those in which posted articles are cumulatively added, and any web page including posted articles can be employed. For example, a web page including only the latest article may be provided.

Modification 2:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the client device for browsing the Web page is not limited to the client computer 100a and the mobile phone 600, but various devices such as a portable information terminal (also referred to as a PDA) and an in-vehicle navigation device. Can be used. The same applies to the client device for posting an article.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a map image is used as the map image information. However, the map image information includes a geographical image associated with a position character string and a geographical range defined. Various information related to the can be adopted. For example, a combination of coordinates representing the center position of the map image (hereinafter referred to as “center coordinates”) and the scale of the map image may be used as the map image information. A normal navigation device stores a map database similar to the map database MDB. Therefore, when such an apparatus for storing a map database functions as a client apparatus for browsing a Web page, it is appropriate to receive center coordinates and a scale instead of receiving the map image itself from the server. A map image can be displayed. As described above, as the map image information, information specifying a geographical range including a geographical position associated with the position character string can be employed.

Modification 3:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the plurality of functions of the Web servers 200 and 200a may be realized by being distributed on different computer hardware.

Modification 4:
In each of the above-described embodiments, information including “latitude / longitude data” is used as information (hereinafter referred to as “specific information”) used for specifying a map image when requesting browsing of the map image. However, other arbitrary types of information can be adopted as the specific information of the map image. For example, the file name of the data file that stores the map image data may be used as the specific information. In this case, if the map data management unit 222 (FIG. 1) generates the map image data and registers the data file in the data storage unit 270 when the article is registered, as in step S240 of FIG. Good. Moreover, you may use URL of the web page showing a map image as specific information. In this case, when the article is registered, the map data management unit 222 generates a map image and stores the map image in the data storage unit 270, and the Web data generation unit 216 displays the map image on the Web page. May be generated and stored in the data storage unit 270.

Modification 5:
In each of the embodiments described above, the map image provided by the Web server 200 has the following characteristics.
(1) The map image includes the position represented by the position character string extracted from the posted article (body text) (first embodiment: FIGS. 5 and 8).
(2) The content type of the map image is determined according to the type (category) of the Web page in which the article is registered (second embodiment: FIG. 9).
(3) The content type of the map image is determined according to the category character string extracted from the posted article (text text) (third embodiment: FIG. 10).
(4) The size of the range of the map image is determined according to the range character string extracted from the posted article (text text) (fourth embodiment: FIG. 11).
(5) The type of time range of the map image is determined according to the posting time of the article (fifth embodiment: FIG. 12).
(6) When a plurality of position character strings are extracted from the posted article (body text), the map image represents a route passing through the plurality of positions (sixth embodiment: FIG. 13).
(7) The map image represents a route passing through the position represented by the position character string extracted from the posted article (text text) and the additional position (sixth embodiment).

  In addition, as a characteristic which a map image has, arbitrary combinations of these characteristics (1)-(7) are employable. However, it is preferable to have at least the feature (1). Moreover, it is preferable to employ only one of the features (2) and (3).

  Further, the map image is not limited to a two-dimensional map image, and a three-dimensional map image may be adopted. As a three-dimensional map image, for example, three-dimensional model information that represents the position and shape of a feature such as a road or a house in three dimensions is used. It is possible to employ an image obtained in this way. At this time, the viewpoint and the field frame may be set so that the position represented by the position character string is included in the image. Further, the geographical range represented by the three-dimensional map image may be determined using the range on the ground surface as in the case of generating the two-dimensional map image. Moreover, as a map image, you may employ | adopt not only a still image but a moving image. For example, when a three-dimensional map image is used, a moving image obtained by rotating the viewpoint around the position represented by the position character string may be used. Moreover, it is good also as using the moving image obtained by moving a viewpoint along a path | route.

Modification 6:
In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

Modification 7:
In the first embodiment, the client computer is a mobile phone, the mobile phone is attached with a position detection unit (for example, GPS), and the current position information acquired by the GPS is transmitted to the server together with the posted information. It is also possible to do. By doing so, it is possible to generate a map image by using the current position information even if the position character string cannot be extracted from the posted article. Even if a position character string can be extracted from the posted article, the accuracy of the extracted position character string can be determined by comparing it with the current position information. In this case, if the position indicated by the position character string is significantly different from the current position information, it is possible to create a map image in line with the user's intention by making an inquiry to the mobile phone (user). Become.

Modification 8:
In each of the embodiments described above, the Web server 200 provides posted articles and map images. However, only one of them may be provided in response to a request from the client computer 100b. For example, a Web page may be browsed using a device such as a mobile phone that cannot display a sufficiently large image. In such a case, only text may be transmitted. Moreover, when using a vehicle-mounted navigation device, only the map image may be transmitted. Any method can be used as a method of switching the information transmitted by the Web server 200. For example, it is possible to prepare a URL for transmitting only text and a URL for transmitting only an image, and a user operating the client device can use a method of specifying a favorite URL as appropriate.

Modification 9:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the Web server 200 transmits the map image information. Instead, the Web server 200 may transmit a sentence (text) that guides a route through the position represented by the position character string. Good. For example, it is good also as transmitting the text which guides the route from the geographical position which a position character string represents to the nearest station. In this case, names of roads and intersections are stored in the map database MDB, and a route guidance sentence generation unit (not shown) for generating a sentence (text) representing a route may be provided in the Web server 200. That's fine. The route guidance text generation unit may generate text representing a route such as “go north on A1 street, turn right at B1 intersection” while referring to the map database MDB.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the network system 300 as one Example of this invention. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a Web page provided by a Web server 200. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which submits an article. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an input screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the process which adds an article. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the produced | generated Web page. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which browses the updated web page. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a mode that the client computer 100b acquires a map image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the web page and map image in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the web page and map image in 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the web page and map image in 4th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the web page and map image in 5th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the web page and map image in 6th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the web page in 7th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the input screen of the article in 8th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which posts an article using input screen ISa. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the network system 300a as another Example of this invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for posting an article from a mobile phone 600. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that an article is contributed. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which submits | posts the article from the mobile telephone 600 in 10th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that an article is contributed.

Explanation of symbols

100a, 100b ... Client computer 200, 200a ... Web server 210, 210a ... Data processing unit 212 ... Web data reception unit 214 ... Web data transmission unit 216 ... Web data generation unit 218 ... syntactic analysis unit 220 ... position data management unit 222 ... map data management unit 224 ... position character string providing unit 250 ... communication unit 260 ... timer 270 ... data storage unit 300 , 300a ... Network system 500 ... Relay server 600 ... Mobile phone 610 ... Communication unit 620 ... Data processing unit 630 ... Location detection unit 650 ... Monitor INET ... Internet BNET ... Base station network CA ... Category designation area RA ... Article display area PB ... Current position button OB ... OK button RB, RBb ... Registration button MC ... Comment TF, TFb. ..Title Field BF, BFb ... Body field CL ... Calendar area CM, CMb ... Category menu CP ... Cross mark IS, ISa, ISb, ISc ... Input screen BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5 ... Base station PDB ... Location database CDB ... Category string database RDB ... Range string database YMA ... Year and month designation area

Claims (18)

A server that provides information via a network,
A posting information receiving unit that receives posting information that is information including text from a first client device connected to the network;
A provision information generation unit that generates provision information that is information including the posted information;
A position character string extraction unit that extracts a position character string that is a character string associated with a geographical position from the text;
A map image information generating unit for generating map image information related to a map image including a geographical position associated with the extracted position character string and having a geographical range defined;
An information transmission unit capable of transmitting the provision information and the map image information to the second client device in response to a request from the second client device connected to the network;
Comprising a server. The server according to claim 1,
When the information transmission unit receives a request for designating only one of the provision information and the map image information from the second client device, the information transmission unit replaces the provision information and the map image information. Sending only the designated information to the second client device;
server. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
Each time the posted information receiving unit receives the posted information,
The position character string extraction unit performs the extraction process only on new post information received by the post information reception unit, and the provision information generation unit adds the new post information to the provision information. To generate the extracted provision information.
server. A server according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The map image information generated by the map image information generation unit is a map image. The server according to claim 4, wherein
The provision information generation unit is capable of generating a plurality of types of provision information, and adding the posting information to the types of provision information designated by an instruction from the first client device,
The map image information generation unit is capable of generating a plurality of types of map images having the same geographical range and different displayed contents, and the type of content of the map image Decide according to the type of information to be added,
server. The server according to claim 4, wherein
The map image information generation unit is capable of generating a plurality of types of map images having the same geographical range and different displayed contents.
The server further includes:
A map type character string extracting unit that extracts a map type character string that is a character string associated with any of the types of the map image from the text,
The map image information generation unit determines the type of content of the map image to be generated based on the extracted map type character string.
server. A server according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The map image information generation unit is capable of generating a plurality of types of map images having different geographical ranges.
The server further includes:
A range character string extraction unit that extracts a range character string that is a character string associated with the size of a geographical range from the text;
The map image information generation unit determines the size of a geographical range represented by the generated map image based on the extracted range character string.
server. A server according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
The map image information generation unit can generate a plurality of types of map images having the same geographical range and different time ranges, and further, the type of the time range of the map image to be generated is Decide based on the time related to post information,
server. A server according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
When a plurality of position character strings are extracted from the text included in one piece of post information, the map image information generation unit represents a route passing through a geographical position represented by each of the plurality of position character strings. Generate a map image,
server. A server according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
And an additional position information receiving unit that receives additional position information that is information representing a geographical position from the second client device,
The map image information generation unit generates a map image representing a route passing through the geographical position represented by the additional position information and the geographical position associated with the extracted position character string;
server. A server according to any one of claims 4 to 10,
In response to a request from the first client device,
The posted information receiving unit receives at least a part of the posted information including the text, the map image information generating unit generates the map image based on the text, and The information transmission unit transmits the map image to the first client device in a state where the post information can be corrected.
server. A method for providing information via a network using a computer connected to the network,
(A) The computer receives post information that is information including text from a first client device connected to the network and stores the post information in a memory;
(B) the computer generating provision information which is information including the posting information;
(C) the computer extracting a position character string that is a character string associated with a geographical position from the text stored in the memory;
(D) the computer generating map image information related to a map image including a geographical position associated with the extracted position character string and having a geographical range;
(E) the computer transmitting the provision information and the map image information to the second client device in response to a request from the second client device connected to the network;
A method for providing information. A computer program for causing a computer connected to a network to execute a process of providing information via the network,
(A) a function of receiving post information, which is information including text, from a first client device connected to the network;
(B) a function of generating provided information that is information including the posted information;
(C) a function of extracting a position character string that is a character string associated with a geographical position from the text;
(D) a function of generating map image information related to a map image including a geographical position associated with the extracted position character string and having a geographical range defined;
(E) a function of transmitting the provision information and the map image information to the second client device in response to a request from the second client device connected to the network;
A computer program that causes a computer to realize A server that provides information via a network,
A position information receiving unit that receives position information indicating a geographical position transmitted to the server in response to a request from a first client device connected to the network;
A position display character string generation unit that generates a position display character string that is a character string associated with the geographical position represented by the position information, based on the position information;
A position display character string transmitter for transmitting the position display character string to the first client device;
A post information receiving unit that receives post information that is information including text including the position display character string from the first client device;
A provision information generation unit that generates provision information that is information including the posted information;
A provision information transmitting unit that transmits the provision information to the second client device in response to a request from the second client device connected to the network;
Comprising a server. The server according to claim 14, wherein
The position information receiving unit receives the position information from the first client device;
server. The server according to claim 15, wherein
further,
A designation map image generation unit for generating a designation map image used for designation of the geographical position;
A designation map image transmission unit for transmitting the designation map image via the network,
Before the position information receiving unit receives the position information, the designating map image generating unit generates the designating map image, and the designating map image transmitting unit transmits the generated designating map image. Sending to the first client device;
The position information receiving unit receives the position information representing the position on the transmitted designation map image from the first client device;
server. A method for providing information via a network using a computer connected to the network,
(A) the computer receiving location information representing a geographic location transmitted to the computer in response to a request from a first client device connected to the network and storing the location information in a memory;
(B) The computer generates a position display character string that is a character string associated with the geographical position represented by the position information based on the position information stored in the memory;
(C) the computer transmitting the position display character string to the first client device;
(D) The computer receives post information, which is information including text including the position display character string, from the first client device, and stores it in a memory;
(E) the computer generating provision information which is information including post information stored in the memory;
(F) the computer transmitting the provision information to the second client device in response to a request from the second client device connected to the network;
A method for providing information. A computer program for causing a computer connected to a network to execute a process of providing information via the network,
(A) a function of receiving location information indicating a geographical location transmitted to the computer in response to a request from a first client device connected to the network;
(B) a function of generating a position display character string that is a character string associated with the geographical position represented by the position information based on the position information;
(C) a function of transmitting the position display character string to the first client device;
(D) a function of receiving post information, which is information including text including the position display character string, from the first client device;
(E) a function of generating provided information that is information including the posted information;
(F) a function of transmitting the provision information to the second client device in response to a request from the second client device connected to the network;
A computer program that causes a computer to realize

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