JP3911810B2 - Information distribution system and portable storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an information distribution system having a function for defining an information structure between a plurality of information processing apparatuses connected via a network and distributing information in various fields in a standardized form to the defined structure. In particular, the present invention relates to an information distribution system for distributing information using a plurality of databases distributed and managed on a network, and a portable storage medium for information distribution used therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the advancement of network technology represented by the Internet, it has become possible to freely send and receive various information regardless of company or individual. As a result, it has become possible to easily obtain various information from anywhere in the world regardless of space.
[0003]
Here, some of the Internet services will be described. The World Wide Web (hereinafter WWW) is a client-server type information service. In the WWW, document representation is performed using hypertext (hereinafter referred to as an HTML file) written in a language called HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). This HTML file is transferred to an information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer) on the network by HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol). A feature of HTML is that a location link to another HTML file can be formed by an address expression on the network called a URL (Universal Resource Locator). By using this URL and HTTP, a linked HTML file can be transferred. That is, when an HTML file is obtained, another HTML file related to the contents described therein can be easily obtained.
[0004]
The HTML file is usually referred to by a tool called a web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator from Netscape). If this Web browser is used, an HTML file can be obtained by a simple operation (operation of pressing a virtual button on the screen) without being aware of HTTP or the like, so even a beginner can use the WWW.
[0005]
There is a standard that defines an interface between a WWW server program called CGI (Common Gateway Interface) and an external application. In HTTP, it is basic to transfer HTML files normally, but using CGI, not only simply transferring HTML files stored in the server, but also dynamically obtained by executing external applications HTML files can be transferred. Furthermore, since it is possible to add a parameter to the CGI, for example, if a user adds a search expression as a parameter via a Web browser, an external application that searches the database can use the parameter search expression. The database is searched, and the result is converted into an HTML file and transferred. That is, the user can search various databases via the WWW.
[0006]
Another service is ftp (File Transfer Protocol). ftp is a protocol for transferring a file of an arbitrary format. Since ftp can also be described in an HTML file, the user can obtain various files via a WWW browser. In this way, anyone can easily obtain various information by using the service provided by the Internet.
[0007]
However, in the existing services provided by the Internet,
(A) It is difficult to specify where and what information is on the network.
[0008]
(B) Even if the location of information is known, the content and structure of the information are determined by the sender, so even if multiple pieces of information in the same field are obtained from multiple sources of different senders, It is difficult to perform comparison (for example, comparison of contents of products, services, documents, etc.).
[0009]
Inconveniences such as this have occurred.
[0010]
As a countermeasure against the above (a), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-6667 analyzes an information file described in a markup language such as an HTML file obtained by e-mail, and specifies the field of information from the contents. Discloses a technology for automatically generating an information file having a tree structure classified by field. Using this technology, you can get news sources regularly by email and list only the information you need. Furthermore, when it is desired to obtain detailed contents, a more detailed HTML file can be obtained from items listed using the Internet service.
[0011]
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-106421 discloses a means for holding a user's situation for information, a means for holding a situation of a service for providing information, and a service (information requested by a user by comparing these two situations. ) Is disclosed. If this technology is used, it is possible to specify from which information source on the network the information requested by the user is supplied.
[0012]
Furthermore, as a countermeasure against the above (b), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-115640 holds product information to be compared, sequentially accesses each information center, additionally holds the obtained product information, and compares the stored product information. A technique of displaying in combination so that it can be disclosed is disclosed. By using this technology, product information obtained from a plurality of different information sources can be compared.
[0013]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-149903 discloses an approach different from the techniques of the above publications. In this publication, information and search term formats or rules are provided in advance for each type of information, and input information is converted into a standardized expression format for each type of information and stored in a centralized database. It is disclosed. If this technique is used, information is stored in a standardized format for each type of information, so that comparison between information can be easily performed.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-6667 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-106421 can specify an information source, but what about comparing multiple pieces of information obtained from different information sources? There is no effect.
[0015]
The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-115640 is based on the premise that the existence and access destination of each information center are known, and that the structure of product information in each information center is all unified. It can only be applied to specific information.
[0016]
Furthermore, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-149903, the type of information to be managed has to be determined in advance when the system is constructed, and nothing is mentioned about adding new type information. Therefore, when adding information of a new model, a format or rule for inputting the information must be provided again to each information processing apparatus on the network. However, since information is constantly evolving and new information in various fields is generated every day, this additional work is frequently performed. This leads to a large cost increase in system management and operation. In addition, it becomes difficult for the user to provide information other than the existing information.
[0017]
Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problems, and a plurality of information providers can transmit the same type of information with the same structure using a network, and information viewers are a plurality of different information providers. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information distribution system that can be easily compared even if the information is managed by the same type of information.
[0018]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution system that allows an information viewer to easily specify the type of information required.
[0019]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution system in which new types of information can be easily added.
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a management information processing apparatus that is connected to each other via a network and manages the locations of databases distributed on the network, and a plurality of information processing apparatuses that construct the database and register information. And a plurality of search information processing devices for searching for information from the database, the management information processing device comprises:Create an information structure definition that defines the information structure of the databaseInformation structure defining means and information classification by the information structure defining meansCreateInformation structure definition body and a plurality of databases constructed by the information processing apparatus for registration on the network using the information structure definition bodyManagement table for managing information including addressesMeans for managing information corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongsWhenThe registration information processing apparatus comprises:An acquisition means for displaying a list of information classifications corresponding to the information structure definition body managed by the management means, and acquiring an information structure definition body corresponding to the information classification selected by the user from the list display; and the acquisition means Obtained byBased on the information structure definition body, a database construction means for constructing a database having a name corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs and having an information structure defined by the information structure definition body;Acquired by the acquisition meansBased on the information structure definition body, the information corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs is input, and information to be registered is input for each information item defined by the information structure definition body.Includes registration information input areaA registration database access tool generating means for generating a registration database access tool having a user interface;Editing processing including address setting of the database constructed by the database construction unit and updating of the number of databases for the management table managed by the management unit corresponding to the information structure definition body obtained by the obtaining unit Editing processing means for performingUsing the registration database access tool,The address set in the management table by the editing processing means.Access the database,In the registration information input areaRegistration processing means for registering the input registration target information, the search information processing apparatus,An acquisition means for displaying a list of information classifications corresponding to the information structure definition body managed by the management means, and acquiring an information structure definition body corresponding to the information classification selected by the user from the list display; and the acquisition means Obtained byBased on the information structure definition body, the name corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongsAnd an address designation area for designating an address set in a management table managed by the management means corresponding to the information classification,Enter search target information for each information item defined by the information structure definition bodyIncludes search information input areaA search database access tool generating means for generating a search database access tool having a user interface, and using the search database access tool,The address specified using the addressing areaAccess the database,In the search information input areaAnd a search processing means for searching for the input search target information.
[0038]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This information distribution system includes a database management information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a server) 1 that centrally manages the location of a database 242 distributed on a network, and a plurality of information for constructing the database 242 and registering information. Information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as registration client) 2 and a plurality of search information processing apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as search clients) 3 for retrieving information from the database 242 are connected by a network cable 4. Configured.
[0039]
The server 1 includes a processing unit 11, an input / output terminal 12, a network connection device 13, a storage unit 14, and an external storage unit 15. The processing unit 11 includes a distributed database (DB) management unit 111 that manages the location of the distributed database 242, an information structure definition unit 112 that defines the information structure, and an information type identification unit 113 that identifies the type of information. Composed. In the server 1, the storage unit 14 stores a registrant management table 141 for managing a person who constructs a database and registers information, and a plurality of information structure definition bodies 142 that define the structure of information.
[0040]
The registration client 2 includes a processing unit 21, an input / output terminal 22, a network connection device 23, a storage unit 24, and an external storage unit 25. The processing unit 21 also includes a database construction unit 211 that constructs the database 242 from the information structure definition body 142 obtained via the network connection device 23, the network cable 4, and the network connection device 13, and an information structure definition obtained in the same manner. A database access tool generation unit 212 that generates a database access tool 213 for accessing the database 242 from the body 142, all or part of the database 242, and the information structure definition body 142 that is the basis for the construction of the database 242 are portable A database localization processing unit 214 for copying to the storage medium, and a database access processing unit 215 for accessing the database 242. In the registration client 2, the storage unit 24 is constructed by a registrant information file 241 for storing registrant information related to the registration client 2 registered in the registrant management table 141 and a database construction unit 211. Database 242 is stored. The external storage unit 25 stores a database copy 251 created by the database localization processing unit 214 and an information structure definition copy 252.
[0041]
Further, the search client 3 includes a processing unit 31, an input / output terminal 32, a network connection device 33, a storage unit 34, and an external storage unit 35. In addition, the processing unit 31 is based on the information structure definition body 142 obtained from the server 1 via the network connection device 33, the network cable 4, or the network connection device 13, or a copy 352 of the information structure definition body in the external storage unit 35. The database access tool generation unit 311 for generating the database access tool 312 for accessing the database 242, the information structure definition body 142 obtained by any of the above methods, or the copy 351 of the information structure definition body, and the original database 242 A local database constructing unit 313 that constructs a local database 342 having the same structure and a database access processing unit 314 for accessing the local database 342 are configured. In the search client 3, the storage unit 34 includes a database management file 341 for storing a copy of the database management table (see FIG. 4) in the information structure definition body 142, and a local database constructed unit 313. Database 342 is stored. In addition, the external storage unit 35 stores a database copy 251 and an information structure definition copy 252 created by the database localization processing unit 214.
[0042]
FIG. 2 shows an implementation example of the hardware configuration of each information processing apparatus (server 1, registration client 2, search client 3: here for the sake of convenience 5) in the information distribution system shown in FIG. It is. As can be seen from the figure, the information processing apparatus 5 used in the information distribution system includes a computer 51 that controls each information processing apparatus, a keyboard 52 that instructs the computer 51, and a pointing device such as a mouse or a stylus pen. 53, a portable storage medium such as a display 54 for displaying the processing results of the computer 51, a hard disk 55 for storing programs and data for controlling the computer 51, a magnetic disk such as a floppy disk or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM. A media drive device (in this example, a CD-ROM drive) 56 for accessing the network adapter 56 and a network adapter 57 for connecting the network cable 4 and the information processing device 5 are electrically connected to each other by a system bus 58. Continue and configured.
[0043]
The relationship between each part of the server 1, the registration client 2 and the search client 3 shown in FIG. 1 and each part of the information processing apparatus (computer system) 5 shown in FIG. 2 is as follows. The processing unit 11 of the server 1 and the processing units 21 and 31 of the clients 2 and 3 correspond to the computer 51 of the computer system 5, respectively. Similarly, the input / output terminals 12, 22, and 32 are connected to the keyboard 52, the pointing device 53, and the display 54, the storage units 14, 24, and 34 are connected to the hard disk 55, the external storage units 25 and 35 are connected to the CD-ROM drive 56, and the network. The connection devices 13, 23, and 33 correspond to the network adapter 57, respectively. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a CD-ROM is used as a portable external storage medium. However, the CD-ROM cannot be written unless a special device is used. Considering this point, a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) that can be written only once may be used as the external storage medium.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the registrant management table 141 held in the storage unit 14 of the server 1. In the figure, the number of registered users (L) represents the number of persons who provide information in the information distribution system of the present invention. The registrant name is the name of the person who manages the registration client 2. This may be an individual name, a company name, or a nickname, but it is desirable not to overlap with other names. The registrant ID is a numerical value that uniquely represents the registrant and is not allowed to be duplicated. The procedure for creating the registrant management table 141 (FIG. 10) will be described in detail later.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a table for managing the information structure definition body 142 that defines the structure of information. In the figure, the number of information classifications (M) indicates the number of classifications of information on the first layer. The classification name, the classification ID, and the classification standard are a name that represents a classification of information, an ID for uniquely identifying the classification, and a standard for determining what information belongs to this classification. The detailed classification number (m) indicates the classification number of the information of the second hierarchy belonging to this classification. Further, the detailed classification name, the detailed classification ID, and the classification standard are respectively a name representing the detailed classification, an ID for uniquely identifying the detailed classification, and what information belongs to the detailed classification. It is a standard.
[0046]
Furthermore, the database management table manages registrants and locations of databases that store information belonging to the above detailed classification. The number of databases (N) represents the number of databases storing information belonging to this detailed classification. The registrant name is the name of the person who manages this database. The registrant ID is a unique number assigned to the registrant managed by the database management table 141 shown in FIG. The database address indicates the location of the database on the network. For example, it is expressed by the URL described above. Furthermore, the time when the information in the database is registered or updated is recorded as the registration time.
[0047]
In this example, information is classified in a two-stage tree format, but more detailed classification can be performed by increasing the tree hierarchy to three or four stages. The information structure definition body 142 created by the information structure definition unit 112 defines the structure of a database for storing information belonging to the detailed classification. The information structure definition body 142 will be described later.
[0048]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific classification example of information based on the configuration example of FIG. In this example, the number of information classifications (M) in the first hierarchy is 4, and the classification names are literature, catalog, know-how, and travel guidance, respectively. The classification ID is a numerical value from 1 to 4 that does not overlap, and the classification of information can be specified only by this ID. The classification standard is a text that serves as a guideline for classification, and the user selects the most suitable classification from the classification standard. Further, the number of detailed classifications (m) in the second layer of the information whose classification name is literature is 3, and the detailed classification name, detailed classification ID, and classification criteria are the classification name and classification ID of the first hierarchy described above. , Defined in the same way as classification criteria. In such a structure, if more detailed classification is desired, the number of layers may be increased to three or four. Furthermore, information of a database storing information belonging to the detailed classification is stored in each detailed classification. In this example, it can be seen that three databases of company A, company B, and company C exist on the network for classification of politics and economy.
[0049]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, it will be described that the structure of a database (here, in particular, a relational database is assumed) can be defined by text. In the database, a box for storing data called a table (this data is called a record) is prepared. This table has partitions for storing different types of data called fields. In addition, the relational database has a link function for managing relationships between tables in order to manage information with a more complicated structure. This is a function that allows a plurality of other records to be stored in association with one record by linking between specific fields in the two tables. For example, in the case of a document, there are a plurality of charts in the document. However, the number of charts differs depending on the literature, and the number cannot be limited in advance. That is, it is difficult to set a field for a chart in the table. Therefore, if a table for managing documents and a table for managing charts are separately prepared and linked between the two tables, document information having an arbitrary number of charts can be managed in the database. In addition, although the example here is a link form called one-to-many, there are other link forms such as one-to-one, many-to-one, and many-to-many. That is, if the table partitioning method and the link method between the tables are expressed in text, the structure of the database can be defined.
[0050]
First, FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a document information database. As described above, there are two tables of the database, that is, the document table and the chart table, both of which are linked in a one-to-many relationship with the chart / table ID.
[0051]
FIG. 7 is a configuration example relating to the grammar definition of the information structure definition body 142. This configuration has three sections [Database ID], [Table], and [Link]. Each section is valid until the next section appears. In the [Database ID] section, information for specifying a database is defined. ID, classify name, and classify criteria correspond to the class ID, class name, and class standard in FIG. 4, respectively. Similarly, DID, classify name, and classify criteria correspond to the detailed classification ID, detailed classification name, and classification reference in FIG. 4, respectively. Only one section can be defined in one information structure definition body 142.
[0052]
The [Table] section defines the structure of the table. Table name becomes the table name. Each row represents a field in the table. Field name, Field type, Field length, Dsp_flag, and Input_flag are a field name, field type, field size (number of bytes), display flag, and input flag, respectively. The field type includes a character string type, a time type (there are two types, an automatic update type and an arbitrary type), and a numerical type (a unique type that does not allow duplication and two arbitrary types that allow duplication). The display flag is a flag indicating whether to display the data in the field (expressed as ONN / OFF). If the data does not need to be shown to the user, such as data for linking, this flag is set. Turn off. The input flag is a flag indicating whether the data in the field is to be input by the user or automatically set (represented by ON / OFF respectively). When a unique numerical value such as an ID is set, it is automatically set (OFF). To do. This section can be set as many as the number of tables.
[0053]
In the [Link] section, link information between tables is defined. Src_Table name, Src_field name, Dst_Table name, Dst_field name, and Link type are a link source table name, a link source field name, a link destination table name, a link destination field name, and a link type, respectively. One link can be defined in one line. Only one section can be defined in one information structure definition body 141. The table name and field name defined here must be those defined in the [Table] section.
[0054]
In a normal database system, a unique value only needs to be guaranteed in the database. However, the information distribution system according to this embodiment needs to be unique among the databases 242 having the same structure distributed to each registration client 2. Therefore, when a unique type is set, a unique value is determined based on the registrant ID in the registrant management table 141. For example, a unique value is determined in the individual database 242 and the value is multiplied by a unique numerical value (for example, 10,000). If a unique value is generated by adding the registrant ID to the value, the uniqueness is also guaranteed in the other database 242. This unique numerical value is based on the number of registrants, but it is not difficult to set in advance depending on the scale of the network. Conversely, if the number of pieces of information to be registered can be predicted in advance, the registrant ID may be multiplied by a unique value, and a unique value determined by the individual database 242 may be added to that value.
[0055]
FIG. 8 shows a specific example when the database of document information in FIG. 6 is defined based on the configuration example of the information structure definition body 142 in FIG. In this example, the registrant name and registrant ID fields are not defined. Since these two fields are for managing a distributed database, they are configured to be automatically generated.
[0056]
In FIG. 9, by referring to the file name, the database access tools 213 and 312 for arbitrary information, the database management file 341, the database 242 and the local database 342 already exist in the registration client 2 and the search client 3. It is a figure which shows an example of the naming convention of various resources for determining whether or not. In the configuration for managing the information structure definition body 142 shown in FIG. 4, a classification ID and a detailed classification ID are given to each information. These IDs are unique numerical values that do not allow duplication. That is, if the file names of the information structure definition body 142, the database access tools 213 and 312, the database 242, and the database management file 341 are named and stored from these IDs, the file names are obtained from the classification ID and the detailed classification ID. Simply by searching for the files in the clients 2 and 3, it is easy to determine whether the above objects (database access tools 213 and 312, database management file 341, database 242, local database 342) exist. Can be determined.
[0057]
Next, various processing operations in the information distribution system of the present invention will be described sequentially. First, a procedure for registering a registrant from the registration client 2 to the server 1 in this information distribution system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this registration procedure, the registration client 2 receives a registrant in the distributed database management unit 111 of the server 1 via the network connection device 23, the network cable 4, and the network connection device 13 in accordance with the operation of the operator (registrant). Send a registration application request. By accepting this registration application request, the distributed database management unit 111 requests the name of a new registrant. In response to this request, the operator inputs a new registrant name from the input / output terminal 22 of the registration client 2 (step 101). Next, the distributed data management unit 111 determines whether the designated names are not duplicated based on the input registrant name (step 102). This determination can be easily made by examining the L registrant names currently registered in the registrant management table 141 configured as shown in FIG.
[0058]
If the registrant name is duplicated (NO in step 102), the process returns to step 101 to request the operator to input the registrant name again. If the registrant names do not overlap (YES in step 102), 1 is added to the number L of registrants (step 103), and a new registrant ID is generated (step 104). This registrant ID must be a unique value that does not overlap. The simplest method is to employ the registrant number L as the ID. After generating the registrant ID (step 104), the distributed database management unit 111 registers the registrant name and the registrant ID in the registrant management table 141 (step 105). After registration is completed in step 105, the registered registrant name and registrant ID are returned to the registration client 2 that requested registration and stored in the registrant information file 241. The registrant name and registrant ID stored here are used when registering information from the registration client 2 to the server (see FIG. 12).
[0059]
Next, the procedure for registering the information structure definition body 142 from the information structure definition unit 112 of the processing unit 11 in the server 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this registration procedure, the operator of the server 1 first determines whether the item to be registered is the first layer classification or the second layer detailed classification. This determination can be realized, for example, by displaying a list of already registered classification names and classification criteria (see FIG. 5) on the input / output terminal 12 and allowing the operator to make a determination. Based on the listed classification criteria, the operator determines whether there is an appropriate classification for classifying the information to be added (whether the registration is a new classification) (step 201). ), If it is determined that there is no appropriate classification (the one to be registered is a new classification) (YES in step 201), 1 is added to the registered information classification number M (step 202) to generate a new classification ID (Step 203). This ID must be unique and cannot be duplicated. The simplest method is to use the information classification number M as a classification ID.
[0060]
Next, the operator inputs a classification name and classification criteria (step 204), then initializes the detailed classification number (m) to 0 (step 205), and further initializes the number of databases (N) to 0. (Step 206), the process proceeds to the detailed classification registration process. Note that the processing in step 205 is a preliminary measure for registering detailed classifications thereafter.
[0061]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the operator wants to register the detailed classification of the second hierarchy (the registration is not a new classification) based on the above list display (NO in step 201), the operator then adds the detailed classification. The classification ID is specified (step 207), and the process proceeds to the detailed classification registration process. The identification of the classification ID in step 207 can be realized by selecting the classification name that the operator wants to add from the list display of the classification name and the classification standard described above.
[0062]
Next, when proceeding to the detailed classification registration process, first, 1 is added to the detailed classification number m (step 208), and then a new detailed classification ID is generated (step 209). Also in this process, the detailed classification number m is set to the detailed classification ID as in the case of the classification ID generation. In this case, although it overlaps with the detailed IDs of other classifications, there is no problem if the combination of the classification ID and the detailed classification ID is unique.
[0063]
Further, the operator inputs a detailed classification name and classification criteria (step 210), and subsequently edits the information structure definition 142 according to the example shown in FIG. 8 (step 211). Here, since the information structure definition body 141 is all text information, it can be edited with a normal text editor. Editing can also be performed using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Since the text editor and GUI are well known to those skilled in the art, description thereof is omitted. The information structure definition body 142 edited here is checked against the grammar definition shown in FIG. 7 (step 212). In this grammar check, if there is no problem with the grammar (step 213 YES), the series of registration processes is terminated. If there is a problem with the grammar (NO in step 213), the process returns to step 211 and the same process is continued. In the grammar check, if there is a grammatical problem, the grammatical part may be clearly indicated by display or the like.
[0064]
Next, a procedure for registering various types of information in the database 242 in the registration client 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this registration procedure, the operator (information provider) first specifies in which classification the information is registered (step 301). This identification can be dealt with by a method in which the registration client 2 presents the classification names and classification criteria as shown in FIG. 5 as a list display, and the operator selects an appropriate classification from the display. Further, the information related to the list display may be converted into HTML, disclosed as a Home page on the WWW, and selected from there.
[0065]
When the information classification to be registered is determined, the operator next determines whether the registration of the information is a new registration (step 302). As described with reference to FIG. 9, this determination is performed by generating the file name of the database 142 from the identified information classification category ID and the detailed classification ID, and whether the file name exists on the registration client 2. Judge by how.
[0066]
If the corresponding database file name exists (not newly registered) (NO in step 302), the process proceeds to step 309. If the corresponding database file name does not exist (new registration) (YES in step 302), the database file name is managed in the storage unit 14 in the server 1 via the network connection device 23, the network cable 4, and the network connection device 13. The information structure definition body 142 is obtained (step 303).
[0067]
Thereafter, the database construction unit 211 constructs the database 242 based on the obtained information structure definition body 142 (step 304). Further, the database access tool generation unit 213 generates a database access tool 213 having a user interface as shown in FIG. 13 based on the obtained information structure definition body 142 (step 305).
[0068]
Next, the operator edits the database management table (see FIG. 4) in the obtained information structure definition body 142. In this editing process, first, the number of databases (N) is updated by adding 1 (step 306). Next, the registrant name and registrant ID stored in the registrant information file 241 of the storage unit 24 are set (step 307). Finally, an address on the network of the database 242 constructed in step 304 is set (step 308).
[0069]
After the editing of the database management table, information is registered using the database access tool 213 (see FIG. 13) generated in step 305 (step 309). When the registration of all information is completed, the current time is regarded as the registration time, and the corresponding registration time in the database management table in FIG. 4 is updated (step 310).
[0070]
Here, the database access tool 213 shown in FIG. 13 will be described. In particular, the database access tool 213 shown in the figure is generated based on the information structure definition body 142 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the database access tool 213 of this example, first, a database name (in this case, 00010001.DB) is created from the category ID and detailed category ID in the [Database ID] section and displayed on the upper left. Here, the classification name and the detailed classification name may be displayed. Next, all the tables whose Dsp_flag is ON in the [Table] section are displayed. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, all items other than the figure / table ID are ON, and are displayed in the order of definition. Here, when Input_flag is ON, the display area can also be used as an input area. When Input_flag is OFF, the access tool automatically sets a value. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the document ID, the figure / table ID, and the information update time are automatically set. When the field type is a numerical value (unique), the automatic setting is performed by generating a unique value from the registrant ID as described above. When the field type is time (automatic update), the time at registration is set. Finally, configure the screen by looking at the relationships between tables from the [Link] section. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, since the document table and the figure / table table are linked one-to-many in the figure / table ID field, it is assumed that these tables are in a master-slave relationship, and The screen is embedded.
[0071]
Information is registered or registered contents are changed in the process of step 309 in FIG. 12. The operation procedure will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a new button at the upper right of the screen is pressed, each input area is initialized (usually blank). The registrant inputs appropriate information while moving between fields using the keyboard and mouse. If there is chart data, press the new button in the chart data area and enter a value in each input area. When all entries are complete, press the registration button. When changing the registered contents, press the record movement button at the bottom of the screen to display the desired record, and after making the necessary changes, press the registration button. Also when deleting, the desired record is displayed with the record moving button and the delete button is pushed. In the case of deletion, a message for confirming deletion may be displayed.
[0072]
Usually, when accessing a database, SQL (Structured Query Language) is used. Since SQL is obvious to those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, when each button (new / registration / deletion) in FIG. 13 is pressed, an SQL sentence is generated based on the contents set on the screen and the type of the pressed button. Transfer to the database access processing unit 215. The database access processing unit 215 interprets the transferred SQL statement and processes the record (data) in the database 242 (new registration / change / deletion, etc.).
[0073]
Next, a procedure for searching the database 242 in the registration client 2 from the search client 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this search procedure, the operator (information viewer) first specifies the information classification to be searched, similarly to the processing in step 301 in FIG. 12 (step 401). When the information classification to be searched is determined, the operator next checks whether there is a database access tool 312 that accesses the database 242 of the identified information classification (step 402). This determination is performed by generating the file name of the database access tool 312 from the classification ID and the detailed classification ID and searching whether it exists in the search client 3 as described in FIG. If it already exists (YES in step 402), the process proceeds to step 405 to search for information. If it does not exist (step 402 NO), the information structure definition body 142 is obtained from the storage unit 14 of the server 1 via the network connection device 33, the network cable 4, and the network connection device 13 (step 403). . Next, based on the acquired information structure definition body 142, the database access tool generation unit 311 generates a database access tool 312 for search (step 404). FIG. 15 is an example of a display screen of the database access tool 312 for search generated based on the information structure definition body 142 in FIG. Similarly to the registration database access tool screen in FIG. 13, a database name is generated from the category ID and the detailed category ID in the [Database ID] section and displayed on the upper right. The link destination database will be described later.
[0074]
Next, the search input area is generated using the field information in the [Table] section. Here, in the [Link] section, it is determined that the figure / table table is a child table (master-detail relationship) of the document table, Fields in the figure / table table shall not be searched. Also, those whose Input_flag is OFF are items that are automatically set by the system, and therefore are not set as search targets (display targets). The search items are arranged according to such criteria. The menu below the search item can be selected from [blank / AND / OR], which corresponds to [not search condition / logical product / logical sum], respectively. In addition, when the field type can specify a magnitude relationship such as a numerical value or a time, an arithmetic expression can be selected from [</ ≦≦ /> / ≧]. In the search keyword field, a value to be compared is set in the case of a numerical value or time, and a character is set in the case of a character string. The display switch is used to specify whether to display data in the field as a search result, and is specified by ON / OFF.
[0075]
Although the registrant name in the screen in FIG. 15 is not defined in the information structure definition body 142 in the example of FIG. 8, as described above, this item is automatically generated for database management. is there. Since this field is effective when searching, it is configured to be automatically added to the screen. However, the automatically generated registrant ID is an important field for managing records, but is not added to the screen because it is inappropriate for search conditions.
[0076]
In the example of FIG. 15, the search condition is [the issue date and time is equal to or later than 1997.01.01, the term of the election is in the outline string, and the term of politics is in the category of genre] become. A search database access tool 312 having such a structure is generated (step 404), and after the search conditions are set as described above, the operator presses the search button to start the information search process (step 404). 405).
[0077]
That is, when the search button is pressed in the above state, the database access tool 312 converts the search condition in the screen into an SQL sentence, and this SQL sentence is passed through the network connection device 33, the network cable 4, and the network connection device 23. The data is transferred to the database access processing unit 215 of the registration client 2. The database access processing unit 215 interprets the transferred SQL sentence and accesses the database 242 to perform search processing. When the search is completed, the database access processing unit 215 transfers the search result to the database access tool 312 of the search client 3 through the reverse route. The database access tool 312 analyzes the transferred search results, calculates the number of records, and displays it on the screen. In the example of FIG. 15, the number of hits (indicating that 25 cases have been searched) corresponds to this.
[0078]
When the search button on the display screen shown in FIG. 15 is pressed after the search is completed, a search result display screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 16, each content of document ID / title / author name / issue date / summary in which the display switch of FIG. 15 is set to ON is displayed. Here, five pieces of information are displayed on one screen, but all the searched information can be referred to by operating the scroll bar on the right side. Further, by pressing a button on the left side (in this example, the third record is selected), all items may be displayed or printed in a layout format. Such a configuration makes the system more convenient to use.
[0079]
Next, a procedure for retrieving information from a plurality of databases of the same type distributed on the network by one retrieval instruction by an operator (information viewer) in the retrieval client 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To do. In this search procedure, the operator first checks whether or not the database management table (see FIG. 4) has been updated (added or deleted registered database 242) (step 501). This confirmation is performed by comparing the contents with the database management file 341 stored in the storage unit 34. Here, if it is determined that it has not been updated (step 501 NO), the process proceeds to step 503, and if it is determined that it has been updated (step 501 YES), the database management file 341 is updated (step 502). move on. In this step 501, even if the database management file 341a does not exist in the search client 3 at the time of the initial search (this determination is based on the database management from the classification ID and the detailed classification ID as described in FIG. 9). A file name of the file 341 is generated, and whether or not this file exists in the search client 3), the database management table (see FIG. 4) is regarded as being updated, and the process proceeds to the update process.
[0080]
When proceeding to the update process, first, the registered database information in the database management file 341 is changed based on the database management table (see FIG. 4). If the database management file 341 does not exist, the file is generated according to the naming convention in FIG. 9, and the contents of the database management table are copied as they are.
[0081]
Next, the operator determines the number of databases 242 to be accessed and the database 242 to be accessed first (steps 503 and 504). This process is performed based on the menu setting of the link destination database at the upper right of the screen in FIG. For example, in the example of FIG. 15, since company A is selected, the number of databases 242 to be accessed is 1, and the database 242 to be accessed first is the database of company A. This menu is configured so that ALL (meaning access to all databases) can be specified. When ALL is specified, the number of databases 242 to be accessed is N (see FIG. 4), and the access is made first. The database 242 to be used is the first database registered in the database management table (see FIG. 4). In the example shown in FIG. 15, the number of databases to be accessed is 1, and the database to be accessed first is the database of company A.
[0082]
After step 503 and step 504, processing for sequentially accessing only the database 242 whose information has been updated is performed. In this process, it is first determined whether or not the database 242 has been updated (step 505). This determination is based on the information registration time stored in the database management table (see FIG. 4) in the information structure definition body 142 managed by the server 1 and the database management file 341 locally managed by the search client 3. Information registration times (this time is set by step 506 at the time of the previous search). In the above description, since the database management file 341 is created by copying the contents from the database management table (see FIG. 4) for the first time, the two information registration times are equal. Therefore, if they are equal, the database is considered updated.
[0083]
If the database 242 has not been updated (step 505 NO), the process proceeds to step 509. If the database 242 has been updated (YES in step 505), the corresponding information registration time in the database management file 341 is changed to the current time (search time) for the next search (step 506). Next, the link destination database of the database access tool 312 is changed to the corresponding database address in the database management table (see FIG. 4) (step 507), and then information is searched (step 508).
[0084]
Upon entering the information search, first, it is determined whether or not all the databases 242 have been searched (step 509). If there is a database 242 that has not been accessed (NO in step 509), the database 242 to be accessed next is determined. Is set (step 510), and the process returns to step 505. When the search of all the databases 242 is completed (step 509 YES), the number of hits is calculated from the search results so far (step 511), and the number of hits column at the lower left on the screen of the search database access tool 312 in FIG. The number is displayed in.
[0085]
Next, a procedure for searching for information and storing the search results in the local database 342 in the search client 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the operator (information viewer) specifies the information classification to be searched (step 601). This process is the same as the process of step 401 in FIG. When the information classification to be searched is determined, the operator next determines whether or not the local database 342 for storing the search result of the information classification exists (step 602). Similarly to the process of step 402 in FIG. 14, this determination process can also be determined based on whether a file name is generated from the classification ID and the detailed classification ID and the file exists in the search client 3.
[0086]
If the local database 342 exists (step 602 YES), the process proceeds to step 605. On the other hand, when the local database 342 does not exist (step 602 NO), the information structure definition body 142 is obtained from the server 1 via the network (step 603), and the local database 342 is stored based on the obtained information structure definition body 142. Generate (step 604). It has been described above that the database structure in FIG. 6 can be expressed by the information structure definition body 142 in FIG. 8. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the process of step 604 can be easily realized by the reverse process. . Specifically, in the present embodiment, the local database construction unit 313 of the search client 3 analyzes the information structure definition body 142 obtained from the server 1 to generate an SQL statement that constructs a database, The SQL statement is transferred to the database access processing unit 314. The database access processing unit 314 interprets the transferred SQL sentence and constructs a local database 342 in the storage unit 34 in the search client 3.
[0087]
Next, the operator determines whether or not the database access tool 312 (see FIG. 15) for accessing the database 242 storing the information classification specified in step 601 exists (step 605). If it is determined that the database access tool 312 exists (YES in step 605), the process proceeds to step 608. On the other hand, if it is determined that the database access tool 312 does not exist (step 605 NO), the database access tool 312 is managed in the storage unit 14 of the server 1 via the network connection device 33, the network cable 4, and the network connection device 13. The information structure definition body 142 is acquired (step 606), and the database access tool generation unit 311 generates the database access tool 312 based on the acquired information structure definition body 142 (step 607). The processing from step 605 to step 607 is the same as the processing from step 402 to step 404 in FIG.
[0088]
Next, the database of the link destination of the database access tool 312 is set to the database on the network (database 242 in the registration client 2) selected in the link destination database menu at the upper right of the screen in FIG. 15 (step 608). As described above, this linked database menu is configured so that one of [a plurality of databases / ALL / local / portable storage media on the network] can be selected. Among these, the operation of the portable storage medium will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0089]
Next, the search client 3 searches the information according to the setting condition by the database access tool 312 (step 609). In this search, since the link destination database is set to the database on the network, the database access tool 312 registers the SQL statement for search via the network connection device 33, the network cable 4, and the network connection device 23. To the database access processing unit 215 in the client 2. The database access processing unit 215 searches the database 242 and notifies the search result to the database access tool 312 in the search client 3 through a route reverse to the above. Here, when it is desired to save the search result in the local database 342, the operator presses a save button on the screen of the database access tool 312 in FIG. By this operation, the database access tool 312 converts the search result into a SQL statement for registration and temporarily stores it (step 610).
[0090]
Next, on this database access tool 312, the linked database is changed to the local database 342 (step 611). This process is executed corresponding to the operation of the link destination database menu at the upper right on the screen in FIG. When the add button on the screen in FIG. 15 is pressed, the temporarily stored information is registered / updated in the local database 342 (step 612).
[0091]
In practice, the database access tool 312 transfers the temporary data converted into the registration SQL statement to the database access processing unit 314 and registers it in the local database 342. Before executing the registration SQL statement, it is determined whether or not the same record exists. If there is, the information update time is compared, and only a record with a new update time is registered / updated. This processing can be performed by using a field whose field type is a numeric value (unique) and a field whose time is automatic update in the table. That is, if a field in which uniqueness is guaranteed is inspected, it can be determined whether or not they are the same record. In addition, since it is ensured that the time set in the field (automatic update) is automatically set by the system at the time of update, it is possible to determine whether the record is new or old.
[0092]
When searching the local data database 342 in which information has been registered / updated by the above series of processing, the local database is configured so that the local database can be selected in the link destination database menu at the upper right of the screen in FIG. If is selected, the search may be performed with the link destination set in the local database.
[0093]
Next, a procedure for searching the database in the portable storage medium in the search client 3 and registering the search result in the local database 342 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Prior to this processing, the registration client 2 uses the database localization processing unit 214 to store all or part of the database 242 in the storage unit 24 and the information structure definition body 142 that is the basis for constructing the database 242. Processing for copying to the external storage unit 25 is performed. By this processing, the external storage unit 25 stores the database copy 251 and the information structure definition copy 252. As described above, the external storage unit 25 is realized by a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Thereby, in this embodiment, the portable storage medium in which the database copy 251 and the information structure definition copy 252 are stored is distributed to the search client 3, and the search client 3 can distribute the portable storage medium. 19 can be performed with the portable storage medium set in the external storage unit 35. In FIG. 1, the database copy 251 in the registration client 2, the information structure definition copy 252, and the database copy 351 in the search client 3 and the information structure definition copy 352 are different for convenience. However, for the operational reasons described above, it can be said that these are the same.
[0094]
First, at the beginning of this process, the operator (information viewer) specifies the information classification of the database in the portable storage medium (step 701), and then stores the search result of the database in the portable storage medium. It is determined whether there is a local database 342 to be obtained (step 702). Here, the file name of the database in the portable storage medium is also named based on the naming convention shown in FIG. 9, so that the information classification can be easily specified in step 701 by analyzing the file name. Can do. In step 702, the determination can be made based on whether a file having the same name exists in the search client 3.
[0095]
If the local database 342 exists (YES in step 702), the process proceeds to step 705. If the local database 342 does not exist (NO in step 702), a copy 352 of the information structure definition in the portable storage medium is copied (step 703), and the local database 342 is copied from the copied information structure definition 352. Build (step 704). This procedure is the same as step 604 in FIG.
[0096]
Next, the operator determines whether there is a database access tool 312 (see FIG. 15) for accessing the database copy 351 in the portable storage medium storing the information classification specified in step 701. (Step 705). If it is determined that the database access tool 312 exists (step 705 YES), the process proceeds to step 708. On the other hand, if it is determined that the database access tool 312 does not exist (step 705 NO), a copy 352 of the information structure definition is obtained from the portable storage medium (step 706), and is obtained by the database access tool generation unit 311. A database access tool 312 is generated based on the duplicated information structure definition 352 (step 707). The processing from step 705 to step 707 is the same as the processing from step 605 to step 607 in FIG. 18 except that the information structure definition body is obtained from the portable storage medium.
[0097]
Next, the operator sets the database to which the database access tool 312 is linked to the database (database copy 351) in the portable storage medium (step 708), and searches for information (step 709). In this search, since the link destination database is set to the database in the portable storage medium, the database access tool 312 transfers the SQL statement for search to the database access processing unit 314 in its own device. The database access processing unit 314 searches the database in the portable storage medium and notifies the database access tool 312 of the search result. Here, when it is desired to save the search result in the local database 341, the operator presses a save button on the screen of the database access tool 312 shown in FIG. By this operation, the database access tool 312 converts the search result into a SQL statement for registration and temporarily stores it (step 710).
[0098]
Next, on this database access tool 312, the linked database is changed to a local database (step 711). This process is executed corresponding to the operation of the link destination database menu at the upper right on the screen in FIG. When the add button on the screen in FIG. 15 is pressed, the temporarily stored information is registered / updated in the local database 342 (step 712). The processing from step 708 to step 712 is the same as the processing from step 608 to step 612 in FIG. 18 except that the link destination database is set to the database in the portable storage medium in step 708. In step 709, the database access tool 312 transfers the search SQL sentence to the database access processing unit 314 of itself (searching client 3) instead of the database access processing unit 215 of the registration client 2.
[0099]
As described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 and 18, in this embodiment, information in the database 242 on the network and the database in the portable storage medium (the replica 351 of the database 242) is stored in the local database 342. You can easily register. In order to search the local database 342, the search may be performed after switching the link destination database at the upper right on the screen in FIG. 15 to the local database. Further, as can be seen from the description of the flowchart in FIG. 18, the information distribution system according to the present embodiment can distribute information using a portable storage medium even in a stand-alone environment not connected to the network.
[0100]
Moreover, the following can be said if the whole description mentioned above is summarized. That is, in the information distribution system according to the present invention, the information provider can specify the type of information desired to be provided simply by accessing the single server 1 that manages the database on the network from the registration client 2. A standardized database for storing the type of information can be constructed, and information to be provided to the database can be easily registered. On the other hand, the information viewer can similarly specify the type of information desired to be acquired simply by accessing the server 1 from the search client 3, and where the database storing the information is distributed and managed on the network. In addition, it is possible to acquire desired information by accessing the database of the corresponding registration client 2 based on the distributed management status.
[0101]
Also, since records in the database are managed separately from records stored in other databases of the same type, even if information is obtained from different databases of the same type, there is no inconsistency between records. Comparison between information can be easily performed.
[0102]
Further, since the information provider only has to manage the database constructed by the registration client 2, flexible information management can be performed without being conscious of others. Also, when providing information on a new machine structure, only the classification information for specifying the definition of the structure and the type of the information needs to be registered in the server 1, so that the system can be easily expanded.
[0103]
In addition, since the information viewer can accumulate the information obtained by the search client 3 in the local database, after obtaining the information, a more detailed search is performed in the local database to narrow down the information, or the information is retrieved from the database. It can be reused in applications.
[0104]
Further, in the system according to the present invention, information can be distributed also by a portable storage medium, so that more flexible system operation is possible for both information providers and information viewers. For example, an information provider can distribute a large amount of information with low urgency through a portable storage medium, and can distribute information with high urgency through a network. In addition, in order to reduce the communication cost, the information viewer can also perform operations such as obtaining information using a portable storage medium at the time of introduction and obtaining only the difference from the network.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above, according to the present invention,An information structure for connecting an information processing device for management and a plurality of information processing devices for registration and search to each other via a network, and the information processing device for management creates an information structure definition body that defines an information structure of a database An information structure definition body created for each information classification by the definition means, and a management table for managing information including addresses on a plurality of databases constructed by an information processing apparatus for registration using the information structure definition body; Are managed in correspondence with the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs.
[0106]
  The information processing apparatus for registration displays a list of information classifications corresponding to the information structure definition bodies managed by the management unit, and displays an information structure definition body corresponding to the information classification selected by the user from the list display. Having an acquisition means for acquiring, based on the information structure definition body acquired by the acquisition means, having a name corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs, and defined by the information structure definition body A database having an information structure, having a name corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition belongs, based on the information structure definition obtained by the obtaining means, and the information structure definition After creating a registration database access tool with a user interface that includes a registration information input area for entering information to be registered for each information item defined by Editing processing including address setting of the database constructed by the database construction unit and updating of the number of databases for the management table managed by the management unit corresponding to the information structure definition body obtained by the obtaining unit Thereafter, the registration database access tool is used to access the database at the address set in the management table by the editing process and register the registration target information input in the registration information input area. Do.
  The search information processing apparatus displays a list of information classifications corresponding to the information structure definition bodies managed by the management unit, and displays an information structure definition body corresponding to the information classification selected by the user from the list display. Having an acquisition means for acquiring, based on the information structure definition body acquired by the acquisition means, having a name corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs, and corresponding to the information classification, the management means A search interface having a user interface including an address specification area for specifying an address set in a management table managed by, and a search information input area for inputting search target information for each information item defined by the information structure definition body A database access tool is generated and specified using the addressing area using the database access tool for search. Accessing a database of dress, it performs a search process for searching for the search target information entered in the search information input area.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of each information processing apparatus in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a registrant management table.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a table for managing an information structure definition body.
5 is a diagram showing a specific example of information classification based on the information structure definition body group in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a document database.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of grammar definition of an information structure definition body.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific definition example of an information structure definition body.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of naming conventions for various resources.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering a new information registrant.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a new information classification registration procedure.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an information registration procedure.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen configuration of an information registration database access tool.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an information search procedure.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a screen configuration of an information search database access tool.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a search result display screen configuration of the information search database access tool.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure for retrieving information from a plurality of databases.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering information in a local database.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure for searching a database in a portable storage medium and registering information in a local database.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Database management information processing device (server), 11 ... Processing unit, 111 ... Distributed database management unit, 112 ... Information structure definition unit, 113 ... Information type identification unit, 12 ... Input / output terminal, 13 ... Network connection device, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Memory | storage part, 141 ... Registrant management table, 142 ... Information structure definition body, 2 ... Information processing apparatus for registration (registration client), 21 ... Processing part, 211 ... Database construction part, 212 ... Database access tool production | generation part 213 ... Database access tool, 214 ... Database localization processing unit, 215 ... Database access processing unit, 22 ... I / O terminal, 23 ... Network connection device, 24 ... Storage unit, 241 ... Registrant information file, 242 ... Database, 25 ... External storage unit, 251 ... Database replication, 252 ... Information structure Replica of prosthetic body, 3 ... information processing device for search (client), 31 ... processing unit, 311 ... database access tool generation unit, 312 ... database access tool, 313 ... local database construction unit, 314 ... database access processing unit, 32 ... Input / output terminal, 33 ... Network connection device, 34 ... Storage unit, 341 ... Database management file, 342 ... Local database, 35 ... External storage unit, 351 ... Duplicate database, 352 ... Duplicate information structure definition, 4 ... Network cable, 5 ... Information processing device (computer system), 51 ... Computer, 52 ... Keyboard, 53 ... Pointing device, 54 ... Display, 55 ... Hard disk, 56 ... Media drive device, 57 ... Network adapter, 58 ... System Scan

Claims (1)

Information processing apparatus for management that manages the location of databases distributed over the network and distributed over the network, a plurality of information processing apparatuses for registering information by constructing the database, and information from the database A plurality of search information processing devices for searching
The management information processing apparatus includes:
An information structure definition means for creating an information structure definition body that defines the information structure of the database ;
An information structure definition body created for each information classification by the information structure definition means, and information including addresses on the network of a plurality of databases constructed by the information processing apparatus for registration using the information structure definition body a management table for managing and a managing means for managing in response to information classification to which the information structure definition belongs,
The registration information processing apparatus includes:
An acquisition means for displaying a list of information classifications corresponding to the information structure definition body managed by the management means, and acquiring an information structure definition body corresponding to the information classification selected by the user from the list display;
Based on the information structure definition body acquired by the acquisition means , a database having a name corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs and having an information structure defined by the information structure definition body is constructed. Database construction means to
Based on the information structure definition body acquired by the acquisition means , the information corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs, and information to be registered for each information item defined by the information structure definition body A registration database access tool generating means for generating a registration database access tool having a user interface including a registration information input area for inputting
Editing processing including address setting of the database constructed by the database construction unit and updating of the number of databases for the management table managed by the management unit corresponding to the information structure definition body obtained by the obtaining unit Editing processing means for performing
Registration processing means for accessing the database at the address set in the management table by the editing processing means using the registration database access tool, and registering registration target information input in the registration information input area. ,
The search information processing apparatus comprises:
An acquisition means for displaying a list of information classifications corresponding to the information structure definition body managed by the management means, and acquiring an information structure definition body corresponding to the information classification selected by the user from the list display;
Based on the information structure definition body acquired by the acquisition means , has a name corresponding to the information classification to which the information structure definition body belongs , and is set in the management table managed by the management means corresponding to the information classification For generating a search database access tool having a user interface including an address specification area for specifying a search address and a search information input area for inputting information to be searched for each information item defined by the information structure definition body Database access tool generation means;
Using the search database access tool, accessing a database at an address specified using the address specification area, and searching for search target information input in the search information input area. Characteristic information distribution system.

Images