JP2007172571A - Information search system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an Internet information search engine for a user to find easily desired information, and to provide, in particular, a search result sorted with prescribed classifications, in the full text search type search engine. <P>SOLUTION: This information search system of the present invention is provided with a means for receiving a search keyword, a means for imparting a predetermined narrowing condition in response to a classification item, and for executing narrowing search using the search keyword and the narrowing condition in every of one or more of the classification items, when searching a database accumulating search objects, based on the received search keyword, and a means for outputting a result of the narrowing search. The narrowing search is automatically carried out thereby based on the predetermined narrowing condition in each of the classification items, by the search keyword, and the search result is displayed sortedly in each of the classification items. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing technique in an Internet information search engine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, Internet information search services have been provided by websites equipped with a search engine that can search information published on the Internet using keywords or the like. There are two types of search engines: a directory type that categorizes information published on the WWW (World Wide Web), etc., and a full-text search type that stores the full text of published information in a database etc. and searches by keyword. Can be broadly divided.

  A directory-type search engine collects a large amount of website links and classifies information into categories according to fields. A typical example is YAHOO! (Registered trademark) (Non-Patent Document 1). Since the directory type classifies information in advance, desired information can be accessed relatively easily. Specifically, the category has a hierarchical structure, and a list of titles, URLs, outlines, and the like of Web sites belonging to the category can be easily obtained.

The full-text search type search engine searches all information included in a document on a Web site, and a typical example is Google (registered trademark) (Non-patent Document 2). Many full-text search-type Internet information search engines are robot-type search engines, and dedicated application software (agent) called a robot automatically circulates through a WWW server connected to the Internet in advance. Collect information. For example, in the case of Google, information on over 8 billion URLs is collected. Then, the Web site is pointed based on the word (keyword) input by the user, and the search results are displayed in the order of points. In this way, it is possible to perform a full text search of Web sites around the world according to search conditions such as designated keywords.
“YAHOO! Japan”, [online], [searched on December 20, 2005], Internet <URL: http://www.yahoo.co.jp/> “Google”, [online], [Search on December 20, 2005], Internet <URL: http://www.google.co.jp/>

  By the way, the directory-type search engine needs to select and classify a large amount of information existing on the Web in advance. However, many of the directory types have a problem that it takes human and time costs to create a directory which is a database for search because the “index” of the site is manually constructed.

  On the other hand, a full-text search type search engine has a feature that is not available in a directory type that manually constructs an “index” of a site, because a robot automatically collects information and can search a large number of Web sites. However, there are abundant search results, but conversely, it is difficult to specify detailed conditions and narrow down. Also, unlike human beings, robots cannot grasp the meaning of the contents written on each site or page and the relationship between them, so they generate classifications and summaries of websites that are posted on directory-type sites. It is not possible. For this reason, in the case of a person unfamiliar with search, the actual situation is that it is difficult to reach a desired website.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention intends to provide an Internet information search engine that allows a user to easily reach desired information. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide search results in a predetermined classification in a full-text search type search engine. Furthermore, it aims at providing a search result divided into classification based on a user's search tendency.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information search system of the present invention includes a search keyword input unit that receives an input of a search keyword, a classification item setting unit that receives a setting of a classification item, and a search keyword input by the search keyword input unit. And a search unit that narrows down the result of searching a database that stores information related to the search target according to the classification item set by the classification item setting unit and outputs the search result for each classification item.

  At this time, it has a table for recording the search condition for narrowing down the search result in association with the classification item, and the search means further corresponds to the classification item set by the classification item setting means with reference to the table It is preferable that the attached narrowing conditions are acquired and the search results are narrowed down based on the acquired narrowing conditions.

  Preferably, the classification item setting means can set a plurality of classification items at the same time, and the search means performs a narrowing process according to the classification item for each of the plurality of classification items. At this time, a search history storage means for storing the search history is provided, and the classification item setting means determines a classification item to be output as an initial state based on the search history stored in the search history storage means. Is preferred.

  Preferably, the search means divides one screen into a plurality of regions and outputs search results based on a plurality of classification items simultaneously. Preferably, the search means outputs search results based on a plurality of classification items divided into a plurality of screens in a format switchable by tabs.

  The information search method of the present invention is a method for performing information search in an information search system including a control means for controlling search processing, the step of receiving an input of a search keyword, and the step of receiving a setting of a classification item A step of narrowing down the result of searching a database storing information related to a search target based on an input search keyword according to a set classification item, a step of outputting the search result for each classification item, Is provided.

  The program of the present invention causes a computer to execute each step of the information search method of the present invention. The program of the present invention can be installed or loaded on a computer through various recording media such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a communication network.

  In this specification and the like, the means does not simply mean a physical means, but includes a case where the functions of the means are realized by software. Further, the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an Internet information search engine that allows a user to reach desired information relatively easily. Specifically, in a full-text search type search engine, search results can be provided automatically divided into predetermined categories. Thereby, a search engine having the advantages of both a full-text search type search engine and a directory type search engine can be realized. Furthermore, it becomes possible to provide search results by dividing them into categories based on the user's search tendency.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information search system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information search system 10 is configured by connecting one or more WWW servers 20 and one or more user terminal devices 30 to each other via a network 40.

  The information search system 10 includes a full-text search type Internet information search engine 12. The search engine collects information from the WWW server 20 and stores it in a database. Then, search processing is performed according to the search keyword input from the user terminal device 30, and the search result is returned to the user terminal device 30.

  The WWW server 20 is a computer that transmits information by WWW or software that has an information transmission function. Information such as HTML documents and images is stored, and the information (Web site) is transmitted through a network such as the Internet in response to a request from a client such as a Web browser. Specific examples of WWW server software include, for example, free software Apache and Microsoft IIS.

  The user terminal device 30 is a device for accessing the information search system 10, inputting a search keyword, and receiving a search result. The user terminal device 30 preferably includes a WWW browser.

  The network 40 is a communication line for transmitting and receiving information among the information search system 10, the WWW server 20, and the user terminal device 30. For example, it may be any of the Internet, a LAN, a dedicated line, a packet communication network, a telephone line, a corporate network, other communication lines, combinations thereof, and the like, regardless of whether they are wired or wireless.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main device configuration of the information search system 10. The information retrieval system 10 includes a control unit 50 such as a CPU that controls processing and operations of the entire information retrieval system 10, a main storage unit 52 such as a RAM that is a work area when the control unit 50 executes control, and a control. Reading storage means 54 such as a ROM for storing programs relating to processing and operations controlled by the means 50, a database for storing information relating to a Web site and managing it so as to be searchable, and a table in which narrowing conditions for each classification item are registered External storage means 56 including I / O, input / output means 58 such as an input / output / communication interface for input / output and transmission / reception of information, and connection means 60 such as a bus connecting them. A dedicated or general-purpose computer or computer server having the above apparatus configuration can be applied as the information search system 10.

  The information search system 10 may be constituted by a single computer or may be constituted by a plurality of computers distributed on a network. A single computer may have a plurality of server functions. In the information search system 10, the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in a memory or an external storage device, etc., thereby causing the control means 50 to function as various function realization means and configure the search engine 12.

  Although not shown, the WWW server 20 and the user terminal device 30 may be general-purpose or dedicated computers or portable terminal devices.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of the information search system 10. The control means 50 of the information search system 10 includes site information collection means 62, keyword input means 64, classification item setting means 66, search means 68, and history storage means 70.

  The site information collecting means 62 has a function corresponding to a conventional robot. That is, the site information collecting unit 62 automatically circulates the WWW server 20 on the network in advance, collects information on the Web site, and stores the collected information in the database of the external storage unit 56. For example, it is realized by dedicated agent software.

  The keyword input unit 64 has a function of accepting an input of a keyword to be searched by the information search system 10 from the user terminal device 30. For example, the keyword input in the box for inputting the search keyword displayed on the WWW browser of the user terminal device 30 is received via the network.

  The classification item setting unit 66 has a function of accepting input of classification items (categories) of information desired by the user and their order from the user terminal device 30. Further, preferably, a function for determining the display order of the categories based on the search history accumulated by the history accumulation means 70 is provided.

  The search means 68 has a function corresponding to a conventional search engine. That is, it has a function of outputting a search result based on the keyword input by the keyword input means 64. The present invention further includes a function of narrowing down and outputting the search results in the category items (categories) set by the category item setting means 66 and their order. Details of the classification item setting unit 66 and the search unit 68 will be described later.

  The history accumulating unit 70 has a function of accumulating and managing actions performed by the user as a history with respect to a search result list displayed on the WWW browser of the user terminal device 30 as a search result. Specifically, a search history including a classification item set by the user using the classification item setting unit 66 and a classification item of a user accessing the link destination from the search results is stored in a storage unit included in the user terminal device 30. Store in the form of cookie information.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of search processing in the information search system 10. First, the site information collection unit 62 circulates the WWW server 20 on the network periodically or irregularly to collect Web site information, and stores it in the database of the external storage unit 56 as search information (S100).

  On the other hand, a user who wants to search a Web site accesses the information search system 10 from the user terminal device 30 and inputs a search keyword (S102) and sets a desired classification item (S104). Is clicked (specified with a pointing device such as a mouse) to instruct the search execution.

  Upon receiving the search execution instruction, the search unit 68 of the information search system 10 is based on the search keyword received by the keyword input unit 64 in step S102 and the classification item received by the classification item setting unit 66 in step S104. Web site search processing is executed (S106), search results are generated and output in the order of the set classification items, and returned to the user terminal device 30 (S108). The user terminal device 30 receives the search result and displays the search result.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a search item input screen for inputting a search keyword and a classification item, which is output to the user terminal device 30 of a user who accesses the information search system 10 and performs a search. The search item input screen includes a text box 200 for inputting a search keyword, a search button 202 for instructing search execution, and a category setting area 204 for setting category items. The classification setting area 204 further includes a plurality (10 in this embodiment) of drop-down lists 206a to 206j for setting the classification items in the order in which the user wants to obtain the search results. Preferably, a random display button 208 that shuffles the classification items presented in the drop-down lists 206a to 206j in a random order, and a reset that returns the classification items presented in the drop-down lists 206a to 206j to their initial values (default state). And a button 210.

  Here, the search keyword input to the text box 200 is the same as the keyword input to the normal full-text search type search engine. The classification items set by the drop-down lists 206a to 206j are information types, categories, search targets, and the like that the user wants to search. Specifically, for example, a user who wants to obtain information about an automobile company called “teyuso” enters the search keyword “teyuso” in the text box 200.

  Then, from the drop-down list 206, the type or category (classification item) information to be specifically searched for from among the information related to “teyuso” is selected. For example, a user who wants to search for a newspaper article “Teyuso” selects “newspaper article” from the drop-down list 206. In addition, when searching for current information on “Teyuso”, “Current Affairs” is selected from the drop-down list 206. In the example of FIG. 5, let's search for information related to classification items such as newspaper articles, current affairs, performing arts, PC, literature / art, blog, business / IR, politics / economics, society, and gourmet among the information entered as search keywords. This case is illustrated. As the classification item, any of various items other than the above can be set. For example, the region, health, environment, hobbies, travel, housing / real estate, job hunting / change of job, advancement / qualification, money, shopping, auction, TV program, movie, music, game, and the like.

  The random display button 208 is used for randomly setting the classification items of the drop-down lists 206a to 206j from all the classification items registered in the information search system 10.

  The reset button 210 is for returning the classification items of the drop-down lists 206a to 206j to the initial state. The information search system 10 has a function of determining the order of classification items displayed as initial states in the drop-down lists 206a to 206j based on the past search history stored in the user terminal device 30 by the history storage unit 70. Is provided. For example, based on past search history, the classification items are pointed according to the classification items that the user has viewed so far or recently, and the drop-down lists 206a to 206j are assigned to each of the drop-down lists 206a to 206j. The classification items are displayed in descending order of points. The order of the classification items displayed in the drop-down lists 206a to 206j in the classification setting area 204 is automatically set according to the search history stored in the user terminal device 30. The more items that are used, the more automatically the category items that match the user's preference are selected.

  As described above, the user inputs a keyword to be searched for in the text box 200 and sets the classification item of the information he / she wants to obtain in the respective drop-down lists 206a to 206j in the classification item setting area 204, and then the search button 202. The search execution is instructed by pressing or the like.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a search result screen output to the user terminal device 30 as a result of the search processing performed by the search means 68 of the information search system 10. The search result screen includes a plurality of search result display areas 212a to 212j for displaying the search result for each classification item set on the search item input screen. FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which a part (212a, 212b, 212f, 212g) of the search result display areas 212a to 212j is displayed. The undisplayed search result display areas 212c to 212e and 212h to 212j can be displayed by scrolling the display screen using the scroll bar 214 or the like. Preferably, the keyword that has been searched is displayed, and a text box 216 in which a new search keyword can be input, and a search button 218 for instructing search execution are included.

  Each search result display area 212 is a result for displaying a list of results obtained by narrowing down the results searched by the search keyword input by the user based on the classification items corresponding to the search result display areas 212a to 212j. A list display area 220 is included. Preferably, each search result display area 212 further includes a text box 222 in which the keyword that has been searched is displayed, a drop-down list 224 in which the category item that has been searched is displayed, and an instruction for executing the search. And a search button 226.

  Here, in FIG. 6, the search result regarding “newspaper article” of “Teyuso” is displayed in the area 212 a at the upper left side of the screen, and “Teyuso” is displayed in the second area 212 b from the upper left side of the screen (lower left in FIG. 6). The search result for “current affairs” is displayed, the search result for “blog” of “Teyuso” is displayed in the area 212f on the upper right side of the screen, and the The search results for “Business / IR” are displayed. As described above, the order of the search result display areas 212a to 212j displayed on the search result screen is the same as the order of the classification items set in the drop-down lists 206a to 206j on the search item input screen (FIG. 5). Is output.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of search execution processing by the search means 68 of the information search system 10. First, for each classification item set by the classification item setting unit 66, a search refinement condition for each classification item is acquired with reference to the table stored in the external storage unit 56 (S110). Then, the search result is narrowed down using the obtained narrowing condition for the search result based on the search keyword received by the keyword input means 64 (S112). It is determined whether or not the above-described narrowing process has been performed for all the classification items set by the classification item setting unit 66 (S114), and when the narrowing for all the classification items is completed, the search execution process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which search refinement conditions for each classification item are registered and stored in the external storage unit 56. The table includes a classification item field 80 and a narrow-down condition field 82. In the category item field 80, category items that can be selected from the drop-down list 206 or the like of the search item input screen (FIG. 5) are registered. Search refinement conditions corresponding to the classification items are registered in the refinement condition field 82. Various conditions can be set as the narrowing-down conditions. For example, AND search or OR search of a predetermined keyword, narrowing down by a predetermined phrase, processing excluding those including a predetermined keyword, language used (Japanese, English, etc.), update date, file type (html, pdf, etc.), Conditions such as narrowing down by search range (whole page, title only, etc.), search target domain, etc. can be arbitrarily set.

  Specifically, for example, when the search keyword “teyuso” is narrowed down by the classification item “newspaper article” (search result display area 212a in FIG. 6), the classification item “newspaper article” is referred to the table of the external storage means 56. The filtering condition “newspaper (and search)” corresponding to is acquired. Then, the search result of the search keyword “teyuso” is narrowed down by an and search of the keyword “newspaper”. That is, in this case, an AND search for “teyuso” and “newspaper” is performed. This search result is pointed to a Web site as in normal search processing, and the search results are output in the order of points.

  As described above, the user inputs the keyword to be searched for in the text box 200 and sets the classification (category, field) of the information he wants to obtain from the drop-down lists 206a to 206j in the classification item setting area 204. And execute the search. The information search system 10 performs a narrowing process for each classification item on the input search keyword. As a result, the search result display screen is divided into a plurality of areas 212a to 212j with the same screen configuration as the arrangement set in the drop-down lists 206a to 206j of the classification item setting area 204, and the classification items are classified into the areas 212a to 212j. The search results can be displayed in order of points every time.

  In addition, each process step can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce inconsistency in a processing content, or can be performed in parallel.

  Note that the information search system of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For this reason, the said embodiment is only a mere illustration in all points, and is not interpreted limitedly.

  For example, in this embodiment, ten classification items are selected on the search item input screen, and the search results are displayed in ten areas. However, the number of classification items is set to an arbitrary number of one or more. Is possible. Various display formats can be adopted as the display format of the search result. Not only the search result display area 212 may be divided equally, but the search result display area 212 may be divided unevenly. For example, the size of the area may be determined according to the point of the search result. Further, the size of the area may be determined in the order of the classification items set by the classification item setting means 66. In addition to a format in which the search result display area is divided on one screen, a tab may be provided for each classification item, and the search result display area may be divided and displayed on a plurality of screens.

  In this embodiment, the search result history is managed by the user terminal device 30. However, the member ID is issued to the user, and the information search system 10 associates the search history with the member ID. It may be managed.

It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the information retrieval system concerning this embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main device configuration of an information search system 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of the information search system 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a search process procedure in the information search system 10. 4 is an example of a search input screen that is output to a display device of a user terminal device 30 that has accessed the information search system 10. It is an example of a search result screen output to the user terminal device 30 as a result of the search processing performed by the search means 68 of the information search system 10. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of search execution processing by a search means 68 of the information search system 10. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which registered search refinement conditions for every classification item.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information retrieval system 20 WWW server 30 User terminal device 40 Network

Claims (9)

Means to accept search keywords,
When searching a database that accumulates search targets based on the received search keyword, a search condition that is predetermined according to a classification item is added, and the search keyword and the search keyword are added for each of one or more classification items. Means for performing a refinement search using a search condition;
Means for outputting the result of the refinement search;
An information retrieval system comprising: The means for outputting is
List the results of the refinement search in a different display area for each of the plurality of classification items.
The information search system according to claim 1. The means for outputting is
Dividing one screen information into a plurality of different display areas, and displaying a list of the search results for each of the plurality of classification items in different display areas for each classification item,
The information search system according to claim 2. The means for outputting is
A plurality of different display areas are provided in a form that can be switched by tabs, and the result of the refinement search for each classification item is displayed to be switchable by the tabs.
The information search system according to claim 2. The means for performing the refinement search includes:
A refinement search process is performed by performing an AND search of the search keyword and a keyword preset as the refinement condition.
The information search system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Search history storage means for storing the search history is provided,
The means for outputting is
Based on the search history stored in the search history storage means, determine a classification item to output the results of the refinement search,
The information search system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In an information search system comprising a control means for controlling processing for searching a database based on a search keyword, a method for performing information search,
The control means accepting a search keyword;
The control means adds a narrowing condition predetermined according to the classification item to the search keyword received in the reception step, and uses the search keyword and the narrowing condition for each one or more classification items. A search step for performing the refined search,
The control means outputting a result of the refinement search executed in the search step;
An information search method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the information search method according to claim 7.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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