JP3058388B2 - Information presentation device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information presenting apparatus for displaying an image in which a group of image components representing an information unit is arranged as a graph and analyzing and evaluating information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional techniques mainly include a technique for visualizing numerical data, a technique for expressing knowledge in artificial intelligence, a browser technique for hypertext, and a technique for visualizing multivariable data.

First, a numerical data visualization technique will be described. The most common type of this technology is a graph creation function in spreadsheet software or the like. For example, Micro
Microsoft E of Microsoft * (registered trademark)
In xcel * (trademark), numerical data can be input as a table and expressed as a graph such as a scatter diagram (Reference [1]). This visualization technology is also used for visualizing scientific data. For example, in “Numerical data visualization method and apparatus” (reference [2]), numerical data is converted into an image represented as a hierarchical data structure. Then, the image can be rapidly expressed as a three-dimensional figure or a two-dimensional figure.

[0004] As a technique of expressing knowledge in artificial intelligence, there is SemNet (reference [3]). SemN
In et et, knowledge is arranged in a three-dimensional space and presented to the user in order to present the state of a knowledge base holding a large amount of knowledge to the user. There are three types of placement methods in the three-dimensional space: placement based on the attribute of each knowledge, placement based on the relationship between knowledge, and placement specified by the user. In particular, in the arrangement method based on the attribute of each knowledge, ordered data can be received from the knowledge base, mapped to a three-dimensional space, and nodes can be displayed.

[0005] As a hypertext browser technology, there is NoteCards (reference [4]).
NoteCards has a browser function for arranging icons representing information described in card units on a two-dimensional plane. Then, the inclusion relation, reference relation, and the like between the cards are automatically expressed by a straight line. Further, when an icon is designated, a corresponding card is displayed, and the contents of information included in the card can be known.

[0006] As a multivariable data visualization technology, SM
AP (reference [5]). This is a technique for displaying data having many variables on one screen. For example, "Number of employees, sales, number of sales offices, number of business owners ...
It is possible to display the relationship of customer data composed of data such as "." On one screen.

Reference [1] Akiyasu Kaji, Yasuhiko Shimadzu.
"Introduction to Excel 2.2", B.N.N., 1981. pp. 278-280. Reference [2] JP-A-4-229380 Numerical data visualization method and apparatus (International Business Machines Corporation) Reference [3] Fairchild, Kim M. ,
Polrock, Steven E. et al. , Furna
s, George W.S. , "SemNet:
Three-Dimensional Graphic
Representatives of Large
Knowledge Bases ", In Cogni
live Science and Its Appl
indications for Human-Computing
er Interaction, Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates, Inc. H
illsDale: New Jersey, 198
8, pp. 201-233. Literature [4] Halasz, Frank G. , ”
Reflections on NoteCards:
Seven Issues for the Next
Generation of Hypermedia
Systems ”, Communications
of the ACM, Vol. 31, No.
7, 1988 July, pp. 7-28. 833-85
2. Literature [5] Toshihiro Abe, "Forefront Report People Without Creativity Leave," Active Brain "
Nikkei Information Strategy, 1993 August,
pp. 60-67.

[0008]

The technique for visualizing numerical data is a technique for graphing numerical data. However, these are merely representations of numerical values as graphs, and the images constituting the graphs do not directly represent the existence of information. In the knowledge expression technology, the hypertext browser technology, and the multivariable data visualization technology, an image indicating the presence of information is arranged on a plane. However, this image did not represent a graph as a whole. Other than hypertext browser technology, direct access to information was not possible by pointing to images.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an information presenting apparatus for arranging, on a plane or space, an image component representing the existence of an information unit based on a value included in the information unit or a value obtained by evaluating the information unit. It is an object to arrange the image components so that the whole constitutes a graph. Furthermore, by indicating the image component,
It is also an issue to be able to access information units. This makes it possible for a user to construct a graph under various conditions and access the information unit itself to analyze the information unit from multiple angles.

[0010]

Information presentation device of the present invention SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (Claim 1), the information unit retaining means 4b for holding a plurality of information units, item data holding unit 1d for storing information about items, item data retention A frequency holding unit 1c that counts and stores the number of information units that meet the conditions of each item stored in the unit for each item and reads the information unit stored in the information unit holding unit 4b, and reads the item data storage unit. 1
a graphic value calculating means for calculating a value for arranging an image component representing an information unit as a graph based on the information stored in d ;
Based on the number of information units held in the value and frequency holding means.
Position calculating means 2g for determining the placement of the image components to have,
It has an image generating means 2h for generating an image in which image components are arranged at the determined positions, and a display means 2c for displaying the generated image.

[0011] An information presentation device of the present invention (claim 2) comprises: an information unit holding means 4b for holding a plurality of information units; an item data holding means 1d for storing information on items;
Attempt to place based on the value calculated by the graphed value calculation means
Image components and image components that have already been placed
Graphing heavy to detect whether overlapping image with the original results
The information unit stored in the multiple image detection unit 1f and the information unit storage unit 4b is read, and the item data storage unit 1b is read.
Based on the information stored in d, the graphing value calculation means 1h and ,, graphed value calculating means for calculating a value for placing the image element representing the information unit as a graph
Duplication is detected by the calculated value and graphed duplicate image detection means.
Position calculating means 2g for deciding the arrangement of the image components based on the positions not output, image generating means 2h for generating an image in which the image components are arranged at the determined positions, and display for displaying the generated images Means 2c.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information presenting apparatus for maintaining a correspondence between information units and image components of a displayed image in addition to the structure of the first or second aspect. Means 4a, and component designation means 5 for receiving an instruction for a component of an image displayed on the display means 2c.
a, a corresponding information searching means 5b for searching for an information unit corresponding to the designated image component based on the correspondence held by the correspondence holding means, and a content presenting means for presenting the contents of the searched information unit 5c. In addition, the present invention
The information presentation device (Claim 4) of Claim 1 or Claim 1
When deciding the arrangement of image components in addition to the configuration of 2
The duplication detection means 2d or 2e for detecting the duplication of the arrangement
And if a duplicate is detected by the duplicate detection means,
And a change position calculating means 2j for calculating the position .

[0013]

The information unit holding means 4b holds a plurality of pieces of information. The information unit read from the information unit holding unit 4b is compared with the conditions stored in the item data holding unit 1d, and the value for graphing is calculated by the graphing value calculation unit 1h. The frequency of the information unit corresponding to each item is stored in the frequency holding unit 1c. The calculated value and frequency are converted into position information on the display by the position calculating means 2g. The correspondence between the position information and the information unit is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a. The image generating unit 2h generates an image in which an image constituent unit expressing the existence of the information unit is arranged at the calculated position,
It is displayed on the display means 2c. At the same time, the frequency display means 2b displays information stored in the frequency storage means 1c, and the item name display means 2a displays the item name of each item stored in the item data storage means 1d. This allows
It becomes possible to read the information unit and display the corresponding image component like a graph.

An image displayed on the display unit 2c is detected by the graphed duplicate image detection unit 1f and sent to the position calculation unit 2g. This makes it possible to read the information unit and display the corresponding image component like a graph without holding the frequency. The information included in the graph shape holding unit 1e is accessed by the graphing value calculation unit 1h when the shape of the graph is generated by the arrangement of the image constituent units. The information included in the duplication degree holding unit 1i is accessed by the graphing value calculation unit 1h when arranging image constituent units so as to be overlapped to form a graph.

Next, a case where a corresponding information unit is presented by designating an image component (claim 3) will be described. In this case, the instruction for the image component from the user is received by the component instruction unit 5a and sent to the correspondence information search unit 5b. The correspondence information searching means 5b searches the correspondence holding means 4a, extracts the information unit stored in the information unit holding means 4b based on the search result, and presents it to the content presentation means 5c. Thus, it is possible to receive a user instruction for an image component and present a corresponding information unit.

Here, some of the means provided in the embodiment will be described. In one embodiment, an expansion rule storage unit 1a that stores rules for expanding each item condition stored in the item data storage unit 1d, and a rule stored in the expansion rule storage unit 1a. It is possible to add an item data expanding means for expanding the conditions stored in the item data holding means 1d. In this case, the item data stored in the item data storage unit 1d may be expanded by the item data expansion unit 1a based on the rules stored in the expansion rule storage unit 1b in advance. If the information units cannot be simply arranged, an evaluation value calculation unit 3a is provided, and the evaluation unit 3a evaluates and calculates a value. This makes it possible to compose a graph under more detailed conditions.

Further, in another embodiment, an arrangement width holding means 1j for storing the arrangement width of the image constituting units constituting the graph may be added. The information included in the array width holding unit 1j is accessed by the graphing value calculation unit 1h when forming a graph while sequentially arranging the image constituent units at a constant width. Also, in the case of a configuration in which an interpolated image generating unit 2f for generating an image that connects image components is provided, the interpolated image generating unit 2f generates an image for interpolating between the image components. Then, it is provided to the image generating means 2h. A component shape holding unit 2 for storing the shape of the image component for each item;
In a configuration to which i is added, when a change is made to the shape of a component, the shape of each image component is saved. This information is also used when the image generating means 2h forms an image. These allow various graph representations. Further, the number of information units that can be expressed in a certain display width increases.

In the case where the display range holding means 1g for holding the relationship between the arrangement method and the number of arrangements of the image components is added, the relationship between the display method and the frequency suitable for display is stored therein. Thus, it is possible to select an appropriate display method corresponding to the frequency.

In a configuration in which the position data holding means for holding the position where the image components are arranged and the overlapping image changing means for changing the image components when the positions are overlapped are added, the position data holding means 2 d The position calculated by the means 2g is stored. Then, when the position calculating means 2g arranges a new image component, this information is searched. If there is an overlap, the image component is arranged at the new position calculated by the change position calculating means 2j. Instead of changing the position, the expression of the image component can be changed by the overlapping image changing unit 2k. Further, it is also possible to provide a position overlapping image detecting means 2e, thereby detecting an image displayed on the display means 2c and detecting an overlap. As a result, even when the displayed graph exceeds the display range, it is possible to grasp how much the graph has exceeded.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The features of the present invention will be specifically described below based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. (Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information presentation device for implementing the present invention. This device is
It includes a graphing processing unit 1, a display processing unit 2, an information unit evaluation unit 3, an information holding unit 4, and a content search presentation unit 5. The graphing processing unit 1 expands the condition stored in the item data holding unit based on the rule stored in the expansion rule holding unit, and stores each item stored in the item data holding unit. Expansion rule storage unit 1b for storing rules for expanding item conditions, frequency storage unit 1c for storing the number of information units meeting the conditions of each item, item data storage unit 1d for storing information on items, image configuration A graph shape holding unit 1 that forms a graph of a certain shape in the entire arrangement of elements and stores the arrangement.
e, a graphed duplicated image detecting unit 1f for detecting duplication of images when calculating a value for graphing, a display range holding unit 1g for storing a relationship between an arrangement method and the number of arrangements of image components, an information unit A graphing value for reading an information unit stored in the storage unit and calculating a value for arranging an image component expressing the information unit as a graph based on the information stored in the item data storage unit Calculation means 1
h, an overlap degree holding unit 1i for storing the degree of overlap of the display of the image constituent units, and an array width holding unit 1j for storing the array width of the image constituent units forming the graph.

The display processing unit 2 includes an item name display unit 2a for displaying the name of each item, a frequency display unit 2b for displaying the number of information units meeting the conditions of each item, and a display for displaying a generated image. Means 2c, position data holding means 2d for holding the positions where the image components are arranged, position overlap image detecting means 2e for detecting image overlap based on the displayed image, and coupling between the image components Interpolated image generating means 2f for generating an image, position calculating means 2g for determining the arrangement of image components, image generating means 2h for generating an image in which the image components are arranged at the determined positions, Component shape holding means 2i for storing shapes, change position calculating means 2j for calculating a new arrangement when positions overlap, and overlapping image change for changing image components when positions overlap. With a stage 2k. Information unit evaluation unit 3
Has an evaluation value calculation means 3a for reading an information unit stored in the information unit holding means and calculating a value evaluated based on the property of each piece of information itself and external conditions.

The information holding unit 4 has a correspondence holding unit 4a for holding a correspondence between an information unit and an image component of an image to be displayed, and an information unit holding unit 4b for holding a plurality of information units. The content search / presentation unit 5 receives a command for a component of the image displayed on the display unit, a component specifying unit 5a, a corresponding information search unit 5b for searching for an information unit corresponding to the specified image component, and Content presenting means 5c for presenting the content of the information unit. FIG. 2 is an example of a configuration of a display screen of the information presentation device of the present embodiment. On the left side, each display screen of an item name display unit 2a, a frequency display unit 2b, and a display unit 2c in the display processing unit 2, The display screen of the content presentation means 5c of the content search / presentation unit 4 is arranged on the right side.

(Graphic image display--frequency count) First, an example will be described in which information units are sequentially read, the frequency of information units meeting the conditions included in the item data is counted, and displayed as a graph. Information unit holding means 4b
It is assumed that a plurality of information units are stored, for example, in a form as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing this processing. First, the item name display means 2a
The item name and the position information are read from the information stored in the item data holding unit 1d in the form as shown in FIG.
The item name is displayed at an appropriate position as shown in FIG. 6 (step S4a). The item data expanding means 1a reads a condition part before expansion of the information stored in the item data holding means 1d in the form of FIG.
Is developed based on the rules stored in the form as described above, converted as shown in FIG. 8, and stored in the item data holding means 1d (step S4b). After the above processing, the graphing value calculation unit 1h reads the information unit stored in the information unit holding unit 4b (Step S4c).

If the value of the read information cannot be calculated as it is, it is evaluated by the evaluation value calculation means 3a (step S4d). The evaluation is performed by extracting, converting, or calculating specific information. For example: ● Extract numerical values, characters, words, phrases, sentences, etc. contained in the content part. ● Calculate the number and composition of character types such as English characters, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. ● Extract title content, contained words, phrases, etc. ● Morphological analysis of the text body to extract words, etc., and to estimate the particles used and other tendencies. ● Extract and calculate the number, type, length, tendency, etc. of assigned keywords. ● Calculate styles and expressions of included sentences, average length of sentences, etc. ● Calculate the composition ratio between each component such as title, text body, and keyword. ● Using language processing technology, abstracts are extracted, the field of the written content is estimated, and the importance of the content when analyzed from a certain viewpoint is calculated.

Next, each item data of the item data holding means 1d is compared with each item data to calculate a value for graphing (step S4e). Then, the frequency of the portion that matches the condition of the frequency data stored in the frequency holding unit 1c in the form of FIG. 9 is incremented (step S4).
f). The value and frequency for graphing are calculated by the position calculating means 2g.
And the position on the display is calculated (step S4).
g). Then, the image generating unit 2h generates an image in which the image components representing the information units are arranged at the calculated positions (Step S4h). At the same time, the correspondence between the information units and the positions of the image components is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a in the form of a correspondence table between the identifiers of the information units and the coordinates of the positions of the image components as shown in FIG. Step S4
i). Then, an intermediate image obtained by adding a new image component to the previous image is displayed on the display unit 2c as shown in FIG. 11 (step S4j). This process is repeated until reading of the necessary information unit is completed (step S4).
k). Then, after the reading is completed, the frequency stored in the frequency holding means 1c is displayed on the frequency display means 2b (step S41). And item names, image components,
Display means 2 displays the final image including the frequency as shown in FIG.
c and the process ends (step S4m). Image components expressing the existence of information are stacked on the item name,
In this example, a bar graph is configured as a whole. Also,
When arranging the image components, the information stored in the image component shape holding unit 2i as the correspondence table between the item names and the shapes as shown in FIG. It is possible to change the shape of the image component. Through the above processing, the image components expressing the information units can be arranged like a graph. Further, by changing the position by another value, it is possible to form a shape like a line graph as shown in FIG. As described above, any graph can be created by changing the arrangement of the image components.

(Graphed Image Display--Image Detection) An example will be described in which information units are sequentially read, and image components that are already displayed are detected and displayed as a graph. It is assumed that a plurality of information units are stored in the information unit holding unit 4b, for example, in a form as shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing this processing. Steps S16a to S16e are exactly the same as the processes from steps S4a to S4e in the flowchart shown in FIG. After determining the values for graphing, first, the position for accumulating the image components and the accumulated position are set to 0 (step S).
16f). In the case of this example, it is the lowermost part of the image display means. Then, it is detected whether or not there is an image at that position (step S16g). If there is no image, the position is set as the arrangement position of the image component (step S16h). If there is an image, the accumulated position is incremented (in this case, the position is shifted upward by one) (step S16i). This process is repeated until the image can be arranged. Then, the image generating means 2h converts the image component expressing the information unit into
Generate an image arranged at the calculated position (step S
16j). At the same time, the correspondence between the information units and the positions of the image components is stored in the correspondence holding unit in a form as shown in FIG. 10 (step S16k). Then, an intermediate image in which the new image component is added to the previous image is displayed on the display unit 2c as shown in FIG. 11 (step S16).
l). This process is repeated until reading of the necessary information unit is completed (step S16m). Then, after the reading is completed, the frequency is displayed on the frequency display means 2b. However, since the frequencies are not stored, processing such as calculating the height at which the image component is displayed is required to display the frequencies (step S16n). Then, the final image including the item names, image components, and frequencies is shown in FIG.
The information is displayed on the display means 2c as shown in FIG. Image components expressing the presence of information are stacked on the item names, and in this example, a bar graph is configured as a whole. Through the above processing, the image components expressing the information units can be arranged like a graph.

(Appropriate Display Method) An example in which information units are sequentially read, the display method is determined in accordance with the accumulated frequency, and displayed as a graph will be described. It is assumed that a plurality of information units are stored in the information unit holding unit 4b, for example, in a form as shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing this processing. Graphed value calculation means 1h
Reads the information unit stored in the information unit holding means 4b in the form shown in FIG. 3 (step S17a). And
A value for graphing is calculated based on the condition of the item data holding unit 1d (step S17b), and stored in the position data holding unit 2d in the form of FIG. 18 (step S17).
c). At the same time, the frequency data stored in the frequency holding means 1c in the form shown in FIG. 9 is incremented (step S17d). This process is repeated until all target information units are read (step S17e).

Based on the read data, a display method corresponding to the frequency is selected and arranged as a graph (step S17f). The specific processing of this processing is shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, of the frequency data stored in the frequency holding means 1c, the largest one is detected (step S19a). Then, a process corresponding to the maximum frequency is determined based on the correspondence between the frequency and the display method stored in the display range holding unit 1g in the form shown in FIG. In this example, the process is divided into six processes.

When the frequency is 1 to 10, an image in which the components between the image components are complemented is generated. Here, the position calculating unit 2g arranges each component at a position in consideration of the interpolation of the image (Step S19b). Then, an interpolated image is generated by the interpolated image generating means 2h as needed (step S19c). An image in which the image component and the interpolated image are combined is used as the image generation unit 2h
Is generated in the form as shown in FIG. The image components are arranged with a certain width, and a straight line interpolates between them. Also, by arranging based on two or more values, a display as shown in FIG. 22 is also possible. (Step S
19i). Also, the relationship between image components and information units is
It is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a in the form as shown in FIG. 10 (step S19j). When the frequency is 11 to 50, a normal display method is selected. Here, the position calculating unit 2g arranges each component in the image by a normal method (step S19d). Then, an image in which the image components are arranged is generated by the image generating means 2h in the form shown in FIG. 12 described above (step S19i). Also,
The relationship between the image component and the information unit is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a in the form as shown in FIG. 10 (step S1).
9j).

When the frequency is 51 to 70, a display method in which image components are overlapped at a certain degree is selected. Here, the position calculating unit 2g arranges each component according to the overlapping degree (50% in this case) stored in the overlapping degree holding unit 1i (step S19e). Then, an image in which the image components are arranged is generated in a form as shown in FIG. 23 by the image generating means 2h. In this example, half of the image components are displayed while overlapping (step S19i). Further, the relationship between the image component and the information unit is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a in a form as shown in FIG. 10 (step S19j).

When the frequency is 71 to 100, a display method for arranging the image components in a fixed form is selected. Here, the position calculating means 2g sequentially arranges the respective constituent elements based on the graph shape stored in the form shown in FIG. 24 in the graph shape holding means 1e (step S19f).
Then, an image in which the image components are arranged is generated in a form as shown in FIG. 25 by the image generating means 2h. In this example, the image components are sequentially stacked while bending right and left. Of course, this graph shape may be any shape (step S19i). Further, the relationship between the image component and the information unit is determined by the correspondence holding unit 4.
a in the form shown in FIG. 10 (step S19).
j).

When the frequency is 101 to 200, a method of arranging image components in three rows is adopted. Here, the position calculating unit 2g arranges each component according to the array width (3 in this case) stored in the array width holding unit 1j (Step S19g). Then, an image in which the image components are arranged is generated in a form as shown in FIG. 26 by the image generating means 2h (step S19i). Also,
The relationship between the image component and the information unit is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a in the form as shown in FIG. 10 (step S1).
9j).

When the frequency is 201 or more, a method of reducing image components and arranging them in five rows is adopted. Here, the position calculating means 2g is used as the array width holding means 1j.
Are arranged according to the array width (5 in this case) stored in (step S19h). Then, an image in which the reduced image components are arranged is generated by the image generating means 2h in a form as shown in FIG. 27 (step S19i). Further, the relationship between the image component and the information unit is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a in a form as shown in FIG. 10 (step S19j).

When the above processing is completed, the processing returns to the processing in the flowchart of FIG. The above processing is repeated for all data (step S17h). Then, the final result is displayed on the display means 2c, and the process ends (step S17h). Through the above processing, it is possible to select an appropriate display method according to the frequency and arrange image components.

(Measures for Exceeding Display Range) Next, a description will be given of a process for arranging image components and allowing an outline of the extent of the overrun even if the overshoot occurs.

(Position Search + Duplicate Correction) FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a process of retrieving position data and changing the position of an image component when there is an overlap. The graphing value calculation unit 1h reads the information unit stored in the information unit holding unit 4b in the form of FIG. 3 (step S2).
8a). Then, a value for graphing is calculated based on the condition of the item data holding unit 1d (step S28).
b) The frequency stored in the frequency holding means 1c in the form of FIG. 9 is incremented (step S28c). The position calculating unit 2g calculates the position of the image component from the graphing value and the frequency (step S28d). Next, the position data stored in the position data holding unit 2d in the form shown in FIG. 18 is searched (step S28e). If the positions overlap, a new position is determined by using a random number or the like (step S28f). The determined position is
It is stored in the position data holding means 2d (step S28)
g). An image to which a new image component has been added is generated by the image generating means 2h (step S28h). The relationship between the position of the image component and the information unit is stored in the correspondence holding unit 4a in the form of FIG. 10 (step S28).
i). Then, an intermediate display is displayed on the display unit 2c (step S28j). This process is repeated for the number of necessary information units (step S28k). The final result is displayed on the display means 2c, and the process ends. FIG.
It is an example of a display at the time of processing by this method. Image components that exceed the display range are displayed as if they were scattered at the upper limit position. With this, it is possible to know the outline of how much the display range has been exceeded.

(Position Search + Duplicate Change) FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a process of retrieving position data and, when there is a duplication, changing the display of image components.
The processing from step S30a to step S30e is
This is exactly the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. If there is an overlap, the image generation means changes the image components of the overlapped portion according to the number of overlaps (step S30f). Then, the position and its overlapping number are recorded in the position data holding means 2d in the form of FIG. 31 (step S30g). The subsequent processing is also described in FIG.
8 is the same. FIG. 32 is a display example when processing is performed by this method. An image component that exceeds the display range is displayed in an unusual form at the upper limit position. In this case, the image is enlarged and displayed. Of course, a method such as increasing the density of the image may be used. With this, it is possible to know the outline of how much the display range has been exceeded.

(Image Detection + Duplication Correction) FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a process of retrieving an image displayed on the display means 2c and, if there is an overlap, changing the position of an image component. Step S33a to step S3
The processing up to 3d is exactly the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 28 described above. Here, duplication is detected by detecting the image displayed on the display unit 2c (step S33e). The subsequent processing is the same as in the case of FIG. 28 described above. FIG. 29 is a display example when processing is performed by this method. Image components that exceed the display range are displayed as if they were scattered at the upper limit position. With this, it is possible to know the outline of how much the display range has been exceeded.

(Image Detection + Duplicate Change) FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing a process of retrieving an image displayed on the display means 2c and, if there is an overlap, changing the display of image components. . The processing from step S34a to step S34d is exactly the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 30 described above. Here, duplication is detected by detecting the image displayed on the display unit 2c (step S34e). The subsequent processing is as described in FIG.
Is the same as FIG. 32 is a display example when processing is performed by this method. Image components that exceed the display range
It is displayed in an unusual form at the upper limit position. In this case, the image is enlarged and displayed. Of course, a method such as increasing the density of the image may be used. With this, it is possible to know the outline of how much the display range has been exceeded.

(Content Presentation) Next, the process of presenting the content of the information unit according to the instruction of the image component will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing this processing. The component designating means 5a receives an instruction for an image constituent from the user and sends it to the correspondence information search means 5b (step S35a). The correspondence information searching means 5b searches for information stored in the correspondence holding means 4a in the form of FIG. 10, for example, based on the user's instruction, determines which information unit the user has designated, and determines the ID. Is obtained (step S35b). The corresponding information search means 5b stores the ID
And retrieves the corresponding information unit from the information unit holding means 4b (step S35c). Then, the content of the information unit is displayed on the content presentation means 5c (step S3).
5d). FIG. 36 shows an example in which the information unit corresponding to the image component designated by the user is presented to the content presentation means 5c.

[0041]

According to the information presentation apparatus of the present invention, a stored information unit is read, an evaluation value is calculated for each information unit if necessary, and an image component expressing the information unit is arranged as a graph. Image can be formed. At the same time, the corresponding information unit can be accessed by directly indicating the arranged image component. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange image components and switch to an appropriate display method when the display range is exceeded. In addition, even when such switching is not performed, it is possible to grasp the outline of the degree of the excess. As a result, the information unit can be grasped and analyzed as a graph while having a feeling that the information unit itself is directly arranged on the image. In addition, by changing the arrangement method and external conditions in various ways, it is possible to interpret the meaning of the information unit as a whole, to find a new perspective, It has become possible to discover ideas. This is very effective when analyzing a large amount of information, when planning the direction of information collection in the future, or when devising ideas.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment for realizing an information grasping device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the information grasping device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in an information unit holding unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing display processing of a graphed image by frequency counting.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in an item data holding unit (before development).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of item names.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in an expansion rule holding unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (after expansion) of information stored in an item data holding unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a frequency holding unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a correspondence holding unit;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an intermediate stage of a graph display.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example (bar graph) of displaying a graph.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a component shape holding unit;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example in which a graphic display is performed by changing image components.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of graph display (line graph).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing display processing of a graphed image by image detection.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process of selecting an appropriate display method according to the frequency and displaying a graphed image;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a position data holding unit.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for selecting an appropriate display method.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a display range holding unit.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display example (bar graph) obtained by interpolating between image components.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example (line graph) in which image components are interpolated.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example in which image components are displayed in an overlapping manner.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a graph shape holding unit.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example in which a graph shape is changed and displayed.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which image components are arranged and displayed.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example in which image components are reduced and arranged.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing processing for coping with excessive display of a graph by position search and overlap correction;

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a display example in which a graph display excess is dealt with by overlapping correction;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing processing for coping with excessive display of a graph by position search and duplication change;

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a position data holding unit when performing a duplicate change;

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a display example in which a graph display excess is dealt with by a duplicate change;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing processing for coping with excessive display of a graph by image detection and overlap correction.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing processing for coping with excessive display of a graph by image detection and duplication change.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing processing for presenting content.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a presentation example of contents.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Graphic processing unit, 1a ... Item data expanding means, 1b
... Expansion rule holding means, 1c ... frequency holding means, 1d ... item data holding means, 1e ... graph shape holding means, 1f ...
Graphed duplicate image detecting means, 1g ... display range holding means,
1h: graphed value calculating means, 1i: duplication degree holding means,
1j: Array width holding means, 2 ... Display processing unit, 2a ... Item name display means, 2b ... Frequency display means, 2c ... Display means, 2d
... Position data holding means, 2e ... Position duplicate image detecting means,
2f ... interpolated image generating means, 2g ... position calculating means, 2h ...
Image generating means, 2i ... component shape holding means, 2j ... change position calculating means, 2k ... overlapping image changing means, 3 ... information unit evaluation section, 3a ... evaluation value calculation means, 4 ... information holding section, 4
a ... Correspondence holding means, 4b ... Information unit holding means, 5 ...
Content search / presentation section, 5a ... component designation means, 5b ... correspondence information search means, 5c ... content presentation means

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-35737 (JP, A) JP-A-1-231175 (JP, A) Kamibayashi, Arikawa, "Overview function in graphic database and its functions" Realization ”, Information Processing Society of Japan, Vol. 86, no. 48 (DB-54), July 21, 1986, p. 54-10-1 to 54-10-8 (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 17/30 G06F 3/14 310 G06F 3/153 320 JICST file (JOIS)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An information unit holding means for holding a plurality of information units, an item data holding means for storing information on items, and an information unit stored in the information unit holding means, which is read into the item data holding means. Based on the stored information, a graphing value calculation unit that calculates a value for arranging an image component representing an information unit as a graph, and conforms to a condition of each item stored in the item data holding unit. The number of information units to be counted and stored for each item and stored in the frequency storage unit, and the calculated value of the graphed value calculation unit and stored in the frequency storage unit
Position calculating means for deciding the arrangement of image components based on the number of information units obtained, image generating means for generating an image in which the image components are arranged at the determined positions, and display for displaying the generated image Means, and an information presentation device, comprising: 2. An information unit holding means for holding a plurality of information units, an item data holding means for storing information on items, and an information unit stored in the information unit holding means, which is read into the item data holding means. Graphing value calculation means for calculating a value for arranging an image component representing an information unit as a graph based on the stored information, and an attempt is made to arrange based on a value calculated by the graphing value calculation means.
Image components and image components that have already been placed
Graphing heavy to detect whether overlapping image with the original results
The multiple image detecting means, the calculated value of the graphed value calculating means and the graphed duplicate image detection
Position calculating means for determining the arrangement of the image components based on the position at which no duplication is detected by the output means; image generating means for generating an image in which the image components are arranged at the determined positions; and the generated image. An information presentation device, comprising: display means for displaying 3. A component specifying means for receiving an instruction for a component of an image displayed on a display means, a corresponding information searching means for searching for an information unit corresponding to the specified image component, and a searched information unit 3. A content presenting means for presenting the content of the information, and a correspondence retaining means for retaining a correspondence between an information unit and an image component of an image to be displayed, wherein: Information presentation device. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining an arrangement of the image component.
Duplication detection means for detecting duplication of
Change position calculation to calculate new arrangement when duplication is detected
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said output means is added.
Item 2. The information presentation device according to Item 2.