JP2007148476A - Information retrieval support system, information retrieval support method, retrieval support module program and information retrieval support program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information retrieval support system by which a user can retrieve information by switching how to retrieve content as necessary according to circumstances or purpose in content retrieval processing. <P>SOLUTION: A retrieval support module management means 100 defines how to retrieve content, and stores a retrieval support module for generating dialog information according to how to retrieve content. A retrieval support module determination means 200 performs the ranking of the retrieval support modules, and selects the retrieval support module. A retrieval support module execution means 410 of a dialog generation means 400 executes a retrieval support module by using content stored in the content management means 300, and generates dialog information, and transmits it to a dialog presentation means 500. The dialog presentation means 500 displays dialog information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information search support system, an information search support method, a search support module program, and an information search support program that support a user to find desired content from a large amount of content.

  As a representative information retrieval technique, there is a technique for providing information using a WWW (World Wide Web) page or a keyword retrieval method for inputting a keyword to a database system and obtaining a retrieval result.

  The keyword search method can present the content desired by the user when the search keyword input by the user accurately represents the user's purpose.

  However, in such a keyword search method, when the search keyword input by the user is abstract or the user cannot express his / her purpose well with the search keyword, the desired content cannot be presented. Have difficulty.

  As described above, in the conventional keyword search method, there is a problem in that the information desired by the user cannot be provided when the search result cannot be sufficiently narrowed down or the set keyword does not appropriately represent the user's search intention. It was.

  In order to solve this problem, as a technology for supporting search keyword setting, the correspondence between all combinations of search keywords and search results searched by them is obtained in advance, and the search keywords are listed according to the screen size. There is a technique for generating a menu (Patent Document 1).

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the search keyword and the search result are acquired in advance, it is possible to exclude combinations of search keywords that do not satisfy the number of search times and the number of search results set according to the terminal. .

  As another example of a technique for supporting search keyword setting, there is a technique (Patent Document 2) that presents a related search keyword for a search result narrowed down by a search keyword.

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 2, when a user narrows down a search keyword and then sets a search keyword for further narrowing down or searching for related content, the related keyword or search result is displayed. Keywords can be selected so that the number is not zero.

  Further, Patent Document 3 describes a system that displays a set of contents searched for a certain keyword in order from the highest hit rate.

  Patent Document 4 describes an apparatus that selects a database using a conceptual structure (classification tree) for classifying a plurality of databases, and then searches for content in the selected database in response to a user request. Yes. Then, the apparatus ranks the content of the search result by a ranking method designated by the user.

Japanese Patent No. 3606031 (paragraphs 0043-0082, FIG. 1) JP 04-670 (Page 2-4, FIG. 1) JP 2002-342354 A (paragraphs 0029 to 0079, FIG. 1) JP 2003-281178 A (paragraphs 0031-0064, FIG. 1)

  The technologies described in each of the above patent documents are technologies that support efficient setting of search keywords for narrowing down and display of search results in consideration of the number of search results.

  The first problem of such a conventional technique is that it does not consider how to find out how the user is going to search, and content cannot be searched according to the situation and purpose of the user. That is.

  Here, considering how to search when a user searches for desired content, for example, it is considered that the method of searching for content is different immediately after starting searching for content and when a certain amount of time has passed after starting searching.

  For example, immediately after starting to search for content, it is not clear what the set of content is, so it is effective to search while grasping the general tendency, but when a certain amount of time has passed since searching, it will be narrowed down as soon as possible This way of searching is considered effective.

  As another example, when searching for tourist information at a place where the user visits for the first time, it is effective to search while grasping the general tendency, but when searching for information by stopping for a while in a frequently visited city It is considered effective to narrow down as soon as possible.

  In this way, how to search for content differs depending on the situation and purpose of the user, and if the search method is different, it is clear that the required search conditions and the search results obtained thereby differ. is there.

  The second problem is that the search method cannot be switched during the search. This is because the conventional technique operates specifically for a single search method.

  In the conventional technology, it is not possible to narrow down or expand the search target content by changing the search method during the search.

  In addition, in order to change the search method, another search engine or application software is started and the search is performed again, so it is not possible to take over the search state such as the search target content and the search history.

  Furthermore, the third problem is that it is not possible to divert the search method of others. The reason is that the conventional technology operates specifically for a single search method, and there is no mechanism for distributing the search method.

  For example, when searching for a restaurant that eats rice, there is a motivation that a person (expert) who is familiar with food wants to refer to how to search for gourmet content. At that time, it is necessary to have a mechanism for examining the store by executing the method of searching for specialists with their own system.

  In many search systems, since a search method is incorporated in the program, it is necessary to modify the program to replace the search method, which is very difficult.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an information search support system, an information search support method, and a search for selecting and searching for an appropriate search method according to the situation and purpose of the user and searching for content based on the search method. To provide a support module program and an information search support program

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an information search support system, an information search support method, a search support module program, and an information search support program that search and provide contents while switching a plurality of search methods.

  Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information search support system, an information search support method, a search support module program, and an information search support program that perform search using how to search for others.

  An information search support system according to the present invention is an information search support system for supporting information search by an information search means for searching for information, and executes a process for proposing to the user a search method for information performed by the information search means. Search support module storage means for storing search support modules for search, search support module attribute management means for storing attribute information indicating attributes of the search support modules stored in the search support module storage means, and a search support module Ranking means for ranking search support modules according to attribute information, and information search method performed by information search means according to one or more search support modules according to ranking results by ranking means to the user Search support module execution means and search support module execution The search support module storage means stores a search support module for causing the search support module execution means to execute a process of proposing an information search method to the user. It is characterized by doing.

  The search support module storage means generates a dialog information indicating a search method of information performed by the information search means, stores a search support module for causing the search support module execution means to execute a process for proposing the search method, and searches The support module executing means proposes a search method by generating dialog information when executing the process of proposing the information search method performed by the information search means to the user according to the search support module. The search method may be presented by presenting the interactive information generated by the search support module execution means.

  The search support module storage means is a search support module for causing the search support module execution means to execute a process of generating dialog information and proposing a search method, wherein the information search means sets a search condition for searching for information. One or more processes are executed among the process of creating, the process of setting the search order of search conditions when the information search means searches for information, and the process of determining the use order of the plurality of information search means, You may memorize | store the search assistance module for performing the process which produces | generates the dialog information which shows the search method of the information which a search means performs, and proposes a search method.

  The search support module executing means generates dialog information including any one or more of a dialog sentence, a search condition, or information to be searched by the information search means according to the search support module. The user may be prompted to select a search support module to be executed by the search support module execution unit according to the module attribute information or the presented dialogue information.

  Dialog control means for executing one or more processes among a process of selecting, combining, and editing one or a plurality of dialog information generated by the search support module executing means may be included.

  The ranking means may rank the search support module according to the attribute information of the search support module based on a preset rule.

  A dialogue state management means for storing a search history including dialogue information presented in the past by the dialogue means and a search condition selected by the user via the dialogue means in the past, and the ranking means is based on a preset rule. Based on the attribute information of the search support module and the search history, the search support module may be ranked.

  Including a context acquisition means for acquiring a context that is information indicating a user or system status, and the ranking means is based on the attribute information of the search support module and the context acquired by the context acquisition means based on a preset rule. The search support modules may be ranked.

  Dialog state management means for storing a search history including dialog information presented in the past by the dialog means and search conditions selected by the user via the dialog means in the past, and context that is information indicating the status of the user or system The ranking acquisition means based on the preset rules, the attribute information of the search support module, the search history stored in the dialog state management means, and the context acquired by the context acquisition means The search support modules may be ranked according to

  A search support module selecting unit that selects one or a plurality of search support modules according to the ranking performed by the ranking unit may be included.

  Distribution information management means connected to the search support module attribute management means and storing distribution information of the search support module; and search support module distribution connected to the distribution information management means and storing attribute information of the search support module and the search support module Means.

  An information search support method according to the present invention is an information search support method for supporting information search by an information search means for searching for information, and executes a process of proposing to the user a search method for information performed by the information search means The information search means performs the ranking step for ranking the search support module according to the attribute information of the search support module to be performed and the one or more search support modules according to the ranking result in the ranking step. A search support module executing step for proposing an information search method to a user and an interaction step for presenting the search method proposed in the search support module executing step are provided.

  In the search support module execution step, dialog information indicating the search method is generated, and dialog information indicating the information search method performed by the information search means is generated according to the search support module for executing the process of proposing the search method. The search method may be proposed by presenting the dialog information generated in the search support module execution step in the dialog step.

  In the search support module execution step, a process for creating a search condition for the information search means to search for information, a process for setting a search condition search order when the information search means searches for information, and a plurality of information search means One or more processes may be executed among the processes for determining the usage order of the information, and the process for generating the dialogue information indicating the information search method executed by the information search means and proposing the search method may be executed. .

  In the search support module execution step, in accordance with the search support module, dialog information including at least one of a dialogue sentence, a search condition, or information to be searched by the information search means is generated, and the search support is performed in the dialog step. The user may be prompted to select a search support module to be executed in the search support module execution step according to the module attribute information or the presented dialogue information.

  A dialog control step for executing one or more processes among a process for selecting, combining, and editing one or a plurality of dialog information generated in the search support module executing step may be included.

  In the ranking step, the search support modules may be ranked according to the attribute information of the search support module based on a preset rule.

  In the ranking step, based on rules set in advance, the dialogue information presented in the past in the dialogue step, the search history including the search conditions selected by the user in the past dialogue step, and the attribute information of the search support module The search support modules may be ranked accordingly.

  It includes a context acquisition step for acquiring a context that is information indicating the status of the user or system, and in the ranking step, based on the rule information set in advance, depending on the attribute information of the search support module and the context acquired in the context acquisition step The search support modules may be ranked.

  It includes a context acquisition step for acquiring context, which is information indicating the status of the user and the system. In the ranking step, the dialog information presented in the past in the dialog step based on the preset rules, and the user in the dialog step in the past The search support modules may be ranked according to the search history including the search condition selected in the step 1, the attribute information of the search support module, and the context acquired in the context acquisition step.

  A search support module selection step of selecting one or a plurality of search support modules according to the ranking performed in the ranking step may be included.

  A search for acquiring a search support module stored in a search support module distribution unit that stores the search support module, and attribute information of the search support module stored in a distribution information management unit that stores distribution information of the search support module A support module acquisition step may be included.

  The search support module program according to the present invention is a search support module program that is executed by a computer that supports information search by information search means for searching for information, and shows the information search method performed by the information search means to the computer. It is characterized by generating dialogue information and executing a proposal process for proposing a search method to a user.

  An information search support program according to the present invention is an information search support program installed in an information search support apparatus that supports information search by an information search means for searching for information, and searches for information performed by the information search means in a computer. A ranking process for ranking the search support module according to attribute information indicating an attribute of the search support module program for executing a process for proposing a method to the user, and 1 according to a ranking result by the ranking process. A search support module execution process for proposing an information search method performed by the information search means according to one or a plurality of search support module programs, and an interactive process for presenting the search method proposed in the search support module execution process to the user It is made to perform.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to select an appropriate way of searching for information according to a user's situation and purpose, and to search and provide information based on the way of searching.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the search support module executing means executes one or a plurality of search support modules, it is possible to search and provide information while switching the way of searching for a plurality of information.

  In addition, when the search support module execution unit is configured to generate dialog information indicating a method for searching for information, the user can select how to search for information by referring to the dialog information. .

  Furthermore, when the search support module is configured to be ranked according to attribute information, context, and search history, it is possible to select a more appropriate way to search for information according to the user's situation and purpose. it can.

  Further, when the search support module distribution means is configured to use the stored search support module, it is possible to search for information by using the information search method performed by another person. .

Embodiment 1 FIG.
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of an information search support system according to the present invention.

  The information search support system according to the first embodiment includes a search support module management unit 100 that stores a search support module, a content management unit 300 that stores content (information) and searches for content, and a search support module. The content management means 300 selects the search support module determining means 200 for selecting one or more search support modules from the search support modules stored in the management means 100 and the search support module selected by the search support module determining means 200. Dialog generation means 400 that generates one or a plurality of pieces of dialog information using the stored content, and presents the dialog information generated by the dialog generation means 400 to the user, or the content management means 300 generates content based on the dialog information. Dialogue hand to search and display And a (interactive means) 500.

  The search support module management unit 100 includes a search support module storage unit 110 that stores the search support module and a search support module attribute management that stores and manages attribute information of the search support module stored in the search support module storage unit 110. Means 120.

  The search support module determination unit 200 ranks the search support module stored in the search support module management unit 100 based on a predetermined rule, and generates a ranking information indicating a ranking result. Search support that presents information related to the search support module to the user based on the ranking information generated by the ranking means 210, or automatically selects one or a plurality of search support modules and reads the selected search support module. Module selection means 220.

  The content management unit 300 includes a content storage unit 320 that stores content, and a content processing unit (information search unit) 310 that searches the content stored in the content storage unit 320.

  The dialog generation unit 400 executes the search support module selected by the search support module selection unit 220 and generates one or a plurality of dialog information using content stored in the content storage unit 320 of the content management unit 300. It includes support module execution means 410 and dialog control means 420 that selects, combines, and generates new dialog information based on rules for dialog information generated by the search support module execution means 410.

  Here, before explaining the function of each device and each means, the contents, attributes, attribute values, dialogue information, search conditions, dialogue sentences, and the meaning of each search support module are shown in FIG. Will be described as an example.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of store information. The content corresponds to records in the database technology field. The content has one or more attributes and attribute values like the content 201 and the content 202 shown in FIG.

  Attributes correspond to fields in the database technology field. Specifically, for example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 2A, an ID for identifying the content, a name indicating the store name, an address indicating the location of the store, and a genre attribute indicating the type of food in the store It has.

  The attribute value corresponds to data in the database technical field. Specifically, for example, in the content 201 in FIG. 2A, the attribute value of the attribute “ID” is “REST01”, the attribute “name” is the attribute value “XX Tei”, and the attribute “address” is the attribute value. “Shibuya-ku, Tokyo” and “Japanese food” as the attribute value of the attribute “genre”. As described above, the attribute value may be a character string or a numerical value.

  The search condition is a condition for searching for content, and is a set of an attribute and an attribute value. For example, in FIG. 2A, “OO Tei” can be searched according to the search condition “attribute = genre, attribute value = Japanese food”.

  The dialogue information is composed of a dialogue sentence, a search condition, and content related to the search condition. The dialogue sentence is a character string for explaining the search condition generated by the dialogue generation unit 400 and the basis for generating the search condition.

  Content related to a search condition is content obtained as a search result when a search is performed using the search condition.

  The example shown in FIG. 2B is dialogue information generated by the dialogue generation unit 400. In Fig. 2 (B), "This area has a lot of Japanese food. There are other Western foods and Chinese food. Which one do you want to do?" Is an interactive sentence explaining the search conditions. [Search condition 1] [Search [Condition 2] is a search condition, and [Content 1] and [Content 2] are contents related to [Search condition 1] and [Search condition 2], respectively. For example, [Search condition 1] is “attribute = genre, attribute value = Japanese food”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the dialogue information includes all of the search condition, dialogue sentence, and content. However, the dialogue information generated by the dialogue generation unit 400 includes any one or more of the above. Well, it is not necessary to include everything.

  A search support module is a software module that defines how to search for content and generates dialog information according to the search method. It is a software module that describes dialogs and calculation methods for generating search conditions. It is a module. The calculation method for generating dialogue text and search conditions will be described later.

  Further, the search support module generates a search condition for searching for content by the content processing unit 310, generates a search order of a plurality of search conditions, and uses a plurality of search systems possessed by the content processing unit 310. Determine the order.

  For example, “Search for prominent” search support module (restrict content with prominent attribute values in the attribute value distribution according to the content distribution bias) or “Quickly search” search support module (select the number of search conditions) There are relatively few).

  For example, the “search for conspicuous” search support module statistically analyzes the distribution of attribute values of the search target content, and generates dialog information using attributes and attribute values with a large distribution of attribute values as search conditions. Specifically, for example, in a certain attribute, when the number of contents related to a certain attribute value is significantly larger than the number of contents related to another attribute value, the search condition or dialog using that attribute or attribute value is used. Generate information.

  All the search support modules operate in the same environment, and are binary programs or scripts.

  Specifically, for example, the search support module is implemented by a well-known plug-in technology, or implemented using a Windows (registered trademark) dynamic link library technology or JAVA (registered trademark) language. . By providing a common API (Application Program Interface), all the search support modules operate in the same environment.

  Note that the processing is actually performed by the search support module execution means 410 that operates according to the search support module (program), but in the following description, it may be described as the operation of the search support module for convenience. For example, “the search support module executing unit 410 generates the dialog information according to the search support module” may simply be described as “the search support module generates the dialog information”. Executing the search support module means that the search support module execution unit 410 executes processing according to the search support module.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described by using store information as an example of the search target. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and content (information such as program information, company documents, etc., and attribute values) ).

  In addition, although the explanation is made assuming that a character string is used for the attribute value, in the attribute having the attribute value represented by a numerical value such as a distance or a price, a classification with a label in advance is determined, It may be handled in the same way as a character string by determining which category is included.

  For example, in the attribute regarding the price, when there is a classification of “0 to 1000 yen” and “1000 to 2000 yen” and the corresponding labels “0 to 1000 yen” and “1000 to 2000 yen”, for example, The content processing unit 310 may convert the attribute value of 1500 yen into a character string of “1000 yen-2000 yen”. The classification may be determined in advance or may be set according to the distribution of attribute values.

  Next, each device and each means will be described.

  The dialogue presenting means 500 is a computer equipped with software including an information display device such as a display and an input device that allows a user to display intentions such as buttons and a keyboard, for example, PDA (Personal Data Assistants). Or a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like.

  The search support module management means 100 is a database that stores the search support module and can search the search support module, and is realized by a personal computer or database server equipped with database software.

  The content management means 300 is a database capable of storing content and searching for the content, and is realized by a personal computer equipped with database software or a server type computer.

  The search support module determination unit 200 is a computer that accesses the search support module management unit 100, and is realized by a personal computer equipped with software, a server type computer, or the like.

  The dialogue generation unit 400 is a computer that accesses the content management unit 300, and is realized by a personal computer, a server type computer, or the like equipped with software.

  The search support module management unit 100, the search support module determination unit 200, the content management unit 300, the dialog generation unit 400, and the dialog presentation unit 500 may exist on the same computer or on different computers. You may communicate using communication protocols, such as well-known TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). That is, it does not assume a specific physical configuration.

  When the search support module management unit 100, the search support module determination unit 200, the content management unit 300, the dialog generation unit 400, and the dialog presentation unit 500 exist on the same computer, the computer stores information on the computer. A ranking process that ranks the search support module according to attribute information indicating an attribute of the search support module program for executing the process of proposing the information search method performed by the information search means for searching, and ranking by the ranking process Depending on the result, a search support module execution process for proposing an information search method performed by the information search means according to one or a plurality of search support module programs, and a search method proposed in the search support module execution process for the user The interactive process to be presented is executed Equipped with the order of the information-retrieval support program.

  The information search support system of the present invention will be described using a configuration including a search support module management unit 100, a search support module determination unit 200, a content management unit 300, a dialog generation unit 400, and a dialog presentation unit 500. It is not limited to this. For example, the information search support system may not include the content management unit 300 and search for content to be searched via a communication network.

  Next, functions of each device and each means will be described.

  The search support module storage unit 110 stores a plurality of search support modules. The search support module attribute management unit 120 manages search support module attribute information stored in the search support module storage unit 110.

  The search support module attribute management unit 120 includes, for example, information related to the search support module such as an ID for identifying the search support module, an explanatory text explaining the search support module, a registrant of the search support module program, and the number of times of use. The search support module program name or script name to be actually executed is stored in association with each other.

  Here, the use count is a count indicating how many times the search support module has been used so far.

  When a plurality of users use the information search support system, the attributes of the search support module may be managed for each user, for example, by managing the user ID and the number of uses in pairs.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of search support module attribute information stored in the search support module attribute management means 120.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3A, an ID for identifying a search support module, a description, a registrant, a search support module name stored in the search support module storage unit 110, and the number of uses are stored in association with each other. ing.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 3A, the ID “STR001” of the search support module 301, the description “How to search for conspicuous things”, the registrant “Mr. XX”, and the program name of the search support module “JIKKURI.JAR” and the usage count “20” are associated with each other.

  The ranking unit 210 uses the attribute information of the search support module stored in the search support module attribute management unit 120 based on the rules set in advance in the search support module stored in the search support module storage unit 110. Ranking information indicating the ranking performed is generated.

  As a rule for ranking the search support modules, there are, for example, an explanatory note, a syllabary order of a registrant, a registration date order, and a usage count order.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3B, FIG. 3A is ranked in order of the number of times of use, and the ranking information is shown in the ranking information 302.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the search support module 303 is used most frequently, so the ranking is first.

  The search support module selection unit 220 displays part or all of the search support modules ranked by the ranking unit 210 on the dialog presentation unit 500 via the dialog generation unit 400 and prompts the user to select a search support module.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the dialogue presenting unit 500 in the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, by using the ranking result of FIG. 3B, an explanation sentence “How about this search support module with a large number of uses?” And a search that the ranking means 210 ranked first is used. A support module “how to find a gourmet reporter” and the number of times of use thereof, an “other” button for displaying another search support module, and a “decision” button for determining a search support module are displayed.

  When the user selects the search support module “how to search for a gourmet reporter” and presses the determination button, the search support module selection unit 220 reads the search support module “how to search for a gourmet reporter” from the search support module storage unit 110. The program “KARISUMA.JAR” is read and transmitted to the search support module execution means 410.

  Here, an example in which the search support module selecting unit 220 selects one search support module has been described. However, the search support module selecting unit 220 selects a plurality of search support modules and executes the plurality of search support modules. It may be transmitted to the means 410.

  Further, the search support module selection unit 220 may automatically select the top several search support modules without transmitting the search support module to the user, and transmit the selected search support modules to the search support module execution unit 410.

  The search support module execution unit 410 executes the search support module selected by the search support module selection unit 220.

  The search support module execution unit 410 executes the search support module and generates a search condition for searching for content, and uses the content processing unit 310 to calculate the content distribution stored in the content storage unit 320. Investigate and generate dialogue information.

  Further, the search support module execution means 410 executes the search support module, selects a search condition for searching the content stored in the content storage means 320 from a plurality of predetermined search conditions, and performs dialogue. Information may be generated.

  Further, the search support module execution unit 410 may execute the search support module, select a use order or a use method of the content processing unit 310, and generate dialogue information.

  The content storage unit 320 stores content, attributes, and attribute values in association with each other as in the example shown in FIG. 2A, and the content processing unit 310 stores the content stored in the content storage unit 320. Search, and generate statistical information such as content distribution. The content processing unit 310 may be a system that can process SQL, such as SQL (Structured Query Language) Server, or a system that can perform keyword search, such as Google (registered trademark).

  Here, a calculation method in which the search support module execution unit 410 generates a search condition will be described. When the search support module executing means 410 executes, for example, “JIKKURI.JAR” when the search support module “how to search for conspicuous things” is selected, the search support module “how to search for prominent things” The content processing unit 310 is operated.

  Then, the search support module execution unit 410 examines the distribution of attribute values of each attribute of the content stored in the content storage unit 320, selects an attribute having an attribute value related to the most content, A search condition is generated using attributes up to the third place.

  A calculation method for generating a dialog sentence will be described. For example, the search support module storage unit 110 stores a dialog sentence template in advance. Then, the search support module execution unit 410 generates an interactive sentence by applying the attribute and attribute value used when generating the search condition to a predetermined position of the template. In addition, this invention is not limited to this method, You may produce | generate a search condition and a dialog sentence by another method.

  The search support module execution means 410, for example, as shown in the example shown in FIG. 2B, the dialogue sentence “There are many Japanese dishes. There are other Western dishes. “Attribute = genre, attribute value = Japanese food” and “attribute = genre, attribute value = Western food” are generated.

  Further, the search support module execution unit 410 may also search and extract content related to the search condition at the same time. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the content with the name “XX Tei” is the content that is searched for and extracted according to [Search condition 1] “Attribute = genre, attribute value = Japanese food”.

  The dialog control means 420 transmits the dialog information generated by the search support module execution means 410 executing the search support module to the dialog presentation means 500.

  When the search support module execution unit 410 executes a plurality of search support modules, the search support module execution unit 410 generates a plurality of pieces of interaction information. Then, the dialogue control means 420 performs selection, combination, etc. on the dialogue information based on a predetermined rule.

  The dialogue control unit 420 generates, for example, dialogue information listing a plurality of dialogue sentences and search conditions and transmits the dialogue information to the dialogue presentation unit 500, or selects dialogue information having a search condition with the largest number of related contents. Or send conversation information with a large number of search conditions, or delete conversation information with a search condition number equal to or less than a threshold.

  Here, as an example of a rule in which the dialogue control unit 420 selects and combines dialogue information, a case where the dialogue control unit 420 selects dialogue information having the largest number of contents related to the search condition will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of dialogue information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the number of related contents is given to the attribute value of the search condition for the sake of explanation.

  When the search support module execution unit 410 executes a plurality of search support modules and generates dialog information as shown in FIG. 5, the search condition with the most content in FIG. 5 is [Search condition 1]. It is. Therefore, the dialogue control unit 420 selects the dialogue information of [Search condition 1] and transmits it to the dialogue presentation unit 500.

  The dialogue presentation unit 500 displays the dialogue information generated by the dialogue control unit 420. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of dialogue information displayed by the dialogue presentation unit 500 in the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, it is shown that the dialogue presenting means 500 is displaying the dialogue information shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6A, “It's just a“ fashionable ”store” is a dialogue, and “fashionable (100)”, “homely (20)”, and “other” are search conditions. “Specify a condition to further narrow down by“ atmosphere ”” is generated by the dialogue control means 420 based on the attribute of the search condition.

  The search condition “others” is a search condition for the user to specify when he / she wants to see other search conditions of the same attribute or search conditions of other attributes. For example, when the number of search conditions that can be displayed on the screen is three and three or more search conditions are held in the dialogue information, other search conditions can be presented by selecting “Other”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, content is not shown, but when content related to a search condition is included in the dialog information, it may be presented (displayed).

  The user selects one or more of the search conditions presented by the dialog presentation unit 500. The dialog presenting means 500 acquires content corresponding to the search condition selected by the user from the dialog information and displays it on the screen as a search result or responds to the search condition from the content storage means 320 using the content processing means 310. Search the obtained content, and display the obtained content.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the dialog presentation unit 500 displays search results in the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the search condition “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value = fashionable” selected by the user and 100 content lists corresponding to the search condition are displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the dialog presentation unit 500 prompts the user to select a search condition, but does not prompt the user to select a search condition as shown in FIG. 6A and is included in the dialog information. When one search condition is selected or when one of a plurality of search conditions is automatically selected, content related to the search condition is presented as shown in FIG. Also good.

  In addition, when presenting content corresponding to dialogue information or search conditions, it may be displayed not only on the screen but also read out by voice. That is, the dialog presentation unit 500 may use a unit that can present information to the user.

  The search support module storage means 110 causes the computer to generate dialog information indicating the information search method performed by the information search means for searching for information, and to execute a proposal process for proposing the search method to the user. The search support module program is installed.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

  The ranking unit 210 ranks the search support modules stored in the search support module storage unit 110 using the attribute information of the search support modules stored in the search support module attribute management unit 120 (step S101). Ranking information indicating ranking is generated.

  The search support module selection means 220 displays (presents) the search support module on the dialog presentation means 500 via the dialog generation means 400 based on the ranking information generated by the ranking means 210, and prompts the user to select (step S102). ). The search support module selection unit 220 selects a search support module according to the user's selection. The search support module selection unit 220 may automatically select one or a plurality of search support modules.

  The search support module execution unit 410 operates the content processing unit 310, executes the search support module selected by the search support module selection unit 220 using the content stored in the content management unit 300, and generates dialog information. (Step S103).

  The dialogue control unit 420 selects and combines one or more pieces of dialogue information generated by the search support module execution unit 410 based on the rules, and transmits the selected information to the dialogue presentation unit 500 (step 104).

  The dialogue presentation unit 500 displays the dialogue information transmitted from the dialogue control unit 420 (step S105), and prompts the user to select a search condition.

  When the search condition is selected by the user, the dialog presentation unit 500 searches the content storage unit 320 by operating the content processing unit 310 based on the content and the search condition related to the search condition included in the dialog information. Contents, search conditions, etc. are presented (step S106).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the user uses one or more searches such as a search support module frequently used from a plurality of search support modules and a search support module of a favorite registrant. Since the search operation can be performed while selecting and executing the support module, it is possible to perform content search with a satisfactory feeling.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the second embodiment of the information search support system according to the present invention.

  The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that it includes a dialog state management means 600. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the dialogue presentation unit 500 presents dialogue information to the user, presents content related to the search condition selected by the user, and ends the search.

  In the second embodiment, when the dialog presentation unit 500 presents dialog information to the user and prompts the user to select a search condition, the user is inquired whether to perform a narrow search, or the number of contents to be searched. To decide whether to continue the search.

  Note that the dialogue presenting means 500 may determine that the user has the intention to continue the search by selecting the search condition.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the dialogue presenting unit 500 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, the dialog presentation unit 500 presents a dialog sentence and search conditions, and the user selects a desired search condition (in this example, “home”). Will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the dialog presentation unit 500 presents content related to the search condition (“homely”) selected by the user. At this time, if the user presses the “Continue search” button, the search can be continued further.

  When the search is continued, the dialog presenting unit 500 transmits the dialog information, the search condition selected by the user, the set of contents to be searched, the information related to the set of contents related to the search condition, and the like to the dialog state managing unit 600. To do.

  The dialogue state management unit 600 stores dialogue information transmitted from the dialogue presentation unit 500, search conditions selected by the user, a set of contents to be searched, information about a set of contents related to the search conditions, and the like.

  The dialogue information stored in the dialogue state management unit 600, the search condition selected by the user, the set of contents to be searched, information on the set of contents related to the search condition, and the like are referred to as search history.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a search history. Here, the case where the dialog state management means 600 manages the search history as shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

  The dialog number is the search history order, the search support module name is the search support module used, the search condition is the search condition selected by the user among the search conditions generated by the search support module, and the number of search result contents Is the number of contents related to the search condition selected by the user.

  For example, in the search history 1601 shown in FIG. 10, the search support module used in the first search is “how to find a gourmet reporter”, and the search condition selected by the user is “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value = female”. “Popularity”, indicating that there are 1000 contents related to the search condition.

  Unlike the first embodiment, the ranking unit 210 uses not only the search support module attribute information stored in the search support module attribute management unit 120 but also the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600. And rank.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, an example of rules used by the ranking unit 210 when the search is performed three times by the “Gourmet reporter search” search support module will be described.

  For example, when the ranking means 210 ranks based on a rule that “a search support module that has been used three times or more is not used for a while”, the “how to find a gourmet reporter” search support module is at the bottom.

  Further, as another example, the ranking means 210 has a rule that “ranking is performed in the order of the number of times of use. However, a search support module that is used three times or more and the number of search result contents is not less than 100 is not used for a while”. In the case of ranking based on this, as shown in FIG. 3C, the “Gourmet Reporter Searching” search support module is ranked third.

  Note that the number of searches was performed after the information search support system was operated to search for content and the content was found, or after the search for the content was given up until the operation of the information search support system was stopped. The number of searches.

  The number of uses is the accumulation of the number of searches, and the search support module attribute management unit 120 stores it as attribute information of the search support module. Further, “for a while” in the exemplified rule is, for example, until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of searches are performed.

  For example, when three search histories are recorded in the dialog state management unit 600, the number of searches is three.

  As another ranking rule performed by the ranking unit 210, for example, the ranking unit 210 analyzes past search histories for each user and ranks the search support modules in the order in which the user often selects, or the user usually The result of analyzing the search history may be used for ranking, such as raising the rank of search support modules that are not so selected.

  When the ranking is changed by the ranking unit 210 based on the search history, the search support module selection unit 220 generates information that informs the user when the ranked search support module is presented, and presents the dialog. The means 500 may be presented. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the dialogue presenting means 500 displays information to be communicated to the user.

  For example, as shown in Fig. 11, it seems that “how to find a gourmet reporter” is not so good, so how about other ways of searching? To switch to another search support module. When the user selects switching to another search support module, the search support module selection unit 220 selects another search support module according to the user's selection, and the search support module execution unit 410 executes the search. Switch support modules.

  In addition, the search support module selection means 220 automatically searches the search support module selection means 220, such as automatically switching to the search support module with the highest ranking without inquiring the user to select a search support module. A support module may be selected.

  The search support module selection unit 220 may automatically select the same search support module as it is when the ranking of the search support module used in the previous search does not change.

  The search support module execution unit 410 generates dialog information using the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600 as well as the content stored in the content management unit 300.

  The search support module execution means 410 uses the contents and the search history to continuously generate the dialog information even when the search support module to be executed is changed.

  For example, the search support module executed by the search support module execution unit 410 generates dialog information using the search result content of the latest search history as a new search target.

  As another example, when the dialog state management unit 600 stores the search history shown in FIG. 10, the search support module executed by the search support module execution unit 410 next (the fourth search count) Dialog information may be generated by removing the attribute values (popularity for women, Japanese food, beautiful night view) used as search conditions from the processing target.

  Furthermore, as another example, the search support module executed by the search support module execution unit 410 analyzes the search history and generates dialogue information by focusing on the search conditions often selected by the user, or selected by the user. For example, the dialog information may be generated by analyzing the search history, such as generating the dialog information without considering the search conditions.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

  The operation of the second embodiment is different from the operation of the first embodiment in that the search is repeated again using a search support module, dialog information, and a set of contents used in the past.

  The ranking unit 210 uses the search support module attribute information stored in the search support module attribute management unit 120 and the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600 to store the search support module attribute management unit 120. The search support modules are ranked (step S201), and ranking information indicating the ranking is generated.

  Specifically, for example, the ranking of the search support module used more than a certain number of times of search is made the lowest.

  In the state where the search has never been performed, the dialog state management unit 600 does not store the search history. In such a case, the ranking unit 210 performs the same operation as step S101 in FIG.

  The search support module selection unit 220 displays (presents) the search support module on the dialog presentation unit 500 via the dialog generation unit 400 based on the ranking information generated by the ranking unit 210 and the search history, and selects the user. Prompt (step S202). The search support module selecting unit 220 causes the dialogue presenting unit 500 to present the fact when the ranking is changed according to the search history.

  In the state where the search has never been performed, the dialog state management unit 600 does not store the search history. In such a case, the search support module execution unit 410 is the same as step S102 in FIG. To work.

  The search support module selection unit 220 selects a search support module according to the user's selection. The search support module selection unit 220 may automatically select one or a plurality of search support modules, or may automatically switch the search support module to the search support module with the highest rank. Alternatively, the previous search support module may be used continuously.

  The search support module execution unit 410 operates the content processing unit 310 to generate dialogue information using the content stored in the content storage unit 320 and the search history stored in the dialogue state management unit 600. (Step S203).

  For example, the search support module execution unit 410 may generate dialog information using a set of contents as a search result of the latest search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600 as a new search target.

  Further, the search support module execution unit 410 may generate the dialog information ignoring the search condition of the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600.

  Further, the search support module execution unit 410 analyzes the search history, generates dialogue information by focusing on the search conditions that the user often selects, or interacts without much considering the search conditions selected by the user. Dialog information may be generated by analyzing a search history, such as generating information.

  In the state where the search has never been performed, the dialog state management unit 600 does not store the search history. In such a case, the search support module execution unit 410 is the same as step S103 in FIG. To work.

  The dialogue control unit 420 selects and combines one or more pieces of dialogue information generated by the search support module execution unit 410 based on the rules (step S204), and transmits them to the dialogue presentation unit 500.

  The dialog presentation unit 500 displays dialog information as shown in FIG. 9A (step S205), and prompts the user to select a search condition. Note that when displaying the dialog information, the dialog presenting means 500 may present the content and a button for inquiring whether to continue the search, as shown in FIG. 9B.

  When the user does not display the intention to continue the search (N in step S206), the dialogue presenting means 500 displays the content (step S207) and ends the search. Note that the dialog presenting means 500 may end the search without displaying the content in step S207 when the content is displayed when the dialog information is displayed.

  When the user makes an intention to continue (Y in step S206), the dialog presentation unit 500 displays the dialog information, the search condition selected by the user, the information on the set of contents related to the search condition, the search Information on a set of target contents is transmitted to the dialog state management means 600.

  The dialog state management means 600 is a search history such as dialog information transmitted by the dialog presenting means 500, a search condition selected by the user, information on a set of contents related to the search condition, information on a set of contents to be searched. Is stored (step S208).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, since the dialog information is generated by switching the search method during the search, it is possible to find the desired content. There is an effect.

  In addition, it is possible to efficiently find desired content by narrowing down search targets that could not be narrowed down by the previous search by further selecting search conditions or excluding the search conditions used for the search once.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the third embodiment of the information search support system according to the present invention.

  The configuration of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is different from the configuration of the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8 in that a context acquisition unit 700 is included. Since other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  In the third embodiment, the search support module attribute management unit 120 stores the search support module and the context in association with each other. Then, when ranking the search support modules stored in the search support module storage unit 100, the ranking unit 210 includes not only the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600 but also the context acquisition unit 700. Use the acquired context.

  The context is information representing the state of the user or system. Specifically, for example, the user's sex, age, current time, current position, whether or not the user is in a car, weather, traffic conditions, and the like. Then, the context acquisition unit 700 may automatically acquire a context from a clock built in a computer (for example, the dialog presentation unit 500), GPS (Global Positioning System), ON / OFF of an automobile engine, or the like. Then, the context may be acquired by an input to the interaction presentation unit 500 by the user.

  The context acquisition unit 700 may acquire information via a communication network such as the Internet.

  When using the user's gender, age, weather, and traffic jam as the context, the context acquisition unit 700 may be realized by, for example, a personal computer as the dialogue presentation unit 500. Specifically, when gender or age is used as the context, the context acquisition unit 700 may use gender or age information input to the personal computer as the interaction presentation unit 500 as the context.

  Further, when weather or traffic conditions are used as the context, the context acquisition unit 700 may be realized by a personal computer or the like as the dialogue presentation unit 500 connected to the Internet or the like, for example. Then, the personal computer as the dialogue presenting means 500 may receive such information from a server or the like that provides weather and traffic conditions via the Internet or the like.

  When the current time is used as the context, the context acquisition unit 700 is realized by, for example, a clock built in a personal computer as the interaction presentation unit 500. Further, when using information indicating the current position or whether the vehicle is in a car as the context, the context acquisition unit 700 is realized by a GPS system mounted on the car or the like.

  The search support module attribute management means 120, for example, assigns attributes such as “for morning”, “daytime”, “for evening”, and “for night” to the search support module as time attributes, and the ranking means 210 uses the context For example, the ranking of the search support module according to the time acquired by the acquisition unit 700 is raised.

  In addition, the search support module execution unit 410 generates the dialog information using the context acquired by the context acquisition unit 700 when the search support module is executed to generate the dialog information.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of content attributes and attribute values according to the third embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the content stored in the content storage unit 320 has the attribute “opening time”, and the opening time of the store is stored as the attribute value. In such a configuration, for example, the search support module classifies into “open shop” and “closed shop” with respect to the current time, and generates search conditions.

  In addition, the search support module may generate dialogue information for only “open shops” at the current time.

  Further, the search support module may generate dialogue information for content around the current position of the user as a search target.

  The dialog state management means 600 may store the acquired context as a search history in addition to the dialog information and the search condition selected by the user.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, operations similar to those of the second embodiment are mainly performed. However, the context acquisition unit 700 acquires a context, and the ranking unit 210 and the search support module execution unit 410 respectively use the context. The point differs from the operation in the second embodiment.

  The context acquisition unit 700 acquires a context such as a user or system status (step S301), and transmits it to the ranking unit 210 and the search support module execution unit 410.

  The ranking unit 210 uses the search support module attribute information stored in the search support module attribute management unit 120, the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600, and the context acquired by the context acquisition unit 700. Then, the search support modules stored in the search support module storage unit 110 are ranked (step S302).

  Based on the ranking information generated by the ranking unit 210, the search history, and the context, the search support module selection unit 220 displays (presents) the search support module on the dialog presentation unit 500 via the dialog generation unit 400, and prompts the user. Selection is prompted (step S303). The search support module selecting unit 220 causes the dialogue presenting unit 500 to present the fact when the ranking is changed according to the search history or the context.

  The search support module selection unit 220 selects a search support module according to the user's selection. The search support module selection unit 220 may automatically select one or a plurality of search support modules, or may automatically switch the search support module to the search support module with the highest rank. Alternatively, the previous search support module may be used continuously.

  The search support module execution unit 410 uses the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600, the content stored in the content management unit 300, and the context acquired by the context acquisition unit 700 to execute a search support module. The dialogue information is generated (step S304).

  The dialogue control unit 420 selects and combines one or more pieces of dialogue information generated by the search support module execution unit 410 based on the rule (step S305), and transmits the combined information to the dialogue presentation unit 500.

  The dialog presentation unit 500 displays the dialog information as shown in FIG. 9A (step S306), and prompts the user to select a search condition. Note that when displaying the dialog information, the dialog presenting means 500 may present the content and a button for inquiring whether to continue the search, as shown in FIG. 9B.

  When the user does not display the intention to continue (N in step S307), the dialogue presenting means 500 displays the content (step S308) and ends the search. In addition, when the content is displayed when displaying the dialog information, the dialog presenting unit 500 may end the search without displaying the content in step S308.

  When the user makes an intention to continue (Y in step S307), the dialog presentation unit 500 displays the dialog information, the search condition selected by the user, the information on the set of contents related to the search condition, the search Information on a set of target contents is transmitted to the dialog state management means 600.

  The dialog state management unit 600 stores (registers) the dialog information, the search condition selected by the user, and the acquired context as the search history (step S309).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, by using the context, the search support module can be selected according to the user's situation, and the user desires more. The effect is that the content to be found can be found.

  In addition, since the search support module is executed using the context and the interaction information is generated, it is possible to find the content suitable for the user's situation.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the fourth embodiment of the information search support system according to the present invention.

  The configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 13 in that it includes a search support module distribution unit 900 and a distribution information management unit 800. Since other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the search support module determination unit 200 and the dialog generation unit 400 generate dialog information using the search support module stored in the search support module management unit 100.

  In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the search support module management unit 100 acquires a search support module from the outside. That is, the content searching method performed by other users is used.

  The search support module distribution unit 900 stores an external database, a database provided via a communication line such as the Internet, a homepage, and the like. That is, a search support module created by another user or company is stored.

  Similarly to the search support module management unit 100, the search support module distribution unit 900 stores the search support module and attribute information of the search support module.

  The distribution information management unit 800 manages (stores) the search support module attribute information and distribution information stored in the search support module distribution unit 900.

  Here, the distribution information refers to the evaluation of the search support module download count, registration date, registrant, registrant comment, comment of other users, price, satisfaction, etc. stored in the search support module distribution means 900. , Information such as the gender and age of the downloaded user.

  Further, the distribution information management unit 800 uses the stored distribution information and the search support module attribute information stored in the search support module distribution unit 900 to perform the search stored in the search support module distribution unit 900. A part or all of the support module is displayed on the interaction presentation unit 500 to prompt the user to select.

  When the search support module is selected by the user, the distribution information management unit 800 sends the search support module attribute management unit 120 to the search support module selected by the user, the attribute information of the search support module, and the search support module. Send distribution information.

  Further, for example, a homepage for displaying a screen showing a list of search support modules stored in the search support module distribution unit 900 as illustrated in FIG. 17 is generated in advance. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen that allows the user to select a search support module. The search support module attribute management unit 120 displays the screen illustrated in FIG. 17 on the dialog presentation unit 500 via the Internet or the like in response to a request.

  When the user selects a desired search support module and presses the download button, the search support module attribute management unit 120 downloads the search support module and registers it in the search support module management unit 100.

  Further, the distribution information management unit 800 may display the distribution information when the dialog presentation unit 500 presents a list of search support modules. Further, the distribution information management unit 800 may collect a fee for the search support module by performing a credit card settlement, a bank withdrawal procedure, or the like when the user downloads the search support module or after the download.

  When the user who has registered a search support module with a high degree of satisfaction previously intends to register a new search support module, the distribution information management unit 800 can set the satisfaction of the search support module high, The price may be set higher.

  In addition, the distribution information management unit 800 analyzes distribution information when presenting a list of search support modules to the user, reduces the price of a search support module registered to some extent earlier, or searches with high satisfaction. The price of the support module may be increased.

  Further, the distribution information management means 800 uses a well-known social filtering technique or the like to interactively communicate information such as “a person using a search support module called A also uses a search support module called B”. You may make the presentation means 500 present.

  Note that the search support module newly acquired by the search support module management unit 100 is used in the same manner as the search support module stored in advance by the search support module management unit 100.

  Next, the operation of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, the following operation is performed before the operation of the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The search support module attribute management unit 120 displays a screen showing a list of search support modules stored in the search support module distribution unit 900 via the Internet or the like on the dialog presentation unit 500 and presents it to the user.

  The distribution information management means 800 analyzes the distribution information managed by the distribution information management means 800 and analyzes the characteristics of each search support module when the dialog presentation means 500 presents the search support module list to the user. (Step S401).

  Specifically, for example, the distribution information management unit 800 selects a search support module whose satisfaction level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, searches for a search support module below a price set by the user, or distributes prices. Or download trends of recent search support modules.

  The distribution information management means 800 displays a part or all of the search support modules currently stored in the search support module distribution means 900 on the dialog presentation means 500 and presents them to the user (step S402).

  In step S402, the dialog presentation unit 500 may display the attribute information of the search support module, the distribution information stored in the distribution information management unit 800, and the result analyzed in step S410.

  When one or more search support modules are selected by the user, the search support module management unit 100 acquires (downloads) the search support module from the search support module distribution unit 800 and stores it (step S403).

  In step S403, the search support module distribution unit 800 may charge the user for the price of the search support module registered in the distribution information when the search support module is downloaded or after the download. Specifically, for example, using the search support module as shareware, the search support module distribution means 800 uses a Vector (registered trademark) system, makes a credit card payment, or makes a payment by bit cash (registered trademark). Or you may.

  Thereafter, an operation similar to that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is performed (step S404).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the third embodiment, the user can be satisfied more efficiently by using the content searching method performed by other users. It has the effect of being able to search for content that can be retrieved.

  Also, by managing and using the distribution information, the search support module can be evaluated and the number of downloads can be known, and the search support module related to the user can be recommended, so the user selects the search support module. Improves satisfaction and satisfaction. Furthermore, there is an effect that a price can be set and charged in the search support module.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the search support module generates a search condition and a dialogue sentence. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an information search installed in the content processing unit 310 is performed. Information output by the program (search engine) may be displayed on the dialog presentation unit 500.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first example corresponds to the first embodiment, and the configuration of the first example is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  Note that the search support module means 100, the search support module determination means 200, the content management means 300, the dialog generation means 400, and the dialog presentation means 500 in each of the following embodiments include a display, a mouse, The search support module management means 100 and the content management means 300 are assumed to operate according to the database program.

  In the first embodiment, the search support module storage unit 110 stores the search support module program. As shown in FIG. 3A, the search support module attribute management unit 120 is related to the search support module. It is assumed that information to be stored is stored in association with the search support module.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (A), the search support module searches for the “ID” for uniquely identifying the search support module, the “description” for explaining the details of the search support module, and the search support module. The “registrant” registered in the module storage unit 110, the “use count” that is the number of times the search support module has been used, and the “search support module name” that is the name of the search support module program that is actually executed by the search support module execution unit 410 ”Attribute.

  In the first embodiment, the search support module storage unit 110 stores the search support module program as a JAVA (registered trademark) package such as “JIKKURI.JAR”. ) Or a script having a common API such as a dynamic link library.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing contents, attributes, and attribute values used in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the content used in the first embodiment has “ID”, “name”, “atmosphere”, “genre”, and “equipment” as attributes. It shall be remembered.

  Also, there may be a plurality of attribute values as well as one for each attribute. For example, in the content whose ID is REST100 shown in FIG. 8, the attribute value of the “atmosphere” attribute is only “home”, but the attribute value of the “atmosphere” attribute in the content whose ID is REST101 is “new” and “ Two of “exciting”.

  In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which search conditions are generated using an “atmosphere” attribute, a “genre” attribute, and an “equipment” attribute.

  Note that FIG. 19 shows only four representative contents stored in the content management unit 200, and does not show all the contents and attribute values.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. Since the operation of the first example corresponds to the operation of the first embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIG. 7 showing the operation of the first embodiment.

  First, the operation in step S101 of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment will be described. The search support module storage means 110 stores a search support module program corresponding to the search support module name shown in FIG. 3A, and the search support module attribute management means 120 stores the search support module shown in FIG. Stores module attribute information.

  The ranking unit 210 ranks the search support modules stored in the search support module management unit 100 based on the rules.

  In the first embodiment, the “usage count” attribute of the search support module is ranked in descending order, and a ranking is given as ranking information. FIG. 3B illustrates the result of ranking performed by the ranking unit 210.

  Next, the operation of step S102 shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment will be described. The search support module selection unit 220 causes the user to present the search support module to the dialog presentation unit 500 based on the ranking information provided to the search support module by the ranking unit 210.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen that the search support module selecting unit 220 presents (displays) to the dialog presenting unit 500 in the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, it is assumed that the dialog presentation unit 500 presents all search support modules to the user based on the ranking information and prompts the user to select one.

  Here, an example will be described in which the user selects the “how to search quickly” search support module among the three search support modules shown in FIG.

  “Fast search method” is a search method for generating dialog information including a search condition for reducing the number of search refinements and a content related to a dialog sentence explaining the search condition.

  The search support module selection unit 220 acquires the program “SUBAYAKU.JAR” of the “search method for quickly searching” search support module selected by the user, and transmits it to the search support module execution unit 410.

  Next, the operation of step S103 shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment will be described. The search support module execution unit 410 executes the search support module program “SUBAYAKU.JAR” transmitted from the search support module selection unit 220, and generates dialogue information using the content stored in the content management unit 300. To do.

  Here, as an example of the search support module, a description will be given of a dialog information generation method of “how to search quickly”.

  In the first embodiment, the “search method for quickly narrowing down” search support module performs the following processes: [Calculation of feature amount of attribute], [Selection of attribute], [Selection of attribute value] and [Generate dialogue information] Generate dialog information.

  That is, the “quick search method” search support module selects an attribute based on the feature amount of the attribute, selects an attribute value from the selected attribute, and generates dialog information.

  Hereinafter, each process will be described. First, attribute feature quantity calculation will be described.

The “Fast search method” search support module uses “uniformity” as an attribute feature amount.

  “Uniformity” is a value indicating the degree of deviation of the distribution of the number of contents related to the attribute value in the attribute value higher than the number of contents of a certain attribute, and the larger the value, the smaller the deviation.

  However, the number of attribute values used to calculate the uniformity is related to the number of search conditions presented to the user and is determined by the search support module.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram of the distribution of the content set shown in FIG. FIG. 21 shows a histogram of the distribution of each content set shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 21A shows a histogram of “genre” attribute, FIG. 21B shows a histogram of “atmosphere” attribute, and FIG. 21C shows a histogram of “equipment” attribute. Is shown.

  That is, the example shown in FIG. 21A is a histogram representing the attribute value and the number of contents related to the attribute value in the “genre” attribute.

  The example shown in FIG. 21B is a histogram representing the attribute value and the number of contents related to the attribute value in the “atmosphere” attribute.

  The example shown in FIG. 21C is a histogram representing the attribute value and the number of contents related to the attribute value in the “facility” attribute.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the search support module obtains the uniformity for the attribute values up to the top three content items. Specifically, the distribution of the number of contents related to the attribute values “Japanese food”, “Western food”, “Chinese” in the “Genre” attribute, and the attribute values “Home”, “Innovation”, “Stimulus” in the “Atmosphere” attribute And the uniformity of the distribution of the number of contents related to the attribute values “private room”, “digging kotatsu”, and “counter” in the “facility” attribute.

  In the case of the distribution shown in FIG. 21, the search support module determines that the “atmosphere” attribute is less biased and the degree of uniformity is higher in the attribute values of the top three than the “genre” attribute and the “equipment” attribute. To do.

  Hereinafter, a method for obtaining the uniformity will be described. In the first embodiment, the reciprocal of the distribution of the number of contents up to the top three is used as the uniformity.

  The uniformity is a value for evaluating the distribution bias, and may be calculated using other indices used in the field of statistics such as standard deviation and variance.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the number of attribute values of each attribute in each content shown in FIG. FIG. 22A shows the number of attribute values of the “genre” attribute. FIG. 22B shows the number of attribute values of the “atmosphere” attribute. FIG. 22C shows the number of each attribute value of the “facility” attribute.

  When the set of contents shown in FIG. 19 has the distribution of attribute values as shown in FIG. 22, a method of calculating the uniformity will be described by taking the “genre” attribute as an example.

  In the “genre” attribute, the number of content items in the top three is 50 “Japanese food”, 20 “Western food”, and 10 “Chinese”, and the uniformity is 0.0034615.

A specific method for calculating the uniformity is shown below.
(50 + 20 + 10) /3=26.66 (average value)
((50−26.66) ² + (20−26.66) ² + (10−26.66) ² ) /3=288.89 (dispersion)
1 / 288.89 = 0.0034615 (uniformity)

  When the uniformity is obtained for the “atmosphere” attribute and the “equipment” attribute by the same method, the uniformity of the “atmosphere” attribute is 0.236839 and the uniformity of the “equipment” attribute is 0.026627. FIG. 23A is an explanatory diagram showing the calculated uniformity.

  Next, attribute selection will be described. The search support module execution unit 410 selects attributes by arranging (sorting) the attributes based on the uniformity of each attribute.

  FIG. 23B shows the result of sorting the attributes based on the uniformity of each attribute shown in FIG.

  The search support module selects the “How to search quickly” attribute based on the sorted result as shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the “search method for quickly narrowing down” search support module selects an attribute having the maximum uniformity. Accordingly, the “search method for quickly narrowing down” search support module selects the “atmosphere” attribute having the maximum uniformity among the sorted attributes as shown in FIG.

  Next, selection of attribute values will be described. The search support module execution unit 410 executes the “quick search method” search support module, operates the content processing unit 310, and acquires attribute values from the set of contents stored in the content storage unit 320.

  In the first embodiment, the “Fast search method” search support module obtains a list of attribute values of the selected attribute and obtains attribute values of the top three related content items. .

  In the first embodiment, since the “atmosphere” attribute is selected in the “attribute selection”, “homely”, “new” and “stimulating” are selected as attribute values.

  Next, generation of dialogue information will be described. The search support module execution means 410 generates dialogue information using the attribute selection and the attribute value selection processing result.

  In the first embodiment, the “search method for quickly narrowing down” search support module uses the search conditions “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value = homely”, “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value = new”, “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value”. = “Stimulating”, the dialogue sentence ““ Atmosphere ”can be quickly narrowed down”, and the content related to the search condition are acquired from the content management means 300, and the dialogue information shown in FIG. 24A is generated. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the dialog information.

  In each piece of dialogue information illustrated in FIG. 24, the content related to the search condition is omitted, and thereafter, when the dialogue information is indicated, the content is omitted.

  Next, the operation in step S104 shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment will be described. The dialogue information control means 420 selects or combines the dialogue information generated by the search support module execution means 410.

  In the first embodiment, the dialogue information control unit 420 generates one piece of dialogue information (the dialogue information illustrated in FIG. 24A) by the “search method for quickly narrowing down” search support module. The dialogue information 1301 is transmitted to the dialogue presentation unit 500.

  Here, in order to explain the processing of the dialog information control means 420 in detail, the search support module execution means 410 uses not only the dialog information 1301 shown in FIG. 24A but also other search support modules. A case where the dialogue information 1302 shown in (B) is also generated will be described.

  For example, when the dialogue information control unit 420 selects dialogue information having a large number of search conditions, the dialogue information 1301 shown in FIG.

  Also, for example, when the dialogue information control unit 420 selects dialogue information having a large total number of contents related to the search condition, the dialogue information 1302 shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, for example, when the dialogue information control unit 420 combines a plurality of pieces of dialogue information to generate new dialogue information and transmits the generated dialogue information to the dialogue presentation unit 500, the dialogue information shown in FIG. The dialogue information 1302 shown in FIG. 24B is combined with the dialogue information 1302 shown in FIG. 24B, and the dialogue information 1303 shown in FIG.

  When combining the dialog information, the dialog information control unit 420, for example, in accordance with a preset rule, the dialog text included in the dialog information 1301 shown in FIG. 24A and the dialog information shown in FIG. The dialogue information 1302 included in the dialogue information 1302 is extracted, and the extracted words are applied to templates prepared in advance to generate dialogue information 1303 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of step S105 shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment will be described. The dialog presentation unit 500 displays the dialog information shown in FIG. 24A as shown in FIG. 25A and prompts the user to select a search condition. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the dialog presentation unit 500 in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of step S105 shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the dialogue presenting means 500 presents dialogue information as shown in FIG. 25A and the user selects “home”. Then, the dialog presenting means 500 presents the content related to the search condition “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value = homely” selected by the user as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second example corresponds to the second embodiment, and the configuration of the second example is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The operation of the second embodiment will be described. Since the operation of the second example corresponds to the operation of the second embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIG. 12 showing the operation of the second embodiment.

  First, the operation in step S201 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing information on the search support module stored in the search support module management unit 100. The search support module management unit 100 stores a search support module shown in FIG.

  Unlike the first embodiment, the ranking unit 210 uses the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600 to search the search support module stored in the search support module management unit 100 based on the rules. Rank.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600. In the second embodiment, the dialog state management means 600, as shown in FIG. 27A, the search support module name used for the search, the search condition selected by the user, and a number indicating the number of searches (interaction number). ).

  Further, in the second embodiment, the ranking means 210 ranks the search support module based on the rule that “rank in order of the number of times of use. Shall be ranked.

  In the first search, since no search has been performed, there is no search history. Therefore, the ranking means 210 ranks only in the order of the number of times the search support module is used, and ranks as shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of step S202 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. In step S202, as in step S102 of the first embodiment, a search support module is presented as shown in FIG. 28A to prompt the user to select. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the dialog presenting means 500 in the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects the “how to search quickly” search support module.

  Next, the operation of step S203 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. In step S203, the search support module execution unit 410 executes the search support module selected in step S202, as in step S103 of the first embodiment. At this time, the search support module execution unit 410 generates dialog information using not only the content stored in the content management unit 300 but also the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the dialog information generated by the search support module execution means 410. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the search support module execution unit 410 generates the dialog information shown in FIGS. 24 (A), 24 (B), and 24 (C). However, in the example shown in FIG. 24, information regarding contents related to each search condition is omitted.

  The operation in step S204 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment is the same as the operation in step S104 in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of step S205 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 9A, the dialogue presenting means 500 displays a dialogue sentence and a search condition in the dialogue information in the example shown in FIG.

  When the user selects “home”, the current search target content is presented as shown in FIG. 9B in step S207 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of step S206 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. If the user does not press “Continue Search” on the screen shown in FIG. 9B, the search ends. On the other hand, if “Continue search” is pressed, the search is continued.

  Here, in step S205 shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the user has selected the search condition “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value = homely” on the screen shown in FIG. 9A.

  The operation of step S208 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. The dialogue state management unit 600 acquires dialogue information presented by the dialogue presentation unit 500, search conditions selected by the user, and information related to a set of contents related to the search conditions, and stores them as a search history.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27B, the dialog state management means 600 has a dialog number “1”, a search support module name “How to search quickly”, and a search condition “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value”. = Homely "is stored as a search history.

  Next, the second operation of step S201 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. In the first operation of step S201 shown in FIG. 12, since the dialogue state management means 600 did not store the search history, the ranking means 210 ranked the search support modules based on the ranking information based on the number of times of use.

  In the second operation of step S201 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment, since the dialog state management means 600 stores the search history as shown in FIG. 27B, the ranking means 210 stores the search history. Rank in consideration.

  In the second embodiment, the ranking means 210 sets the search support module based on the rule that “rank in order of the number of times of use. However, the search support module having the search count of 1 or more is ranked lowest in the next ranking”. In order to rank, the search support module is ranked as shown in FIG.

  Since the “How to search quickly” search support module is used in the first search, the ranking is third, and the “How to search for conspicuous things” search support module is first.

  Next, the second operation in step S202 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, since the ranking of the search support module used for the first search is changed for the second time, as shown in FIG. The display prompts to change.

  Here, the user may use the search support module used for the first search, or may switch the search support module.

  Next, the second operation of step S203 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment will be described. When the search support module execution unit 410 executes the search support module, the search history stored in the dialog state management unit 600 may be used.

  Further, the search support module execution means 410 may execute the search support module with a set of contents related to the search condition selected in the first search as a new search target to generate dialogue information.

  Since the second operation after step S204 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment is the same as the first operation, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third example corresponds to the third embodiment, and the configuration of the third example is the same as the configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing information on the search support module stored in the search support module management unit 100. In the third embodiment, the search support module management unit 100 stores the search support module shown in FIG. 29A, and the search support shown in FIG. 26A used in the second embodiment is used. It is assumed that in addition to the module attribute, there is a place attribute, and “Kobe”, “Osaka”, and “Kyoto” are set as attribute values.

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing content information stored in the content management means 300. It is assumed that the content management means 300 stores the content shown in FIG. 30 and has a location attribute in addition to the content attribute shown in FIG. 19 used in the second embodiment, Ward, Kobe City Kita Ward, Kobe City Hyogo Ward, etc. are set.

  In the third embodiment, steps S301, S303, S302, S304, and S309 in FIG. 15 will be described, and other operations (S305 to S308) are the same as those in the second embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  In the third embodiment, “user's current location” is handled as a context, and the context acquisition unit 700 acquires the current location of the user using, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) or a map. .

  The operation of step S301 shown in FIG. 15 in the third embodiment will be described. When the context acquisition unit 700 acquires “Kobe” as the current location of the user, the context acquisition unit 700 transmits information on the current location to the ranking unit 210 and the search support module execution unit 410. In the third embodiment, the current position is a character string representing a place, but other representation methods such as a numeric value such as longitude and latitude may be used.

  Next, the operation in step S302 shown in FIG. 15 in the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, assuming that the ranking means 210 ranks the search support modules shown in FIG. 29A based on the rule “rank search support modules in order from the closest to the current position”. As shown in (B), the search support modules are ranked in the order closer to the current position “Kobe”.

  Next, the operation in step S303 shown in FIG. 15 in the third embodiment will be described. In the third example, step S303 is different from step S202 in the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 29B, the search support module selecting unit 220 searches for “the most prominent one” in the ranking. It is assumed that the “search method” search support module is automatically selected.

  Next, the operation of step S304 shown in FIG. 15 in the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the search support module executed by the search support module execution unit 410 selects contents around the current location in advance and sets those contents as search targets.

  Since the content stored in the content management unit 300 has a “location” attribute, the search support module execution unit 410 selects content around the current location in advance using information on the current position acquired by the context acquisition unit 700. Then, the search support module is executed to generate dialogue information.

  When the context acquisition unit 700 acquires “Kobe” as the current position of the user, in the example shown in FIG. 29B, the search support module selection unit 220 sets the “search method for searching for conspicuous” search support module. Then, the search support module execution means 410 executes the “how to search for conspicuous things” search support module, and the dialog control means 420 generates dialog information. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the dialog information generated by the dialog control means 420.

  Next, the operation of step S309 shown in FIG. 15 in the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the dialog state management means 600 adds the current position of the context acquired by the context acquisition means 700 to the search history in addition to the search history of the second embodiment.

  The dialogue presenting means 500 presents the dialogue information generated by the dialogue control means 420 to the user. When the user selects the search condition “attribute = atmosphere, attribute value = homely”, the dialogue state management means 600 stores the search history as shown in FIG.

  Then, the process returns to step S301 and the search is continued.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth example corresponds to the fourth embodiment, and the configuration of the fourth example is the same as the configuration of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. Since the operation of the fourth example corresponds to the operation of the fourth embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIG. 18 showing the operation of the fourth embodiment.

  The operation of step S401 shown in FIG. 18 in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of distribution information stored in the distribution information management means 800.

  In the fourth embodiment, the search support module distribution means 900 stores search support modules registered by other users and companies, and the distribution information management means 800 stores distribution information as shown in FIG. An example will be described.

  The distribution information management means 800 includes “ID” for identifying the search support module, “description” for explaining the search support module, “registrant” who registered the search support module, and “search support module program name”. The distribution information having “number of downloads” indicating how many times the search support module has been downloaded so far and “reputation” of the search support module as attributes are stored.

  The search support module distribution unit 900 stores a search support module program corresponding to the “search support module program name” shown in FIG. 32A and its attribute information.

  The distribution information management means 800 analyzes the distribution information shown in FIG. 32A, causes the dialog presentation means 500 to present part or all of the distribution information and attribute information of the search support module to the user, and prompts selection.

  Next, the operation in step S402 shown in FIG. 18 in the fourth embodiment will be described. The search support module attribute management means 800 causes the dialog presentation means 500 to present a list of stored search support modules. FIG. 33 is an example of a list of search support modules presented by the dialog presentation unit 500.

  In the fourth embodiment, the distribution information management unit 800 examines the distribution of the search support module for each reputation, and the search support module attribute management unit 800 instructs the dialog presentation unit 500 to check the reputation attribute of the distribution information checked in step S401. The search support module list is displayed together using the distribution of.

  Next, the operation in step S403 shown in FIG. 18 in the fourth embodiment will be described. It is assumed that the user selects the “Get recent trends!” Search support module on the screen shown in FIG. 33 and presses the download button.

  A case where the search support module management unit 100 stores the search support module as shown in FIG. 3A will be described.

  The search support module management means 100 downloads the “Get the latest trend!” Search support module.

  After downloading, the search support module management unit 100 stores a “Get latest trend!” Search support module as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention can be applied to applications such as an information search device that searches data stored in a database and an information recommendation device that recommends suitable information from data stored in a database.

  The target data is not limited to the store information used in the description of each embodiment, but includes video content such as TV programs, music and music content, text information content such as patent documents and papers, various documents, and office work. Any data can be applied as long as it is stored in a database, such as application information such as application information, and is provided with attributes and attribute values.

It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of 1st Embodiment of the information search assistance system by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of shop information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the attribute information of a search assistance module. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen which a dialog presentation means displays in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of dialog information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the dialog information which a dialog presentation means displays in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of 2nd Embodiment of the information search assistance system by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the screen which a dialog presentation means displays in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a search history. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which a dialog presentation means displays the information conveyed to a user. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of 3rd Embodiment of the information search assistance system by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the attribute and attribute value of a content in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of 4th Embodiment of the information search assistance system by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen which makes a user select a search assistance module. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content used in a 1st Example, an attribute, and an attribute value. In 1st Example, it is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen which the search assistance module selection means 220 makes the dialog presentation means 500 present. It is explanatory drawing which shows the histogram of distribution of the set of content. It is explanatory drawing which shows the number of the attribute values of each attribute in each content. It is explanatory drawing which shows the calculated uniformity. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of dialog information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the screen which a dialog presentation means displays in a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information of the search assistance module which the search assistance module management means has memorize | stored. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the search history which a dialogue state management means memorize | stores. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the screen which a dialog presentation means displays in a 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information of the search assistance module which the search assistance module management means has memorize | stored. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information of the content which the content management means has memorize | stored. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the dialog information which the dialog control means produced | generated. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the distribution information which the distribution information management means has memorize | stored. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the list of search assistance modules.

Explanation of symbols

100 Search support module management means 110 Search support module storage means 120 Search support module attribute management means 200 Search support module determination means 210 Ranking means 220 Search support module selection means 300 Content management means 310 Content processing means 320 Content storage means 400 Dialog generation means 410 Search support module execution means 420 Dialog control means 500 Dialog presentation means 600 Dialog state management means 700 Context acquisition means 800 Distribution information management means 900 Search support module distribution means

Claims (24)

In an information search support system for supporting information search by an information search means for searching for information,
Search support module storage means for storing a search support module for executing a process of proposing to the user a method of searching for information performed by the information search means;
Search support module attribute management means for storing attribute information indicating attributes of the search support module stored in the search support module storage means;
Ranking means for ranking the search support module according to the attribute information of the search support module;
A search support module executing means for proposing to the user a search method of information performed by the information search means according to one or a plurality of search support modules according to the ranking result by the ranking means;
A dialog means for presenting a search method proposed by the search support module execution means,
The search support module storage means stores the search support module for causing the search support module execution means to execute a process of proposing an information search method to a user. The search support module storage means generates a dialog information indicating a search method for information performed by the information search means, stores a search support module for causing the search support module execution means to execute a process for proposing the search method,
The search support module executing means generates the dialog information and proposes the search method when executing the process of proposing the information search method performed by the information search means to the user according to the search support module. ,
The information search support system according to claim 1, wherein a dialog means presents the dialog information generated by the search support module execution means and presents the search method. The search support module storage means is a search support module for causing the search support module execution means to execute a process of generating dialog information and proposing a search method, wherein the information search means sets a search condition for searching for information. One or more processes are executed among the process of creating, the process of setting the search order of search conditions when the information search unit searches for information, and the process of determining the use order of the plurality of information search units, The information search support system according to claim 2, wherein the search support module for generating a dialog information indicating a search method of information executed by the information search means and executing a process of proposing the search method is stored. The search support module executing means generates dialog information including any one or more of a dialogue sentence, a search condition, or information to be searched by the information search means according to the search support module,
The information search support system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the dialog means prompts the user to select a search support module to be executed by the search support module execution means in accordance with the attribute information of the search support module or the presented dialog information. . 3. A dialog control unit that executes one or more processes among a process of selecting, combining, and editing one or a plurality of dialog information generated by the search support module executing unit. The information search support system according to claim 1. The information search support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ranking unit ranks the search support module according to attribute information of the search support module based on a preset rule. Dialog state management means for storing a search history including dialog information presented in the past by the dialog means and a search condition selected by the user via the dialog means in the past,
The ranking means ranks the search support module according to attribute information of the search support module and the search history based on a preset rule. Information retrieval support system. Including context acquisition means for acquiring context, which is information indicating the status of the user or system,
The ranking unit ranks the search support module according to the attribute information of the search support module and the context acquired by the context acquisition unit based on a preset rule. The information search support system according to claim 1. Dialog state management means for storing a search history including dialog information presented by the dialog means in the past and search conditions selected by the user via the dialog means in the past;
Context acquisition means for acquiring a context that is information indicating the status of the user or the system,
The ranking means is based on a preset rule, the search support module according to the attribute information of the search support module, the search history stored in the dialog state management means, and the context acquired by the context acquisition means The information search support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The information search support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising search support module selection means for selecting one or a plurality of search support modules in accordance with the ranking performed by the ranking means. Distribution information management means connected to the search support module attribute management means and storing distribution information of the search support module;
11. The information search support system according to claim 1, further comprising: a search support module that is connected to the distribution information management unit and stores attribute information of the search support module and the search support module. In an information search support method for supporting information search by an information search means for searching for information,
A ranking step of ranking the search support module according to the attribute information of the search support module for executing a process of proposing to the user a search method for information performed by the information search means;
A search support module executing step for proposing to the user a search method of information performed by the information search means according to one or a plurality of search support modules according to the ranking result in the ranking step;
An information search support method comprising: a dialog step for presenting the search method proposed in the search support module execution step. In the search support module execution step, according to the search support module for executing the process of proposing the search method, the interactive search information indicating the information search method performed by the information search means is generated to propose the search method,
The information search support method according to claim 12, wherein in the dialog step, the dialog information generated in the search support module execution step is presented to present the search method. In the search support module execution step, a process for creating a search condition for the information search means to search for information, a process for setting a search condition search order when the information search means searches for information, and a plurality of information searches The process for determining the usage order of means is executed by executing one or more processes to generate dialogue information indicating the information search method executed by the information search means and proposing the search method. 13. The information search support method according to 13. In the search support module execution step, in accordance with the search support module, dialog information including any one or more of a dialog sentence, a search condition, or information to be searched by the information search means is generated.
The information search support method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the dialog step prompts the user to select a search support module to be executed in the search support module execution step according to the attribute information of the search support module or the presented dialog information. . 14. A dialog control step for executing one or more processes among a process of selecting, combining, and editing one or a plurality of dialog information generated in the search support module executing step. The information search support method according to claim 15. The information search support method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, in the ranking step, the search support modules are ranked according to the attribute information of the search support module based on a preset rule. In the ranking step, based on the rules set in advance, the dialog information presented in the past in the dialog step, the search history including the search conditions selected in the past by the user in the dialog step, the attribute information of the search support module, The information search support method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the search support modules are ranked according to the ranking. Including a context acquisition step of acquiring a context that is information indicating a user or system status;
The ranking in the ranking step ranks the search support module according to the attribute information of the search support module and the context acquired in the context acquisition step based on a preset rule. The information search support method according to claim 1. Including a context acquisition step of acquiring a context that is information indicating a user or system status;
In the ranking step, based on the rules set in advance, the dialog information presented in the past in the dialog step, the search history including the search conditions selected by the user in the dialog step in the past, the attribute information of the search support module, The information search support method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the search support modules are ranked according to the context acquired in the context acquisition step. The information search support method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, further comprising a search support module selection step of selecting one or a plurality of search support modules according to the ranking performed in the ranking step. The search support module storing the search support module storing the search support module, and the attribute information of the search support module storing the distribution information managing unit storing the distribution information of the search support module. The information search support method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, further comprising a search support module acquisition step of acquiring. In a search support module program executed by a computer that supports information search by information search means for searching for information,
In the computer,
A search support module program for generating dialogue information indicating a search method for information performed by the information search means and executing a proposal process for proposing the search method to a user. In an information search support program installed in an information search support device that supports information search by an information search means for searching for information,
On the computer,
A ranking process for ranking the search support module according to attribute information indicating an attribute of the search support module program for executing a process for proposing a search method for information performed by the information search means;
A search support module execution process for proposing a search method of information performed by the information search means according to one or a plurality of search support module programs according to the ranking result of the ranking process;
An information search support program for executing interactive processing for presenting a search method proposed in the search support module execution processing to a user.

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