JP2007287030A - Information retrieval system, information retrieving method, index information generating apparatus, information processing apparatus, index information generation program, information processing program, and computer readable storage medium storing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information retrieval system capable of providing retrieved results so that user's disadvantage is not hardly caused and the retrieved results can be more easily observed. <P>SOLUTION: A client apparatus 1 transmits a retrieval request to a metadata generation server MS. The metadata generation server MS transfers the retrieval request to a retrieval server KS. The retrieval server KS retrieves data while referring to a database DB in accordance with the retrieval request and transmits retrieved result data to the metadata generation server MS. The metadata generation server MS analyzes the retrieved result data, generates metadata to be associated with the retrieved result data and transmits the retrieved result data with which the metadata are associated to the client apparatus 1. The client apparatus 1 receives the retrieved result data with which the metadata are associated, maps the retrieved result data in a metadata space and performs display based on the metadata space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information search technique for searching for information based on search conditions.

In recent years, new ways of webs have been proposed that go beyond services and user experiences on the conventional web (WWW: World Wide Web). For example, there is what is collectively called Web 2.0 (see Non-Patent Document 1). Web 2.0 has the following characteristics regarding content provision, technology provision, elemental technology combinations, or service usage.
(1) Free organization of information by user's hand: (Example) Free information arrangement (2) Rich user experience: (Example) Providing a more expressive user interface (3) User as a contributor: (Example) Content generation based on user reviews and evaluations (4) Long tail: (Example) Services based on niche products and customer base (5) User participation: (Example) Content creation by users (6) Fundamental Trust: (Example) Open content production based on trust to users (7) Dispersibility: (Example) Content exchange via network The technology having the above characteristics is also provided in the technology for searching information on the web . For example, as a search system having the above feature (2), when searching for information related to a region, a combination of map data and satellite data is used to display the search results together with satellite images of the search target region and its surrounding regions. is there. Further, as a search system having the feature (3), there is a search system that determines the display order based on the frequency of access by the user when displaying a plurality of search results.

  Further, for example, there is an information providing apparatus that searches for and provides information that is considered to be highly interested by the user even when the user does not intend to search for information (see Patent Document 1). In this information providing apparatus, a predetermined keyword is extracted from the character information input in the chat, related information corresponding to the extracted keyword is searched, and the searched related information is displayed on a part of the screen.

Thesis “What is Web2.0” by Tim O'Reilly JP 2000-194728 A

  However, in these search systems or information providing devices, even if the search result information is not classified and displayed for each related information, or the search result information is classified and displayed, the information May not be up-to-date. Since enormous amounts of information can exist on the web, it may be difficult for the user to see unless search result information is classified and displayed. In addition, since information can be updated every day on the web, there is a risk that it may be disadvantageous for the user if the latest information is not displayed.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information search technique that can provide a search result so that a user's disadvantage is less likely to be seen and is easier to see.

  The present invention relates to an information search system in which an information processing apparatus requests that information corresponding to a search condition is searched from information stored in an information providing apparatus connected to a predetermined network. An information search means and an index information generation means, wherein the information processing device is based on an input means for inputting a search instruction for instructing a search for information according to a search condition; and on the basis of the search instruction input to the input means A request transmission means for transmitting a search request for requesting a search for information according to the search conditions, the information search means, a request reception means for receiving a search request transmitted by the request transmission means, The search result information corresponding to the search request received by the request receiving means is searched from the information stored in the information providing apparatus connected to the predetermined network, and the search result information is retrieved. The search result information transmitting means transmits the search result information, the index information generating means receives the search result information transmitted by the search result information transmitting means, and the search result information receiving means receives the search result information. Analyzing the retrieved search result information to generate index information that is an index of the search result information, and associating the index information generated by the index information generating unit with the search result information There is provided an information search system comprising index information transmitting means for transmitting to an apparatus.

  The information retrieval unit and the index information generation unit may be formed integrally as a device, or may be formed as separate devices.

  In the present invention, an information that is stored in an information providing apparatus connected to a predetermined network and that can be updated as appropriate is searched, the search result information obtained as a result of the search is analyzed, and an index serving as an index of the search result information Generate information. As a result, it is possible to obtain appropriately updated information as search result information, and it is possible to make it less likely for the user to suffer. Further, since the search result information can be classified using the index information, it is possible to provide the search result information so that it is easier for the user to see.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the common part in each figure. Moreover, this Example shows one aspect | mode of this invention, This invention is not limited, It can change arbitrarily in the scope of the present invention.

[Example 1]
<Configuration of information retrieval system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of the information search system SYM according to the present embodiment. The information search system SYM includes a client device 1, a search server KS connected to a database DB, and a metadata generation server MS. Each of these devices performs data communication via the network NT. The network NT is, for example, the Internet, home network, analog public telephone line, communication satellite line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), LAN (Local Area Network), CATV (Community Antenna Television) network, ISDN (Integrated Digital Communication Network). The communication of data between the devices is relayed by communication means such as an optical fiber network.

<Outline of information retrieval system>
The client device 1 transmits a search request for requesting to search for data according to the search condition to the metadata generation server MS. The metadata generation server MS transfers the search request to the search server KS. The search server KS performs a data search with reference to the database DB according to the search request, and transmits search result data obtained as a result of the search to the metadata generation server MS. The metadata generation server MS analyzes the search result data, generates metadata associated with the search result data, and transmits the search result data associated with the metadata to the client device 1. When the client apparatus 1 receives the search result data associated with the metadata, the client apparatus 1 maps the search result data to the metadata space and performs display based on the metadata space. The metadata is data representing what the information means. For example, the data indicating the type of information content represented by the information, the data indicating the concept of the information content, and the creator of the information. Data or the like. These data become various indexes of the search result data.

<Configuration of client device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the client device 1 according to this embodiment.

  The client device 1 includes a one-chip multiprocessor 2, a main memory 16 including a RAM (Random Access Memory), a south bridge 18, a network interface 19, a flash memory 20, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) driver. 21, USB (Universal Serial Bus) 22, flash memory controller 31, graphic card 24, ADC (analog digital converter) 27, and RF (Radio Frequency) processing unit 28.

  The main memory 16 stores various programs executed by the one-chip multiprocessor 2 and various data used when executing the various programs. In addition, a metadata space, which will be described later, is virtually generated in the main memory 16.

  The flash memory controller 31 controls data reading and data writing to the flash memory 20. The flash memory 20 stores various programs and various files.

  The graphic card 24 is a card for realizing an image processing function, and has a built-in frame memory 25 and is connected to a monitor device 26. The graphic card 24 draws an image in the frame memory 25 under the control of the one-chip multiprocessor 2 and causes the monitor device 26 to display the drawn image.

  The RF processing unit 28 includes a down converter 29 and controls wireless communication with an external device via the antenna 30. The ADC 27 converts the analog signal supplied from the RF processing unit 28 into a digital signal, and supplies this to the one-chip multiprocessor 2.

  The DVD driver 21 controls reading of data from a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory) or writing of data to the storage medium under the control of the one-chip multiprocessor 2.

  The USB 22 controls various peripheral devices via the controller 23 under the control of the one-chip multiprocessor 2. Various storage devices such as HD (Hard Disc) 33 and various storage media are connected to the controller 23. The controller 23 functions as a hard disk controller and controls data reading and data writing to the HD 33. The HD 33 stores various control programs such as an operating system, various application programs such as a search browser described later, and various data such as a metadata dictionary described later. The USB 22 is connected to an input device 34 for inputting an instruction from the user. The USB 22 outputs an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction input to the input device 34.

  The network interface 19 controls data communication via a network such as the network NT under the control of the one-chip multiprocessor 2.

<Configuration of one-chip multiprocessor>
The one-chip multiprocessor 2 includes a main processor (PU) 8, eight sub processors (SPUs) 3a to 3h, an input / output interface 17, and a memory controller (MC: Memory Controller) 15. It consists of. These are each connected to the ring bus 14 and can operate in parallel.

  The PU 8 and the SPUs 3a to 3h are instruction set architectures having different instruction sets. The PU 8 controls the operations of the SPUs 3a to 3h, and the SPUs 3a to 3h execute various processes in parallel and independently under the control of the PU 8. The PU 8 accepts all interrupts, but the SPUs 3a to 3h do not accept interrupts. When an interrupt is applied to the SPUs 3a to 3h, the PU 8 performs processing for the interrupt. Each of these processors is assigned a processor ID that can be uniquely identified in the one-chip multiprocessor 2.

  The PU 8 includes a processor core 9, a memory flow controller (MFC) 12 having a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) 13, an L1 cache 10, and an L2 cache 11.

  The SPU 3a includes a processor core (Core) 4a, a local storage (LS) 5a, and an MFC 6a incorporating a DMAC 7a.

  Unlike the cache, the LS 5a does not require support for cache coherency, ie cache coherency. The LS 5a is preferably configured as a DRAM. Various programs are loaded into the LS 5a in accordance with control commands from the PU 8.

  The DMAC 7a accesses various programs and various data stored in the main memory 16 under the control of the SPU 3a.

  Note that the SPUs 3b to 3h are substantially the same as the configuration of the SPU 3a, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the SPUs 3a to 3h, they are simply referred to as SPU3. Moreover, it is necessary to distinguish and describe each SPU, and when it is necessary to distinguish and describe each component of each SPU, a to h are added to the end of each symbol.

  The MC 15 is connected to the main memory 16 and mediates access to the main memory 16 of the PU 8 and the SPUs 3a to 3h.

  The input / output interface 17 is connected to the south bridge 18, the graphics card 24, and the ADC 27 connected to the RF processing unit 28. The input / output interface 17 controls the PU 8 and the SPU 3 to control the external device and to transmit / receive data to / from the external device.

  The south bridge 18 is connected to the network interface 19, the flash memory controller 31, the DVD driver 21, and the USB 22, and relays data between them.

<Configuration of metadata dictionary>
As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the metadata dictionary is composed of first metadata and second metadata. The first metadata represents a superordinate concept of the second metadata. At least one or more second metadata is associated with the first metadata. Specifically, for example, the second metadata “stock price”, “product / service”, and “history” are associated with the first metadata “company”. As described above, the first metadata and the second metadata are stored hierarchically in the metadata dictionary.

  The metadata dictionary may be configured to be changeable by a user such as an administrator, and when generating metadata for search result data, adding new metadata, deleting existing metadata, You may comprise so that the correlation etc. of data may be learned dynamically.

<Configuration of metadata space>
The metadata space is virtually generated in the main memory 16 based on the metadata dictionary described above. This metadata space is a topology space having metadata as an element. This metadata space is used in a search browser described below.

<Configuration of search browser>
The PU 8 of the client device 1 loads the search browser stored in the HD 33 via the controller 23 into the main memory 16 and executes it, thereby causing, for example, a browser screen BG as shown in FIG. Display. The browser screen BG includes a keyword input area KW1, a search button BT1, and an image display area G1. In the keyword input area KW1, a keyword for data search is input by the user.

  In the image display area G1, a spatial image representing the metadata space, a list image representing the search result data as a list, and a data display image representing the search result data are displayed. The spatial image includes a first spatial image and a second spatial image. Each of the images is drawn by the graphic card 24 in the frame memory 25 based on the metadata space generated in advance in the main memory 16.

  Specifically, the first spatial image represents, for example, the entire metadata space as a city, and the first metadata represents a structure such as a building or a vehicle existing in the city, as shown in FIG. The image is represented as an object OB1 or an object OB2 representing a person or character, and these are three-dimensionally represented. These objects are stored in the HD 33 in association with the first metadata in advance. A metadata index indicating metadata associated with the object in advance is displayed in the vicinity of each object. For example, in the drawing, the first metadata “company” is represented as an object OB1, and a metadata index MT1 indicating the first metadata is represented in the vicinity of the object OB1. Further, the first metadata “entertainment” is represented as an object OB2, and a metadata index MT2 indicating the first metadata is represented in the vicinity of the object OB2.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the second spatial image is an image representing each second metadata associated with each first metadata as a different object. These objects are also associated with the second metadata and stored in the HD 33 in advance. A metadata index indicating metadata associated with the object in advance is represented in the vicinity of each object. For example, in this figure, the objects representing the second metadata (“stock price”, “product / service”, “history”) associated with the first metadata “company” are represented as objects OB3 to OB5, respectively. ing. In the vicinity of each object OB3 to OB5, metadata indexes MT3 to MT5 indicating second metadata corresponding to each object are respectively represented. Further, a metadata index MT1 indicating the first metadata “company” is shown in the upper left of the image display area G1.

  In the first spatial image and the second spatial image, the metadata indexes MT1 to MT5 may be configured to be displayed at all times. For example, an object associated with the metadata may be displayed via the input device 34. It may be configured to be displayed when specified.

  In such a browser screen BG, when the user inputs a keyword as a search condition in the keyword input area KW1 via the input device 34, performs an operation of pressing the search button BT1, and instructs the start of the search, the client device 1 The PU 8 transmits a search request including a request for searching for data according to the search condition to the metadata generation server MS. The specific flow of operations thereafter will be described in the operation column described later.

<Configuration of metadata generation server>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the metadata generation server MS according to this embodiment.

  The metadata generation server MS includes two blade boards 40A and 40B, non-volatile storage 44A and 44B including hard disks, a switch network 45, and a network interface 46.

  Since the blade boards 40A and 40B have the same configuration, only the blade board 40A will be described. The blade board 40A includes a main memory 41A, a multiprocessor 42A, and a bridge 43A. The multiprocessor 42A is connected to the main memory 41A and the bridge 43A via a bus. A non-volatile storage 44A is connected to the bridge 43A. The nonvolatile storage 44A is connected to a storage controller (not shown). Note that the storage controller may be formed integrally with the non-volatile storage 44A or may be formed separately. The multiprocessor 42A reads and writes data from and to the nonvolatile storage 44A via the storage controller.

  The specific internal configuration of the multiprocessor 42A is substantially the same as the internal configuration of the one-chip multiprocessor 2 described in the configuration column of the client device 1 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The non-volatile storage 44A includes various control programs such as an operating system, various application programs for realizing a function for generating metadata (hereinafter referred to as a metadata generation function) described later, the above-described metadata dictionary, and the like. Various data are stored. Since the configuration of the metadata dictionary is the same as the configuration of the metadata dictionary stored in the HD 33 of the client device 1 described above, description thereof is omitted.

  The bridge 43A of the blade board 40A and the bridge 43B of the blade board 40B are each connected to the switch network 45 via the bus 47. Further, the bridge 43B is connected to the network interface 46 via the bus 48.

  The network interface 46 controls that the metadata generation server MS performs data communication with an external device via the network NT.

  Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the blade boards 40A and 40B, they are simply referred to as the blade board 40. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish between the blade boards, and when it is necessary to distinguish between the components of each blade board, A and B are appended to the reference numerals, respectively.

  The main processor included in the multiprocessor 42 of the blade board 40 loads the operating system stored in the non-volatile storage 44 to the main memory 41 via the storage controller, and executes this to execute each part of the metadata generation server MS. To control. In addition, the main processor and sub-processor included in the multiprocessor 42 load various programs stored in the nonvolatile storage 44 into the main memory 41 and execute them, thereby realizing a metadata generation function. The metadata generation function transfers the search request transmitted from the client device 1 to the search server KS, analyzes the search result data transmitted from the search server KS, generates metadata related to the search result data, This is a function of associating metadata with the search result data and transmitting it to the client device 1. The analysis of search result data means, for example, language analysis of text data, image recognition of image data, or audio analysis of music data. A specific processing example of generating metadata by such data analysis processing will be described in the operation column described later.

<Configuration of search server and database>
Since the internal configuration of the search server KS is substantially the same as the configuration of the metadata generation server MS described above, only the configuration different from the metadata generation server MS will be described.

  A database DB is connected to a network interface (not shown) of the search server KS. The database DB stores index data used when searching for data. The index data includes, for example, URL data indicating a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating a storage location of data collected in advance from each information providing server (not shown) connected to the network NT, title data indicating a title, , Data representing words included in the text data, and data such as the appearance frequency of words are included. In addition, there is a case where other data is further associated with the data collected in advance from each information providing server. This associated data is hereinafter referred to as link data. The link data is data such as text data, image data, and music data.

  Such index data is generated based on information collected by crawling on the network NT periodically or at any time, and stored in the database DB.

  A non-volatile storage (not shown) provided in the blade board of the search server KS stores various control programs such as an operating system and various application programs for realizing a search engine function. The search engine function is the following function. When the search server KS receives the search request transferred from the metadata generation server MS described above, the search server KS refers to the index data stored in the database DB, and among the various data stored in the information providing servers. To retrieve data corresponding to the retrieval request.

[Operation]
Next, an operation according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing an operation flow according to the present embodiment.

  When the main power is turned on to the client device 1, the PU 8 loads various control programs such as an operating system stored in the HD 33 and the main memory 16. As a program loading procedure, the PU 8 issues a program read command to the controller 23 via the input / output interface 17 and the USB 22, and the controller 23 reads the program from the HD 33 to the main memory 16 according to the command. The PU 8 controls each unit of the client device 1 by executing a control program loaded in the main memory 16. In addition, various functions are realized by loading various application programs stored in the HD 33 into the main memory 16 and executing them in accordance with instructions from the user via the input device 34.

  Similarly, in the metadata generation server MS, when the main power is turned on, the main processor of the multiprocessor 42 of the blade board 40 stores various control programs such as an operating system and various application programs through the storage controller in a nonvolatile manner. From the storage 44 to the main memory 16. The main processor of the multiprocessor 42 controls each unit of the metadata generation server MS by executing a control program loaded in the main memory 41. The main processor and sub-processor of the multiprocessor 42 implement various functions by executing various application programs.

  Similarly, when the main power is turned on in the search server KS, the search server KS controls each part of the search server KS by executing a control program loaded from the nonvolatile storage. Various functions are realized by executing various application programs.

<Start search browser>
First, in the client device 1, when an instruction to start the search browser is input from the user via the input device 34, the PU 8 detects the instruction signal output from the USB 22 in response to the instruction, and the instruction signal Accordingly, a search browser read command is issued to the controller 22 via the input / output interface 17, the south bridge 18, and the USB 22. The controller 23 reads the search browser from the HD 33 to the main memory 16 according to the command. The PU 8 executes the search browser loaded in the main memory 16 (Step S1).

  Then, the PU 8 issues a command for drawing the browser screen to the graphic card 24. The graphic card 24 draws the image of the browser screen in the frame memory 25 in accordance with the drawing command, and supplies the drawn image to the monitor device 26. As a result, the browser screen BG as shown in FIG. On this browser screen BG, a user inputs a keyword (for example, “XX Corporation”) in the keyword input area KW1 as a search condition via the input device 34, and performs an operation of pressing the search button BT1. Thus, when the start of search is instructed, the PU 8 detects an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction (step S2). Then, the PU 8 requests to search for data corresponding to the search condition via the input / output interface 17, the south bridge 18, the RF processing unit 29, the network interface 19 and the network NT in accordance with the instruction signal. A search request is transmitted to the metadata generation server MS (step S3).

  When the main processor of the multiprocessor 42A of the metadata generation server MS receives the search request transmitted from the client device 1 via the network interface 46 (step S4), it generates a processing thread for processing the search request. (Step S5), the processing thread is assigned to one of the sub-processors provided in the multiprocessors 42A and 42B. Next, the sub processor to which the processing thread is assigned stores the processing thread in its own local storage and executes it. Then, the sub-processor transfers the search request received in step S4 to the search server KS via the network interface 46 and the network NT (step S6).

  When the search server KS receives the search request transferred from the metadata generation server MS via the network NT (step S7), based on the index data stored in the database DB, the search server KS stores the data corresponding to the search request. A search is performed (step S8). Then, for example, the search server KS transmits data obtained as a result of the search (hereinafter referred to as search result data) to the metadata generation server MS as a search result (step S9).

  Upon receiving the search result data transmitted from the search server KS (step S10), the sub processor of the metadata generation server MS that transferred the search request in step S6 assigns the processing thread generated in step S5 described above. In response to this, the search result data is supplied and the analysis of the search result data is instructed. The sub-processor analyzes each search result data supplied in accordance with an instruction from the main processor (step S11), and generates metadata related to the information content represented by each search result data (step S12). .

<Analysis of search result data and generation of metadata>
Specifically, the sub-processor performs analysis based on search result data and link data included in the search result data. At this time, the sub-processor loads the metadata dictionary stored in the non-volatile storage 44 via the storage controller into the main memory 41, and generates metadata by referring to the loaded metadata dictionary. For example, when the link data included in the search result data is text data, language analysis of the link data is performed. Here, for example, when the word “stock price” is included in the text data, metadata “stock price” is generated. Further, for example, with reference to a metadata dictionary as shown in FIG. 3, it is determined that the first metadata for the second metadata “stock price” is “company”. Then, the search result data is associated with the first metadata “stock price” and the second metadata “company”.

  For example, when the text data includes French, for example, metadata “France” is generated. Further, referring to the metadata dictionary, it is determined that the first metadata for the second metadata “France” is “overseas”. Then, the search result is associated with the first metadata “overseas” and the second metadata “France”.

  For example, when the link data included in the search result data is image data, image recognition is performed to identify an object included in the image. For example, when it is identified that the object “dog” is included in the image, metadata “dog” is generated. Further, it is determined by referring to the metadata dictionary that the first metadata for the second metadata “dog” is “animal”. Then, the search result is associated with the first metadata “dog” and the second metadata “animal”. If the link data is image data, a thumbnail may be created as compressed data of the image data, and this may be used as metadata.

  Further, for example, when the link data included in the search result data is music data, audio analysis is performed to discriminate the composition. For example, when it is determined that the musical idea of music data is “lock”, metadata “lock” is generated. Further, with reference to the metadata dictionary, it is determined that the first metadata for the second metadata “rock” is “music”. Then, the search result is associated with the first metadata “Rock” and the second metadata “Music”. When the link destination data is music data, metadata “music” is generated as the first metadata when it is determined that the link data is music data without referring to the metadata dictionary. You may do it.

  In addition, when the metadata added by the author or the like is already included in the link data, the metadata may be generated by extracting the metadata.

  In this way, when the sub processor generates metadata for the search result data, the sub processor then associates the search result data with the metadata and transmits them to the client device 1 (step S13). The data transmitted here is, for example, data shown in FIG. The search result data including the URL data indicating the data storage location, the title data indicating the title, and the data associated with the first metadata and the second metadata are transmitted as one record. The search result data may include data other than the above. Here, for convenience of explanation, only the above data is handled.

<Map of search result data in metadata space>
When receiving the search result data associated with the metadata (step S14), the PU 8 of the client device 1 maps the search result data to the metadata space generated in the main memory 16 (step S15). Specifically, for example, search result data as shown in FIG. 8 is classified for each metadata as shown in FIG. 9, and each search result data classified for each metadata is generated in the main memory 16. Corresponding to each metadata on the specified metadata space. Next, the PU 8 constitutes the above-described first space image that represents the metadata associated with the search result data as an object and represents the metadata space as a town. At this time, for example, an image representing the entire city representing the entire metadata space may be configured, or a cityscape of a portion of the metadata space where there is an object represented by the metadata associated with the received search result data An enlarged image may be formed. Then, a command to draw the image is issued to the graphic card. In accordance with this drawing command, the graphic card 24 draws the image in the frame memory 25. Then, by supplying the image to the monitor device 26, for example, a browser screen BG as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the monitor device 26 (step S16).

  Here, for example, when an object (here, OB1) associated with the first metadata (here, “company”) is selected and instructed via the input device 34, the image display area G1 is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the above-described second spatial image related to the first metadata “company” instructed to be selected is displayed. The second spatial image is an object (here, OB 3-3) representing second metadata (here, “stock price”, “product / service”, “history”) associated with the first metadata. OB5). Here, when an object (here, OB3) associated with the second metadata (here, “stock price”) is selected via the input device 34, the image display area G1 is displayed. For example, an image representing a list of search result data as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. In the image, title data (in this case, TT1 to TT4) representing the title of the search result data associated with the second metadata “stock price” is displayed as a list. The title data TT1 to TT4 displayed here are associated with URL data in which the search result data is stored. When any title data among the title data TT1 to TT4 displayed in the image is selected and instructed via the input device 34, the PU 8 is represented by URL data associated with the title data. The URL is accessed, data stored in the URL is downloaded, and stored in the main memory 16. Then, a command for drawing an image representing the downloaded data is issued to the graphic card 24, and an image drawn in the frame memory 25 in accordance with the drawing command is displayed in the image display area G1. As a result, an image of search result data in which the title data of the user is selected is displayed.

  In addition, although PU8 performed the process of step S15, you may comprise so that the process of step S15 may be performed in any of SPU3a-3h. Moreover, although execution of the search browser in step S1 is performed by the PU 8, this may be configured to be executed by any of the SPUs 3a to 3h. However, it is desirable that the same processor performs the series of processes of steps S1 to S3 and S14 to S16.

<Update of metadata space and metadata dictionary>
After that, for example, the same keyword (for example, “XX Corporation”) as the keyword detected in the above-described step S2 in the client device 1 is input again on the browser screen BG, and the above-described steps S3 to S3 are performed. It is assumed that the process of S9 has been performed. At this time, it is assumed that data newly added to the database DB is transmitted from the search server KS to the metadata generation server MS as one of the search result data in step S9. Then, it is assumed that the metadata generation server MS generates two metadata, for example, “company” and “patent” as a result of analyzing the search result data. At this time, when the metadata generation server MS refers to the metadata dictionary and determines that the first metadata “company” exists and the metadata “patent” does not exist in the metadata dictionary, the metadata generation server MS determines the metadata. The generation server MS stores the metadata “patent” in the metadata dictionary as the second metadata for the first metadata “company”. For example, index information “patent” which is newly generated index information and not stored in the metadata dictionary is used as index, and first index information “company” stored in the metadata dictionary is used as an index. The index information is classified and stored in the metadata dictionary as second index information related to the first index information “company”. Then, the first metadata “company” and the second metadata “patent” are associated with the search result data and transmitted to the client device 1. For example, data as shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted.

  When the client device 1 receives the search result data associated with the metadata, the client device 1 again determines that the second metadata “patent” does not exist in the metadata dictionary in the same manner as described above. In this case, the client device 1 stores the metadata “patent” in the metadata dictionary as the second metadata for the first metadata “company” in the same manner as the metadata generation server MS. For example, metadata is added so as to be surrounded by a thick line shown in FIG. Then, the metadata space is updated based on the metadata dictionary, and the search result data transmitted from the metadata generation server MS is mapped to the updated metadata space. The object for representing the second metadata “patent” may be selected by a predetermined method from among objects stored in advance in the HD 33 and not associated with the metadata. When the search result data is mapped to the metadata space, it may be generated by a predetermined method. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the image display area G1, the second metadata “patent” is newly added as the object OB6 to the second spatial image shown in FIG. A second spatial image to which the index MT6 is newly added is represented.

  As described above, the metadata dictionary and the metadata space can be dynamically updated.

  Note that the metadata “patent” described above is generated by analyzing the search result data, but may be configured to be artificially added to the metadata dictionary, for example. Further, the newly generated metadata may be stored in the metadata dictionary by any other method, and the newly generated metadata may be hierarchized into the metadata already stored in the metadata dictionary. May be associated with each other, or a plurality of newly generated metadata that is not stored in the metadata dictionary may be hierarchized, or these may not be stored in the metadata dictionary Also good. Further, for example, the access date / time when accessing the metadata stored in the metadata dictionary is stored in association with the metadata, and the metadata associated with the access date / time before the predetermined period from the current date / time is stored in the metadata. You may comprise so that it may delete from a dictionary. Further, the metadata may be configured to be deleted artificially from the metadata dictionary.

<Modification 1>
The sub-processor of the above-described metadata generation server MS is in an idle state after the search request is transferred in step S6 until the search result data is received in step S10. Therefore, in order to make the best use of the sub processor, it is preferable to schedule the sub processor to operate another processing thread during this period. For example, a search request from another client device (not shown) connected to the network NT is accepted, and a processing thread corresponding to the search request is assigned to a sub processor in an idle state, and this is executed and operated. You may comprise. That is, you may comprise so that the process concerning a some search request may be performed in parallel about a series of processes of step S4-S5, S10-S13 performed for every search request.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to effectively use the sub processor in the idle state, and it is possible to improve the processing efficiency and shorten the processing time.

<Modification 2>
When there are a plurality of search result data received in step S10 described above, the processing in steps S11 to S12 for each search result data may be assigned to each sub processor. Specifically, for example, when there are 100 pieces of search result data, the main processor generates 100 processing threads related to steps S11 to S12 and assigns the processing threads to each sub processor. In this case, every time each sub processor completes execution of one processing thread, the metadata generated by executing the processing thread and the search result data associated with the metadata are transmitted to the client device 1. May be. Alternatively, metadata and search result data associated with the metadata may be transmitted to the client device 1 after execution of all 100 processing threads is completed.

  According to such a configuration, the generation of metadata associated with a plurality of search result data can be performed in parallel in each sub processor, and the processing efficiency can be improved and the processing time can be shortened.

<Modification 3>
Alternatively, all the search result data corresponding to the search request transmitted in step S3 may be transmitted at a time in step S13 after the processing in step S12 is completed. For each search result data, step S12 may be performed. As soon as the generation of metadata in is completed, the search result data may be sequentially transmitted in step S13. When the search result data for which the generation of metadata has been completed is sequentially transmitted, each time the search result data is received, the browser screen BG is associated with the metadata associated with the search result data. You may comprise so that it may alert | report via the object displayed on the image display area G1. Specifically, for example, the arrangement position of the object is changed so that the object is displayed in front of the image display area G1, the object is flash-displayed for a certain period of time, or the object is associated with the object. The brightness of the object is increased according to the increase amount of the search result data associated with the existing metadata. As a result, the user can easily grasp that new search result data has been received.

<Modification 4>
In step S13, the search result data and the metadata may be transmitted in association with each other and stored in the nonvolatile storage 44 provided in the metadata generation server MS. Then, for example, the storage date and time when these data are stored in the nonvolatile storage 44 are stored in association with each other, and these data are stored only for a predetermined period (for example, one day). When this period has passed, these data are deleted from the nonvolatile storage 44. Then, the metadata generation server MS requests to search for data within a predetermined period according to the same search condition as the search condition used when the search result data stored in the non-volatile storage 44 is searched. When the search request to the effect is received, the search result data and metadata stored in the nonvolatile storage 44 are transmitted to the client device 1.

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to perform metadata generation processing a plurality of times for search result data obtained by searching according to the same search condition within a predetermined period. The burden can be reduced. In addition, the search result data obtained by searching according to the same search condition within a predetermined period is likely to be substantially the same, and the metadata generated for such search result data may be substantially the same. Therefore, the search result data can be provided without causing any disadvantage for the user.

<Modification 5>
In addition, the internal configuration of the search server KS in the first embodiment described above is substantially the same as that of the metadata generation server MS. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the search server KS may have a configuration having the above-described search engine function. Further, the search engine function is not limited to the above-described one, and the data search may be performed without using the index data stored in the database DB.

<Modification 6>
The information search system SYM in the first embodiment described above includes the search server KS, and the search server KS and the metadata generation server MS perform data communication via the network NT. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a local search server (connected to the metadata generation server MS via a dedicated line or a local network capable of realizing a data transmission rate higher than the data transmission rate in the network NT). The metadata generation server MS may be configured to forward the search request to the local search server in step S6. The configuration of the local search server may be substantially the same as or different from the search server KS described above.

  Further, in the information search system SYM in the first embodiment described above, the search server KS and the metadata generation server MS are provided separately, but they may be provided integrally. For example, at least one of the blade boards 40 included in the metadata generation server MS and at least one of a plurality of processors included in the metadata generation server MS are configured to function as information search means, which is the search described above. You may comprise so that the function of the server KS may be implement | achieved.

  Similarly, the metadata generation server MS and the client device 1 may be configured to perform data communication via a dedicated line or a local network different from the network NT.

<Modification 7>
In the first embodiment, various programs such as an operating system and various applications are stored in the HD 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to be stored in various storage devices and storage media such as the flash memory 20 and the DVD 32. The HD 33 is provided outside the information processing apparatus 1 and connected to the information processing apparatus 1 via the USB 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the HD 33 may be provided either outside or inside the information processing apparatus 1 or may be provided outside or inside the one-chip multiprocessor 2. good.

<Modification 8>
In the first embodiment described above, the client device 1 is configured to perform the process of mapping the search result data in the metadata space in step S15. However, this process may be configured to be performed by the metadata generation server MS. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the metadata generation server MS generates the metadata as described above in step S12, and then uses the metadata to retrieve the search received in step S10. The result data is mapped to the metadata space (step S13B). This metadata space is generated in the main memory 41 by the metadata generation server MS based on the metadata dictionary stored in the non-volatile storage 44 in the same manner as the client device 1 described above. Next, the metadata generation server MS generates metadata space map information representing the metadata space to which the search result data is mapped in step S13B, and transmits this to the client device 1 (step S14B). On the other hand, when the client device 1 receives the metadata space map information from the metadata generation server MS (step S15B), on the basis of the information, the client device 1 displays an image representing the metadata space in the same manner as in step S16 described above. 26 is displayed.

  According to such a configuration, the processing burden on the client device 1 can be reduced.

[Example 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the metadata generation server MS is configured to receive the search result data transmitted from the search server KS. However, in this embodiment, the client apparatus 1 receives the search result data transmitted from the search server KS and requests the metadata generation server MS to generate metadata. The operation flow in this configuration is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the client device 1 activates the search browser in step S1, and transmits the search request detected in step S2 according to the search instruction input by the user in step S3. . Here, in the present embodiment, the client device 1 transmits a search request to the search server KS. When the search server KS receives the search request transmitted from the client device 1 via the network NT (step S4), the search server KS performs the process of step S8 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. In step S9, the search server KS The result data is transmitted to the client device 1.

  When the client apparatus 1 receives the search result data transmitted from the search server KS (step SA1), the client apparatus 1 sends a metadata generation request for requesting generation of metadata for the search result data together with the search result data to the metadata generation server MS. (Step SA2).

  When the main processor of the multiprocessor 42A of the metadata generation server MS receives the search result data and the metadata generation request transmitted from the client device 1 (step SA3), it analyzes the search result data and generates metadata. Is generated (step SA4). Then, the main processor assigns the processing thread to any of the sub processors of the metadata generation server MS, supplies the search result data, and instructs the analysis of the search result data. Each of the sub-processors performs steps S11 to S12 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In step S <b> 13 </ b> A, metadata and association data indicating association between the metadata and the search result data are transmitted to the client device 1. That is, in step S13A, the search result data itself is not transmitted to the client device 1. This is because the client device 1 has already received the search result data in step SA1.

  When the PU 8 of the client device 1 receives the metadata and the association data in step S14A, it uses the association data to determine the association between the metadata and the search result data received in step SA1. In the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, the search result data is mapped to the metadata space generated in the main memory 16 in step S15.

  Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the search server KS and the metadata generation server MS are configured to operate in response to a metadata generation request from the client device 1. According to such a configuration, the client device 1 can receive the search result data prior to the metadata. For this reason, the client device 1 can also be configured to display the search result data received in this way regardless of the metadata. Thereby, since the user can browse the search result data having different display modes, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

[Example 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in step S3 in the first embodiment described above, the client device 1 is configured to transmit the search request to the metadata generation server MS and also transmit the search request to the search server KS. . The operation flow in this configuration is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, the processes of steps S1 and S2 are performed, and in step S3, the client apparatus 1 transmits a search request to the metadata generation server MS and the search server KS. In the search request in the present embodiment, data corresponding to the search condition detected in step S2 is searched, and search result data obtained as a result of the search is transmitted to the client device 1 and the metadata generation server MS. Is included.

  When the search server KS receives the search request transmitted from the client device 1 in step S3 (step S7), the search server KS performs the process of step S8 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. In step S9, the search request KS The corresponding search result data is transmitted to the metadata generation server MS and the client device 1.

  When the metadata generation server MS receives the search request transmitted from the client device 1 in step S3 (step S4), the metadata generation server MS performs the process of step S5 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, and then from the search server KS. Wait for search result data to be sent. When the search result data transmitted from the search server KS is received (step S10), the processes of steps S11, S12, and S13A are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above, and the metadata, the metadata, The association data indicating the association with the search result data is transmitted to the client device 1.

  When the client apparatus 1 receives the search result data transmitted from the search server KS (step SA1), the client apparatus 1 then waits for data to be transmitted from the metadata generation server MS. When the metadata and the association data transmitted from the metadata generation server MS are received in step S13A (step S14A), the processes in steps S15 and S16 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above.

  Even in such a configuration, the client device 1 can receive the search result data prior to the metadata.

[Example 4]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in the information search system SYM described in the first embodiment, the client device 1 generates metadata for the search result data transmitted by the search server KS without including the metadata generation server MS. Thus, the information search system SYM is configured. In this configuration, the client device 1 realizes the metadata generation function of the metadata generation server MS described in the first embodiment. That is, the client device 1 has a function of performing the processes of steps S11 to S12 described above. The operation flow in this case is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The PU 8 of the client device 1 activates the search browser in step S1 and transmits a search request in step S2 according to the keyword input by the user, as in the first embodiment described above. Here, in the present embodiment, the client device 1 transmits a search request to the search server KS. The search server KS performs the processes of steps S4 and S8 in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and transmits the search result data to the client device 1 in step S9.

  When the PU 8 of the client apparatus 1 receives the search result data transmitted from the search server KS (step SA1), the PU 8 in the same manner as the main processor of the multiprocessor 42A of the metadata generation server MS in the second embodiment described above. A processing thread for generating the metadata by analyzing the search result data is generated (step SA4). Then, the PU 8 assigns the processing thread to any one of the SPUs 3a to 3h, supplies the search result data, and instructs the analysis of the search result data. The sub-processor performs the processing of steps S11 to S12 and generates metadata in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. Next, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the processing of steps S15 to S16 is performed to map the search result data to the metadata space.

  As described above, the client device 1 itself is configured to analyze the search result data searched by the search server KS and generate metadata.

  According to such a configuration, an information search system can be configured without providing the metadata generation server MS, and it is possible to reduce system construction costs and maintenance costs.

[Modification]
<Modification 1>
The client device 1 and the search server KS in each of the above-described embodiments and the metadata generation server MS in the above-described first to third embodiments are as multiprocessors like the one-chip multiprocessor 2 shown in FIG. An asymmetric multi-core processor having a plurality of cores in one chip and having different configurations of the main processor and the sub processor was used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a multiprocessor having a plurality of single processors or a single-core multiprocessor may be used. In addition, each device may be configured using a single processor instead of a multiprocessor.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a symmetric multiprocessor having a plurality of processors having the same configuration may be used. A multiprocessor 500 shown in FIG. 18A includes two processors 501 and a memory controller 505 connected to them via a bus. Each processor 501 includes a CPU 502 as a core, and includes an L1 cache 503 and an L2 cache 504 as cache memories. The multiprocessor 500 ′ shown in FIG. 18B includes two processors 501 ′, a memory controller 505 connected to the processors 501 ′ via a bus, and caches the L2 cache 504 ′ shared by the processors 501 ′. Prepare as memory. Each processor 501 ′ includes a CPU 502 as a core and an L1 cache 503 as a cache memory. In the multiprocessors 500 and 500 'having such a configuration, at least one of the cache memories 503, 504, and 504' may be configured to function as a local memory. A local memory used by ′ may be separately provided. When such a symmetric multiprocessor having a plurality of processors having the same configuration is used, any one of the plurality of processors functions as, for example, the PU 8 (main processor) in the first embodiment described above, and the like. These processors may function as SPU3 (sub-processor).

<Modification 2>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the operating system in each device is configured to be executed by the main processor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub processor may be configured to execute a program that forms a part of the operating system (for example, a part of a device driver or a system program). Further, as an operating system, a dedicated operating system for controlling the entire sub-processor may be provided.

<Modification 3>
In the first to third embodiments described above, the metadata generation server MS is configured to include two blade boards 40A and 40B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, three or more blade boards may be provided and connected to each other via the switch network 45, or only one blade board may be provided. In addition, a configuration including at least one processor may be used instead of a configuration including a blade board. Further, the number of nonvolatile storages 44 provided in the metadata generation server MS and the connection configuration thereof are not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

  Further, the main processor of the multiprocessor 42A of the metadata generation server MS is configured to perform the processes of steps S4 to S6 and S10 in the first embodiment described above and steps SA4 and SA5 in the second embodiment described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each processing may be configured to be performed by the main processor of the multiprocessor 42B, or may be configured to be performed by any of the sub processors included in the multiprocessors 42A and 42B. May be.

<Modification 4>
Further, not only the processing of steps S11 to S13 in the first embodiment described above is performed by the sub processor of the metadata generation server MS, but also metadata connected to the network NT as shown in FIG. You may comprise so that server TS other than the production | generation server MS and general purpose computer TC may perform. For example, the server TS and the general-purpose computer TC are configured to include at least one processor.

  The metadata generation server MS receives the search request from the client device 1 and determines that it is insufficient for processing by only the sub-processors of the metadata generation server MS at the stage of generating the processing thread in step S5. In this case, the server TS and the general-purpose computer TC are requested to execute the processes of steps S5, S6, S10 to S13. The server TS or general-purpose computer TC requested to execute the process performs the process, associates the metadata generated in step S12 with the search result data, and associates this with step S13 in the first embodiment described above or the above-described process. In step S13A in the second and third embodiments, the data is transmitted to the client device 1. Note that the condition for determining that the processing is not sufficient for processing only by the sub-processor possessed by the metadata generation server MS in step S5 is, for example, an idle state among the sub-processors possessed by the metadata generation server MS. For example, the number of sub-processors is less than a predetermined number.

  In this case, in the processing thread for performing the processing of steps S6 and S10, a new processing thread for performing the processing of steps S11 to S12 is generated, and the processing thread is newly assigned to the sub processor for processing. You may comprise as follows. At this time, as described in Modification 2 above, processing threads for each search result data may be generated and assigned to each sub processor.

  Similarly, the processing of steps S11 to S13A in the second and third embodiments described above or the processing of steps S11 to S12 in the fourth embodiment described above is similarly performed for the server TS and general-purpose computer TC as shown in FIG. You may comprise so that it may be performed.

  Furthermore, the above-described processing that is requested to the server TS or the general-purpose computer TC may be configured to request the search server KS.

  The server TS, the general-purpose computer TC, and the metadata generation server MS may be configured to be connected to a network different from the network NT and to perform data communication via the network.

<Modification 5>
In step S13A in the second and third embodiments described above, the metadata generation server MS is configured not to transmit the search result data itself to the client device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the search result data may be transmitted to the client device 1 together with the metadata and the association data. Further, similarly to step S13 in the first embodiment described above, the search result data and the metadata may be associated with each other and transmitted to the client apparatus 1.

<Modification 6>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the image display area G1 displayed by the search browser represents the metadata space as a city, represents the first metadata as an object, and represents the first spatial image in a three-dimensional manner. Was configured to be displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image representing the metadata space may be various, or may be an image represented two-dimensionally or one-dimensionally.

  The second spatial image representing the second metadata associated with the first metadata as an object is displayed, and the first spatial image and the second spatial image are displayed hierarchically. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second metadata may be represented as an object also in the first spatial image. Search result data classified for each metadata may be displayed in a two-dimensional list.

  Further, the object representing the metadata may be an object related to the content of the metadata or an object unrelated to the content of the metadata. The object related to the content of the metadata is, for example, an object representing a building that makes an image of “company” against the above-mentioned metadata “company”, or the metadata “dog” Or an object representing a dog or a character imitating a dog.

  Further, in step S16 in each of the above-described embodiments, all the metadata related to the search result data may be displayed as objects in the image display area G1 of the browser screen BG. May be displayed as an object. When only a part of metadata is displayed as an object, for example, metadata corresponding to usage frequency or user preference information is selected from all metadata related to search result data, and the metadata is used as an object. You may make it display.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that each metadata may be displayed by making the display mode of some metadata differ from the remaining metadata.

  In each of the above embodiments, the metadata is classified into first metadata and second metadata associated with the first metadata. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be no association between metadata, or a many-to-many correspondence may be made. Further, the association between metadata may be performed in three or more layers.

  Further, the metadata dictionary is not limited to the one described above. Further, the metadata generation server MS may not include a metadata dictionary, but may analyze search result data and generate metadata by a predetermined method. Similarly, the client device 1 may not include the metadata dictionary and may generate a metadata space based on the search result data metadata transmitted from the metadata generation server MS.

<Modification 7>
In addition, the metadata associated with the search result data in each of the above-described embodiments may be plural or one. In the configuration in which a plurality of metadata is associated with the search result data, for example, when the client device 1 maps the search result data to the metadata space in step S15, the same search result data is duplicated in the meta data. You may comprise so that it may map to data space. That is, for example, when the second metadata “stock price” and the second metadata “history” are associated with certain search result data, the second metadata “stock price” in the metadata space The search result data is mapped, and the search result data is also mapped to the second metadata “history”. As a result, in the browser screen BG displayed in step S16 based on such metadata space, when the object OB3 in FIG. 5 is selected and instructed via the input device 34, the image display area G1 of the browser screen BG is displayed. When the title data of the search result data is displayed and the object OB5 in FIG. 5 is selected and instructed via the input device 34, the title data of the search result data is displayed in the image display area G1 of the browser screen BG. Is displayed.

  In addition, one or more of a plurality of metadata associated with the search result data is selected, and the search result data is mapped to the metadata space only for the selected metadata. Also good.

<Modification 8>
The client device 1 in each embodiment described above is configured to input a keyword as a search condition on the browser screen BG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and text information may be input as a search condition, or a combination of a plurality of keywords may be used as a search condition. Further, instead of inputting the search condition as character information, it may be input as voice information, converted into character information, and transmitted as a search request.

  The above description of each embodiment is an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made even outside the above-described embodiments as long as they do not depart from the technical idea according to the present invention. Of course.

  The present invention is suitable for use in an information retrieval technique for retrieving information based on a retrieval condition.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the information retrieval system concerning one example of the present invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the internal structure of the client apparatus which concerns on the Example. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure of the metadata dictionary which concerns on the Example. It is an example of a browser screen according to the same embodiment. It is an example of a browser screen according to the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the internal structure of the metadata production | generation server which concerns on the Example. It is a sequence chart which illustrates the flow of operation concerning the example. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure of the search result data which concern on the Example. It is a figure which illustrates the classification result of search result data concerning the example. It is an example of a browser screen according to the same embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure of the search result data which concern on the Example. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure of the metadata dictionary which concerns on the Example. It is an example of a browser screen according to the same embodiment. It is a sequence chart which illustrates the flow of operation concerning other examples of the present invention. It is a sequence chart which illustrates the flow of operation concerning other examples of the present invention. It is a sequence chart which illustrates the flow of operation concerning other examples of the present invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the information retrieval system concerning other examples of the present invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the internal structure of the multiprocessor which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a sequence chart which illustrates the flow of operation concerning the modification of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Client apparatus, 2 ... One-chip multiprocessor, 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 42, 43, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f, 60g, 70b, 70c, 80b, 80c, 90b, 90c... Sub-processor, 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 9... Processor core, 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h ... local storage, 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 12 ... MC, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e , 7f, 7g, 7h, 13 ... DMAC, 8 ... main processor, 10 ... L1 cache, 11 ... L2 cache, 15 ... memory controller, 16, 41A, 42A ... Main memory, 17 ... I / O interface, 18 ... South bridge, 19,46 ... Network interface, 20 ... Flash memory, 32 ... DVD, 33 ... HD, 40A, 40B ..Blade board, 31 ... Flash memory controller, 32 ... DVD, 33 ... HD, 34 ... Input device, 42A, 42B ... Multiprocessor, 43A, 43B ... Bridge, 44A 44B ... Non-volatile storage, 45 ... Switch network, DB ... Database, KS ... Search server, MS ... Metadata generation server, TC ... General-purpose computer, TS ... Server , SYM ... information retrieval system, NT ... network

Claims (30)

In an information search system in which an information processing device requests that information corresponding to a search condition be searched from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network.
The information processing apparatus, information search means, and index information generation means,
The information processing apparatus requests input of a search instruction for instructing search of information according to a search condition, and search for information according to the search condition based on the search instruction input to the input means Request transmitting means for transmitting a search request to be performed,
The information search means receives the request reception means from the request reception means for receiving the search request transmitted by the request transmission means and the information stored in the information providing apparatus connected to the predetermined network. Search result information transmitting means for searching the search result information according to the search request and transmitting the search result information,
The index information generating means analyzes the search result information receiving means for receiving the search result information transmitted by the search result information transmitting means, and the search result information received by the search result information receiving means, Index information generating means for generating index information to be an index of the index information, and index information transmitting means for transmitting the index information generated by the index information generating means to the information processing apparatus in association with the search result information. Characteristic information retrieval system. The index information generating means includes a plurality of processing means, and when there are a plurality of search result information received by the search result information receiving means, one processing means among the processing means outputs the plurality of search result information. Allocating to the plurality of processing means, instructing the processing means to analyze each search result information and generate index information to be an index of each search result information, the processing means according to the instructions, each assigned to itself The information search system according to claim 1, wherein each of the search result information is analyzed, and index information serving as an index of the search result information is generated. A second information processing apparatus;
When there are a plurality of pieces of search result information received by the search result information receiving unit, the index information generation unit assigns at least one of the plurality of search result information to the second information processing apparatus, and the assigned search result Instructing the second information processing apparatus to analyze information and generate index information to be an index of each search result information,
The second information processing apparatus analyzes second search result information assigned to the second information processing apparatus in accordance with the instruction from the index information generation means, and generates index information to be an index of the search result information. And second index information transmitting means for transmitting the index information generated by the second index information generating means to at least one of the index information generating means and the information processing apparatus in association with the search result information. The information search system according to claim 1, further comprising: The index information transmitting means associates the index information generated by the index information generating means with the search result information received by the search result information receiving means, and transmits these to the information processing apparatus. The information search system according to claim 1. The index information transmitting means sends the index information generated by the index information generating means and association information indicating the association between the index information and the search result information received by the search result information receiving means to the information processing apparatus. The information search system according to claim 1, wherein the information search system is transmitted. The information processing apparatus uses the index information receiving unit that receives the index information transmitted in association with the search result information by the index information transmitting unit, and the search result information using the index information received by the index information receiving unit. The information search system according to claim 4, further comprising: a display control unit that classifies and displays the search result information on a display unit based on the classified result. The information processing apparatus includes: second search result information receiving means for receiving search result information transmitted by the search result information transmitting means; and index information for receiving the index information and the association information transmitted by the index information transmitting means. Using the index information and the association information received by the receiving means and the index information receiving means, determining the association between the index information and the search result information received by the second search result information receiving means, The information search system according to claim 5, further comprising: a display control unit that classifies the search result information and displays the search result information on a display unit based on the classified result. The display control unit generates a virtual index information space including the index information received by the index information receiving unit, and virtually arranges the search result information in the index information space in association with the index information. A space generation means; and a drawing means for drawing an image representing the index information space generated by the space generation means,
The information search system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an image drawn by the drawing means is displayed on the display means. The information retrieval system according to claim 8, wherein the drawing unit draws an image representing the index information space as a three-dimensional space and representing the index information as an object. The information search system according to claim 9, wherein the display control means causes the display means to display character data representing the index information together with the image drawn by the drawing means. The index information includes hierarchical first index information and second index information,
The second index information is associated with the first index information as a lower layer of the first index information,
The index information generating means analyzes search result information, and generates at least one of the first index information and the second index information that becomes an index of the search result information,
The space generation means includes the index information received by the index information receiving means, and the first index information of the index information is an upper layer, and the second index information associated with the first index information is a lower layer. A virtual index information space having a hierarchical structure is generated, and the search result information associated with the index information is virtually arranged in the index information space in association with the index information. The information search system according to claim 8. 12. The information search according to claim 11, wherein the drawing unit draws the first spatial image representing the index information space as a three-dimensional space and representing the first index information as an object among the index information. system. The drawing means represents the first index information included in the index information space generated by the space generation means as a three-dimensional space, and uses the second index information associated as a lower layer of the first index information as an object. The information retrieval system according to claim 11, wherein a second spatial image is represented. The drawing means draws a search result image representing the search result information virtually arranged in association with the second index information in the index information space generated by the space generation means. 11. The information search system according to 11. The index information generation means has a request transfer means for receiving the search request transmitted by the request transmission means and transferring the search request to the information search means,
The information search system according to claim 1, wherein the search result information receiving unit included in the information search unit receives the search request transmitted by the request transmission unit via the request transfer unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus operates the input unit and the space generation unit in parallel. The information search system according to claim 1, wherein the index information is metadata. In an information search system in which an information processing device requests that information corresponding to a search condition be searched from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network.
The information processing apparatus, information search means, and index information generation means,
The information processing apparatus requests input of a search instruction for instructing search of information according to a search condition, and search for information according to the search condition based on the search instruction input to the input means Request transmitting means for transmitting a search request to be performed,
The information search means receives the request reception means from the request reception means for receiving the search request transmitted by the request transmission means and the information stored in the information providing apparatus connected to the predetermined network. Search result information transmitting means for searching the search result information according to the search request and transmitting the search result information,
The index information generating means analyzes the search result information receiving means for receiving the search result information transmitted by the search result information transmitting means, and the search result information received by the search result information receiving means, The search result information received by the search result information receiving means by generating index information generating means for generating index information to be an index, and a virtual index information space including the index information generated by the index information generating means A space generating means for virtually arranging the index information space in association with the index information, and generating space arrangement information representing the index information space generated by the space generating means and arranging the search result information, The information search system according to claim 1, further comprising space arrangement information transmission means for transmitting the information to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: a spatial arrangement information receiving unit that receives the spatial arrangement information transmitted by the spatial arrangement information transmitting unit; and the search result information based on the spatial arrangement information received by the spatial arrangement information receiving unit. The information search system according to claim 18, further comprising: a display control unit that draws an image representing the index information space in which is placed and displays the drawn image on a display unit. In an information search method in which an information processing device requests to search information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network.
An input step in which a search instruction for instructing a search for information according to a search condition is input to the information processing apparatus;
A request transmission step of transmitting a search request for requesting a search for information according to the search condition, based on the search instruction input in the input step;
A request receiving step in which the information search means receives the search request sent in the request sending step;
The information search means searches the search result information corresponding to the search request received in the request receiving step from the information stored in the information providing apparatus connected to the predetermined network, and the search result information A search result information sending step for sending
A search result information receiving step in which the index information generating means receives the search result information transmitted in the search result information transmitting step;
An index information generating unit that analyzes the search result information received in the search result information receiving step and generates index information to be an index of the search result information; and
An index information transmitting method, wherein the index information generating means includes an index information transmitting step of transmitting the index information generated in the index information generating step in association with the search result information to the information processing apparatus. In an information search method in which an information processing device requests to search information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network.
An input step in which a search instruction for instructing a search for information according to a search condition is input to the information processing apparatus;
A request transmission step of transmitting a search request for requesting a search for information according to the search condition, based on the search instruction input in the input step;
A request receiving step in which the information search means receives the search request sent in the request sending step;
The information search means searches the search result information corresponding to the search request received in the request receiving step from the information stored in the information providing apparatus connected to the predetermined network, and the search result information A search result information sending step for sending
A search result information receiving step in which the index information generating means receives the search result information transmitted in the search result information transmitting step;
The index information generating unit analyzes the search result information received in the search result information receiving step, and generates index information that becomes an index of the search result information; and
The index information generation unit generates a virtual index information space including the index information generated in the index information generation step, and associates the search result information received in the search result information reception step with the index information. A space generation step virtually arranged in the index information space;
The index information generating means generates spatial arrangement information representing the index information space generated in the spatial generation step and arranged with the search result information, and transmits the spatial arrangement information to the information processing apparatus. An information search method characterized by comprising: Search result information searched and transmitted in response to a search request from an information processing device that requests to search for information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network Search result information receiving means for receiving
Index information generating means for analyzing the search result information received by the search result information receiving means and generating index information to be an index of the search result information;
Index information generating means, comprising: index information transmitting means for transmitting the index information generated by the index information generating means in association with the search result information to the information processing apparatus. Search result information searched and transmitted in response to a search request from an information processing device that requests to search for information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network Search result information receiving means for receiving
Index information generating means for analyzing the search result information received by the search result information receiving means and generating index information to be an index of the search result information;
A virtual index information space including the index information generated by the index information generating unit is generated, and the search result information received by the search result information receiving unit is associated with the index information and virtually stored in the index information space. A space generating means arranged in
Spatial arrangement information transmitting means for generating spatial arrangement information representing the index information space generated by the spatial generation means and arranging the search result information, and transmitting the generated information to the information processing apparatus. Index information generator. An input means for inputting a search instruction for instructing a search for information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing apparatus connected to a predetermined network;
A request transmission unit that transmits a search request for requesting a search for information according to the search condition, based on a search instruction input to the input unit;
The search result information searched and transmitted in response to the search request transmitted by the request transmission means, and the index information that is generated and transmitted as a result of the analysis of the search result information and serves as an index of the search result information. Information receiving means;
Information comprising: display control means for classifying the search result information using the index information received by the information receiving means, and displaying the search result information on a display means based on the classified result; Processing equipment. An input means for inputting a search instruction for instructing a search of information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing apparatus connected to a predetermined network;
A request transmission unit that transmits a search request for requesting a search for information according to the search condition, based on a search instruction input to the input unit;
Search result information receiving means for receiving search result information searched and transmitted in response to a search request transmitted by the request transmitting means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: index information generating means for analyzing the search result information received by the search result information receiving means and generating index information that is an index of the search result information. Search result information searched and transmitted in response to a search request from an information processing device that requests to search for information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network A search result information receiving step for receiving
Analyzing the search result information received in the search result information receiving step, and generating index information which is an index of the search result information; and
An index information generation program for causing a computer to execute an index information transmission step of transmitting the index information generated in the index information generation step to the information processing apparatus in association with the search result information. Search result information searched and transmitted in response to a search request from an information processing device that requests to search for information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing device connected to a predetermined network A search result information receiving step for receiving
Analyzing the search result information received in the search result information receiving step, and generating index information which is an index of the search result information; and
A virtual index information space including the index information generated in the index information generating step is generated, and the search result information received in the search result information receiving step is associated with the index information in a virtual manner in the index information space. A space generation step to be arranged in
An index for causing a computer to execute a spatial arrangement information transmission step of generating spatial arrangement information representing the index information space generated in the spatial generation step and arranging the search result information, and transmitting the generated information to the information processing apparatus Information generation program. An input step for inputting a search instruction for instructing a search for information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing apparatus connected to a predetermined network;
Based on the search instruction input in the input step, a request transmission step for transmitting a search request for requesting a search for information according to the search condition;
The search result information searched and transmitted in response to the search request transmitted in the request transmission step, and the index information that is generated and transmitted as a result of analysis of the search result information and serves as an index of the search result information is received. An information receiving step;
Information processing for causing a computer to execute a display control step of classifying the search result information using the index information received in the information receiving step and displaying the search result information on a display unit based on the classified result program. An input step for inputting a search instruction for instructing a search for information according to a search condition from information stored in an information providing apparatus connected to a predetermined network;
Based on the search instruction input in the input step, a request transmission step for transmitting a search request for requesting a search for information according to the search condition;
A search result information receiving step for receiving search result information searched and transmitted in response to the search request transmitted in the request transmission step;
An information processing program for causing a computer to execute an index information generating step of analyzing the search result information received in the search result information receiving step and generating index information that is an index of the search result information. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to any one of claims 26 to 29.

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