JP3595757B2 - Data search device, data search method, and recording medium recording data search software - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for creating a database in which various data are illustrated on a predetermined image such as a map, and a data search device and a data search method using the database.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many statistical data such as census data can provide useful information on cities and regions. However, most of them are provided as numerical data, and very few are provided in a format that can be easily used by ordinary people, such as an information map showing statistical information of various cities. For this reason, in order to utilize various types of statistical data, the user who uses those statistical data himself selects and obtains statistical data that suits the purpose of each person, and converts the numerical data and the like into an information map. By converting to visual information, it was necessary to create an information map or the like that meets each need.
[0003]
Conventionally, as a method of creating such an information map, for example, a method as shown in a flowchart of FIG. 8 has been used. That is, first, a user selects statistical data (for example, data indicating a population rate distribution of 65 years or older) suitable for each purpose (step 801), and selects a range of an information map to be created by the user (for example, Kanto). Local area, Minato Ward, etc.) are determined (step 802). Then, statistical data included in the creation range of the information map determined in step 802 is input (step 803), and an information map is created (step 804).
[0004]
Subsequently, the obtained information map is analyzed (step 805), and it is determined whether or not the information desired by the user has been read from the information map (step 806). The creation processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 806 that the target information cannot be read, it is determined whether or not the expression method of the information map is appropriate (step 807). Returns to step 804 to create a new information map. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information map representation method is appropriate, the process proceeds to step 808, and it is determined whether the information map creation range is appropriate.
[0005]
If it is determined in step 808 that the creation range of the information map is not appropriate, the process returns to step 802, where the creation range of the information map to be created by the user is corrected, and the processing after step 803 is performed again. I do. On the other hand, if it is determined that the creation range of the information map is appropriate, the process proceeds to step 809, and it is determined whether the selection of the statistical data is appropriate.
[0006]
If it is determined in step 809 that the selection of the statistical data is not appropriate, the process returns to step 801 and the selection of the statistical data is performed again, and the processing of step 802 and thereafter is performed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selection of the statistical data is appropriate, there is no problem in the process of creating the information map, so the process returns to step 805, where the analysis of the information map is performed again, and the processes after step 806 are repeated. Do. As described above, conventionally, an information map that meets the needs of each user has been created by repeating the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional information map creation method as described above, target data is searched and obtained from a huge amount of statistical data, a region to be illustrated as an information map is determined, and city-specific data is input. Since the procedure of drawing the information map is required, the user has to be familiar with the statistical data and the information map drawing system. Therefore, for users with little knowledge and experience, it is difficult to handle statistical data and the burden is large, and useful statistical data having high use value has not been sufficiently utilized.
[0008]
The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to display various data on a predetermined image such as a map, and to obtain a valuable and useful utility. In using the database, even users with little knowledge or experience of statistical data, etc., can easily search for the desired data from a large amount of data, and display the image data that is easy to understand and illustrated. An object of the present invention is to provide a data search device and a data search method which can utilize statistical information effectively and accurately by obtaining the information.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a data search device according to claim 1 includes an image data Z, a useful information field X corresponding to the image data Z, a data name Y illustrated in the image data Z, and a In a data search device in which a computer searches for predetermined image data Z from a database having a keyword K in the information field X in accordance with an input search command, information is stored in either a row or a column of a table in a list format. A list of fields X is arranged, and a list of data names Y is arranged on the other side. At least a part of each cell of the table has a predetermined field in each information field list and a predetermined field in the data list. along with keywords K which is determined to display the data retrieval table of the arranged list format on the basis of the data, as a search result retrieved image data A display unit, an input unit for receiving an input for designating a predetermined keyword in a data search table displayed on the display unit, and image data previously associated with the keyword based on the designated keyword. And a search unit that searches the database for the search result and outputs the result to the display unit.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect of the present invention is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to a computer-readable recording medium storing the data search software according to the first aspect of the present invention. It is grasped from the viewpoint of.
[0011]
According to the first, third, or fifth aspect of the present invention having the above-described configuration, a desired operation can be performed by simply specifying a keyword from a table in a list format displayed on a display unit. Since image data can be easily retrieved, useful data can be used without excessive burden even for a user who has little knowledge and experience of various data.
In particular, the present invention enumerates various information shown in a certain information map as search factors (for example, statistical data names, information field names, etc.), and specifies the essential points of the information indicated by those search factors. It is configured such that an information map search table in a list form is created based on the search factors and the keywords, and the information map database can be accessed using this table. Even if there is no knowledge or experience in using statistical data, necessary statistical information can be easily obtained.
[0012]
Further, since various data can be displayed as image data that can be visually grasped, it becomes easier to utilize and persuasive information analysis becomes possible. Further, as an image data search table stored in the database in advance, a list-type image data search table is created based on a plurality of search factors and corresponding keywords, and the database can be accessed using this table. Since it is configured so that it can be used, various types of image data included in one search factor can be used to grasp and analyze the data in a multifaceted and multi-layered manner.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the input unit selects a desired one from an information field list or a data list arranged in a row or a column in a data search table displayed on the display unit. A first selection unit for selecting an information field or data; and a second selection unit for selecting a desired keyword from a row or a column selected by the first selection unit. It is.
[0014]
According to the invention of claim 2 having such a configuration, by tracing the rows or columns of the table in the form of a list, it is possible to easily find a keyword belonging to a desired information field or data, and to obtain a desired keyword. Can be easily input.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the database has document data S related to the image data Z , and the searching step includes the step of searching the image data Z related to a designated keyword. And document data S related to the image data Z, and the step of displaying the search result displays the document data in addition to the image data.
[0016]
According to the invention of claim 4 having such a configuration, when a keyword is designated, in addition to the image data previously associated with the keyword, the document data similarly associated with the keyword is also displayed. Then, information that cannot be expressed can be displayed.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an information map created using various kinds of statistical data collected in advance is referred to as “image data”.
[0018]
[1. How to create an information map database]
[1-1. Processing procedure for creating an information map database]
FIGS. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the structure of a database used for a data search device and a data search method according to the present invention and a method of creating the database. FIGS. 1 and 2 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure of database creation. It is.
[0019]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in step 101 (S101 in the figure ), using certain statistical data having a data name (Y) (for example, data representing the population distribution rate of 65 years or older). One of the information maps created in advance is selected and displayed. In step 102, a name (Z) based on the content is given to the selected information map, and the information map is stored in the image data storage unit as a file name. In step 103, basic information on the information map and various kinds of attention information read from the information map are described in a document sheet (S), and the document sheet is stored in a document data storage unit.
[0020]
In step 104, an information map management list (see FIG. 3) is displayed. At the first stage, this information map management list is blank. Then, in step 105, the name of the information map (Z: Kanto region) and the data name of the statistical data displayed on the information map (Y: population distribution rate of 65 years or older) are entered. In step 106, One social / technical information field (X) in which the information map ( information map having the name Z) is useful is selected. In step 107, for each of the information fields, the key points of useful information are expressed by keywords (K), and the information map management in which these keywords (K) are associated with the statistical data names (Y) shown in the information map. Create a list (see FIG. 3). In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, only one information map is associated with one keyword, but one information map is not necessarily associated with one keyword, and a plurality of keywords are associated with one information map. Sometimes.
[0021]
In step 108, it is determined whether or not the creation of the information map management list has been completed for all information fields (X) for which the information map (Z) is useful. If not, the process returns to step 106. , One other information field (X) is selected, and the processing after step 107 is performed. Thus, an information map management list for a certain information map (Z) is created. If the creation of the information map management list has been completed for all the information fields (X) for which the information map (Z) is useful, the process proceeds to step 109 and has another data name (Y). It is determined whether there is an information map created using another statistical data .
[0022]
Then, when there is an information map created using another statistical data having another data name (Y), the process returns to step 101 and the processes from step 102 onward are repeated. On the other hand, if there is no unprocessed information map, in other words, if the above processing has been completed for all information maps, the process proceeds to step 110.
[0023]
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2, in step 110, an information map search table in a list format having " data name Y " on the vertical axis (y row) and " information field X " on the horizontal axis (x column). (See FIG. 4) is displayed. At the first stage, this information map search table is blank.
[0024]
In step 111, one keyword (K) is selected from the information map management list (see FIG. 3), and a data name (Y), an information field (X), and an information map (X) corresponding to the keyword (K) are selected. Read Z). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, _one keyword (K ₁ ) is selected from the information map management list, and a data name (Y ₁ ) corresponding to the keyword (K ₁ ), an information field (X ₂₂ ), And the information map (Z ₁ ) is read. In FIG. 3, Z _3a and Z _3b are the same data (Y ₃ ) in which different information can be read by changing the representation method (map scale, legend division, area, etc.). Is shown.
[0025]
Then, in step 112, the data name (Y) and the cell (y = Y row, x = X column) defined by the data name (Y) and the information field (X) on the information map search table corresponding to the information map (Z) are stored. The keyword (K) is reprinted. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a data name (Y ₁ ) is searched from “statistical data list” on the vertical axis of the information map search table corresponding to the information map (Z) (Z ₁ ). The information field (X ₂₂ ) is searched from the “information field list” on the horizontal axis, and the keyword (K ₁ ) is input to the cell defined by both fields.
[0026]
Subsequently, in step 113, the cell (Y row, X column) where the keyword (K) of the information map search table is located is associated with the information map (Z), which is an image file stored in the image data storage unit. Further, in step 114, the information map (Z) is associated with the document file of the document sheet (S) stored in the document data storage unit.
[0027]
Next, in step 115, it is determined whether or not there is an unprocessed keyword in the information map management list. If there is an unprocessed keyword, the process returns to step 111 and repeats the processing from step 112. On the other hand, if there is no unprocessed keyword, in other words, if the information map search tables have been created for all keywords, the information map database creation processing ends.
[0028]
[1-2. Action / Effect]
As described above, according to this embodiment, for statistical data that is socially and technically useful, an information map and an explanatory document that describes basic information on the use of statistical data and attention information of the information map are created in advance. Can be stored as a database.
[0029]
In addition, the vertical axis describes a “statistical data list” in which all statistical data used for a certain information map are classified according to a predetermined data division, and the horizontal axis represents a plurality of useful information obtained from the information map. A list of information fields, in which the information fields are classified according to a predetermined division, is described, and the information corresponding to the cell is included in a cell where "a certain data" and "a certain information field" in each list intersect. An information map search table in the form of a list that describes the keywords that represent key points is created, and this table can be used to access the information map database. If not, a useful database from which necessary statistical information can be easily obtained can be obtained.
[0030]
[1-3. Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modified examples can be considered. That is, in the above embodiment, two factors of the data name and the information field are used as the search factors for the information map, but it goes without saying that various other factors can be used.
[0031]
Further, in the above embodiment, the information map is “image data”, but in addition, the drug / medical technology is “data”, a plurality of applicable fields are “information fields”, clinical data and May be used as "image data", and medical attention information read therefrom may be used as "keywords". In addition, advanced technologies or products developed one after another are referred to as “data,” the social and technical application fields are referred to as “information fields,” and image information that conveys the details and performance of the technology is referred to as “image data.” Characteristic information on the aspect or application may be used as the “keyword”.
[0032]
[2. Information Map Search Device]
Next, a data search device and a search method of the present invention using the information map database will be described.
[0033]
[2-1. Constitution]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the data search device according to the present invention. That is, the data search device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of search factors such as statistical data and an information field listed on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, and information describing at least one keyword included in each search factor. A map search table, an information map database 1 storing information maps and document data associated with the keywords, and one of a plurality of search factors described in the information map search table according to a user's instruction. A first selection unit 2 for selecting a search factor, a second selection unit 3 for selecting a desired keyword from keywords included in the search factor selected by the first selection unit, A search unit 4 for searching an information map and document data associated with the keyword specified by the second selection unit; Figure and search table, a display unit 5 for displaying the information map of the search results and document sheets, etc., and includes an input unit 6 such as a keyboard, a display, and an output unit 7 such as a printer.
[0034]
[2-2. Action / Effect]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in an embodiment of the data search device according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a desired information map and a document sheet are displayed by the processing procedure. .
[0035]
That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when a user tries to search for a target information map (Z) from an image data storage unit in which a plurality of information map files are stored, first, In step 601, the information map search table as described above is displayed according to a user's instruction.
[0036]
This information map search table is described in [1. As shown in FIG. 4, all statistical data used for the information map are classified according to a predetermined data division, and a vertical axis (y-line) is obtained. A plurality of information fields in which information obtained from the information map is useful has a horizontal axis (x column) classified according to a predetermined division, and information corresponding to the cell is included in a cell where the y row and the x column intersect. Is a table in the form of a list in which a keyword (K) representing the main point is described.
[0037]
Next, in step 602, the user inquires whether to search the information map search table from a data name which is one of the search factors, and when searching from the data name, the process proceeds to step 603. From the data list of the displayed information map search table, the user selects a data name ( for example, Y _{4 in} FIG. ₄ ) that the user wants to search, and then, in step 604, the horizontal axis of the selected data name (Y ₄ ) Is selected from the keywords (for example, K ₇ , K ₈ , K ₆ ... In FIG. 4) most suitable for the purpose of use of the user.
[0038]
Subsequently, in step 605, when the user determines (clicks) a cell (Y row, X column) in which the selected keyword (K) is described, as shown in FIG. The image file linked to is retrieved from the information map database, and the corresponding information map (Z) is displayed on the screen.
[0039]
Further, in step 606, the user inquires whether to open the explanation document of the displayed information map. If so, the process proceeds to step 607 to display the explanation document of the information map. Then, in step 608, it is asked whether to end the information map search operation as described above, and when the search is to be further performed, the process returns to step 601 and the above processing is repeated.
[0040]
On the other hand, if the user does not want to search from the data name in step 602, the process proceeds to step 609, and the information field list of the displayed information map search table is strongly related to the use purpose of the user. An information field (for example, X12 in FIG. 4) is selected, and subsequently, in step 610, keywords (for example, K2, K10, K24... In FIG. 4) listed on the vertical axis of the selected information field (X12). From among the keywords, select one keyword most suitable for the purpose of use of the user. Then, the process proceeds to step 605, where the same processing as described above is performed.
[0041]
As described above, according to the information map search device of the present embodiment, the target information map can be easily searched using the “information map search table” stored in advance in the database. Even for users with little experience, useful statistical data can be used without excessive burden.
[0042]
That is, since the "information map search table" is provided with a "statistical data list" in which enormous types of statistical data are classified, the user can easily select target data by using this as a clue. It has been like that. In addition, the "information map search table" is provided with an "information field list" that classifies information that can be read from the information map according to social and technical fields of application, so even if the user cannot specify the data. By selecting in which field the information to be utilized is required, an information map can be easily searched.
[0043]
In addition, since various kinds of statistical data can be displayed as an information map that can be visually grasped, it is easier to utilize and persuasive information analysis can be performed. Further, as an "information map search table" stored in the database in advance, a table having an "information list" displayed on the vertical axis and an "information field list" displayed on the horizontal axis, for an information map described by "keywords" Therefore, by using various information maps arranged in one information field, it is possible to grasp and analyze regional information from multiple perspectives and layers.
[0044]
[2-3. Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and the following modified examples are conceivable. For example, as a search factor, one data name is selected from the “statistical data list” described on the vertical axis of the information map search table, and then the “information field list” described on the horizontal axis is selected. , One of the information fields may be selected and a search may be performed to determine whether or not there is a keyword in the cell defined by the two fields, in other words, whether or not information map data can be obtained. Further, as described above, even when the information map search table has a three-dimensional structure, desired information map data can be obtained in a similar manner.
[0045]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the invention relating to the data search device and the search method using the information map database has been described, but the data search device and the search method using the database storing various “image data” are the same. It goes without saying that it can be applied.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by a simple operation of selecting a predetermined keyword from a table displayed in a list format, even a user with little knowledge and experience regarding statistical data and the like, By easily retrieving target image data from a large number of image data, it is possible to provide a data retrieval device and a data retrieval method capable of effectively and accurately utilizing statistical information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a first half of a processing procedure of a database creation method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a latter half of a processing procedure of a database creation method according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an example of an information map management list. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an information map search table. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a data search device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a process in the data search device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the data search device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a conventional information map creation method.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information map database 2 ... 1st selection part 3 ... 2nd selection part 4 ... Search part 5 ... Display part 6 ... Input part 7 ... Output part

Claims (5)

From a database having image data Z, a useful information field X corresponding to the image data Z, a data name Y shown in the image data Z, and a keyword K in the information field X of the image data Z, in accordance with an input search command. In a data search device in which a computer searches for predetermined image data Z ,
A list of the information field X is arranged in one of the rows or columns of the table in the form of a list, a list of data names Y is arranged in the other, and at least some of the cells of the table are A data search table in a list format in which a keyword K determined based on a predetermined field in the information field list and predetermined data in the data list is displayed, and the searched image data is searched for A display section for displaying as
An input unit for receiving an input for designating a predetermined keyword in the data search table displayed on the display unit;
A search unit for searching the database for image data preliminarily associated with the keyword based on the specified keyword, and outputting the result to the display unit. apparatus. A first selection unit configured to select a desired information field or data from an information field list or a data list arranged in a row or a column in the data search table displayed on the display unit; 2. The data search device according to claim 1, further comprising a second selection unit that selects a desired keyword from a row or a column selected by the first selection unit. 3. From a database having image data Z, a useful information field X corresponding to the image data Z, a data name Y shown in the image data Z, and a keyword K in the information field X of the image data Z, in accordance with an input search command. In a data search method for searching for predetermined image data X by executing the following steps by a computer,
A list of the information field X is arranged in one of the rows or columns of the table in the form of a list, a list of data names Y is arranged in the other, and at least some of the cells of the table are Displaying a data search table in a list format in which a keyword K determined based on a predetermined field in the information field list and predetermined data in the data list is arranged;
Receiving an input specifying a predetermined keyword in the data search table displayed on the display unit;
Searching the database for image data previously associated with the keyword based on the designated keyword;
Displaying the searched image data as a search result. The database has document data S related to the image data Z ;
The retrieving step retrieves image data Z related to a designated keyword and document data S related to the image data Z ;
4. The data search method according to claim 3, wherein the step of displaying the search result displays document data in addition to the image data. From a database having image data Z, a useful information field X corresponding to the image data Z, a data name Y shown in the image data Z, and a keyword K in the information field X of the image data Z, in accordance with a search command inputted. By causing the computer to execute the following steps, a computer-readable recording medium that records data search software for searching for predetermined image data X includes:
The data search software, for a computer,
A list of the information field X is arranged in one of the rows or columns of the table in the form of a list, a list of data names Y is arranged in the other, and at least some of the cells of the table are Displaying a data search table in a list format in which a keyword K determined based on a predetermined field in the information field list and predetermined data in the data list is arranged;
Receiving an input specifying a predetermined keyword in the data search table displayed on the display unit;
Searching the database for image data previously associated with the keyword based on the designated keyword;
And a step of displaying the searched image data as a search result.

Images