JP2006252255A - Database system, database retrieval server, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a database system or the like, capable of dynamically and hierarchically classifying and retrieving information by a combination of one or more item values contained in information within a database. <P>SOLUTION: The database retrieval server 101 holds item layer information 321 setting a hierarchical structure having an optional number of layers for items constituting commodity information 310 within a commodity information database 310, acquiring, based on the item layer information 321, an item value group for items of at least one layer from the commodity information database 301, and provides a hierarchical tree by item values (item value tree retrieval screen 20). When "space-saving type" under "AAA" is clicked, the server 101 performs retrieval with a retrieval condition that "maker" is matched to "AAA", and "casing" is matched to "space-saving type", and provides a commodity information record 12 that is a retrieval result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a database system using a network, and more particularly to an item value tree search function for dynamically configuring a hierarchical tree and searching for information based on item values included in database information.

  In recent years, when creating catalogs, with the spread of computers, product data to be put on catalogs has been used as a database. Collaborating with a database, catalog creation work is performed by desktop publishing (DTP) or the like, and the efficiency has been improved. For example, there are several database systems consisting of a database that stores product information, a server that manages database information, provides functions such as input / output, search, and browsing of database information, and a plurality of user terminal devices. (For example, Patent Document 1).

  There is also a tree dynamic creation display method and a tree search display system for searching only items in which data is stored from document data and displaying the tree (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2001-324975 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-21260

  However, in the conventional database system, an item name to be searched is selected and the search value is input or selected from a pull-down list. However, each time a search is performed, an item is selected or a value is input / selected. If you enter a wrong search value and search, the result is 0. The user needs to be aware of the search value of the base search condition, and there is a problem that operability and functionality are low. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a database system that can classify and search information dynamically and hierarchically by a combination of one or more item values included in information in the database. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention is a database search server connected to a client terminal via a network, having a database for storing and managing information consisting of a plurality of items, and for searching for information. In the database, item hierarchy information for setting a hierarchical structure having a predetermined number of hierarchies is stored in the database, and based on the item hierarchy information in response to a search request from the client terminal. A tree creation means for obtaining an item value group for at least one item from the database and creating hierarchical tree data based on the item value; and a tree providing means for providing the client terminal with the hierarchical tree data based on the created item value When an item value on the hierarchical tree is selected from the client terminal, the selected item value A database search server comprising: search means for performing AND (logical product) search from the database for information that matches each item value up to the highest associated item value. .

In addition, the tree creation means is configured to request a tree expansion request for a selected item value from the database based on the item hierarchy information in response to a tree expansion request for the selected item value on the hierarchy tree from the client terminal. It is desirable to further include expansion means for acquiring an item value group for the item and expanding lower hierarchical tree data based on the item value.
It is preferable that the information processing device further includes information providing means for providing the client terminal with information searched by the search means.

  The database search server according to the first invention is connected to a client terminal via a network, has a database for storing and managing information consisting of a plurality of items, and has a predetermined number of hierarchies for items constituting the information. Item hierarchy information for setting a hierarchical structure is stored in the database, and in response to a search request from the client terminal, an item value group for at least one item is acquired from the database based on the item hierarchy information. Hierarchical tree data is created, and the hierarchical tree data based on the created item values is provided to the client terminal. When an item value on the hierarchical tree is selected from the client terminal, information that matches each item value from the selected item value to the highest-level item value to be associated with the corresponding item is obtained from the database. )Search for.

“Information” is, for example, product information, and is composed of character information (such as specifications) of products, material information (image information) of products, and the like.
The “item” is information that corresponds to the field in the database record.
“Item hierarchy information” is information in which a hierarchical structure having an arbitrary number of hierarchies is set for the items constituting the information, and the items having a hierarchical relationship are associated with each other, and held in the database.

In the first invention, since the item value tree is dynamically reconstructed, even if the item value of the product information (related to the item value tree) is changed in the middle, the tree can be reflected as needed and searched. .
In addition, when the user intuitively traces the tree, the search condition is narrowed down. When a node of the tree is selected, a list of product information that satisfies the search condition is displayed, thereby simplifying the operation and intuition. Search.
In addition, the search result displayed when each node is clicked is not statically held, and the database administrator does not need to maintain this item value tree at any time by dynamically searching each time when the node is clicked.

  The second invention is a database system in which a client terminal and a database search server that stores and manages information consisting of a plurality of items and that searches for information are connected via a network. The client terminal includes a display unit that displays a hierarchical tree based on the item value received from the server, and a search instruction unit that selects an item value on the displayed hierarchical tree and transmits a tree search instruction based on the item value. The database search server holds item hierarchy information for setting a hierarchical structure having a predetermined number of hierarchies for the items constituting the information in the database, and responds to a search request from the client terminal. Based on the item hierarchy information, an item value group for at least one item from the database is obtained. Tree generation means for creating hierarchical tree data based on item values, tree providing means for providing hierarchical tree data based on the created item values to the client terminal, and item values on the hierarchical tree are selected from the client terminal. And a search means for performing an AND (logical product) search from the database for information that matches each item value from the selected item value to the associated highest item value. Is a database system characterized by

  According to a second invention, the database search server of the first invention and a hierarchical tree based on item values received from the server in response to a search request are displayed, an item value on the hierarchical tree is selected, and a tree search based on the item value is performed. The present invention relates to a database system composed of client terminals that transmit instructions.

The third invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the database search server of the first invention.
A fourth invention is a recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the database search server of the first invention is recorded.

The above-described program may be distributed by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  The present invention can provide a database system and the like that can classify and search information dynamically and hierarchically by a combination of one or more item values included in the information in the database.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a database system and the like according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a database system 100 according to the present embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a database system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the database system 100 is configured by connecting a server 101, a plurality of client terminals 103, and the like via a network 109. The database system 100 is a configuration diagram when implemented using WWW (World Wide Web) technology.

  The network 109 is a network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or an in-house LAN, and may be wired or wireless.

  The server 101 is a server computer or the like, and includes a WWW server 110, a database search unit 111, a database server 112, and the like. The database search unit 111 classifies the product information 310 dynamically and hierarchically through a combination of one or more item values included in the product information 310 in the product information database 301 via the database server 112. Hierarchical tree data is created by value, and the selected item value on the hierarchical tree is searched. The database server 112 is a database engine or the like, and performs corresponding processing for various requests such as search, reference, registration, and deletion to the product information database 301.

  The client terminal 103 is a personal computer, a portable terminal (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. The client terminal 103 is equipped with a WWW browser 120. The client terminal 103 accesses the WWW server 110 of the server 101 via the WWW browser 120, displays a hierarchical tree based on the item values received from the server 101 in response to the item value tree search request, and displays the displayed hierarchical tree The upper item value is selected, and a search instruction based on the item value is given to the product information database 301.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the server 101 will be described. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server 101.

  The server 101 is configured by connecting a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a media input / output unit 203, a communication control unit 204, an input unit 205, a display unit 206, a printing unit 207, and the like via a system bus 209.

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

The CPU calls a program stored in the storage unit 202, ROM, recording medium or the like to a work memory area on the RAM, executes it, controls the drive of each device connected via the system bus 209, and is performed by the server 101. Various processes described later (see FIGS. 5 and 6) are realized.
The ROM is a non-volatile memory and permanently holds a computer boot program, a program such as BIOS, data, and the like.
The RAM is a volatile memory, and temporarily stores a program, data, and the like loaded from the storage unit 202, ROM, recording medium, and the like, and includes a work area used by the control unit 201 for performing various processes.

The storage unit 202 is an HDD (hard disk drive), and stores a program executed by the control unit 201, data necessary for program execution, an OS (operating system), and the like. As for programs, a control program 391 corresponding to an OS (operating system), an application program 392 corresponding to processing to be described later performed by the server 101 to which the computer is applied, and the like are stored.
Each of these program codes is read by the control unit 201 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read by the CPU, and executed as various means.

  The media input / output unit 203 (drive device) performs data input / output, for example, floppy disk drive, PD drive, CD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW, etc.), DVD drive (-ROM, -R, etc.) -RW etc.) and media input / output devices such as MO drives.

  The communication control unit 204 includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the server 101 and the network 109. Communication control between the server 101 and the client terminal 103 is performed via the network 109. I do.

The input unit 205 inputs data and includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and an input device such as a numeric keypad.
An operation instruction, an operation instruction, data input, and the like can be performed on the server 101 via the input unit 205.

  The display unit 206 includes a display device such as a CRT monitor and a liquid crystal panel, and a logic circuit (such as a video adapter) for realizing a video function of the computer in cooperation with the display device.

  A printing unit 207 is a printer and performs print output processing.

  The system bus 209 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals, data signals, and the like between the devices.

  Next, information stored in the storage unit 202 of the server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the storage unit 202.

  In the storage unit 202, a plurality of product information databases 301, a control program 391, an application program 392, and the like are stored.

The product information database 301 includes a plurality of product information 310, a management table group, and the like. Note that a plurality of product information databases 301 managed by the server 101 may exist as necessary.
The product information 310 includes character information 311 such as product specifications, image information 312 which is product material information, and the like.
The data configuration of the product information database 301 is not limited to this configuration.

The control program 391 is a program that drives and controls each component of the server 101, and corresponds to an OS (operating system).
The application program 392 is an executable program corresponding to the processing described later (see FIGS. 5 and 6) performed by the server 101, and corresponds to the WWW server 110, the database search unit 111, the database server 112, and the like.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the client terminal 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the client terminal 103.

The client terminal 103 is connected to a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, a communication control unit 403, a media input / output unit 404, an input unit 405, a display unit 406, a printing unit 407, and the like via a system bus 409.
The hardware configuration of the client terminal 103 is the same as that of the server 101 described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, the processing operation of the item value tree search processing of the product information 310 in the product information database 301 by the database search means 111 of the server 101 in the database system 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the item value tree search process of the product information 310 of the server 101. FIG.

A database search program that is an application program 392 is installed in the storage unit 202 of the server 101. The following processing of the server 101 is performed by the control unit 201 of the server 101 through the WWW server 110 and the database server 112 according to the control of this database search program.
Further, the WWW browser 120 as the application program 392 is installed in the storage unit 402 of the client terminal 103, and the following processing of the client terminal 103 (access to the server 101 via the WWW browser 120, access to the server 101) The instruction and the like are performed by the control unit 401 of the client 103.

  The control unit 401 of the client terminal 103 accesses the server 101 and makes a login request to the product information database 301 (step S501).

  For example, the server 101 is accessed from the WWW browser 120 of the client terminal 103 by specifying a predetermined URL of the server 101, and the control unit 201 of the server 101 sends the login screen data to the client terminal 103 via the database server 112. Send. The control unit 401 of the client terminal 103 transmits the input user ID, password, and server name to the server 101 according to a login screen (not shown).

The control unit 201 of the server 101 performs user authentication from the received user ID, password, and the like, and when the user authentication is correct, sets and connects the product information database 301 corresponding to the designated server name (step S502).
The control unit 201 transmits main screen data for performing an operation on the product information 310 in the product information database 301 (step S503).

  The control unit 401 of the client terminal 103 displays the received main screen 10 (step S504).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the main screen 10.
As shown in FIG. 8, the main screen 10 includes a product information list 11 including product information records 12 for displaying information acquired from the product information database 301, group tree search / item value tree search / keyword search / general search, and the like. A search screen 13 for performing various searches, a work box list / basket list, various control buttons, a menu bar, and the like are displayed.

The user selects item tree search, and the control unit 401 transmits an item tree search request (step S505).
For example, the “Item Tree Search” tab 21 on the search screen 13 is selected, or the “Item Tree Search” is selected from the displayed search menu (not shown) by clicking the search button 15 on the menu bar. To do.

  The control unit 201 of the server 101 acquires item hierarchy information 321 included in the product information 310 of the product information database 301 (step S506).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the item hierarchy information 321.
As shown in FIG. 7, each item structure 310 of the product information 310 in the product information database 301 has a plurality of item hierarchy information 321. The item hierarchy information 321 is information for setting a hierarchical structure having an arbitrary number of hierarchies with respect to the items constituting the product information 310 and associating items having a hierarchical relationship with each other, and includes an item 322, a parent item 323, and the like. An item 322 is item identification information such as an item name and an item ID, and a parent item 323 is an item in a higher hierarchy than the item 322 and is parent item identification information such as a parent item name and a parent item ID.
For example, the item 322 “provisional code”, “manufacturer”, “model code”, “casing”, “CPU type”, “product name” for the structure 320 of the product information 310 “personal computer” in the product information database 301 ... As item hierarchy information 321, a parent item 323 “personal computer” of an item 322 “maker” representing a hierarchical structure, a parent item 323 “maker” of an item 322 “housing”, an item 322 “CPU type” ", A parent item 323" casing "and the like. That is, the item 322 “Manufacturer”->“Case”-> “CPU Type” is set for “Personal Computer” as a hierarchical structure.

  The data structure of the item hierarchy information 321 is not limited to this structure. For example, item value tree information is managed for each structure, a tree information table that associates an item tree ID with a structure ID, and a tree node information table that includes an item tree ID, a hierarchy, an item name, and the like for each tree, For each structure, items of each hierarchy may be acquired based on a tree information table, a tree node information table, or the like.

Based on the acquired item hierarchy information 321, the control unit 201 acquires an item value group of at least the first layer item, and creates item value tree data with the item value as a node (step S507).
In this embodiment, first, an item value that is node information of the first layer is acquired, item value tree data is created, and subordinate node information is acquired at a timing when the user attempts to expand the tree. However, the node information on the second and lower layers may be acquired in advance when acquiring information on the first layer in advance.

  The control unit 201 transmits item value tree search screen data including the created item value tree data (step S508).

The control unit 401 of the client terminal 103 displays the item value tree search screen 20 on the main screen 10 (step S601).
As shown in FIG. 8, the item value tree search screen 20 is composed of an item value tree that displays an item value set of at least one layer of items as nodes 22.
For example, one level of the tree includes nodes 22 such as item values “AAA”, “BBB”, “CCC”, “GGG”.

The control unit 401 makes a tree expansion request to the node 22 to be searched (step S602).
For example, the “expand” button 23 of the node 22 “AAA” in the first layer is clicked to expand the node 22 in the layer under the node 22 “AAA”.

The control unit 201 of the server 101 acquires the item value group of the item 322 under the item 322 corresponding to the selected node 22 from the product information database 301 based on the item hierarchy information 321, and sets the item value as the node 22. Tree data is created and expanded (step S603).
The control unit 201 transmits item value tree data (step S604).

The control unit 401 of the client terminal 103 displays the developed item value tree on the item value tree search screen 20 (step S605).
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an item value tree search screen 20 (lower tree expansion).
As shown in FIG. 9, the item value tree search screen 20 (lower tree expansion) is an item value tree in which a lower layer of a node 22 “AAA”-> two layers of a node 22 “space saving type” is expanded. The item values “Celeron”, “Athron”, “None”, and the like of the item “CPU type” are displayed as nodes in the third hierarchy.

The user selects the node 22 to be searched, and the control unit 401 transmits a search request to the item value of the search target node 22 (step S606).
For example, the node 22 “space saving type” under “AAA” on the item value tree search screen 20 (lower tree expansion) is clicked, and the search target is selected.

The control unit 201 of the server 101 searches the product information database 301 for product information 310 that matches all the item values associated from the item value of the selected node 22 to the highest hierarchy (step S607).
The control unit 201 transmits product information list data that is search result data (step S608).

The control unit 401 of the client terminal 103 displays the product information list 11 as a search result on the main screen 10 (step S609).
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the main screen 10 (item value tree search result).
As shown in FIG. 10, in the product information list 11 on the main screen 10, the item value tree search result “Manufacturer” matches “AAA”, and “Case” matches “Space saving type”. Nine product information records 12 to be displayed are listed.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 201 of the server 101 has the product information database 310 that stores and manages the product information 310 including items, and the items that configure the product information 310. A hierarchical structure having an arbitrary number of hierarchies is set, item hierarchy information 321 for associating items in a hierarchical relationship is held, and in response to a search request from the client terminal 103, based on the item hierarchy information 321, An item value group for at least one hierarchical item is acquired from the product information database 301, hierarchical tree data based on the item value is created, and provided to the client terminal 103. When an item value on the hierarchy tree is selected from the client terminal 103, for each item value associated from the selected item value to the highest hierarchy, the corresponding items all match the item value Information 310 is searched from the product information database 301.

As a result, the item value tree is dynamically reconstructed. Therefore, even if the item value (related to the item value tree) of the product information is changed on the way, the item value tree is reflected in the tree as needed and can be searched.
Further, in the conventional search method, if the search is performed by inputting an incorrect search value, the result is 0, and it is necessary to be aware of the search value. However, if the search is performed using this item value tree, at least one search is always made. In addition, when the user intuitively traces the tree, the search condition is narrowed down, and when a node of the tree is selected, the user can easily select a desired item by displaying a list of product information that satisfies the search condition. Information can be searched, operation can be simplified, and intuitive search can be performed.

  In addition, the search results displayed when each node is clicked are not statically maintained, but are dynamically searched each time they are clicked, so that the database administrator does not need to maintain this item value tree at any time. There is. For example, even if the user changes and updates the item value set in the item value tree search at a certain point in time at a certain point in time, the search result will change dynamically when searching in the subsequent item value tree search become.

  In this embodiment, the server 101 includes the WWW server 110, the database search unit 111, the database server 112, and the like. The server 101 is accessed from the client terminal 103, and the database search program is executed via the WWW server 110. The database search program is downloaded to the client terminal 103 side in advance, the database search program on the client terminal 103 is started up, and the database information 112 is stored in the database server 112 on the server 101 side while accessing the product information database 301. Search processing may be performed.

  In this embodiment, first, an item value that is node information of the first layer is acquired, item value tree data is created, and subordinate node information is acquired at a timing when the user attempts to expand the tree. However, the node information on the second and lower layers may be acquired in advance when acquiring information on the first layer in advance.

  In this embodiment, the product information database 301 that stores product information, image information, and the like is used as the database. However, the present invention is not limited to product information, image information, and the like.

  Note that the program for performing the processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program may be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  The preferred embodiments of the database system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the database system 100 which concerns on this Embodiment. Hardware configuration diagram of server 101 The figure which shows the information which the memory | storage part 202 hold | maintains Hardware configuration diagram of the client terminal 103 The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the item value tree search process of the merchandise information 310 of the server 101. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the item value tree search process of the merchandise information 310 of the server 101. The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the item hierarchy information 321 The figure which shows the main screen 10 The figure which shows the item value tree search screen 20 (lower tree expansion | deployment) The figure which shows the main screen 10 (item value tree search result)

Explanation of symbols

100 ......... Database system 101 ......... Server 103 ......... Client terminal 109 ......... Network 110 ......... WWW server 111 ......... Database search means 112 ......... Database server 120 ......... WWW browser 201, 401 ......... Control unit 202, 402 ......... Storage unit 301 ......... Product information database 310 ......... Product information 311 ...... Text information 320 ......... Structure 321 ......... Item hierarchy information 322 ......... Item 323 ......... Parent item 11 ... …… Product information list 12 ... …… Product information record 21 ... …… "Item value tree search" tab 22 ... …… Node

Claims (8)

A database search server connected to a client terminal via a network, having a database for storing and managing information consisting of a plurality of items, and for searching for information,
Item hierarchy information for setting a hierarchical structure having a predetermined number of hierarchies for items constituting the information is held in the database,
In response to a search request from the client terminal, on the basis of the item hierarchy information, obtain a field value group for at least one hierarchy item from the database, and create a tree creation means for creating hierarchy tree data by item value;
Tree providing means for providing the client terminal with hierarchical tree data based on the created item values;
When an item value on the hierarchical tree is selected from the client terminal, information corresponding to the item corresponding to each item value from the selected item value to the highest item value associated with the item value is obtained from the database. Logical AND) search means for searching,
A database search server comprising: The tree creation means includes:
In response to a tree expansion request for the selected item value on the hierarchy tree from the client terminal, an item value group for an item in a lower hierarchy related to the selected item value is acquired from the database based on the item hierarchy information. , Expansion means for expanding the lower-level tree data by item values,
The database search server according to claim 1, further comprising: Information providing means for providing the client terminal with information searched by the search means;
The database search server according to claim 1, further comprising: The database search server according to claim 1, wherein the item is information included in a record of the database corresponding to a field. The database search server according to claim 1, wherein the server is a Web server, and the client terminal functions as a Web browser. A database system in which a client terminal has a database for storing and managing information consisting of a plurality of items, and a database search server for searching for information is connected via a network,
The client terminal is
Display means for displaying a hierarchical tree with item values received from the server;
A search instruction means for selecting an item value on the displayed hierarchical tree and transmitting a tree search instruction by the item value;
With
The database search server
Item hierarchy information for setting a hierarchical structure having a predetermined number of hierarchies for items constituting the information is held in the database,
In response to a search request from the client terminal, on the basis of the item hierarchy information, obtain a field value group for at least one hierarchy item from the database, and create a tree creation means for creating hierarchy tree data by item value;
Tree providing means for providing the client terminal with hierarchical tree data based on the created item values;
When an item value on the hierarchical tree is selected from the client terminal, information corresponding to the item corresponding to each item value from the selected item value to the highest item value associated with the item value is obtained from the database. Logical AND) search means for searching,
A database system comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as the database search server according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the database search server according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is recorded.

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