JP4344207B2 - Document search device, document search method, document search program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a document search apparatus and document search for automatically generating a search condition or re-search condition from an original document without inputting a keyword, searching a document database, and selecting and displaying one or more similar documents. The present invention relates to a method, a document search program, and a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a document search apparatus for searching for a document required by a user from a document database in which many documents are accumulated has been widely used. Some document retrieval devices have a function (similar document retrieval) for retrieving a similar document similar to the document from a document database when an arbitrary document is designated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such a similar document search, generally, the entire original document from which the search is based is used as a search condition. Therefore, when multiple different contents are described in the original document, only one of the contents is described. It was difficult to search with attention.

  For this reason, for example, a document of an item is cut out from the search key document and the search target document, and the similarity between the search key document / search target document is searched for similar documents in units of items using a vector space method or the like (for example, document ID ) Has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). In addition, for a plurality of documents composed of character strings expressed in a natural language, an occurrence set of the same character string as the word notation extracted from the search condition is obtained, and the occurrence satisfaction for each word is obtained based on these occurrence sets. A document search device has been proposed that calculates the degree of satisfaction, calculates the sufficiency based on the degree of appearance obtained for all words extracted from the search conditions, and selects and outputs a document as a search result according to the sufficiency. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-73415 JP 2000-331027 A JP 2003-150636 A

  However, in the conventional example described in Patent Document 2, since the original document is divided into item units and the search results for each item are output side by side, the similarity between each item and the search target document for all items at once. , The search time is long. Even if the document is divided for each item, it is difficult to automatically divide the document for each item when there is no document structure or when the document structure is different for each document. In addition, when it is desired to change the search conditions as appropriate, there is a problem that the user cannot easily cope with the change of the search conditions without a simple method. There is also a problem that the search result is not always satisfactory because there is no way to repeat the re-search by automating the setting change of the search condition.

  In the conventional example described in Patent Document 3, a character string or an occurrence set of words in a document is obtained for each word in a search condition and each document in a document group, and the appearance degree of the character string or word is obtained. Since the degree of satisfaction is obtained and a document as a search result is selected, a fine search is possible, but there is a problem that the search content is limited depending on the setting of search conditions. In addition, it cannot be denied that there is a document most desired by the user among documents that are not selected after the search, and even if the search condition is reset, for example, when the search result is unsatisfactory, Patent Document 2 As in the case of the above, there is no way for the user to simply instruct the change of the search condition. Therefore, each time the setting of the search condition is changed, there is a problem that the user has to be troublesome. That is, even in the case of Patent Document 3, there is no way to automate changing the search condition setting and repeat the re-search, and there is an inherent problem that the search result is not always satisfactory.

  In order to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology, the present invention can also automate the setting of the first search condition, and even when the search result is not sufficiently satisfactory, for example, It is an object of the present invention to provide a document search apparatus, a document search method, a document search program, and a recording medium that can perform a document search with high reliability by automatically changing search conditions as needed with simple instructions.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a document search apparatus according to the present invention includes a document database that stores a plurality of documents, a document specification unit that specifies a document to be searched, In accordance with the designation, a predetermined number of lines or characters determined in advance in the designated document is specified as a selection area, a search condition is generated based on a keyword included in the selection area, and the search condition A plurality of documents stored in a document database are searched, a document selection unit that selects similar documents determined to be similar, a similar document output unit that outputs the selected similar documents as a search result, and the similar document includes: A document switching instruction unit that requests the document selection unit to perform a search under a search condition different from the search condition after being output as a search result, and the document selection unit In response to a search request from the document switching instruction unit, a new selection of the designated document is made for the predetermined number of lines or characters following the selection area based on the selection area. It is characterized by re-specifying as an area, generating a search condition based on the new selection area, re-searching with the search condition, and selecting a similar document again.

  The document switching instruction unit includes an operation button for inputting “near” or “far” with respect to a document requested by a user as a search result. When a “distant” operation is input, the document selection unit includes the search condition. It may be configured to request a search under a different search condition.

  A similar document image display unit configured to display a predetermined number of similar documents among the similar documents output by the similar document output unit; and the document switching instruction unit is configured to perform the search when the “near” operation is input. The document image display unit may be requested to display a predetermined number of similar documents among the similar documents that are not displayed as an image without making the request.

  The document search method of the present invention is a document search method in which a document is searched by a computer, a document specifying step for specifying a document to be searched by a user, and the specified document according to the specification of the document specifying step. A predetermined number of lines or characters determined in advance is specified as a selection area, a search condition is generated based on a keyword included in the selection area, and a plurality of documents stored in the document database are searched using the search condition. A document selection step of selecting a similar document determined to be similar by a document selection unit, a similar document output step of outputting the selected similar document as a search result from the similar document output unit, and the similar document as a search result Is output as a document switching instruction for requesting the document switching support unit to perform a search with a search condition different from the search condition. The document selection step includes a predetermined number of lines or characters determined subsequent to the selection region based on the selection region in response to a search request in the document switching instruction step. Re-specifying as a new selection area of the designated document, generating a search condition based on the new selection area, re-searching with the search condition, and selecting a similar document again.

  In the document switching instruction step, among the operation buttons for inputting “near” or “far” with respect to the document requested by the user as a search result, when the “distant” operation is input, the document selection unit displays the search condition. It may be configured to request a search under a different search condition.

  A similar document image display step of displaying a predetermined number of similar documents out of the similar documents output by the similar document output unit, wherein the document switching instruction step is performed when the “near” operation is input; The document image display process may be requested to display a predetermined number of similar documents among the similar documents that are not displayed as images without performing the above request.

  A document search program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the above method.

  The recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the document search program is recorded.

  According to the document search device, the document search method, the document search program, and the recording medium according to the present invention, for example, a predetermined region is specified as a predetermined part from the original document only by specifying the original document. Since keywords are extracted from documents in the area and search conditions are automatically set to search for similar documents, the user can easily select similar documents by simply specifying the original document. However, it is extremely simple and very convenient. In addition, complicated processing and enormous processing are not required for setting and resetting the search conditions, so that it is easy to shorten the search time, and from this point of view, there is an advantage that it is convenient and convenient. On the other hand, if the selection of similar documents is unsatisfactory, the search condition is automatically reset by specifying the next area from the original document with a simple instruction using the document switching instruction means, and a new similar Since it is possible to automatically search for documents again, the user does not have to worry about setting search conditions, and can easily select similar documents with high satisfaction. It is possible to obtain excellent reliability as well as performance.

  Exemplary embodiments of a document search apparatus, a document search method, a document search program, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Outline of document search device)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a document search apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the document search apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an HDD (hard disk drive) 104, an HD (hard disk) 105, an FDD (flexible disk drive) 106, and a removable recording. As an example of the medium, an FD (flexible disk) 107, a display 108, a communication I / F (interface) 109, a keyboard 110, a mouse 111, a scanner 112, and a printer 113 are provided. These components are connected by a bus 114.

  The CPU 101 governs overall control. The ROM 102 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 103 is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The HDD 104 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the HD 105 according to the control of the CPU 101. The HD 105 stores data written under the control of the HDD 104.

  On the other hand, although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, for example, an original document specifying unit 301 including an original document specifying program, a document selecting unit 302 including a document selecting program, and a similar document output program are provided. A similar document output unit 304 including a document switching instruction unit 305 including a document switching instruction program is provided. A document search program including these original document designation program, document selection program, similar document output program, and document switching instruction program is stored in the ROM 102 or the HD 105.

  The FDD 106 controls reading / writing with respect to the FD 107 according to the control of the CPU 101. The FD 107 stores the data written by the FDD 106.

  In addition to the FD 107, the removable storage medium may be a CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), memory card, or the like. The above-described original document designation program, document selection program, similar document output program, document switching instruction program, and the like are installed in the ROM 102 and HD 105 from the FD 107, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, memory card, and the like.

  The display 108 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. As this display 108, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The I / F 109 is connected to a network (see FIG. 2) 201 such as the Internet through a communication line, and is connected to another device (for example, a terminal device, a portable terminal device, etc.) via the network 201. The I / F 109 controls an internal interface with the network 201 and controls input / output of data from an external device (for example, a terminal device, a portable terminal device, etc.). For example, a modem or a LAN adapter may be employed as the I / F 109. The document retrieval program including the original document designation program, the document selection program, the similar document output program, and the document switching instruction program described above is received from, for example, a server computer (see FIG. 2) 202 on the network 201 via the I / F 109. There is a mode in which it is stored in the ROM 102 or HD 105 by downloading.

  The keyboard 110 includes keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like, and inputs data. Moreover, a touch panel type input pad or a numeric keypad may be used. The mouse 111 moves the cursor, selects a range, moves the window, changes the size, and the like. A trackball or a joystick may be used as long as they have the same function as a pointing device.

  The scanner 112 captures image data obtained by optically reading an image into, for example, the RAM 103 or the HD 107. The scanner 112 may have an OCR function. The printer 113 prints image data and document data. As the printer 113, for example, a laser printer or an ink jet printer can be employed.

(Example of usage of document search device)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a usage pattern of the document search apparatus 100. A server computer 202 and a plurality of terminal devices 203 are connected to the network 201. The server computer 202 has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but for example, a document database (see FIG. 3) 303A is constructed by using a large capacity HD 105 or a plurality of large capacity HDs 105. Yes. Each terminal device 203 has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and can therefore be regarded as the document search device 100. However, the document database (see FIG. 3) 303 can be constructed by using, for example, a large capacity HD 105 or a plurality of large capacity HDs 105 for each terminal device 203. For each document stored in the document databases 303A and 303, for example, books, magazines, patent documents, and the like for each field are suitable, but a homepage or the like can also be applied, and any other document May be applied.

(Main part of the document retrieval device)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the document search apparatus 100. The document search apparatus 100 basically includes an original document designation unit 301, a document selection unit 302, a document database 303 (303A), a similar document output unit 304, and a document switching instruction unit 305.

  The original document designation unit 301 designates a predetermined document as a search source stored in the RAM 103 or the HD 105, for example, by executing the original document designation program. The document selection unit 302 automatically sets search conditions for documents similar to the original document designated by the original document designation unit 301 in advance. After setting the search conditions, the document selection unit 302 searches the document database 303 including, for example, the HD 105 in the document search apparatus 100 to acquire data of one or a plurality of similar documents, or, for example, a server computer (see FIG. 2) 202 is accessed via the network 201, and the document database 303 A configured by using, for example, a plurality of HDs 105 having an increased capacity is searched based on the search condition, for example, in the HDD 104 in the server computer 202. The data of one or a plurality of similar documents that are search results are acquired via the network 201. The document selection unit 302 outputs a signal for requesting the CPU 101 to store the acquired data of one or more similar documents in, for example, the RAM 103 or the HD 105.

  FIGS. 4 to 6 are explanatory diagrams for explaining specific examples of a predetermined area selected from the original document. When the search condition is set, the document selection unit 302 selects a predetermined part of the original document that can be delimited, for example, and performs a keyword extraction operation for extracting a keyword in the document in the predetermined part. Set conditions automatically. When selecting a predetermined part from the original document, the document selection unit 302 may select each chapter or each item. For example, as shown in FIG. For example, a region Ta corresponding to a predetermined number of lines (or a predetermined number of characters, for example, 300 characters) for each page may be specified. The document selection unit 302 sets search conditions by extracting, for example, all keywords in the area Ta. The specified area Ta and the set search condition data are stored in the RAM 103, for example, and the data including the set search condition keyword is used for searching for similar documents.

  In addition, when the document selection unit 302 is requested to reset a search condition to perform a new document search according to the designation from the document switching instruction unit 305, the document selection unit 302 is based on, for example, data related to the area Ta stored in the RAM 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a predetermined region (for example, the same number of lines or the same number of characters) Tb following the region Ta is designated from the original document, and all keywords, for example, are designated from this region Tb. Is extracted and the search condition is automatically reset. Further, data relating to the new area Tb is also stored as data in the RAM 103 or the like. The document selection unit 302 performs the same processing as described above when the request for resetting the search condition is further requested by the re-designation from the document switching instruction unit 305, and further follows, for example, as shown in FIG. A new area (for example, the same number of lines or the same number of characters) Tc is designated, all the keywords are extracted in the same manner, and the search condition is automatically reset. Thereafter, the document selection unit 302 can repeat this until the end of the original document.

  The similar document output unit 304 displays the similar documents selected by the document selection unit 302, for example, by executing a similar document output program and stored in the RAM 103 or the HD 105, one document at a time from the first document in accordance with a predetermined operation, for example. An image is displayed at 108. The similar document output unit 304 also displays, on the display 108, one document at a time sequentially from the first document in accordance with a predetermined operation, for example, in accordance with a predetermined operation, the new similar document searched by the document selection unit 302 based on the reset search condition. .

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of the document switching instruction unit 305. The document switching instruction unit 305 can be configured, for example, by displaying an operation window (hereinafter referred to as a designated interface) 700 on the display 108. In the designated interface 700, a title “document switching” is written. A “close” operation button 703 for indicating that the similar document displayed on the display 108 is close to the document requested by the user, and the display 108 are displayed. A “far” operation button 704 is set to indicate that the similar document displayed as an image is far from the document requested by the user. For example, when the “near” operation button 703 is clicked with the mouse 111, each similar document as a search result is close to the one requested by the user, so that the next similar document stored in the RAM 103 or the HD 105 is displayed. A signal prompting switching to image display is output to the similar document output unit 304 via the CPU 101, for example. For example, when the “distant” operation button 704 is clicked with the mouse 111, each similar document as a search result indicates that it is far from what the user wants. For example, a signal that prompts the search is output to the document selection unit 302 via the CPU 101.

  The display 108 has a specific interface (not shown) for specifying whether or not the similar document displayed by the similar document output unit 304 is sufficiently satisfactory (ie, correct) as the similar document requested by the user. It can also be displayed on a toolbar. For example, a positive button and a negative button are set in the specific interface.

  On the other hand, when the original document specifying unit 301, the document selection unit 302, the document database 303 (303A), the similar document output unit 304, and the document switching instruction unit 305 are configured, the dedicated program is used for each. Of course, for example, a logic IC or a logic card may be used.

(Document search program)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the document search program according to this embodiment. First, in step S801 (original document specifying step: original document specifying program: starting the original document specifying unit 301), for example, a predetermined document (original document) serving as a search source stored in the RAM 103 or the HD 105 is specified. In step S802 (document selection step: document selection program: activation of the document selection unit 302), for example, a first area of 300 characters (for example, area Ta, see FIG. 4) is specified as a predetermined part from the original document. In step S803 (document selection process: document selection program: activation of document selection unit 302) (similar document reselection process), a search condition is generated (set) based on the specified area (for example, area Ta), for example, a server. The computer 202 is accessed and a similar document is searched from the document database 303A based on the search condition. The search condition is set by extracting a keyword in the specified document. Then, when data of one or a plurality of similar documents as a search result is acquired from the server computer 202, the data of the similar documents is stored in the RAM 103 or the HD 105. Subsequently, in step S804 (similar document output process: similar document output program: activation of the similar document output unit 304), the first similar document among the similar documents as the current search result is read from the RAM 103 or the HD 105 and is displayed on the display 108. Display an image.

  Thereafter, in step S805, an affirmation of a specific interface (not shown) for specifying whether or not the similar document displayed by the similar document output unit 304 is sufficiently satisfactory (that is, correct) as the similar document requested by the user. It is determined whether or not a button or a negative button has been clicked with the mouse 111, for example. If the affirmative button of the specific interface is clicked (step S805: Yes), this flow is terminated. If the negative button is clicked (step S805: No), step S806 (selection designation step: document switching) In the instruction program: activation of the document switching instruction unit 305), it is determined whether or not the “near” operation button 703 of the designated interface 700 has been clicked by the mouse 111, for example.

  If it is determined that the “close” operation button 703 has been clicked (step S806: Yes), the current search result in step S807 (similar document output process: similar document output program: activation of the similar document output unit 304). Among the similar documents, the next similar document is read from the RAM 103 or the HD 105 and displayed on the display 108, and then the process proceeds to step S805. However, if it is determined that the “near” operation button 703 has not been clicked and the “far” operation button 704 has been clicked (step S806: No), the process proceeds to step S802 (similar document re-selection step). However, in this case, in step S802, in order to specify a new area from the original document, for example, based on data relating to the area Ta stored in the RAM 103, a predetermined area (following the area Ta from the original document) ( For example, the same number of 300 characters (see FIG. 5) Tb is re-specified, and when the process proceeds to this process, subsequent areas are sequentially re-specified (similar document re-selection step). In step S803 (similar document re-selection step), the search condition is regenerated (reset) based on the re-specified area (for example, area Tb), and the server computer 202 is accessed again, for example. Based on this resetting, a new similar document is retrieved from the document database 303A.

  In the present embodiment, when an original document is specified, a predetermined area of, for example, 300 characters is specified as a predetermined part from the original document, and a keyword in the document in the area is extracted to satisfy the search condition. Since it is configured to automatically search and search for similar documents, the user can select a similar document simply by specifying the original document, and the operability is extremely simple and very convenient. In addition, complicated processing and enormous processing are not required when setting the search conditions, and the search time can be easily shortened. From this viewpoint, there is an advantage in convenience and convenience. On the other hand, if the selection of similar documents is unsatisfactory, simply clicking the “distant” operation button 704 of the designated interface 700 identifies the next area from the original document and automatically resets the search conditions. In addition, since it is possible to automatically search for new similar documents again, the user does not have to worry about setting search conditions, and can easily select similar documents with high satisfaction. Therefore, it is possible to obtain excellent reliability as well as high convenience.

  The document search program described in this embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD. In particular, the flexible disk, the CD-ROM, and the MO are recorded. It can be generally distributed by recording on a recording medium such as a DVD, or can be generally distributed via a network (transmission medium) such as the Internet.

  As described above, the document search device, the document search method, the document search program, and the recording medium according to the present invention are useful for searching an enormous number of documents, and in particular, books, magazines, newspapers and patent documents in various fields, Or it is suitable for searching homepages.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the document search device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the usage condition of a document search device. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of a document search device. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example of the predetermined area | region selected from an original document. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example of the other predetermined area | region selected from an original document. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example of the other predetermined area | region selected from an original document. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example of a document switching instruction | indication part. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the document search program concerning this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Document Retrieval Device 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 HDD
105 HD
106 FDD
107 FD
108 Display 109 I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Keyboard 111 Mouse 112 Scanner 113 Printer 114 Bus 201 Network 202 Server computer 203 Terminal device 301 Original document designation part 302 Document selection part 303, 303A Document database 304 Similar document output part 305 Document switching instruction part Ta, Tb, Tc area 700 Operation Window (specified interface)
703 “near” operation button 704 “far” operation button

Claims (8)

A document database for storing multiple documents;
A document designating part for designating a document to be searched;
In accordance with the designation of the document designation unit, the predetermined number of lines or the number of characters of the designated document is specified as a selection area, and a search condition is generated based on a keyword included in the selection area, A document selection unit that searches a plurality of documents stored in the document database under the search condition and selects similar documents determined to be similar;
A similar document output unit for outputting the selected similar document as a search result;
A document switching instruction unit that requests the document selection unit to perform a search under a search condition different from the search condition after the similar document is output as a search result;
In response to a search request from the document switching instruction unit, the document selection unit determines the predetermined number of lines or characters following the selection region based on the selection region as the designated document. A document search apparatus characterized by re-specifying as a new selection area, generating a search condition based on the new selection area, re-searching with the search condition, and selecting a similar document again . The document switching instruction unit includes an operation button for performing an operation of inputting “near” or “far” with respect to a document requested by a user as a search result. When the “distant” operation is input, the document selection unit includes the search condition. The document search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search is requested under different search conditions. A similar document image display unit for displaying a predetermined number of similar documents among the similar documents output by the similar document output unit;
The document switching instructing unit displays the document image by displaying a predetermined number of similar documents among the similar documents not displayed as an image without requesting the search when the “close” operation is input. The document retrieval apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the document retrieval apparatus requests the section.   In a document retrieval method for retrieving documents by a computer,
  A document designating process in which a user designates a document to be searched;
  In accordance with the designation of the document designation step, the predetermined number of lines or the number of characters of the designated document is specified as the selection area, and a search condition is generated based on the keyword included in the selection area, A document selection step of searching a plurality of documents stored in the document database under the search condition and selecting a similar document determined to be similar by a document selection unit;
  A similar document output step of outputting the selected similar document as a search result from the similar document output unit;
  A document switching instruction step for requesting the document switching support unit to perform a search under a search condition different from the search condition after the similar document is output as a search result,
  In the document selection step, in response to a search request in the document switching instruction step, based on the selection area, the predetermined number of lines or characters following the selection area is determined for the designated document. A document search method characterized by respecifying as a new selection area, generating a search condition based on the new selection area, re-searching with the search condition, and selecting a similar document again. In the document switching instruction step, among the operation buttons for inputting “near” or “far” with respect to the document requested by the user as a search result, when the “distant” operation is input, the search condition is displayed in the document selection unit. The document search method according to claim 4, wherein a search under different search conditions is requested. A similar document image display step of displaying a predetermined number of similar documents among the similar documents output by the similar document output unit;
In the document switching instruction step, when the “near” operation is input, the search request is not performed, and a predetermined number of similar documents among the similar documents that are not displayed are displayed as images. 6. The document retrieval method according to claim 5, wherein the process is requested. A document search program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 4 to 6. 8. A recording medium on which the document search program according to claim 7 is recorded.

Images