JP5010575B2 - Information search apparatus, search result presentation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information search apparatus that searches information published on the Internet, a search result presentation method, and a program, and more particularly to a UI (User Interface) technique for presenting a search result to a client terminal.

In recent years, various types of information have been released on the Internet, and such information can be easily browsed by a client terminal such as a personal computer. In addition, since a large number of information is disclosed on the Internet, a search service (search engine) is provided by a portal site or the like so that a user can obtain desired information efficiently.
Generally, a user starts a web browser on a client terminal, displays a web page of a search service (for example, a top page of a portal site) on the web browser, and inputs a keyword in a text input field called a search window. Make a search request.
Then, a search result that matches the keyword transmitted from the client terminal is extracted by the web server that provides the search service, and the search result is presented to the client terminal in a list format, for example.
Hereinafter, information that can be a search keyword in a WEB search or an image search is referred to as a query.

In such a search service, a search (AND search, OR search, NOT search, etc.) combining a plurality of queries (search keywords) is possible. For example, when an AND search using a plurality of queries (search keywords) is requested, a product set of sets that match each query (search keyword) is presented as a search result.
Referring to the Venn diagram shown in FIG. 12, when the set of search results by query a is A, the set of search results by query b is B, and the set of search results by query c is C, three queries a and b , C is a common part P7 represented by “A∩B∩C”.

In the following, a combination of a plurality of queries is represented by a search expression using “、”, “∪”, “ ⁻ ”. For example, "A∩B" indicates that the AND search by query a, the b, "a∪b" indicates that the OR search by query a, the b, "a∩b ^-" query a, Indicates a NOT search for b (a search that satisfies a but does not satisfy b). The same applies to the case where a set of search results by a search expression is expressed.

On the other hand, as a technique for presenting a search result to a user, for example, there are Patent Documents 1 and 2.
Patent Document 1 discloses a truth table image composed of a collection of rectangular partial areas in which a set of search results that match a query is replaced in the horizontal direction, and an element (data count) belonging to each set is replaced with a length in the vertical direction. Is generated and expressed as a circular truth table image. When an arbitrary partial area in the truth table image is selected by the user, detailed data of that part is presented.
Patent Document 2 discloses a GUI in which a set of search results is expressed as an n-gonal Venn diagram having an area corresponding to the size of the search result.
JP 2004-102399 A JP 2002-269149 A

As described above, in a conventional search service using the Internet, when a search using a search expression composed of a combination of a plurality of queries is requested, only search results that satisfy the search expression are presented. For example, when an AND search using three or more queries (for example, a∩b∩c) is requested, a search result satisfying each query (for example, a, b, c) or an AND search using some queries. (For example, the result of a∩b, b∩c, c∩a) is not presented.
For this reason, when it is desired to know a plurality of search results using a plurality of queries, the search is performed step by step using a query expression appropriately combined with the query, so that the search takes time and the operation becomes complicated. End up. In addition, since search results based on a search expression combining a plurality of queries are displayed individually, it is extremely difficult to intuitively understand their relationship.

In Patent Documents 1 and 2, since a search result is expressed by a truth table or a Venn diagram when a plurality of queries are specified, the number of elements (data count) belonging to each set is visually grasped. be able to. However, since the GUIs described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are for visually expressing the relationship between the number of elements belonging to each set, detailed information about the elements belonging to each set is known. I can't get it.
In the GUI described in Patent Document 1, even if an attempt is made to display search results in each partial area on the GUI, it is difficult to display detailed information so that the user can visually recognize the display area because it is subdivided into a large number. It is. Similarly, it is difficult for the GUI described in Patent Document 2 to display detailed information so that the user can see it. In addition, when four or more queries are specified, it is difficult to express it in a Venn diagram.

  The present invention provides an information search apparatus, a search result presentation method, and a GUI technique capable of presenting a search result in a display form excellent in convenience when a search request by a plurality of queries is made. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes query acquisition means for acquiring N (N is an integer of 3 or more) queries from client terminals connected via a network;
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the N queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means;
Search result presenting means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation means includes:
Each of the (N−1) circular rings formed by N concentric circles is divided into N by N boundary lines facing in the radial direction that do not straddle other circular rings, and N · (N− 1) Display area forming means for forming a single arc zone and using the arc zone and the center circle as a search result display area;
A search result that satisfies all of the N queries is arranged in the central circle, and each of the N queries is arranged in each of the circular arcs constituting the n (0 <n <N) -th ring from the central circle. Search result arrangement means for arranging search results satisfying only different (N−n) queries,
The search result arranging means is configured with search results such that the search results corresponding to the inner search result display area satisfy all of the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area. Thus, the information search device is characterized in that search results are arranged.

The invention according to claim 2 is a query acquisition means for acquiring two queries from a client terminal connected via a network;
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the two queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means;
Search result presenting means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation means includes:
A circular ring formed by two concentric circles is divided into two arc bands by two boundary lines facing in the radial direction, and two arc bands are formed, and the arc band and the center circle are displayed as a search result display area. Region forming means;
A search result arrangement in which search results that satisfy all of the two queries are arranged in the central circle, and a search result that satisfies only one query of the two queries is arranged in each of the circular arc bands. And an information retrieval apparatus characterized by comprising:

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information search device according to the first or second aspect, the search result placement unit places the search result in each search result display area based on a page feed operation in the client terminal. It is characterized by changing the result.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information search device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display area forming means is a search result corresponding to a search formula designated by the client terminal. The display area is different from other search result display areas.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when a search request is made by N queries (N is an integer of 3 or more) from a client terminal, a search result performed by an information search apparatus connected to the client via a network A presentation method,
A query acquisition step in which the information search apparatus acquires N (N is an integer of 3 or more) queries from client terminals connected via a network;
A search execution step in which the information search device searches for information by a combination of the N queries;
A GUI generation step for generating a search result screen for the information search device to display a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution step ;
The information search device includes a search result presentation step of presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation step includes:
The information search device divides each of (N-1) circular rings formed by N concentric circles into N pieces by N boundary lines facing in a radial direction not straddling other circular rings. , N · (N−1) arc bands, and a display area forming step using the arc band and the center circle as a search result display area;
The information search device arranges search results that satisfy all of the N queries in the central circle, and each of the arcs constituting the n-th (0 <n <N) ring from the central circle, A search result placement step of placing search results that satisfy only different (N−n) queries of the N queries,
In the search result arranging step, the information search apparatus may satisfy the search results corresponding to the inner search result display area so as to satisfy all the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area. The search results are arranged so as to be composed of various search results.

The invention according to claim 6 is a search result presentation method performed by an information search device connected to a client via a network when a search request based on two queries is made from the client terminal.
A query acquisition step in which the information search apparatus acquires two queries from a client terminal connected via a network;
A search execution step in which the information search device searches for information by a combination of the two queries;
A GUI generation step for generating a search result screen for the information search device to display a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution step ;
The information search device includes a search result presentation step of presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation step includes:
The information retrieval device divides a ring formed by two concentric circles by the information retrieval device into two by two boundary lines facing in the radial direction, thereby forming two arc zones. And a display area forming step using the center circle as a search result display area,
The information search apparatus arranges search results that satisfy all of the two queries in the central circle, and search results that satisfy only one query of the two queries in each of the circular arc bands. And a search result arrangement step of arranging.

The invention according to claim 7 provides a computer ,
Query acquisition means for acquiring N (N is an integer of 3 or more) queries from client terminals connected via a network;
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the N queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means,
Function as search result presentation means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal;
The GUI generation means includes:
Each of the (N−1) circular rings formed by N concentric circles is divided into N by N boundary lines facing in the radial direction that do not straddle other circular rings, and N · (N− 1) Display area forming means for forming a single arc zone and using the arc zone and the center circle as a search result display area;
A search result that satisfies all of the N queries is arranged in the central circle, and each of the N queries is arranged in each of the circular arcs constituting the n (0 <n <N) -th ring from the central circle. Search result arrangement means for arranging search results satisfying only different (N−n) queries,
The search result arranging means is configured with search results such that the search results corresponding to the inner search result display area satisfy all of the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area. As described above, the program is characterized by arranging search results .

The invention according to claim 8 provides a computer ,
Query acquisition means for acquiring two queries from a client terminal connected via a network,
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the two queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means,
Function as search result presentation means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal;
The GUI generation means includes:
A circular ring formed by two concentric circles is divided into two arc bands by two boundary lines facing in the radial direction, and two arc bands are formed, and the arc band and the center circle are displayed as a search result display area. Region forming means;
A search result arrangement in which search results that satisfy all of the two queries are arranged in the central circle, and a search result that satisfies only one query of the two queries is arranged in each of the circular arc bands. And a program comprising the means .

  According to the present invention, when a search by a plurality of queries is performed, not only a search result satisfying one search expression consisting of these combinations but also a search by an individual query and a search by a combination of some queries. Since the result can be displayed on a single screen with extremely high visibility, a GUI that is highly convenient for the user can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network configuration to which an information retrieval apparatus according to the present invention is applied. In the present embodiment, the search server 1 constitutes an information search device according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a client terminal 2 such as a personal computer 2a or a portable terminal 2b is connected to the search server 1 via a communication network N and can communicate data with each other. The communication network N is a telephone line network such as the Internet or a telecommunication carrier, a mobile phone communication network, or the like.

In FIG. 1, a search server 1 provides a search service to a client terminal 2. Specifically, when a query is specified as a search keyword by the user at the client terminal 2 and a search request is made, the search server 1 sends a search result (for example, a web page) that matches the specified query to the client terminal 2. To present.
That is, the search server 1 in this embodiment constitutes an information search apparatus that searches for information in response to a search request from the client terminal 2 connected via the communication network N.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the search server 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the search server 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit (auxiliary storage) 12, an input / output unit 13, a communication unit 14, a search database 15, and the like. Each block is electrically connected by a bus line 16.

The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 as an arithmetic / control device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113 as a main storage device.
The ROM 113 stores a program called BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and basic setting data. The RAM 112 is loaded with programs such as an OS and various applications read from the storage unit 12.
The CPU 111 executes various processes in accordance with programs developed in the RAM 112 and controls each block.

  The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a hard disk and stores an OS, various application programs (for example, a server program and a web application program), various data, and the like.

The input / output unit 13 constitutes a user interface for use by the administrator of the search server 1.
The communication unit 14 performs processing according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP, and transmits / receives data to / from the client terminal 2 via the communication network N.

  The search database 15 is referred to when searching for information (web page) in response to a search request using a keyword, and a plurality of web pages that match the keyword are registered for the keyword. For example, the data collection program circulates on the Internet and automatically collects web pages, and registers the collected web pages in the search database 15.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the search database 15.
As shown in FIG. 4, the search database 15 includes an index part IDX and a database part DB.

  In the index part IDX, a web ID is registered for each keyword serving as a search key. In FIG. 4A, for example, web IDs “# 01, # 02, # 11...” Are registered for the keyword “YAH”, and web IDs “# 21, # 03,. # 211... "Is registered.

  In the database unit DB, for example, the title, URL, and description (excerpt of the text) of the web page are registered for each web ID. Note that the data included in the database unit DB is not limited to this, and contents (for example, images) to be presented to the client terminal 2 as search results are registered as appropriate. In FIG. 4B, for example, the contents of the web ID “# 01” include the title “YAH! Japan”, the URL “www.yah.co.jp”, “the largest portal site! Indicates that it is registered.

The search server 1 has the above-described configuration. The CPU 111 of the search server 1 executes a search for a web page in response to a search request from a web browser activated on the client terminal 2 by executing server software.
Here, when a search request by N queries (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) is made from the client terminal 2, a web page is searched by a combination of N queries. In other words, a search is performed using search formulas of AND search, OR search, and NOT search generated by combining a part (including one) or all of N queries.
Then, using the search results obtained by combining these queries, a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results is generated and presented to the client terminal 2.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the client terminal 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the client terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication unit 25, and the like. Each part is electrically connected by a bus line 26.

The configuration of the control unit 21 is the same as the configuration of the control unit 11 of the search server 1.
The storage unit 22 includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores an OS, various application programs (for example, a web browser program), various data, and the like.
The input unit 23 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and is used when a user inputs information. The input unit 23 inputs a query when making a search request to the search server 1, for example.
The display unit 24 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays a predetermined screen based on a display control command from the control unit 21. For example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of a web browser is displayed on the display unit 24.
The communication unit 25 performs processing according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP, and transmits / receives data to / from the search server 1 via the communication network N.

  The CPU 211 of the client terminal 2 transmits a search service use request to the search server 1 when, for example, the user performs an operation for accessing the search service (for example, input of a URL) on the activated web browser. . Then, since the HTML file of the search service screen is transmitted from the search server 1, this is analyzed and the search service screen is displayed on the web browser (see FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the search service screen includes search windows SW1, SW2, SW3,... For inputting a plurality of search keywords as a query, and a search button SB for requesting a search using the input search keyword. Has been. Also, a control program for automatically transmitting a search request to the search server 1 based on a user operation is embedded in the HTML file of the search service screen. When a user inputs a query and makes a search request on the search service screen, a predetermined search process is executed in the search server 1.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of search processing in the search server 1. This search process is realized by the CPU 111 of the search server 1 executing a predetermined program. The search process shown in FIG. 6 is started, for example, when a search request operation is performed on the search service screen (see FIG. 5) displayed on the web browser of the client terminal 2.

In step S101, a search request from the client terminal 2 is received. This search request includes N search keywords. In FIG. 5, since “dog” is input in the search window SW1 and “cat” is input in the search window SW2, these two search keywords are included in the search request.
In step S102, the search database 15 is referenced to search for web pages published on the network. At this time, N queries included in the search request are combined, and the web page is searched by each combination.

For example, when a search request with two queries a and b is made, a search with a search expression a ∩ b ⁻ , a ⁻ ∩ b and a ∩ b which is a combination of these is performed. That is, (i) search satisfying only query a, (ii) search satisfying only query b, and (iii) search satisfying queries a and b. When the search results of (i) and (iii) are added, the search satisfies the query a (whether query b is satisfied or not), and when the search results of (ii) and (iii) are added, the search satisfies the query b (query a It does not matter whether or not it is satisfied.
In this way, search expressions of other patterns can be used as long as the search results can be obtained by adding (or subtracting) the search results to obtain a search result based on the combination of the two queries a and b. .

In step S103, a search result screen (GUI) is generated based on the search result obtained in step S104. This GUI generation processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, in step S111 in FIG. 7, the number N of queries is acquired. In this example, the number of search keywords is acquired at this time, but may be acquired at the time of step S101 in FIG.
In step S112, N concentric circles are drawn. The N concentric circles form (N-1) circular rings.
In step S113, boundary lines that divide (N−1) pieces of the ring into N in the circumferential direction are drawn to form N · (N−1) pieces of arc bands. In particular, in the case of N ≧ 3, the boundary line is drawn so as not to straddle other circular rings. The N · (N−1) arc zones and the central circle are search result display areas.

  In step S114, the search results are arranged in the formed search result display area. At this time, search results that satisfy all of the N queries are arranged in the center circle. In addition, search results that satisfy only different (N−n) queries out of N queries are arranged in each of the circular arcs constituting the n (0 <n <N) th ring from the center circle. . Here, the search results arranged in each search result display area are acquired in step S102 of FIG.

In addition, the search results are configured so that the query corresponding to the inner search result display area is composed of queries that satisfy all of the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area. Deploy.
As a result, the search results arranged in the internal and external search result display areas are related to each other, so that the relationship between the search results can be easily and intuitively grasped.

A search result screen is generated by the GUI generation process described above.
Then, in step S104 of FIG. 6, the HTML file of the search result screen is transmitted to the client terminal 2. In the client terminal 2, the HTML file is analyzed by the web browser, and the search result screen is displayed on the display unit 24.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search result display area formed in the GUI generation process. FIG. 8 shows a case where N = 2 (query a, b).
As shown in FIG. 8, when N = 2, 1 (= 2-1) circular rings are formed by two concentric circles C1 and C2. Then, this one ring is divided into two in the circumferential direction by the boundary line B1, and 2 (= 2 · (2-1)) arc zones A11 and A12 are formed. These two circular arc bands A11 and A12 and the center circle A0 serve as a search result display area.

In FIG. 8, a search result satisfying all the queries a and b, that is, a search result based on the search formula a∩b is arranged in the center circle A0.
A search result that satisfies only one of the two queries a and b (query a in FIG. 8A), that is, the search expression a, is included in one circular arc A11 that forms the first circle from the center circle. ∩B ^- Search results are disposed. In the other arc band A12, a search result that satisfies only the other of the two queries a and b (query b in FIG. 8A), that is, a search result based on the search expression a ⁻ ∩b is arranged. The
That is, the search result by the search formula a∩b corresponding to the center circle A0 (inner search result display area) corresponds to the arc bands A11 and A12 (outer search result display area) in contact with the search result display area. It consists of search results that satisfy all of the queries you want.
In FIG. 8, a query related to the NOT search is omitted. For example, the search result by the search expression “a∩b ⁻ ” is simply expressed as “a”. The same applies to FIGS. 9 and 10 described later.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the search result display area formed in the GUI generation process. FIG. 9 shows a case where N = 3 (queries a, b, c).
As shown in FIG. 9, when N = 3, 2 (= 3-1) rings are formed by the three concentric circles C1 to C3. Then, the two rings are divided into three in the circumferential direction by the boundary lines B1 and B2, respectively, so that 6 (= (3 × (3-1)) arc bands A11 to A13, A21 to A23 are formed. The six arcs A11 to A13, A21 to A23 and the center circle A0 serve as a search result display area.

  Here, the arcs A11 to A13 and A21 to A23 are provided with boundary lines B1 and B2 so as to circumscribe or inscribed two arcs, respectively. Specifically, a boundary line B2 is provided so that the arc zone A21 is in contact with the inner arc zones A11, A12, and a boundary line B2 is provided so that the arc zone A22 is in contact with the inner arc zones A12, A13. A boundary line B2 is provided so that the band A23 is in contact with the inner circular arc bands A13 and A11. The boundary line B1 that forms the inner arc zones A11 to A13 is provided so that each arc zone is in contact with the two outer arc zones, that is, not across the outer ring.

In FIG. 9, a search result that satisfies all the queries a, b, and c, that is, a search result based on the search formula a 式 b∩c, is arranged in the center circle A0.
A search result that satisfies only 2 (= 3-1) queries a and b out of the three queries a, b, and c, that is, a search formula, in the circular arc A11 that forms the first circle from the center circle. Search results based on a∩b∩c ⁻ are arranged. Similarly, search results that satisfy only the queries b and c are arranged in the arc zone A12, and search results that satisfy only the queries c and a are arranged in the arc zone A13.
That is, the search results by the search formulas a∩b∩c corresponding to the center circle A0 (inner search result display region) are arc bands A11 to A13 (outer search result display region) in contact with the search result display region. It consists of search results that satisfy all of the queries corresponding to.

In FIG. 9, the arc zone A21 that forms the second circle from the center circle has a search result that satisfies only 1 (= 3-2) queries b out of the three queries a, b, and c. Search results by the query a ⁻ ∩b∩c ⁻ are arranged. Similarly, search results that satisfy only the query c are arranged in the arc zone A22, and search results that satisfy only the query a are arranged in the arc zone A23.
That is, the search result by the query a∩b corresponding to the arc band A11 (inner search result display area) corresponds to the arc bands A21 and A23 (outer search result display area) in contact with the search result display area. It consists of search results that satisfy all of the queries. The same can be said for the arcs A12 and A13.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the search result display area formed in the GUI generation process. FIG. 10 shows a case where N = 4 (queries a, b, c, d).
As shown in FIG. 10, when N = 4, 3 (= 4-1) circular rings are formed by the four concentric circles C1 to C4. The three rings are divided into four in the circumferential direction by boundary lines B1 to B3, respectively, and 12 (= (4 × (4-1)) arc bands A11 to A14, A21 to A24, A31 to A34. These twelve circular arc bands A11 to A14, A21 to A24, A31 to A34 and the center circle A0 serve as a search result display area.
In the same manner as described in the case of N = 3 (see FIG. 9), the arc bands A11 to A14, A21 to A24, A31 to A34 are boundary lines B1 to B3 so as to circumscribe or inscribe the two arc bands, respectively. Is provided. That is, the boundary lines B1 to B3 are provided so as not to straddle other annular rings.

In FIG. 10, a search result that satisfies all the queries a, b, c, and d, that is, a search result based on the query a∩b∩c∩d, is arranged in the center circle A0.
A search result satisfying only 3 (= 4-1) queries a, b, c out of four queries a, b, c, d in the circular arc A11 constituting the first circular ring from the central circle. , i.e. the search expression A∩b∩c∩d ^- Search results are disposed. Similarly, search results that satisfy only the queries b, c, and d are arranged in the arc zone A12, search results that satisfy only the queries c, d, and a are arranged in the arc zone A13, and the query d is stored in the arc zone A14. , A, b are arranged as a search result.
That is, the search results by the search formulas a∩b∩c∩d corresponding to the center circle A0 (inner search result display area) are arc bands A11 to A14 (outer search result display in contact with the search result display area). Search results that satisfy all of the queries corresponding to (region).

In FIG. 10, the arc zone A21 constituting the second annular ring from the center circle satisfies only 2 (= 4-2) queries a and b among the four queries a, b, c and d. The search result, that is, the search result by the search expression a∩b∩c ⁻ ∩d ⁻ is arranged. Similarly, search results that satisfy only the queries b and c are arranged in the arc zone A22, search results that satisfy only the queries c and d are arranged in the arc zone A23, and only the queries d and a are contained in the arc zone A24. Search results that satisfy are placed.
That is, the search result by the search formula a∩b∩c∩d ⁻ corresponding to the arc zone A11 (inner search result display region) is the arc zones A21 and A22 (outer search result that are in contact with the search result display region). The search results satisfy all the queries corresponding to the display area. The same can be said for the arcs A12 to A14.

In FIG. 10, a search result that satisfies only 1 (= 4-3) queries a out of four queries a, b, c, and d in the circular arc A31 that forms the third circle from the center circle. , i.e. query a∩b ^- ∩c ^- ∩d ^- Search results are disposed. Similarly, search results that satisfy only the query b are arranged in the arc band A32, search results that satisfy only the query c are arranged in the arc band A33, and search results that satisfy only the query d are arranged in the arc band A34. The
That is, the search result by the search expression a 式 b∩c ⁻ ∩d ⁻ corresponding to the arc band A21 (inner search result display area) is obtained by the arc bands A31 and A32 (outer search) in contact with the search result display area. Search results satisfying all the queries corresponding to the (result display area). The same can be said for the arcs A22 to A24.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a search result screen.
FIG. 11 shows a search result screen when an image search is performed using two queries (search keywords) “dog” and “cat”. Therefore, in FIG. 11, images satisfying the query are displayed as search results.

When an image search based on two queries “dog” and “cat” is performed, as shown in FIG. 11, search results satisfying both the queries “dog” and “cat” are displayed in the center circle, that is, dogs and cats. An image in which both are subjects is displayed.
In addition, on one arc zone (right arc zone in FIG. 11), a search result that satisfies only the query “dog”, that is, an image in which only the dog is the subject is displayed. In the other arc band (left arc band in FIG. 11), search results that satisfy only the query “cat”, that is, an image in which only the cat is the subject are displayed.

The central circle “6/11” indicates that the sixth page of the search results having 11 pages is displayed. Similarly, “3/31” in the right arc zone indicates the third page of the search results with 31 pages, and “15/25” in the left arc zone has 15 pages in the search results with 25 pages. Indicates that the eye is displayed.
The page displayed in each search result display area is changed by a page feed button PB. Thereby, even when there are many search results, the search results can be displayed in a limited display area so as to be visible.

  As described above, the search server 1 as the information search apparatus is a query acquisition unit that acquires N (N is an integer of 2 or more) queries from the client terminal 2 connected via the network (step S101 in FIG. 6). And a search execution means for searching for information by a combination of N queries (step S102 in FIG. 6) and a GUI generation for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means Means (step S103 in FIG. 6, FIG. 7) and search result presentation means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal 2 (step S104 in FIG. 6).

When N ≧ 3, the GUI generation means sets N pieces of (N−1) pieces of annulus formed by N pieces of concentric circles in the radial direction so as not to straddle other rings. Display area forming means (steps S112 and S113 in FIG. 7) that forms N · (N−1) arc bands by dividing the line into N by the boundary line, and uses the arc band and the center circle as a search result display area; The search results satisfying all of the N queries are arranged in the center circle, and each of the arcs constituting the n (0 <n <N) -th ring from the center circle includes N queries. And search result placement means (step S114 in FIG. 7) for placing search results that satisfy only different (N−n) queries.
Further, the search results corresponding to the inner search result display area are constituted by search results that satisfy all of the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area (FIG. 8). To FIG. 10).

  Further, when N = 2, the GUI generating means divides the ring formed by two concentric circles into two by two boundary lines facing in the radial direction to form two arc bands. Display area forming means (steps S112 and S113 in FIG. 7) using the arc zone and the center circle as search result display areas, and search results that satisfy all two queries are arranged in the center circle, and each arc zone is arranged. Search result placement means (step S114 in FIG. 7) for placing search results that satisfy only one query out of the two queries.

  According to the search server 1 of the present embodiment, not only a search result satisfying one search expression (for example, AND search by all queries) including a plurality of queries when a search by a plurality of queries is performed, Since the search result by each query and the search result by a combination of some queries can be displayed on one screen by the above-described GUI, it is possible to provide a user-friendly GUI with excellent visibility. Can do.

Table 1 shows an example of search results that can be obtained from the GUI shown in FIG. The user can obtain search results that satisfy all the queries from the information displayed in the center circle A0, and the information displayed in the arc bands A11 to A13, A21 to A23 arranged around the center circle A0. From this, it is possible to obtain search results that satisfy some queries.
That is, in the conventional search service, when three queries a, b, and c are given, only a search result based on a single search expression combining them can be obtained. As shown, it is possible to know 15 or more search results.
Therefore, the burden on the search operation is greatly reduced. Moreover, since the search result by the search expression which combined the some query is displayed on one screen, those relationships can be grasped intuitively.

As mentioned above, although the invention made by this inventor was concretely demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change in the range which does not deviate from the summary.
As described above, according to the information search device of the present invention, when a plurality of queries are specified, a plurality of search results obtained by combining these can be presented on one search result screen.
Therefore, on the search result screen, a plurality of search formulas (for example, search formulas shown in Table 1 in the case of a search using three queries) that are a combination of a plurality of queries are presented, and the search formula specified by the client terminal 2 The search result display area corresponding to may be displayed differently from the other search result display areas. For example, the color scheme of the corresponding search result display area may be different from the color scheme of other search result display areas or may be blinked. As a result, the search result that the user wants to know is highlighted, and the convenience as a GUI is further improved.

When N ≧ 4, there may be a case where there is no query combination to be displayed. For example, in FIG. 10, search results that satisfy only the queries a and c (a∩b ⁻ ∩c∩d ⁻ ) and search results that satisfy only the queries b and d (a−∩b∩c−∩d ⁻ ) are displayed. Not.
Such a case can be dealt with by changing the order of the queries (for example, exchanging the query b and the query c in FIG. 10). If the GUI for specifying the query order is presented by the client terminal 2 on the search result screen, the user can easily know the search result by a desired query combination.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is the schematic shown about the network structure to which the information retrieval apparatus which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of a search server. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of a client terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of a search database. It is an example of the search service screen displayed on a client terminal. It is a flowchart shown about an example of the search process in a search server. It is a flowchart shown about an example of a GUI production | generation process. It is explanatory drawing shown about an example (N = 2) of the search result display area formed in a GUI production | generation process. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example (N = 3) of the search result display area formed in a GUI production | generation process. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example (N = 4) of the search result display area formed in a GUI production | generation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a search result screen. It is a Venn diagram which shows the relationship of a search result when three queries are designated.

Explanation of symbols

1 Search server (information search device)
2 Client terminal N Communication network

Claims (8)

Query acquisition means for acquiring N (N is an integer of 3 or more) queries from client terminals connected via a network;
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the N queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means;
Search result presenting means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation means includes:
Each of the (N−1) circular rings formed by N concentric circles is divided into N by N boundary lines facing in the radial direction that do not straddle other circular rings, and N · (N− 1) Display area forming means for forming a single arc zone and using the arc zone and the center circle as a search result display area;
A search result that satisfies all of the N queries is arranged in the central circle, and each of the N queries is arranged in each of the circular arcs constituting the n (0 <n <N) -th ring from the central circle. Search result arrangement means for arranging search results satisfying only different (N−n) queries,
The search result arranging means is configured with search results such that the search results corresponding to the inner search result display area satisfy all of the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area. An information search apparatus characterized by arranging search results as described above. Query acquisition means for acquiring two queries from a client terminal connected via a network;
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the two queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means;
Search result presenting means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation means includes:
A circular ring formed by two concentric circles is divided into two arc bands by two boundary lines facing in the radial direction, and two arc bands are formed, and the arc band and the center circle are displayed as a search result display area. Region forming means;
A search result arrangement in which search results that satisfy all of the two queries are arranged in the central circle, and a search result that satisfies only one query of the two queries is arranged in each of the circular arc bands. And an information retrieval apparatus comprising the means.   The information search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search result arrangement unit changes a search result to be arranged in each search result display area based on a page turning operation in the client terminal.   4. The display area forming unit sets a search result display area corresponding to a search expression designated by the client terminal to a display mode different from other search result display areas. The information search device according to claim 1. A search result presentation method performed by an information search apparatus connected to a client via a network when a search request by N queries (N is an integer of 3 or more) is made from a client terminal,
A query acquisition step in which the information search apparatus acquires N (N is an integer of 3 or more) queries from client terminals connected via a network;
A search execution step in which the information search device searches for information by a combination of the N queries;
A GUI generation step for generating a search result screen for the information search device to display a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution step ;
The information search device includes a search result presentation step of presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation step includes:
The information search device divides each of (N-1) circular rings formed by N concentric circles into N pieces by N boundary lines facing in a radial direction not straddling other circular rings. , N · (N−1) arc bands, and a display area forming step using the arc band and the center circle as a search result display area;
The information search device arranges search results that satisfy all of the N queries in the central circle, and each of the arcs constituting the n-th (0 <n <N) ring from the central circle, A search result placement step of placing search results that satisfy only different (N−n) queries of the N queries,
In the search result arranging step, the information search apparatus may satisfy the search results corresponding to the inner search result display area so as to satisfy all the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area. A search result presentation method, wherein search results are arranged so as to be composed of various search results. A search result presentation method performed by an information search device connected to a client via a network when a search request by two queries is made from a client terminal,
A query acquisition step in which the information search apparatus acquires two queries from a client terminal connected via a network;
A search execution step in which the information search device searches for information by a combination of the two queries;
A GUI generation step for generating a search result screen for the information search device to display a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution step ;
The information search device includes a search result presentation step of presenting the search result screen on the client terminal,
The GUI generation step includes:
The information retrieval device divides a ring formed by two concentric circles by the information retrieval device into two by two boundary lines facing in the radial direction, thereby forming two arc zones. And a display area forming step using the center circle as a search result display area,
The information search apparatus arranges search results that satisfy all of the two queries in the central circle, and search results that satisfy only one query of the two queries in each of the circular arc bands. A search result presentation method comprising: a search result placement step for placing a search result. Computer
Query acquisition means for acquiring N (N is an integer of 3 or more) queries from client terminals connected via a network;
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the N queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means,
Function as search result presentation means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal;
The GUI generation means includes:
Each of the (N−1) circular rings formed by N concentric circles is divided into N by N boundary lines facing in the radial direction that do not straddle other circular rings, and N · (N− 1) Display area forming means for forming a single arc zone and using the arc zone and the center circle as a search result display area;
A search result that satisfies all of the N queries is arranged in the central circle, and each of the N queries is arranged in each of the circular arcs constituting the n (0 <n <N) -th ring from the central circle. Search result arrangement means for arranging search results satisfying only different (N−n) queries,
The search result arranging means is configured with search results such that the search results corresponding to the inner search result display area satisfy all of the queries corresponding to the outer search result display area in contact with the search result display area. A program characterized by arranging search results as described above. Computer
Query acquisition means for acquiring two queries from a client terminal connected via a network,
Search execution means for searching for information by a combination of the two queries;
GUI generation means for generating a search result screen for displaying a plurality of search results obtained by the search execution means,
Function as search result presentation means for presenting the search result screen on the client terminal;
The GUI generation means includes:
A circular ring formed by two concentric circles is divided into two arc bands by two boundary lines facing in the radial direction, and two arc bands are formed, and the arc band and the center circle are displayed as a search result display area. Region forming means;
A search result arrangement in which search results that satisfy all of the two queries are arranged in the central circle, and a search result that satisfies only one query of the two queries is arranged in each of the circular arc bands. And a program comprising the means.

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