JP2001256163A - Information recording means, information distribution system and information distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information storage means, an information distribution system and an information distribution method for reaching a required homepage from the information of a telephone number or the like. SOLUTION: This information distribution system 10 for distributing the information relating to an URL and a mail address from an information storage means 13 storing a data base composed of a prescribed keyword and the URL and the mail address corresponding to it is provided with a management means 12 for managing the information relating to a user and managing addresses on a network in the case that information distribution is requested from the user, an information retrieval means for retrieving whether or not the prescribed keyword is present in the data base of the information storage means 13 in the case of receiving a retrieval command on the basis of the prescribed keyword from the management means 12 and an information distribution means 16 for distributing the data of the URL and the mail address corresponding to the keyword to the user in the case that the pertinent keyword is present.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technology for accessing the Internet and the like, and in particular, to a URL for uniformly accessing information resources placed on a network.
The present invention relates to an information storage means, an information distribution system, and an information distribution method capable of searching a homepage of a company from a telephone number or the like, which is suitable for an access technology using (Uniform ResourceLocator).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when accessing a company's homepage to obtain company information, a so-called "ya" is used.
For example, a search engine represented by "hoo" is often used. When such a search engine is used, a search is executed by typing a company name into a search column. From the resulting list, click the shortcut button for the likely company name to gain access to the target company.

[0003]

By the way, when accessing a homepage using the Internet as described above, if one company name is entered as a keyword,
Usually, a large number of web search results are obtained. For this reason, there are many results in which a user can obtain a large number of unnecessary company information, and it often takes time to access truly necessary company information.

[0004] In particular, at present, the number of homepages to be created is increasing rapidly, and the number of homepages including such company names as keywords is steadily increasing.

In some cases, even if a company name is entered as a keyword in the search field, necessary company information cannot be obtained.
In such a case, it is troublesome to input another word other than the company name as a keyword in the search field.

Further, when a URL is expressed on paper or the like, it is necessary to read the URL from the paper and directly input the URL. In this case, the character string representing the URL may be long and complicated, and it may be troublesome and time-consuming to input such a character string without mistake.

[0007] The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information storage means, an information distribution system, and an information distributing system capable of reaching a necessary homepage from information such as a telephone number. It is intended to provide a distribution method.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword, and stores the contents in response to a request from a user. In the reply information storage means, the database is configured by classifying at least one of the URL or the mail address corresponding to the keyword so that a database can be created for each user.

[0009] For this reason, since a unique database is distributed for each user, data distribution can be realized according to the user's desire.

Another invention is an information storage unit which stores a database consisting of at least one of a URL corresponding to a predetermined keyword and a mail address in response to a request from a user, wherein the database is a URL.
Alternatively, keywords are stored in a plurality of lines corresponding to at least one of the mail addresses.

Therefore, it is possible to register a large number of keywords corresponding to URLs and mail addresses. Thereby, the convenience when the user searches is improved.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned invention, at least one of URLs or e-mail addresses arranged in rows and keywords are arranged in a plurality of rows and stored in a table format to form a database. It was done.

Therefore, when a user searches for a URL or an e-mail address based on a keyword, it is possible to reduce the time required for the search operation.

[0014] In another invention, in addition to the above-mentioned inventions, at least one of a URL and a mail address is further provided.
The database is configured by being classified into a table format for each attribute that enables creation of a database for each user.

[0015] For this reason, when transferring a database consisting of a URL and a mail address to a user, a different database can be obtained for each user if the database is transferred to the user according to the attribute. As a result, it is possible to realize the transfer according to the user's request. In addition, by using the table format, a search based on a keyword can be easily performed when the user downloads the data.

Still another aspect of the present invention is an information storage means for storing a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword and returning the content in response to a request from a user. Alternatively, at least one of the mail addresses is stored in a tree structure, and a keyword is stored corresponding to at least one of the URL and the mail address in each segment.

For this reason, when distributing the database to the user, the URL of the segmented network data desired by the user may be distributed in some cases. That is, it is possible to directly know the URL and the mail address of the segmented network data.

Another invention is an information storage means for storing a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword and returning the content in response to a request from a user. Alternatively, at least one of the mail addresses is stored in a network data structure, and a keyword is stored corresponding to at least one of the URL and the mail address in each record.

For this reason, the records are associated with each other by a large number of sets, so that, for example, similar keywords can be easily associated with each other.

Further, another invention is a storage medium storing a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword.
In an information distribution system that distributes information relating to at least one of these URLs or mail addresses to a user, when a request for information distribution is made from a user, management of information relating to the user and management of an address on a network are performed. It is provided with a managing means for performing, and an information distributing means for creating and distributing a corresponding database for each user from the information storing means when a database distribution command is received from the managing means.

[0021] For this reason, since a unique database is distributed for each user, data distribution according to the user's desire can be realized.

In another invention, in addition to the above-mentioned invention, the information storage means further comprises a database in which at least one of a URL and a mail address is classified so that a database can be created for each user.

[0023] For this reason, since there is a database classified for each attribute, when distributing data to the user, the data to be distributed can be selected according to the attribute of the user. Can be used to deliver data.

Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned inventions, the information storage means is configured to store at least one of the URL and the mail address in a tree structure, and the URL or the mail address in each segment. The keywords are stored corresponding to at least one of the above to constitute a database.

Therefore, it is possible to directly access the network data desired by the user by directly specifying which layer the segment belongs to based on the database downloaded by the user using the keyword. That is, the user can directly display at least one of the URL of the segmented network data and the mail address.

Further, according to the present invention, in an information distribution system for distributing URL-related information to a user from an information storage means storing a database consisting of URLs corresponding to predetermined keywords, the information storage means comprises a URL and The information distribution system stores a database in which keywords corresponding to URLs are configured in a tree structure, and further manages information relating to the user when a request for information distribution is made by the user. ,
A managing unit for managing addresses on the network, an information distributing unit for distributing a corresponding URL database to the user from the information storing unit when a database distribution command is received from the managing unit, and a distributing unit by the information distributing unit. Is automatically set to the URL short-circuit means after the
URL registration means for registering a database consisting of:
Is provided.

For this reason, when a database consisting of a URL is distributed by the information distribution means, the URL
Are automatically registered in the URL short-circuit means, thereby improving the convenience in accessing a desired URL. In this case, since the database stored in the information storage means has a tree structure and a hierarchical structure, it is easy to sort and sort the URL data.

According to the present invention, in addition to each of the above-mentioned inventions, when data of at least one of a URL and a mail address is distributed from the information distribution means, an HTML format conversion means for converting the data into an HTML format is provided. It is provided.

Therefore, when the user accesses the homepage via the Internet, the data converted into the HTML format can be easily obtained from the homepage.

Further, in the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned inventions, when information is distributed by the information distribution means, an information compression means for compressing data to be distributed is provided.

Therefore, the data distribution time in the information distribution means can be shortened, and it is possible to cope with a case where a plurality of users request data distribution.

Also, the present invention provides an information distribution method for distributing information about these URLs and mail addresses via a network from an information storage means storing a database consisting of URLs or mail addresses corresponding to predetermined keywords. , A database requesting step for requesting a database and a distribution step of creating and distributing a database for each user based on the request in the database requesting step.

For this reason, when a database is distributed to a user, the distributed database is created for each user, and therefore becomes a unique database according to the user's desire.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system 10 for obtaining desired data from a network such as the Internet according to the present invention. This information distribution system 1
0 has the address list server 11. The functional configuration of the address list server 11 is classified into a management server 12, a database server 13, an application server 14, an input server 15, and a communication control device 16. Although the communication control device 16 is provided inside the address list server 11 in FIG. 1, the communication control device 16 may be provided outside the address list server 11.

Of these servers, the database server 13 plays a role as an information storage unit that stores various data corresponding to URLs, mail addresses, or predetermined character strings corresponding thereto. . Normally, the database server 13 has a hard disk therein to store information. The database server 13 stores a search program as information search means, thereby enabling information stored in the database server 13 to be searched.

The management server 12 plays a role as a management means, and includes information for a user and a URL for accessing the address list server 11.
(Uniform Resource Locator) and the like. Further, the application server 14 executes various interactive applications or one-way applications with the user, and executes an FEP (to be described later).
Or to run a program.

The input server 15 constitutes an automatic registration system 15a for automatically registering data when data is newly added to the database server 13. The automatic registration system automatically collects a large number of keywords and corresponding URLs through a network, such as so-called automatic search software. Further, the communication control device 16 performs data communication with an external user or the like and plays a role as an information distribution unit, and has seven layers corresponding to the OSI basic reference model.

Each of these servers is composed of a single personal computer or workstation in a small-scale configuration. However, when a medium-sized or large-scale configuration is adopted, a plurality of personal computers or workstations are used. It may be configured. In the following description, a case will be described in which the personal computer and the workstation are configured.

In the information distribution system 10 of FIG. 1, the address list server 11 stores a telephone number, a mail address corresponding to the telephone number, and a UR such as a homepage.
L, an arbitrary character string, a mail address corresponding to the character string, and a URL homepage address such as a homepage are stored.

Each of these databases is stored in correspondence with the attribute of the user, and stores the URL of the homepage and the e-mail address most suitable for the attribute of the user. For example, it is classified and stored for each attribute, such as a database for books and a database for cars. Such a classification for each attribute is not only for each genre of hobbies such as cars and books, but also for other attributes, for example, for each age and gender, or for each residence area, occupation, income, etc. There are various things. For this reason, if the user is interested in, for example, "car" and his occupation is an office worker, the transfer center described below is data for office workers and those who are interested in cars.

It is to be noted that such a classification for each attribute is usually automatically performed based on whether or not a specific keyword or a keyword related thereto is included. Such a classification
When a specific keyword is registered in the automatic registration system 15a of the input server, the specific keyword may be regarded as one attribute and automatically classified, or another classification may be performed. .

As described above, data classified into appropriate attributes and suitable for the transfer destination user is stored in the database in a hierarchical structure as required, as shown in FIG. And the database located at the end is
These are classified into subdivided attributes, and in a directory located above this end, the database is categorized as attributes of a concept higher in concept than the concept located at the end, and the database is included.

However, for example, the database existing in the attribute at the end of the hierarchical structure is not made independent from the others, but is provided with a link mechanism so as to facilitate access to other similar databases. Is also good. Also,
As a database similar to the hierarchical structure, a net data structure may be configured as shown in FIG. In this configuration, a portion corresponding to a directory having a hierarchical structure is called a “record”, and records and records are defined by an aggregate called a set. Then, the records are connected by a "network". As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower-level record is connected to a plurality of upper-level records.

When a database having a hierarchical structure is created, a specific homepage and corresponding network data may be stored in a hierarchical structure. This is because, for example, if you want to view a specific patent / utility model gazette at the electronic information library in the JPO, even if you simply enter “Patent Office” or “patent / utility model gazette” This is based on the problem that a URL or a mail address is likely to be displayed, and it is necessary to further search for a target URL or a mail address.

However, for example, for example, "Patent Office-Patent
The utility model gazette and the Patent Office * Patent / Utility Model Gazette are linked and input, and the U.S.A. of the network data to search for further patent / utility model gazettes in the JPO
A configuration in which only the RL is directly displayed may be adopted. In other words, a configuration can be employed in which the URL of the segmented network data starting from the main home page can be directly displayed. The subdivision hierarchy may be set to any hierarchy. In the above-mentioned patent office example, there are two stages. For example, when a specific publication number is known, the publication number is added as a keyword so that the content can be directly reached to the network data for displaying the content. You can also.

In the above example, “-” and the like linking each keyword in the “Japan Patent Office—Patent / Utility Model Gazette” have the meaning of “and” in the above example to narrow down the data to be searched. It is carried out. However, if it is desired to broadly retrieve a URL or an e-mail address from a keyword, it may have a meaning of “or”. "O
In the case of "r", a search based on a large number of keywords can be executed for each input.

In addition, it is also possible to store a plurality of keywords corresponding to URLs and mail addresses in a table format as shown in FIG. 5, without making the database the hierarchical structure described above. In this case, the database does not have a directory hierarchical structure, but a plurality of specific URLs and mail addresses and predetermined keywords corresponding thereto are registered for each column.

When a keyword is searched by a search program and a corresponding keyword exists,
A scalar function may be set so as to extract the keyword and the corresponding URL or mail address. As described above, in the case where the URL and the mail address are extracted using the table and the scalar function, the configuration does not need to use a conversion table described later.

Although a single table may be created,
A different table may be created for each attribute, and a higher-level concept table for managing a plurality of tables may be created. Furthermore, even if the database is not created in a table format, the UR
A record format in which the L, the mail address, and the corresponding keyword are stored in a row may be employed. In this case, since there may be a plurality of keywords corresponding to one URL or mail address, it is preferable to adopt a variable length record format.

The database classified into the attributes suitable for the transfer destination user is transferred to the user through the following three routes shown in FIG. It should be noted that a specific state of downloading and the like is also shown in FIG. 6 together with FIG. The first route (route 1) is a case where the bundle is distributed with the external memory 24. At this time, the data update is transferred to the user of the distributed PC 20 via the Internet or the like. In this case, the distribution PC 20 may store the data in the database server 13 on its hard disk in advance. However, in place of data transfer, an information storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a flash memory storing a data updated database may be distributed and installed on a PC or the like.

In the case of the user of such a distribution PC 20, the bundled data and the data when the database is updated in the address list server 11 are first converted to the HTML format conversion program using the HTML format conversion program.
The format is converted into a language in HTML format by the format conversion unit 23. It is to be noted that not only conversion into an HTML language but also conversion into an XML language or another language may be performed as necessary.

The database converted into the language of the HTML format is newly stored in the external memory 24 or the like as described above, and is distributed to the user of the distribution PC 20. As a result, the user can obtain a new database and can rewrite the previous database stored in the distribution PC 20. The external memory 24 is usually a flash memory, a CD-ROM, or the like. In this case, the user can obtain a new database displayed in a state of a list, for example.

The updated database is sent to a transfer memory (not shown) in the communication control device 16 and transmitted to the user of the distribution PC 20 from here to update or combine the original database. You may do it. Also in this case, it is possible to rewrite a new database as in the case of distributing the updated external memory 24.

Then, the URL of the company or the like desired by the user
When searching for a mail address or an e-mail address, a WWW browser is started, and a target is searched for as if the user normally looks at a telephone directory. However, application software for search may be bundled and used. In this case, first, a WWW browser is started or a bundled application software is started, and a keyword such as a telephone number of the company is input to a predetermined search page or a predetermined input section of the application software. .

Then, utilizing the conversion table (not shown) of the distribution PC 20, the search is performed by using the input keyword as a key, and the search is converted into a URL or a mail address.
In this search, if the search key is pressed after the input, the corresponding URL and mail address are displayed. The update of the data for performing the search using the conversion table may be performed by utilizing the download via the homepage 25 which is a second route described later.

Next, the second route is a case where a user of the general PC 21 is assumed, and the following case is assumed. That is, a database converted into an HTML format language that can be browsed on the homepage 25 described in the first route described above is downloaded (route 2A) or displayed in a non-HTML format language (eg, text format). Bundled database and newly incorporated into the conversion table inside the general PC 21 (route 2Ba), or download both the conversion table and the database expressed in a non-HTML format language from the homepage 25 (route 2Bb).

Note that, in FIG.
Or a database provided via the Internet or a conversion table together with the database. As the conversion table, an FEP dictionary in which a URL is displayed when a telephone number is input and converted may be employed. In this conversion, an arbitrary keyword other than the telephone number may be input. On the other hand, what is converted and displayed is a mail address or a UR in addition to the URL.
Both L and the mail address may be used.

In this case, first, the user needs to access a homepage 25 of the Internet providing this service using a communication line such as a general telephone line.
The home page 25 exists in the management server 12 described above, and manages access to various databases. The management server 12 also manages information about the user and the like.

When the management server 12 provides services such as download and bundle only to registered members, it checks whether or not the member is a registered member. In addition, even when registration is not required, user management and the like are performed for download.

After the user's confirmation is completed, the download object 26 can be downloaded from the home page 25. When selecting the route 2A, the HTM
The database expressed in the language of the L format can be downloaded. In that case, it exists on the homepage 25,
Clicking the execution button (not shown) starts the download.

When the download is completed, the general PC 21
User selects the route 2A, the latest HT
The database converted into the language of the ML format can be browsed. In this case, as described above, the URL and the mail address can be searched as if a telephone directory were viewed on a WWW browser. Also, by downloading the search application software at the same time,
Search is also possible.

When the general user selects the route 2Ba or route 2Bb, a keyword such as a telephone number is input on a predetermined software, for example, based on an FEP dictionary, and a conversion operation is performed. Can be obtained. When using this special FEP dictionary,
For example, a telephone number of a company having a homepage to be accessed or a predetermined keyword is input at a location where a URL of a WWW browser is input. Then, the user presses the conversion key as in the normal kanji conversion. Then, the URL of the company to be accessed is converted and displayed. For this reason, by pressing or clicking the confirmation button in that state, a desired homepage is connected.

As described above, it is preferable to configure the system so that the download can be performed not only by the user of the general PC 21 but also by the user of the distribution PC 20 described above ( Route 2C).

The above is the method of searching for a URL or a mail address in the second route. Next, the third route will be described.

In this route, a wireless communication line constituting a mobile telephone communication network is used. In this route, the user uses an information distribution service for mobile phones from a network such as the Internet. Note that this information distribution service for mobile phones is registered as a plurality of trade names, and NTT Mobile Communications Network Co., Ltd.
/ Eye mode "is registered as a trademark name. In addition, at the Second Denden Co., Ltd., “EZweb” is registered as a trade name. Similar services also exist at other companies.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the user inputs a predetermined telephone number on the portable telephone terminal 22. Then
Based on this telephone number, it is connected to the information distribution management server 27 via a radio base station and a radio network controller (not shown) constituting a mobile telephone communication network. The information distribution management server 27 may be configured to transmit the character information when the inquiry from the user using the keyword is a complete voice, when the signal corresponding to each number is transmitted while being distinguished (in the case of a push sound in a push phone or the like). , And automatically selects three routes to select the address list server 11
Within this, information acquisition request data requested by the user is distributed.
There are two types of complete voice: the voice of the user himself and the electronic voice uttered by the directory guide.

When voice data that does not have a character mail extension and is not a push sound is sent, the voice data is recognized by the extension or the character data does not have the file extension. In addition, if it is not a push sound, it is automatically recognized as voice data. Then, the word recognition of the unspecified speaker is performed based on the voice data.

At this time, the audio data is transferred from the information distribution management server 27 to the audio conversion server 28. The voice conversion server 28 stores a voice recognition program that recognizes voice and replaces it with character data. Thereby, the keyword spoken by the user is replaced with the character data.

When voice is converted to characters, it is not always necessary to use a voice recognition program. For example, the voice may be manually replaced with characters.

After the voice data is replaced with character data by the voice conversion server 28, a search program searches for a predetermined keyword in the address list server 11 as in the above-described second route. . Then perform a search based on this keyword,
If there is a corresponding keyword, that is, a hit state, the keyword is converted to a predetermined URL or mail address by the conversion table. The conversion table (not shown) is provided in the voice conversion server 28 or the like,
Alternatively, it may be provided in another server or the like. Then, the converted result is sent again to the information distribution management server 27, and is distributed to the user in an e-mail format.

When the mobile phone terminal 22 receives this mail, the user can obtain information on a specific URL or mail address based on a desired keyword.
The above is the third route.

The information distribution system 10 having such a configuration,
According to the database server 13 as the information storage means, if the user inputs or speaks a keyword such as a telephone number, a desired URL or mail address can be easily known based on the keyword.

Further, by categorizing the database according to the attributes of the user, data distribution according to the user's wishes can be realized, for example, by hobbies, ages, genders, or the like.

Furthermore, when the database is configured in a table format, a plurality of keywords can be registered for the same line. For this reason, a large number of keywords correspond to one URL or e-mail address, and it is possible to cope with a case where a user inputs and searches various keywords other than a telephone number. In addition, since the user does not need to input various keywords one by one to perform a search, the search time of the user can be reduced.

Further, when a database composed of URLs and mail addresses is constituted by a net-type data structure, records constituting the net-type data structure form a set and are associated with each other, whereby similar keywords are used. When performing the search, the convenience of the search can be improved by associating the keywords with each other.

Further, when the database has a hierarchical structure, by adopting a structure in which a plurality of keywords are linked and can be input and searched, it is possible to directly access the fragmented network data which must be traced from the home page. Become. As a result, the time required for the user to obtain the desired URL or mail address can be significantly reduced.

Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified.
For example, the information desired by the user is delivered to the mobile phone terminal 22 through an appropriate wireless communication line in an e-mail format. Alternatively, a configuration using a mailbox format may be used.

The present invention is applicable to various portable information terminals such as a pocket board other than the portable telephone terminal 22. In addition, since the present invention is basically applicable to any mobile communication device, it is of course possible to apply the present invention to other automobile telephones, simple portable telephones, and the like. In addition, it is of course possible to apply the present invention to all information terminals having a communication function, for example, game devices, home electric appliances, and all information terminals that will be manufactured in the future.

(Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same configurations as those of the above-described first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

FIG. 7 is a system diagram showing the configuration of the information distribution system 40 of the present invention. This information distribution system 4
0, the database server 41 stores a database 50 corresponding to the URL. As shown in FIG. 8, the database 50 classifies URLs relating to companies, stores, and the like, and is configured in a hierarchical manner. The following is an example of such hierarchization.

As shown in FIG. 8, the database 50 is provided with a top-level directory 51 classified according to, for example, life-related desires. In the “want to go” in the directory 51, a top-level directory 52 classified by, for example, a prefecture is provided. In the directory 52 of each prefecture, there is provided a directory 53 further classified into municipalities for each prefecture.

Further, in the directory 53 classified into municipalities, a directory 54 classified according to the town name is provided. Inside the directory 54 for each street name, a directory 55 further classified for each task is provided. The directory 55 stores URLs of various companies and stores.

Such a database 50 allows immediate access to a desired URL if registered.
For example, in the column of “favorite” (hereinafter referred to as “favorite 57”) which is a URL short-circuiting means on the desktop screen 56 as shown in FIG. be registered.

When this registration is made, for example, if the name of “Web-104” is given to the database 50, the name of “Web-104” is displayed when the favorite 57 is clicked. Then, when the mouse cursor is put on the displayed name, a directory 51 indicating the life-related desire existing in the database 50 is displayed. Next, when the cursor is put on “I want to go”, the directories 51 of the prefectures are displayed. This display is configured to display, for example, each prefecture in a line.

Further, when the cursor is put on a place where a specific prefecture is displayed in the displayed list of prefectures, a list of the respective municipalities existing in the directory 52 of the prefecture is displayed. And in the list,
When the cursor is placed on a place where a desired city, town, and village is displayed, a list of town names is displayed. Then, when the cursor is placed on a desired street name among the street names, URLs of companies, stores, and the like classified by business are displayed.

The case where such a database 50 is distributed to each user will be described below. There are the following two routes for distribution to each user, and these will be described below. First, as a first route, there is one that bundles the external memory 24 with the user of the distribution PC 61 (route 1A). In this case, the external memory 24
Is stored in the database 50, and the database 50 is bundled with the distribution PC 61. In this case, each data of the database 50 is converted into the language of the HTML format by the HTML conversion means 57 in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

Thereafter, or in the bundled external memory 24, data for accessing “Web-104” and data for initial setting are stored in the CD-RO.
It is stored in an external memory 24 such as an M or CF card and distributed. Then, it is bundled with its own distribution PC 61. The user of the general PC 62 other than the distribution PC 61 may bundle the external memory 24 as needed (route 1B).

As described above, in the external memory 24, in addition to the database 50, the favorite 57
-104 "an execution program for adding a display,
A connection setting program for setting access to the “Web-104” home page, and the database 50
A search program for performing a search for is stored. Therefore, when the external memory 24 is bundled, these programs may be installed. The database 50 installed in the external memory 24 has a minimum required UR.
L or e-mail address may be used.

As a second route, the database 50 is not made installable in advance,
There is a configuration in which all or a part of the database 50 is downloaded when accessing the home page 25 of “Web-104”. In this case, all or a part of the database 50 and the various programs described above become the download target 26, and this is referred to as “Web
−104 ”is downloaded to the user of the general PC 62 via the homepage 25 (route 2A). By this download, “Web-
104 is automatically registered.

In this case, the updated new data may be downloaded to the user of the distribution PC 61 already bundled with the database 50 by the external memory 56 (route 2B). In addition, general P
The user of C62 can download the updated data at any time in the route 2A.

When such a download has been made, "Web" displayed in the favorite column is displayed.
All databases are stored in the folder “−104”. For this reason, if the folders are sequentially opened, it is possible to obtain the URL of a desired company or store.

When the entire database 50 is downloaded by downloading, it is possible to search for data based on, for example, a telephone number regardless of the favorite 57 without opening the column of the favorite 57. Become.

Further, when only various programs or only a part of the database 50 is downloaded together with the various programs in the route 2A, when it is necessary to obtain additional data or in the route 2B, the “Web-104” is downloaded. When the initial setting for access only has been made, the cursor is placed on the display field 50a of the registered Web-104 and clicked. Then, if you are always connected to the Internet, "Web
-104 "is automatically accessed. When a dial-up connection is made via a modem, the user once connects to the Internet via a provider, starts up a WWW browser, and then returns to the "We
The cursor is placed on the display column 50a of "b-104" and clicked. In these cases, the home page 25 is managed by the management server 12. The management server 12 also checks and manages information related to the user. When the user clicks an execution button in the homepage 25, the user is asked whether the user can download or make an inquiry. Make a confirmation.

After the management server 12 confirms information about the user, the accessor can input a keyword such as a telephone number. Then, from this home page 25, the database server 13
Is accessed, necessary data, for example, a URL is searched based on the keyword, and desired data can be obtained. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a part of the database is downloaded together with the desired data.

[0096] After the URL search based on the keyword is performed, the URL may be automatically added to the favorite 57 and registered. For members other than members, only data search (including URL search) can be performed, and only members can be downloaded. Non-members can use only the general database 50, and members can use members-only databases. 50 can also be made available.

When downloading, the data may be personalized for each user in consideration of the time required for data transfer and then downloaded. In this case, as described in the first embodiment, only the URL data that is considered necessary is downloaded in consideration of the attributes of each user. Further, at the time of data transfer, a code means for compressing and transferring data to be transferred to the user may be provided.
In this case, the decoding means is provided on the user side corresponding to the code means to decompress the compressed data.

A specific example of URL search in the information distribution system 40 having such a configuration will be described below. First, a case will be described in which the URL of the A hotel in, for example, Harajuku, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo is searched based on the database 50 described above.

When performing this search, first, the favorite 57
Point the mouse cursor on the display of “Web-104”. Then, since a list of each prefecture is displayed, the user places the cursor on the display of "Tokyo". Then
A list of municipalities in Tokyo is displayed, and the cursor is placed on the display of "Shibuya-ku" in the list. Next, the name of each town in Shibuya Ward is displayed, and the cursor is placed on the display of “Harajuku”. Then, the companies, stores, and the like in Harajuku are displayed in a list in a state of being classified by industry. Then, when the cursor is put on the display field of “hotel”, a list of hotels in Harajuku is displayed. When the cursor is put on the display of "A hotel", the UR of this A hotel is displayed.
L is displayed.

Next, a case where the homepage is accessed using the favorite 57 registered in the database will be described. In this case, there are two methods. The first is a case where connection is made via a modem or the like, in which the Internet is accessed via a predetermined provider and a WWW browser screen is started. The second type is a type in which a WWW browser can be automatically connected to the Internet when a WWW browser is started by a constant connection or the like.

In the case of the first method, the user accesses the Internet via a predetermined provider and starts a WWW browser screen. Thereafter, by clicking the start button 56a in the desktop screen 56, the start screen 6b is started. And favorite 57 in it
And move to the lower directory one after another,
Move the cursor to "A Hotel". And
By clicking in that state, the user is connected to the homepage of "A Hotel" and displays the homepage.

In the case of the second method, first, a start button 56a on the desktop screen 56 is clicked to start the start screen 56b. Then, the user places the cursor on the favorite 57 therein, moves the cursor to the lower directory one after another, and clicks on the "A hotel" when it comes to the "A hotel" part. Then, the WWW browser screen is launched and connected to the homepage of "A Hotel".

In the above example, the favorite 57 included in the start screen 50c which is activated by the start button 50b in the desktop screen 56 has been described.
Any URL short-circuit means may be used as long as the URL short-circuit means is the same as the favorite 57 on the desktop screen 56, such as a favorite of Internet Explorer by Microsoft Corporation or a "bookmark" by Netscape Navigator of Netscape Corporation.

According to the information distribution system 40 having such a configuration, the database 50 is collectively registered in the favorite 57, and the desired URL is opened by opening the directories 51 to 55 registered in the favorite 57. can get. For this reason, convenience in searching for a URL is improved. Further, the user can easily access a target homepage by using the favorite 57. Further, since the database 50 has a hierarchical structure including the directories 51 to 55, the data is classified and arranged, and the convenience at the time of searching a URL and accessing a target homepage is improved.

Further, when the user accesses a desired URL among the URLs registered collectively in the favorite 57 as described above, the information in the URL is saved, so that the information on the homepage can be accessed without accessing the Internet. Can be confirmed. So that the desired U
The time required to obtain network data based on RL can be reduced. When it is desired to check the latest data, the user accesses the desired URL again to download the latest database. In this case, a method of automatically storing data in a memory called a cache may be adopted instead of downloading the data to a special storage unit.

When all the databases 50 are installed as a bundle in the favorites 57 by the external memory 24 such as a CD-ROM, or when all the databases 50 are installed in the favorites 57 by downloading from the homepage 25, , Set up a predetermined search program and execute U based on the telephone number.
The RL can be searched immediately. In addition, even when a search based on a telephone number is not performed, U.S.A.
Since the RLs are subdivided and stored, even if the telephone number is not known at all, the search can be performed as long as the general location of the company or store is known.

Although the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified.
Hereinafter, this will be described.

In the above-described second embodiment, the case where only the URL is registered in the “favorite 57” serving as the URL short-circuiting means has been described. However, such a concept can be applied to a mail address. The configuration may be such that the e-mail address is automatically registered in the "address book" storing the e-mail address in the "<". Also, in the second embodiment, registration in the column of “favorite 57” is enabled only for the URL.
In the configuration of 0, it is possible to store the corresponding mail address together with the URL.

[0109] Also, the case of performing a URL search based on a telephone number has been described in the above embodiment.
Of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the URL is searched based on a predetermined keyword other than the telephone number.

[0110] The hierarchies of the database 50 may be classified into various types other than those based on addresses and the like.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case of registering the favorite 57 of the distribution PC 61 or the general PC 62 has been described. However, as described in the first embodiment, for example, the portable telephone terminal 22 or the like may be used. The present invention may be applied to a URL short circuit means in a portable information terminal as described above.

That is, when the favorite 57 is provided in the portable telephone terminal 22, the favorite 57 may be registered similarly to the distribution PC 61 or the like. The registration to the favorite 57 in the mobile phone terminal 22 is performed by registering only the URL corresponding to the inquired telephone number, or by returning the URL corresponding to the inquired telephone number and the e-mail address of the URL.
May be registered in the favorite 57 and the mail address may be registered in the address book, or the URL inquired and the URL related to the URL may be collectively downloaded and registered.

Further, it is also possible to access the “Web-104” first and download a considerable amount of URLs collectively, and further connect the external memory 24 to the portable telephone terminal 22, URL from external memory 24
May be configured to be bundled.

Further, for a member or a specific member, a URL additionally registered or changed in the address list server 11 is transmitted as an electronic mail to the distribution PC 20 or the general PC 2.
1 or the mobile phone terminal 22. In this case, the transmitted member retrieves the URL and the e-mail address from the e-mail by starting up the predetermined software, and updates the stored database 50.
Note that predetermined software may be automatically started in conjunction with mail software.

When the URL is inquired by the mobile phone terminal 22, the information distribution management server 27 is provided as described in the first embodiment. If a configuration is also provided in which the voice conversion server 28 that converts information is provided, it is possible to further improve the convenience for the user.

Further, the system may be capable of coping with all docking of the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the system configuration shown in FIG. On the other hand, either one of the methods for searching and displaying each URL and e-mail address shown in the first and second embodiments may be adopted,
Or a combination of three or more of them.

[0117]

According to the present invention, since a database classified for each attribute is provided, when data is distributed to the user, the data to be distributed can be selected according to the attribute of the user. Data distribution can be realized as desired.

When the database has a plurality of rows of keywords corresponding to URLs and mail addresses,
When the RL, the e-mail address, and the keyword are tabulated, it is possible to register a large number of keywords corresponding to the URL and the e-mail address. It is possible to improve the performance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image in a case where a user obtains a URL and a mail address along three routes in the information distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a database according to the present invention, showing a state where the database is stored in a hierarchical structure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a database according to the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the database adopts a mesh data structure and stores the database.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a database according to the present invention, showing a state where the database is stored in a table format.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific state in a case where a user obtains a URL and a mail address along three routes in the information distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of a database stored in a database server in the information distribution system of FIG. 7;

9 is a diagram showing a state of a desktop screen in the information distribution system of FIG. 7;

[Description of Signs] 10, 40 Information distribution system 11 Address list server 12 Management server (management means) 13 Database server (information storage means) 14 Application server 15 Input server 16 Communication control device (information distribution 20) Distribution PC 21 ... General PC 22 ... Mobile Phone Terminal 23 ... HTML Conversion Means 25 ... Conversion Table 27 ... Information Delivery Management Server 28 ... Voice Conversion Server 30 ... Browser Screen 31 ... Keyword Input Units 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 ... database 56 ... favorite

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Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An information storage means for storing a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword and returning the content in response to a request from a user, wherein the database corresponds to the keyword. U above
An information storage means characterized in that at least one of the RL and the mail address is classified so that a database for each user can be created. 2. An information storage means for storing a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword and returning the content in response to a request from a user, wherein the database is the URL or the mail. An information storage means characterized by storing the keywords in a plurality of rows corresponding to at least one of the addresses. 3. The database according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the URL or the email address arranged in a row and the keyword are arranged in a plurality of columns and stored in a table format to constitute the database. Item 2. The information storage means according to Item 2. 4. The database according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the URL and the e-mail address is classified into a table format for each attribute that enables creation of a database for each user. Information storage means described. 5. An information storage means for storing a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword and returning the contents in response to a request from a user, wherein the database is the URL or the mail. Information storage means, wherein at least one of the addresses is stored in a tree structure, and the keyword is stored corresponding to at least one of a URL and a mail address in each segment. 6. An information storage means for storing a database having at least one of a URL and a mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword and returning the contents in response to a request from a user, wherein the database is the URL or the mail. Information storage means, wherein at least one of the addresses is stored in a network data structure, and the keyword is stored in correspondence with a URL or a mail address in each record. 7. An information distribution system for distributing, to a user, information relating to at least one of a URL and an e-mail address from an information storage unit storing a database having at least one of a URL and an e-mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword. In a case where there is a request for information distribution from a user, a management means for managing information about the user and an address on a network, and when receiving a database distribution command from the management means, An information distribution means for creating and distributing a corresponding database for each user from the information storage means. 8. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said information storage means constitutes a database by classifying at least one of said URL and said mail address so that a database can be created for each user. system. 9. The information storage means is configured to store at least one of the URL or the mail address in a tree structure.
8. The information distribution system according to claim 7, wherein the keyword is stored corresponding to at least one of the mail addresses to form a database. 10. An information storage means storing a database consisting of URLs corresponding to predetermined keywords,
In an information distribution system for distributing information about a URL to a user, the information storage means stores a database in which a URL and a keyword corresponding to the URL are configured in a tree structure. The system includes: a management unit that manages information about the user and manages an address on the network when a request for information distribution is received from a user; Information distributing means for distributing a corresponding URL database to the user from the information storing means, and URL registering means for automatically registering a database composed of URLs in URL short-circuit means after distribution by the information distributing means. An information distribution system, comprising: 11. When at least one of the URL and the mail address is distributed from the information distribution unit, the data is converted into an HTML format.
11. The information distribution system according to claim 7, further comprising a TML format conversion unit. 12. The information according to claim 7, further comprising an information compression unit for compressing data to be distributed when the information distribution unit distributes information. Delivery system. 13. An information distribution method for distributing information relating to a URL or an e-mail address via a network from an information storage means storing a database composed of a URL or an e-mail address corresponding to a predetermined keyword. And a distribution step of creating and distributing a database for each user based on the request in the database request step.