JP2010123023A - Information processor, method for controlling the same, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to enter characters, looking at some options from the head thereof while securing a response to an entry by quickly displaying an option list, even if the number of characters to be entered is so small that the number of retrieval results is increased, when using an entry support method for sequentially displaying the retrieval results on the basis of character strings sequentially entered as a selectable list. <P>SOLUTION: A client browser 003 acquires an input character string for each character entry (S501, S502), acquires retrieval results according to the character string from an application server 001 (S503, S504). When the number of retrieval results does not exceed a predetermined number, the retrieval results are all displayed as a selectable list (S509, S510), or when the number of retrieval results exceeds the predetermined number, as many retrieval results as the predetermined number are displayed as the selectable list, and the option "and more..." is also displayed in order to display retrieval results which are not displayed in the list (S506-S508). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to control of an information processing apparatus that performs input support by sequentially displaying search results based on character strings sequentially input in an input field as a selectable list.

  When inputting data into a field, one of the input support methods is to display the input character string candidates in a list (combo box) for the character string being input, and select the character string by selecting from the list. The SUGEST technology that saves input is generally known.

  For example, the search site Google uses SUGEST technology as “Google Suggest”.

However, in today's Web environment, a component having an input area and a selection area such as a combo box is not prepared as a standard. Therefore, in order to realize SUGEST, there is a method for realizing the function of SUGEST by combining two or more Web components in which a candidate list is created by another Web component and the list is displayed below the input area. Many are used.
JP 2000-222272 A

  However, when SUGGEST is realized by combining two or more Web components in this way, the following problem occurs.

  When searching the database by prefix matching, the number of choices increases when the number of input characters is small. When the options are displayed in HTML on the Web browser, it is necessary to operate the document object model of the HTML document using the Java (registered trademark) Script language. However, since this operation takes a very long processing time, there is a problem that it takes time to display the options if the number of options is large.

  Further, since the Web browser does not immediately reflect the user input characters on the screen during the drawing process in the Java (registered trademark) Script language, the user must wait until the drawing is completely completed and input the key. There also arises the problem of not becoming.

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 includes a data object that stores data transferred from the database server 002 in a Web server, and correlates the data held by the Web server and the database server 002 by using the database reference and the object reference. As a result, a high-speed cache can be realized in a network environment, and a database can be searched on the network at a high speed. This does not solve the problem at the time of display processing in the Web browser as described above.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem. When an input support method for sequentially displaying a search result based on a character string sequentially input in an input field as a selectable list is used, the number of input characters is small and the number of search results. Even if the number of users increases, the user can quickly input the list of choices while ensuring a response to the input, and the user can input while looking at the first few choices. The purpose is to provide a mechanism that can.

  The present invention is an information processing apparatus that performs input support by sequentially displaying a search result based on a character string sequentially input in an input field as a selectable list, and each time the character input is input in the input field Input character string acquisition means for acquiring a character string from the field, search result acquisition means for acquiring a search result corresponding to the character string acquired by the character string acquisition means, and search result acquired by the search result acquisition means A determination unit that determines whether or not the number of cases exceeds a predetermined number, and when the number of search results is determined not to exceed the predetermined number by the determination unit, all of the search results are displayed as a selectable list. On the other hand, if the determination means determines that the number of search results exceeds the predetermined number, the predetermined number of search results can be selected from the search results. And displays as, and having a display control means for controlling to also display additional display options for displaying the search results do not appear in the list.

  According to the present invention, when using an input support method for sequentially displaying a search result based on a character string sequentially input in an input field as a selectable list, the number of input characters is small and the number of search results is large. However, while displaying a list of options quickly and ensuring a response to the input, the user can input while looking at a predetermined number of options, and can easily reach the target option. .

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, 001 is an application server, 002 is a database server (DB server), 003 is a client browser, and can communicate via a network 004 such as the Internet.

  Hereinafter, the operation of each apparatus will be described.

  The client browser 003 indicates a web browser that operates as a web client on the client terminal, and transmits a character string key-input by the user to the application server 001.

  The application server 001 transmits the character string received from the client browser 003 to the database server 002. The database server 002 searches for data based on the value (character string) received from the application server 001, and returns data to be displayed on the client browser 003 as an option to the application server 001.

  The application server 001 returns all data to be displayed as options acquired from the database server 002 to the client browser 003. The client browser 003 receives data from the application server 001 and displays it as an option on the display device 107 (FIG. 2).

  Note that the application server 001, the database server 002, and the client browser 003 may be implemented in different information processing apparatuses, respectively, or any or all of them may be implemented in the same information processing apparatus.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus that can realize the client browser 003 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the client browser 003 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a network interface card (NIC) 104, an external storage device 105, an input device 106, a display device 107, etc., which are connected via a system bus 108. They are connected to each other. In practice, an interface circuit, a chip set, and the like exist between 101 to 107 and the system bus 108, but are omitted in the figure.

  The CPU 101 executes various control processes by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 103 or the external storage device 105 or the like. The RAM 102 is used as a work area for the CPU 101.

  The external storage device 105 includes a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a flash memory, and the like.

  The NIC 104 is connected to a network (not shown) by wire or wirelessly and can communicate with the application server 001 via the network 004. Note that the information processing apparatus that implements the application server 001 and the database server 002 also has the same hardware configuration as the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  In the client browser 003, a Web browser program (hereinafter referred to as a browser) is executed by the CPU 101. The CPU 101 can receive screen data (contents) described in a structured language such as HTML from the application server 001 using this browser and display it on the display device 107.

  The screen data stores a program (client-side script (for example, Java (registered trademark) Script)) written in a script language. Further, the CPU 101 can execute a client side script stored in the screen data on a browser executed by the CPU 101. The screen data may be stored in the external storage device 105.

  Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, an instruction from the key operation by the user on the client browser 003 to the application server 001, processing sent from the application server 001 to the database server 002, and from the application server 001 to the client browser 003 The procedure for returning data will be described.

  3 and 4 show an instruction from the key operation by the user on the client browser 003 to the application server 001, a process sent from the application server 001 to the database server 002, and a process of returning data from the application server 001 to the client browser 003. It is a figure which shows a procedure.

  FIG. 3 shows a case where the second character is input on the client browser 003 after the first character is input on the client browser 003 by a key operation from the user.

  FIG. 4 shows a case where the user selects an option displayed on the client browser 003 after the first character is input on the client browser 003 by a key operation from the user.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the client browser 003 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The processing of this flowchart is realized by executing a client side script stored in the screen data displayed on the client browser 003 by the CPU 101 functioning as the client browser 003 by executing the Web browser program. Is done.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the application server 001 in the first embodiment of the present invention, which is realized by the CPU reading a program recorded in the external storage device and executing it.

  3 and 4, the processing of the client browser 003 will be described with reference to FIG. 5, and the processing of the application server 001 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

  First, the case where the first character is input by the user (S301 to S303, S306) will be described with reference to FIG.

  The client browser 003 monitors key input from the user (whether the character string of the input field 1200 has changed) in the input field 1200 of the input screen (FIG. 7) displayed on the client browser 003 (S501).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed on the client browser 003.

  In S301, when the client browser 003 detects a key input from the user to the input field 1200 (when it is determined that the character string in the input field 1200 has changed) (Y in S501), the client browser 003 acquires the character string from the input field 1200 ( (S502), a request for search processing is sent to the application server 001 (S503).

  In S306, the application server 001 transmits the character string received from the client browser 003 to the database server 002 as a search condition and requests a search process (S601). Here, as an example, 100 data hits. The application server 001 receives the search results (100 data) from the database server 002 and returns the received search results (100 data) to the client browser 003 as selection list data as shown in FIG. (S602).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of selection list data of the present embodiment returned from the application server 001 to the client browser 003.

  In S302, the client browser 003 acquires a search result (selection list data) returned from the application server 001 (S504), and determines whether the search is greater than the number of display options. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the number of display options is seven.

  Here, since there are 100 search results, the client browser 003 determines that the search results are greater than the number of options displayed (7) (determined as Y in S505), and as shown at 1202 in FIG. Control is performed so that data corresponding to the number of display options (seven) from the top of the search result (selection list data) is displayed as options (S506).

  Next, in S303, the client browser 003 displays “and more ...” (1201 in FIG. 9) as a “with continued line” message as an option (S507).

  Next, the search result from the application server 001 is stored in the memory (S508). The search results stored here may be all search results received from the application server 001, or only search results that are not displayed in S506. Then, the process returns to S501 to monitor the next key input.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of options of the input field 1200 displayed on the input screen of the client browser 003 when the number of search results exceeds the number of displayed items in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The above is the description when the first character is input by the user (S301 to S303, S306).

  Next, the case where the user inputs the second character (S304 to S305, S307) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S304, when the client browser 003 detects a second key input from the user to the input field 1200 (when it is determined that the character string in the input field 1200 has changed) (Y in S501), the client browser 003 inputs the character string into the input field 1200. (S502) and transmitted to the application server 001 to request search processing (S503).

  In S307, the application server 001 sends the character string received from the client browser 003 as a search condition to the database server 002 and requests a search process (S601). Here, as an example, five data hits are taken. Then, the application server 001 receives the search results (5 data) from the database server 002, and returns the received search results (5 data) to the client browser 003 as selection list data as shown in FIG. (S602).

  In S305, the client browser 003 acquires a search result returned from the application server 001 (S504), and determines whether the search is greater than the number of displayed options (seven in this case).

  Here, since there are five search results, the client browser 003 determines that the search results are less than the number of display options (7) (N is determined in S505), and clears the existing option display (S509). Control is performed so that all data (for five items) of the search results (selection list data) are displayed as options (S510). Then, the process returns to S501 to monitor the next key input.

  The above is the description when the second character is input by the user (S304 to S305, S307).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a case will be described in which the “continuation line exists” message “and more ...” 1201 is clicked after the first character is input by the user. Note that S401, S402, S403, and S405 in FIG. 4 are the same processes as S301, S302, S303, and S306 in FIG.

  The client browser 003 monitors the key input from the user in the input field 1200 of the input screen (FIG. 7) displayed on the client browser 003, whether the character string of the input field 1200 has changed (S501), the option 1202 or The “continuation line present” message “and more ...” 1201 is clicked, but monitored (S511).

  In S404, when the client browser 003 detects selection (clicking) of the “continuation line” message “and more ...” 1201 from the user (the “continuation line” message “and more ...” 1201 instructs the selection. If it is determined (clicked), the search result stored in the memory in S508 (S303 in FIG. 3) described above is read (S512). Then, the client browser 003 clears the existing option display (S509), and displays all the options (here, 100) as indicated by 1301 in FIG. 10 (S510). Note that the search results displayed here may be all search results received from the application server 001, or may be only search results that were not displayed in S506 (S302 in FIG. 3) described above. Then, the process returns to S501 to monitor the next key input.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the “continuation line present” message “and more ...” 1201 in FIG. 9 is clicked and all the options are displayed.

  The above is the description when the “continuation line” message “and more ...” 1201 is clicked after the first character is input by the user (S401 to S404, S405).

  When the client browser 003 determines that the option 1202 is selected (clicked) by the user, the client browser 003 sets the selected value in the input field 1200 and controls to close the option. The above is the description when the option 1202 is clicked after the first character is input by the user.

  The basic operation has been described above with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, even when the number of input character string candidates is large, the number of input characters is used when the input support method for sequentially displaying the search results based on the character strings sequentially input to the input field as a selectable list is used. Even when there are few search results and the number of search results increases, only the first few items are displayed as options, so that it does not take time to display the options. Therefore, the user can easily reach the target option by inputting the key while securing the response to the user's input while looking at the first few candidates.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the display number of options described above is set in advance by a display number setting file (FIG. 11) stored in the external storage device 105.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display number setting file stored in the external storage device 105 of the information processing apparatus that implements the client browser 003.

  In the case of this configuration, the client browser 003 reads the display number from the display number setting file in the external storage device 105 of the information processing apparatus that implements the client browser 003 and sets it in the memory managed by the client browser 003. It shall be used for processing.

  In other words, the user simply stores the display number setting file (FIG. 11) in which the number of display items to be displayed as options is recorded in the external storage device 105 of the information processing apparatus in which the client browser 003 is installed, and displays a desired display. Choices can be displayed by the number of cases.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the application server 001 notifies the client browser 003 of all the search results of the database server 002, and the client browser 003 displays the number of display items.

  In the present embodiment, a search limit is provided, and the application server 001 indicates that the search limit is exceeded instead of the search result by the database server 002 when the search result of the database server 002 exceeds a preset search limit. The client browser is notified. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the client browser 003 in the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing of this flowchart is realized by executing a client side script stored in the screen data displayed on the client browser 003 by the CPU 101 functioning as the client browser 003 by executing the Web browser program. Is done. Moreover, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step same as FIG. 5, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the application server 001 in the second embodiment of the present invention, which is realized by the CPU reading and executing the program recorded in the external storage device on the RAM.

  First, when the client browser 003 is activated, the client browser 003 reads the number of display items from the setting file and stores it in a parameter indicating the number of display items in the memory managed by the client browser 003 (S701).

  Next, when the client browser 003 determines that the character string of the input field 1200 has changed (Y in S501), the client browser 003 obtains the character string from the input field 1200 (S502) and sends it to the application server 001 to request search processing. (S503).

  Here, the processing on the application server side will be described with reference to FIG.

When activated, the application server 001 reads the search limit number from the setting file (FIG. 14) and stores it in the memory managed by the application server 001 (S801).
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a search restriction setting file stored in the external storage device of the information processing apparatus that implements the application server 001.

  As shown in FIG. 14, here, the search limit is set to “10”. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Upon receiving the character string transmitted from the client browser 003, the application server 001 transmits the character string received from the client browser 003 to the database server 002 as a search condition and requests the number of search hits (S802).

  Next, the application server 001 determines whether or not the hit number exceeds the search limit number (S803). If it is determined that the number does not exceed (N in S803), the application server 001 transmits the character string received from the client browser 003 as a search condition to the database server 002 to request a search process (S804).

  The application server 001 receives the search result from the database server 002, creates selection list data from the search result (S805), and returns the created selection list data to the client browser 003 as the search result (S806). .

  On the other hand, when the application server 001 determines that the number of hits exceeds the search limit number (Y in S803), the application server 001 creates empty selection list data (S807).

  Next, the application server 001 creates a search restriction message, adds it to the created selection list data (S808), and returns the selection list data as a search result to the client browser 003 (S806).

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the processing on the client browser 003 side (FIG. 11).

  The client browser 003 acquires the search result (selection list data) returned from the application server 001 (S504), and determines whether the search result is a server search limit (S702). If the search result is a server search restriction, the selection list data as the search result is obtained by adding a search restriction message to an empty list.

  Therefore, if the search result is an empty selection list data with a search restriction message added, the client browser 003 determines that the search result is a server search restriction (Y in S702), and the process proceeds to S706. To proceed.

  In S706, the client browser 003 clears the existing option display (S706), and controls the search restriction message included in the search result to be displayed as an option, as indicated by 1401 in FIG. 15 (S707). Then, the process returns to S501 to monitor the next key input.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a search limit message is displayed on the client browser 003 when the number of search results exceeds the search limit.

  On the other hand, if the search result received from the application server 001 is not an empty selection list data with a search restriction message added, the client browser 003 determines that the search result is not a server search restriction (N in S702). ), The process proceeds to S703.

  In S703, the client browser 003 determines whether the search result is greater than the number of display options (S703).

  If the client browser 003 determines that the search result is larger than the number of display options (Y in S703), the client browser 003 selects the option from the top of the search result (selection list data) as shown by 1500 in FIG. Control is performed so that data corresponding to the number of display items is displayed as options (S704).

  Next, the client browser 003 displays the number of selection results (for example, “100 found. 7 displayed”) (1501 in FIG. 16) as options (S705).

  Next, the client browser 003 displays “and more ...” (1502 in FIG. 16) as an “with continued line” message as an option (S507).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of options of the input field 1200 displayed on the input screen of the client browser 003 when the number of search results exceeds the display number in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Next, the search result from the application server 001 is stored in the memory (S508). Then, the process returns to S502 to monitor the next key input.

  The above is the description of the basic operation of FIGS.

  As described above, even when the number of input character string candidates is large, the number of input characters is used when the input support method for sequentially displaying the search results based on the character strings sequentially input to the input field as a selectable list is used. Even when there are few search results and the number of search results increases, only the first few results are displayed as choices among the search results that are executed within the preset search restrictions. It won't take. Therefore, the user can easily reach the target option by inputting the key while securing the response to the user's input while looking at the first few candidates.

  In addition, all the forms which combined the said 1st Embodiment-3rd Embodiment and its modification are also included in this invention.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of various data are not limited to this, and needless to say, the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, recording medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  The configuration of a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a computer-readable recording medium (storage medium) that records a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 12, and 13 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program and reading it, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a system to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus which can implement | achieve the client browser 003 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the instruction | indication to the application server 001 from the key operation by the user on the client browser 003, the process sent to the database server 002 from the application server 001, and the process of returning data from the application server 001 to the client browser 003. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the instruction | indication to the application server 001 from the key operation by the user on the client browser 003, the process sent to the database server 002 from the application server 001, and the process of returning data from the application server 001 to the client browser 003. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of the client browser 003 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of the application server 001 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen displayed on the client browser 003. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection list data of this embodiment sent in response to the client browser 003 from the application server 001. It is a figure which shows an example of the choice of the input field 1200 displayed on the input screen of the client browser 003 when the number of results of a search exceeds the number of displayed items in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the “continuation line present” message “and more ...” 1201 in FIG. 9 is clicked and all options are displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of the display number setting file stored in the external storage device 105 of the information processing apparatus in which the client browser 003 is installed. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of the client browser 003 in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of the application server 001 in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the search restriction | limiting setting file stored in the external storage device of the information processing apparatus which mounts the application server 001. It is a figure which shows a mode that the search restriction message was displayed on the client browser 003 when the number of search results exceeded the search restriction. It is a figure which shows an example of the choice of the input field 1200 displayed on the input screen of the client browser 003 when the number of the search results exceeds the display number in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the computer-readable recording medium (storage medium) which recorded the program for functioning a computer as an information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

001 Application server 002 Database server (DB server)
003 Client browser 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
104 NIC
105 External storage device 106 Input device 107 Display device

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus that performs input support by sequentially displaying search results based on character strings sequentially input in an input field as a selectable list,
Input character string acquisition means for acquiring a character string from the input field every time there is a character input in the input field;
Search result acquisition means for acquiring a search result according to the character string acquired by the character string acquisition means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the number of search results acquired by the search result acquisition means exceeds a predetermined number;
If the determination means determines that the number of search results does not exceed the predetermined number, the search means displays all of the search results as a selectable list, while the determination means displays the number of search results as the predetermined number. When it is determined that the number exceeds the number, the predetermined number of search results are displayed as a selectable list from the search results, and an additional display option for displaying the search results not displayed in the list is also displayed. Display control means for controlling
An information processing apparatus comprising:   2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein when the additional display option is selected from the list, the display control unit displays search results that are not displayed in the list as a selectable list. apparatus.   3. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit also displays the number of the search results when the determination unit determines that the number of the search results exceeds the predetermined number. 4. apparatus.   The search result acquisition unit requests a search request according to the character string acquired by the character string acquisition unit, and acquires the search result from the server in response to the search request. 4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit displays an error message when the search result acquisition unit cannot acquire the search result. When the number of the search results exceeds a predetermined search limit number, the server replies to the search result acquisition unit with a message that the search is stopped because the search limit number is exceeded,
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit displays the message when the message is acquired by the search result acquisition unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets the predetermined number. A control method for an information processing apparatus that performs input support by sequentially displaying search results based on character strings sequentially input in an input field as a selectable list,
An input character string obtaining unit, an input character string obtaining step for obtaining a character string from the input field every time there is a character input in the input field;
A search result acquisition means for acquiring a search result according to the character string acquired in the character string acquisition step;
A determination step for determining whether or not the number of search results acquired in the search result acquisition step exceeds a predetermined number;
When it is determined in the determination step that the number of the search results does not exceed the predetermined number, the display control means displays all of the search results as a selectable list, while the search result in the determination step. When it is determined that the number of items exceeds the predetermined number, the predetermined number of search results are displayed as a selectable list from the search results, and an additional display for displaying search results that are not displayed in the list Display control means for controlling to display options for use;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: An information processing device that performs input support by sequentially displaying search results based on character strings sequentially input in an input field as a selectable list,
Input character string acquisition means for acquiring a character string from the input field every time there is a character input in the input field;
Search result acquisition means for acquiring a search result corresponding to the character string acquired by the character string acquisition means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the number of search results acquired by the search result acquiring means exceeds a predetermined number;
If the determination means determines that the number of search results does not exceed the predetermined number, the search means displays all of the search results as a selectable list, while the determination means displays the number of search results as the predetermined number. When it is determined that the number exceeds the number, the predetermined number of search results are displayed as a selectable list from the search results, and an additional display option for displaying the search results not displayed in the list is also displayed. Display control means to control,
Program to function as.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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