WO2010032900A1

WO2010032900A1 - System and method of automatic complete searching using entity type for database and storage media having program source thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2010032900A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/006436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Han Min Jung; Mi Kyoung Lee; Pyung Kim; Seung Woo Lee; Dong In Park; Won Kyung Sung
Original assignee: Korea Institute Of Science & Technology Information
Priority date: 2008-09-16
Filing date: 2008-10-31
Publication date: 2010-03-25
Also published as: KR101061392B1; KR20100031912A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic completion type search system and method using the entity types of a DB and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded. The system includes an entity search server for searching an entity DB for an entered query term and providing retrieved entities together with entity type information; the entity DB for providing the retrieved entity information at a request of the entity search server; and an automatic completion server for arranging the entities retrieved by the entity search server based on a selected type, attaching designated marks to the entities, providing selected entity type in¬ formation in an automatically completed list through a User Interface (UI), and providing in¬ formation of the selected entity in response to an event. Accordingly, entities retrieved using an entered query term are classified on a type basis and displayed in an automatically completed list.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AUTOMATIC COMPLETE

SEARCHING USING ENTITY TYPE FOR DATABASE AND

STORAGE MEDIA HAVING PROGRAM SOURCE THEREOF

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to rapidly searching a large-capacity database (DB) for desired information, and, more particularly, to an automatic completion type search system and method, which acquires entities and entity types from an entity information server by analyzing an entered query term, arranges the entities according to selected types, attaches marks to the selected types, and provides the selected types in automatically completed form, and provides information search service for a selected entity, and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded. Background Art

[2] Entities in information searching are defined as objects or concepts that can be classified into specific groups, such as a person group, an institute group and a place group, which generate or are associated with information.

[3] As examples of the entities, entities belonging to a person group may include "Eulji

Mundeok", "Yi Soon-Shin" and "Bill Gates" etc., entities belonging to an institute group may include "Seoul National University", "Ministry of Education & Science Technology", etc., and entities belonging to a place group may include "Manchuria Plain", "the Metropolis of Seoul", "Daejeon city", "Guro-gu", etc.

[4] Entity types include 'field' and 'subject' by which entities are classified when being classified in a broad sense, and are defined as specific groups, such as a person group, an institute group and a place group, to which entities belong when being classified in a narrow sense. The entity types may include, for example, "computer science", "science of human knowledge", "semantic web" and "machine translation".

[5] In the following description, an entity type is defined as including both the narrow classification and the broad classification, and the terms "query term" and "entity" are used based on the same concept. If possible, in the case in which an entity type is described, it is represented by an entity, and, in the case in which a User Interface (UI) for searching is described, it is represented by a query term.

[6] With the development of the computer industry and scientific technology, various types of knowledge and information are recorded and managed in the form of multimedia, including sound, text and images. In order to search for necessary objects from information recorded and managed in a computer accurately and rapidly, DB technology has developed. A dedicated computer for the recording, managing, searching and provision of a large amount of information is called a DB server.

[7] Among sound, text and multimedia information, text is most advantageous in that the greatest amount of information can be recorded in unit capacity memory.

[8] Currently, with the recent development of all areas including human knowledge, social studies and science, various types of knowledge and information are accumulated and stored in the form of multimedia information, including text information, sound information and images, and so the amount of information data to be managed is rapidly expanding. In order to record and manage such knowledge and information, a computer is indispensably useed.

[9] With the industrialization and development of a society, more information is accumulated and managed in large quantities, and there is emerging a need for and an importance vis-a-vis technology for searching rapidly and accurately for desired information from a large amount of information.

[10] Generally, in order to acquire accurate knowledge or make correct managerial determinations and decisions, there is a need for searching information. Rapidly mining technology information accumulated in a large amount for the desired or necessary technology information is an independent technology field.

[11] A concept concerning how to search and mine a DB server for necessary text information is described with reference to FIG. 1. Various types of information comprised of text are recorded and managed in a DB of a computer in large quantities.

[12]

[13] *In order to search for necessary information from the text information recorded in the DB, a query term or entity is entered to a computer (server).

[14] The computer is equipped with search software (SAV), and analyzes an entered query term (i.e. the entity) and searches the DB for information corresponding to the query term using the search software.

[15] The retrieved information is provided in the form of a list or content, and the retrieved and provided information is used as reference for obtaining various types of higher- level knowledge or for decision-making by managers or administrators.

[16] With the development of knowledge and science, there are problems in that the amount of text-based information accumulated and managed in a computer DB is increasing significantly, and lots of time is taken to search for, analyze and utilize desired information using an entered query term (i.e. an entity).

[17] Furthermore, in the case in which there are many pieces of entity information retrieved using a query term, there is a problem in that the time must be allocated in order to classify and analyze the retrieved entity information.

[18] Furthermore, with the development of culture, the meanings of specific words and terms used change and the meanings are converted into different meanings or are expanded and contracted. The terms may also become used as other similar terms, or the same terms may come to have different meanings.

[19] Accordingly, it is necessary to develop technology for easily and rapidly selecting necessary entity information by classifying and displaying, on a type basis, entity information which is retrieved from information managed in a DB in large quantities by entering a query term. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[20] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic completion type search system and a method using the entity types of a DB, which classify entity information retrieved by entering a query term based on a selected type and displays the entity information in automatically completed form, and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded.

[21] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic completion type search system and a method using the entity types of a DB which classify and display entity information retrieved by entering a query term in a type-based list, and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded.

[22] A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic completion type search system and method using the entity types of a DB which enables desired information to be selected rapidly and accurately by arbitrarily selecting entity type information for classifying entities retrieved using an entered query term, and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded.

[23] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic completion type search system and method using the entity types of a DB which displays entity information retrieved using a query term in automatically completed form for a selected type, thereby enabling rapid and accurate searching and also providing satisfactory search results, and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded.

[24] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic completion type search system and method using the entity types of a DB which enables the entry of query terms, the selection of entity types, and the selection of a specific entity from entities classified on a type basis to be performed conveniently and rapidly through a UI, and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded. Technical Solution

[25] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an automatic completion type search system using entity types of a database (DB), the system including an entity search server for searching an entity DB for an entered query term and providing retrieved entities together with entity type information; the entity DB for providing the retrieved entity information at a request of the entity search server; and an automatic completion server for arranging the entities retrieved by the entity search server based on a selected type, attaching designated marks to the entities, providing selected entity type information in an automatically completed list through a User Interface (UI), and providing information of the selected entity in response to an event.

[26] Preferably, the entity search server includes a query term entry unit for receiving the query term from a user; an entity search unit for searching the entity DB for the query term provided by the query term entry unit; and an entity detection unit for detecting the entities and the entity types retrieved by the entity search unit.

[27] Furthermore, the query term entry unit may be configured to enter one or more query terms.

[28] Furthermore, the entity search unit may be configured to search the entity DB for the entity and entity type information in which the query term is included.

[29] Furthermore, the searching may be performed such that the query term is searched for using any one or more methods selected from a right-hand truncation search method and a left-hand truncation search method.

[30] Furthermore, the entity search unit may be configured to perform the searching using an Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Aj ax) method whenever a letter constituting part of the query term is entered.

[31] Furthermore, the letter of the entered query term may be any one selected from a character element and a syllable.

[32] Furthermore, the entity detection unit may be configured to output a result, indicating that there are no retrieved entity and entity type, when an entity corresponding to the query term is not retrieved by the entity search unit.

[33] Furthermore, the entity DB may be configured to record, update and manage entity and entity type information retrieved from an index DB.

[34] Preferably, the automatic completion server includes an entity type selection unit for providing types of entity information provided by the entity search server to the UI so that a user can select them; an entity arrangement unit for arranging the entities provided by the entity search server on a type basis; an entity type marking unit for attaching marks to entity types arranged by the entity arrangement unit; and an automatic completion presentation unit for providing the entity information in an automatically completed list.

[35] Preferably, the automatic completion type search system further includes an entity selection unit for providing specific entity information selected from the automatically completed list on an entity-type basis, which is presented by the automatic completion presentation unit, through the UI selected by a user; and a search service association unit for searching an index DB for index information of the entity, selected by the entity selection unit, and providing the retrieved index information.

[36] Furthermore, the entity type marking unit is configured to add the designated marks to distinguish respective arranged entity types.

[37] Furthermore, each of the designated marks includes any one or more of an icon, a cartoon, a character, a figure, a color, a symbol and a photo.

[38] Furthermore, the entity arrangement unit is configured to arrange the entity types in order of Korean alphabet and frequency of being queried.

[39] Furthermore, the automatic completion presentation unit is configured to provide the entity information selected by the entity type selection unit.

[40] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an automatic completion type search method using entity types of a DB, including a step of entering a query term through a UI, and detecting entity and entity type information retrieved from an entity DB; an automatic completion step of arranging the detected entity and entity type information based on selected entity type information, adding marks to the entity type information, and presenting the entity and entity type information in an automatically completed list; and a step of, when an entity is selected from the presented automatically completed list through the UI and an event signal is input, searching for and outputting index information of the selected entity.

[41] Furthermore, the query term is entered through the UI.

[42] Preferably, the detection of the entity and entity type information includes separately extracting the entity and entity type information, retrieved based on the entered query term, from the entity DB.

[43] Furthermore, the detection of the entity and entity type information includes detecting entity and entity type information which includes the query term but which was not detected from the entity DB using any one method selected from a right-hand truncation search method and a left-hand truncation search method.

[44] Furthermore, the arrangement of the entity type information includes arranging the entity and entity type information so that pieces of information of identical types are presented close to each other.

[45] Furthermore, the event signal is a signal that controls initiation of the searching.

[46] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a storage medium storing a program source for an automatic completion type search method using entity types of a DB, the automatic completion type search method including a process of entering a query term through a UI, and detecting entity and entity type information retrieved from an entity DB; an automatic completion process of arranging the detected entity and entity type information based on selected entity type in- formation, adding marks to the entity type information, and presenting the entity and entity type information in an automatically completed list; and a process of, when an entity is selected from the presented automatically completed list through the UI and an event signal is input, searching for and outputting index information of the selected entity.

[47] Preferably, the entity type information is arranged in order of Korean alphabet and frequency of being queried, the marks are marks designated to distinguish the respective arranged entity types, and the event signal is a signal that controls initiation of the search.

[48] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an automatic completion type search system using entity types of a DB, including a terminal configured to search for and check corresponding information by entering a query term for searching and inputting an event signal for selecting any one piece information from entity information classified based on a selected type, and configured to include a computer (PC); a public communication network configured to access the computer and provide a communication path to a designated portal site or a server system, and configured to include an Internet and; and the server system configured to connect to the terminal over the public communication network, search for entities and entity types by entering the search term, arrange the entities and entity types based on a selected type, add marks to the entity types, present the entities and entity types in automatically completed form, search an entity list for index information of a selected entity, and provide the index information, and configured to include the portal site.

[49] Preferably, the public communication network includes any one selected from the group consisting of a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, a data communication network, and the Internet.

Advantageous Effects

[50] The present invention constructed as described above has an advantage in that it provides convenience of use because entities which are retrieved using a method selected from a right-hand truncation search method and a left-hand truncation search method by entering a query term are displayed in an automatically completed list in which the entities are classified on a type basis, thereby facilitating searching.

[51] Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in terms of industrial use in that retrieved entity information is classified on a type basis and displayed in a list in the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried, so that necessary information can be rapidly selected and used without a limit being imposed on the number of search results.

[52] Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in that it provides use of con- venience because entity type information for classifying entity information retrieved using a query term is designated, and thus information of a specific necessary entity type is separated from the search results, with the result that searching for information is performed rapidly and accurately.

[53] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous in that it provides convenience of use because entity information retrieved using a query term is displayed on a selected type basis and in automatically completed form in the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried, with the result that searching is performed rapidly and accurately and satisfactory search results are provided, thereby increasing preference.

[54] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous in that it provides convenience of use because the submission of query terms, the selection of entity types and the selection of a specific entity from entities which are classified on a type basis, are processed conveniently and rapidly through a UI. Brief Description of Drawings

[55] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating searching for necessary information from a text information DB server according to the prior art;

[56] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional construction of a communication network system to which an automatic completion type search system and method using the entity types of a DB and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded are applied according to an example of the present invention;

[57] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detailed functional construction of an automatic completion type search system using the entity types of a DB according to an example of the present invention;

[58] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an automatic completion type search method using the entity types of a DB and a method of operating a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded according to an example of the present invention;

[59] FIG. 5 is a state screen shot showing that entity type information and index information, which are retrieved by entering a query term from a portal site, are provided in automatically completed form according to an example of the present invention;

[60] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing a state in which entities, which are retrieved using a right-hand truncation search method using an entered query term, are classified on a type information basis and arranged in the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried according to an example of the present invention;

[61] FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged screen shot showing a state in which a specific type is selected from entities, which are retrieved using an entered query term and presented in automatically completed form, according to an example of the present invention; and

[62] FIG. 8 is a screen shot showing a state in which entity types to which entities retrieved using an entered query term are classified are displayed according to an example of the present invention. Mode for the Invention

[63] Preferred embodiments of an automatic completion type search system and method using the entity types of a DB and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded according to the present invention constructed as described above are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[64] In the description of the examples of the present invention, technical particulars, which are not directly related to the present invention and are well known, are not shown in the drawings and not described, so that the gist of the present invention is delivered clearly without obfuscation.

[65] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional construction of a communication network system to which an automatic completion type search system and method using the entity types of a DB and a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded are applied according to an example of the present invention.

[66] A detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. 2 below. The automatic completion type search system includes a terminal 100 formed of a computer (PC), and configured to search for and check corresponding information by entering a query term for searching and inputting an event signal to select any one from pieces of entity information, which are classified based on a selected type, a public communication network 110 configured to accesses a computer, offer a communication path to a designated portal site or a server system and includes the Internet, and a server system 120 configured to connect to the terminal 100 over the public communication network 110, search for entities and entity types by entering a query term, arrange the entities based on a selected type, add marks to the entities, present the entities in automatically completed form, search for the index information of an entity selected from an entity list, and provide the index information.

[67] The public communication network 110 includes any one selected from among a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, a data communication network, and a communication network including the Internet.

[68] The public communication network 110 connects to the terminal 100 and the server system 120 via a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, a data communication network or the Internet, and the terminal 100 and the server system 120 communicate with each other using any one method selected from among a plurality of communication methods including TCP/IP.

[69] The server system 120 provides a service by which entity and entity type information, which are retrieved using any one method selected from among a right-hand truncation search method and a left-hand truncation search method using a query term (entity) entered through the terminal 100, are classified and displayed in automatically completed form based on the selected type.

[70] The right-hand truncation search method is a method of performing searching in such a manner that, among a number of entities to be searched for, entities having query terms placed in the front positions are preferentially searched for and entities having query terms placed in the following positions are then searched for, and entities having query terms placed in the rear positions are searched for thereafter.

[71]

[72] *The left-hand truncation search method is performed oppositely to the right-hand truncation search method, and is a method of performing searching in such a manner that, among a number of entities to be searched for, entities having query terms placed in the rear positions are preferentially searched for, entities having query terms placed in the preceding positions are then searched for and searching for entities having query terms placed in the front positions is performed thereafter.

[73] The server system 120 is a computer, and performs data communication with the public communication network and a computer calculation processing. Furthermore, the server system 120 includes elements for performing a variety of functions, for example, a processor, memory and input and output means.

[74] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detailed functional construction of an automatic completion type search system using the entity types of a DB according to an example of the present invention.

[75] A detailed description is given with reference to FIG. 3 below. The server system

120 includes an entity search server 210, including a query term entry unit 212, an entity search unit 214 and an entity detection unit 216, an entity DB 220 constructed by recording, updating and managing entity information and entity type information retrieved from an index DB, an automatic completion server 230, including an entity type selection unit 231, an entity arrangement unit 232, an entity type marking unit 233, an automatic completion presentation unit 234, an entity selection unit 235 and a search service association unit 236, and an index DB 240 for recording, updating and managing various types of index information in the form of a DB.

[76] The query term entry unit 212 is configured to receive information about one or more query terms (entities) through a UI from the terminal 100 connected via a communication network, including a wired/wireless communication network, a data communication network and the Internet, which constitutes the public communication network 110. In the following description, only one query term (entity) will be described as being entered.

[77] The query term is input in units of letters or in units of syllables. [78] The entity search unit 214 searches the entity DB 220 for entity information and entity type information using a query term provided by the query term entry unit 212. The search method is performed using any one method selected from the right-hand truncation search method and the left-hand truncation search method.

[79] The entity detection unit 216 detects or extracts entity information and entity type information from the information retrieved by the entity search unit.

[80] In the case in which entity and entity type information is not retrieved using the right-hand truncation search method or the left-hand truncation search method, the entity detection unit 216 outputs a result indicative of the fact that there are no search results for the entity and entity type information.

[81] The entity search unit 214 performs searching using an Asynchronous JavaScript and

XML (hereinafter referred to as 'Aj ax') application method whenever a letter constituting a query term (entity) is entered.

[82] The Ajax application method is a method of requesting only necessary data from a web server, receiving the necessary data from the web server, and enabling the data to be processed in a client.

[83] Generally, a web server creates and provides web pages based on retrieved or requested content, and, when new content is requested, creates and provides new web pages.

[84] In this case, there are many cases in which the content of a first web page and the content of a new web page have similar content. That is, since the content of the same HTML codes is transmitted once again in the state in which HTML codes duplicate each other, a lot of bandwidth is wasted. The waste of bandwidth results in temporal and economical loss, and makes it difficult to provide a real-time dialog service for users.

[85] In this Ajax application method, since some of data processed in a web server is processed in a client or a connected terminal, the amount of data exchanged between the web server and the client and the bandwidth are reduced, and the total amount of data processed in the web server is reduced. Accordingly, responsivity is improved, thereby enabling dialog-type data exchange.

[86] The Ajax application method is a method that is widely used because, although it has the disadvantages of the presence of incompatible browsers, the limited function of http clients, security problems, and difficulty in debugging written scripts, it has the advantages such as high-speed switching of a screen in a state in which a web page is almost fixed, the reduction in server load because some data processing is handled by a client or terminal, a short data processing time, the possibility of asynchronous data communication, a reduction in bandwidth due to a smaller amount of data, and a reduction in communication time. [87] The entity type selection unit 231 provides the entity information and entity type information, detected by the entity detection unit 216, through a UI. The entity type information provided through the UI is transferred to the terminal 100 over the public communication network 110. The entity type selection unit 231 receives entity type information, which is selected through the UI, from the terminal.

[88] The entity arrangement unit 232 arranges the retrieved and detected entity and entity type information on the basis of the entity type, which is selected and input using the UI through the entity type selection unit 231. The arrangement method is performed based on the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried from the highest. Furthermore, the entity and entity type information is arranged so that the same types of information are presented close to each other.

[89] The entity type marking unit 233 adds a designated mark to each of the arranged types. The mark uses any one or more selected from an icon, a cartoon, a character, a figure, a color, a symbol and a photo.

[90] The automatic completion presentation unit 234 automatically completes the information of the entity type, selected by the entity type selection unit 231, in a list, and provides the list to the terminal 100 in a UI method. Accordingly, a specific entity is selected from the list, and the selected entity information is input using a UI method.

[91] The search service association unit 236 searches the index DB 240 for the index information of the entity selected by the entity selection unit 235, and provides the retrieved index information to the terminal 100 using a UI method.

[92] The entity search server 210 accesses the public communication network 110 through the query term entry unit 212, and receives query term (entity) information from the terminal 100. The entity search unit 214 that has received the entered query term searches the entity DB 220 for corresponding entity and entity type information using the right-hand truncation search method or the left-hand truncation search method. The entity detection unit 216 determines whether there exists entity information among the information retrieved using the query term, and, if, as a result of the determination, retrieved entity information exists, outputs the retrieved entity information and entity type information as a result.

[93] The query term entry unit 212 receives query term (entity) information from the terminal 100 through a search window provided using a UI method. The entered query term may include one or more pieces of entity information already stored in the entity DB 220, and may include no stored entity information.

[94] For ease of description and understanding, the case in which only one query term is entered is described below as an example.

[95] With regard to entered query term (entity) information, the entity search unit 214 is called using the Aj ax application method whenever one letter, a syllable (in the case of the Korean language) or one word (in the case of the English language) is entered.

[96] By searching the entity DB 220 for the entered query term (entity), the entity search unit 214 determines whether there exists entity information, including the query term, and checks the type information of the corresponding entity. In the entity DB 220 are already stored entity type information corresponding to various types of entity information.

[97] The search unit 214 performs searching using the Ajax application method whenever each letter of the query term (entity) is entered, and performs searching using a method selected from a method using a character element of the query term and a method using a syllable of the query term.

[98] A character element is a consonant, a vowel or an alphabet letter constituting part of a syllable, and a syllable is a minimum unit that is able to represent a meaning.

[99] In the case in which searching is performed on a character element basis, retrieved entity information varies whenever a character element of an entered query term is added. Accordingly, this case is advantageous in that a search direction can be checked easily and searching can be performed rapidly and easily, but this case may apply a heavy load to a system. In the case in which searching is performed on a syllable basis, searching is performed after a query term has been entered. Although this case consumes the time until the search is completed, this case is advantageous in that it applies a small load to a system. Accordingly, an optimal method needs to be selected depending on the processing speed and load of a system.

[100] Furthermore, entity information retrieved by the entity search unit 214 is based on a method selected from among any one of the right-hand truncation search method and the left-hand truncation search method.

[101] For example, in the case in which " tfl ¹I " in Korean is entered as a search term, entity information retrieved using the right-hand truncation search method is " tfl ¹I Ir^-S" the front part of which matches the search term, and entity information retrieved using the left-hand truncation search method includes "4] ^fl ^% " the rear part of which matches the search term.

[102] The entity detection unit 216 provides results, including the entity information and the entity type information retrieved by the entity search unit 214, to the automatic completion server 230.

[103] Instead of the terminology "provide", the terminology "return" may be used.

[104] For example, in the case in which an entered query term is "web" and "semantic web", "social web" and "web services" have been stored in the entity DB 220, retrieved entity information is provided (returned) as results along with a success message indicative of the fact that entity information including the query term exists.

[105] In the case in which entity information is retrieved, the type information of the entity is also retrieved and provided. Since the entity information corresponds to the main subject, the type "main subject" is provided (returned).

[106] For example, in the case of the Korean language, if an entered query term is " tfl ^% " and "tfl s§ ir^H", "tfl 3§ ej " and "4] tfl ³ξj " have been stored in the entity DB 220, retrieved entity information is provided as results along with a success message indicative of the fact that entity information including the query term exists. Corresponding entity type information is also retrieved and provided (returned).

[107] Among the retrieved entity information, the type information of the entity

" tfl ^% Ir^-S" is provided (returned) as "institute or school" the type information of the entity "tfl s§ S] " is provided (returned) as "place" and the type information of the entity "4] tfl ¹! " is provided (returned) as "person".

[108] The former two entities of the retrieved entity information were generated as a result of searching using the right-hand truncation search method, and the latter one entity was generated as a result of searching using the left-hand truncation search method.

[109] In the case in which a query term corresponds to two or more entities or types, the two or more types are provided (returned) as results. After all search results have been obtained for the query term, the corresponding task is terminated.

[110] The automatic completion server 230 provides the terminal 100, which gains access thereto over the public communication network 110, with a UI that enables the terminal 100 to select one type information from among the multiple pieces of type information of entities through the entity type selection unit 231.

[I l l] The entity arrangement unit 232 arranges the entities, provided (returned) through the entity detection unit 216, on a type basis according to the selected type information input to the entity type selection unit 231, but arranges the entities both in the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried.

[112] Furthermore, the entity arrangement unit 232 arranges the entities and types so that the same types are displayed close to each other. The entity type marking unit 233 attaches or adds unique marks, for example, icons, cartoons, characters, figures, colors, symbols and photos, to respective entity types.

[113] The automatic completion presentation unit 234 provides the entity information, the entity type information and the added marks onto a search window in an automatically completed list. The provided entity type information is provided in the form of only entity information, including an entity type selected by the entity type selection unit 231.

[114] The entity selection unit 235 provides a UI so as to enable the terminal 100 to select a specific query term from the automatically completed list including the selected entity information. The search service association unit 236 searches the index DB 240 for the index information of the selected query term (entity) in response to a search button signal or a keyboard manipulating event signal input through the terminal 100, and provides the retrieved index information to the terminal 100.

[115] FIG. 5 is a state screen shot indicating that entity type information and index information, which are retrieved by entering a query term through a portal site, are provided in automatically completed form according to an example of the present invention.

[116]

[117] *A detailed description is given with reference to FIG. 5 below. A site providing e- mail service, multimedia information search, providing service, etc. through the Internet is called a portal site, and may include, for example, NAVER (www.naver.com).

[118] There is shown a state in which, when a query term is entered in order to perform searching through the NAVER portal site, a state in which a list of retrieved entities and an index list of the selected entities are arranged and provided in automatically completed form.

[119] In FIG. 5, when " tfl ¹I " is entered in the portal site NAVER as search term (entity) information, various pieces of entity information, including the query term (entity) information "tW, such as "tfl ^ ir^H¹¹, "tfl ^ 3.^-^3." and "tfl 3§ t^l ^", arrange themselves below the search window and are displayed through a UI in automatically completed form.

[120] In the automatic completion method through such self-arrangement, entity information is not arranged on an entity-type-information basis, which is selected by the terminal 100. Thus, a user or the terminal 100 must check all presented query term lists in order to use the automatic completion function.

[121] For example, in the case in which a user wants to search for information based on a person type but does not remember the full name of a person, the user may perform searching by entering only part of the full name known to him as a query term. In this case, the types of all retrieved entities are mixed and displayed in an automatically completed list.

[122] In the case in which the types of an automatically completed list of retrieved entity information are not classified but mixed, it is difficult to locate desired results rapidly and accurately. That is, in the case in which type classification is not performed, the size of the number of entities retrieved at one time is limited or the number of them which is retrieved is simply used as statistical information.

[123] That is, one of the technical characteristics of the present invention is to, as the amount of construction of information data gradually increases, enable easy classification in a necessary entity (query term) list using an automatic completion function for enabling a user to select a desired entity type from among search terms and performing presentation.

[124] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing a state in which entities, which are retrieved using a right-hand truncation search method on the basis of an entered query term, are classified on a type basis and arranged in the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried according to an example of the present invention.

[125]

[126] *A detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. 6 below. The query term " tfl ¹I " is entered through a UI in the entity search server 210. Entity information and entity type information, which are retrieved from the entity DB 220 using, for example, the right-hand truncation search method, are classified on a type basis in the automatic completion server 230, and are then presented or displayed in an automatically completed list and simultaneously arranged in the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried.

[127] In FIG. 6, with regard to states in which the retrieved entities are classified on a type basis, a state in which the entities are classified on an institute type basis includes " tfl ³I 3- ^■§" ^ J2 " , " tfl ³I Ir ^■ε}- J2 " and " tfl ⁵J Ξ£ ^- ^ 52. " , a state in which the entities are classified on a place type basis includes " tf| ³^ -§- " , " tfl ¹I S] " and " tfl ^% ¹Jj. " , a state in which the entities are classified on an administrative district type basis includes " tfl π¹", a state in which the entities are classified on a river/watercourse type basis includes " tfl ¹I ^i ^ ^l " and " tfl ¹I ^i ", and a state in which the entities are classified on a person type basis includes "4] ^fl ¹I ".

[128] The entity selection unit 235 provides a UI for enabling a specific entity or type to be selected from an automatically completed list of the retrieved and presented entities and type information.

[129] The terminal 100 selects any one from the presented list of the entities and types using the up and down buttons of a keyboard, a mouse or the like. The information of the selected entity is transferred to the search service association unit 236.

[130] The search service association unit 236 provides the selected entity (query term) information to a search service for index information in the index DB in response to a search button signal provided from the terminal 100 or an event signal generated through the manipulation (pressing of an enter key, etc.) of a keyboard. The search service for index information is configured to call a search Application Program Interface (API), search the index DB 240 for information and provide the retrieved information to the terminal using a UI method.

[131] FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged screen shot showing a state in which a specific type is selected from entities, which are retrieved using an entered query term and presented in automatically completed form, according to an example of the present invention.

[132] A detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. 7 below. This drawing is a partial enlargement screen shot showing a state in which an institute type is selected from entity and type information retrieved by entering and searching for a query term and presented in automatically completed form. The institute type includes "tfl ^ ji^-^-ji", "tfl sξj f^H" and "tfl 3g ^^-^-j7 ".

[133] FIG. 8 is a screen shot showing a state in which entity types to which entities retrieved using an entered query term are classified are displayed according to an example of the present invention.

[134] A detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. 8 below. In this drawing, a state screen in which the entity type selection unit 231 displays selectable entity types near a search window and the entity types are provided to a terminal through a UI so that one of the entity types can be selected is captured.

[135] The retrieved entity information is classified on the basis of a type selected through the UI, and only the classified entity information is displayed in automatically completed form.

[136] A method of selecting an entity type through a UI may include classifying entity types on a field or topic basis and then selecting the entity types, or performing classification and selection on an entity type basis as shown in FIG. 8.

[137] The entity arrangement unit 232 arranges entities, provided (returned) through the entity detection unit 216, on the basis of selected type information. That is, the entity information is arranged on the basis of type information so that the same type information can be provided close to each other. The arrangement method is basically based on the basis of entity type information, but may be based on the order of the Korean alphabet or the length of entity information.

[138] The entity type marking unit 233 functions to add or attach a unique mark to each piece of entity type information included in an entity. The mark includes one or more selected from, for example, an icon, a cartoon, a character, a symbol, and a color.

[139] For example, a person icon or a designated specific color may be added or attached to "person" entity type information, and an institute icon or a designated specific color may be added or attached to "institute" entity type information.

[140] FIG. 6 shows a state in which different marks are added on a type information basis.

[141] In the case in which marks such as icons are added, a hyperlink, a file path, etc. are used as mark linking information. In the case of colors, colors previously defined for entity types are used as mark information.

[142] The automatic completion presentation unit 234 provides retrieved entity information in an automatically completed list near the search window, and presents only entity information, including an entity type selected in the entity type selection unit 231, using an Aj ax application method.

[143] [144] *FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an automatic completion type search method using the entity types of a DB and a method of operating a storage medium in which a program source therefor is recorded according to an example of the present invention.

[145] A detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. 4 below. The server system 120 receives at least one query term from a terminal through a UI in step SlOO. The server system 120 then searches the entity DB for entity and entity type information, corresponding to the entered query terms, using any one method selected from the right-hand truncation search method and the left-hand truncation search method and simultaneously searches the query term entered by selection whenever a character element (phoneme) or a syllable is input in step SI lO.

[146] The retrieved entity and entity type information is separated, detected or extracted in step S 120, and the selected type information of an entity is input from the terminal through the UI in step S 130.

[147] The retrieved entity information is arranged in the order of the Korean alphabet and the frequency of being queried on the basis of the entered entity type information in step S 140. Designated marks are added or attached to the arranged entity type information in step S 150.

[148] The entity type information to which the marks are attached on an entity type basis is presented to the terminal in an automatically completed list in step S 160. Any one entity is selected from the presented list through the UI in step S 170.

[149] When specific entity information is selected, the server system determines whether a key button signal or an event signal has been input from the terminal in step S 180. If, as a result of the determination, the event signal has been input, the server system searches the index DB for index information corresponding to the selected entity through the calling of an API and outputs the retrieved index information so that is can be provided to the terminal in step S 190.

[150] The method according to the present invention may be implemented as computer- readable code on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is a recording device on which data capable of being read by a computer system is stored, and may be, for example, ROM, RAM, cache, a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magnetic tape. Furthermore, the storage medium may be provided in carrier wave form, and may include, for example, the case provided through the Internet. Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium may be distributed across computer systems connected to each other over a network and may be stored and executed as computer-readable code in a distributed manner.

[151] Although the present invention has been described based on the examples, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but may be modified and practiced in various forms within a range that does not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the examples disclosed in the present invention are not provided to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but are provided to illustrate the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the examples. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and it should be interpreted that all technical spirits falling within the equivalent range of the present invention are included in the range of the rights of the present invention.

[152]

[153]

Claims

[1] An automatic completion type search system using entity types of a database

(DB), the system comprising: an entity search server for searching an entity DB for an entered query term and providing retrieved entities together with entity type information; the entity DB for providing the retrieved entity information at a request of the entity search server; and an automatic completion server for arranging the entities retrieved by the entity search server based on a selected type, attaching designated marks to the entities, providing selected entity type information in an automatically completed list through a User Interface (UI), and providing information of the selected entity in response to an event.

[2] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 1, wherein the entity search server comprises: a query term entry unit for receiving the query term from a user; an entity search unit for searching the entity DB for the query term provided by the query term entry unit; and an entity detection unit for detecting the entities and the entity types retrieved by the entity search unit.

[3] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 2, wherein the query term entry unit is configured to enter one or more query terms.

[4] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 2, wherein the entity search unit is configured to search the entity DB for the entity and entity type information in which the query term is included.

[5] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 4, wherein the searching is performed such that the query term is searched for using any one or more methods selected from a right-hand truncation search method and a left- hand truncation search method.

[6] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 2, wherein the entity search unit is configured to perform the searching using an Asynchronous

JavaScript and XML (Aj ax) method whenever a letter constituting part of the query term is entered.

[7] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 6, wherein the letter of the entered query term is any one selected from a character element and a syllable.

[8] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 2, wherein the entity detection unit is configured to output a result, indicating that there are no retrieved entity and entity type, when an entity corresponding to the query term is not retrieved by the entity search unit.

[9] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 1, wherein the entity DB is configured to record, update and manage entity and entity type information retrieved from an index DB.

[10] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic completion server comprises: an entity type selection unit for providing types of entity information provided by the entity search server to the UI so that a user can select them; an entity arrangement unit for arranging the entities provided by the entity search server on a type basis; an entity type marking unit for attaching marks to entity types arranged by the entity arrangement unit; and an automatic completion presentation unit for providing the entity information in an automatically completed list.

[11] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 10, further comprising: an entity selection unit for providing specific entity information selected from the automatically completed list on an entity-type basis, which is presented by the automatic completion presentation unit, through the UI selected by a user; and a search service association unit for searching an index DB for index information of the entity, selected by the entity selection unit, and providing the retrieved index information.

[12] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 10, wherein the entity type marking unit is configured to add the designated marks to distinguish respective arranged entity types.

[13] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 12, wherein each of the designated marks includes any one or more of an icon, a cartoon, a character, a figure, a color, a symbol and a photo.

[14] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 10, wherein the entity arrangement unit is configured to arrange the entity types in order of

Korean alphabet and frequency of being queried.

[15] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 10, wherein the automatic completion presentation unit is configured to provide the entity information selected by the entity type selection unit.

[16] An automatic completion type search method using entity types of a DB, comprising: a step of entering a query term through a UI, and detecting entity and entity type information retrieved from an entity DB; an automatic completion step of arranging the detected entity and entity type information based on selected entity type information, adding marks to the entity type information, and presenting the entity and entity type information in an automatically completed list; and a step of, when an entity is selected from the presented automatically completed list through the UI and an event signal is input, searching for and outputting index information of the selected entity.

[17] The automatic completion type search method according to claim 16, wherein the query term is entered through the UI.

[18] The automatic completion type search method according to claim 16, wherein the detection of the entity and entity type information comprises separately extracting the entity and entity type information, retrieved based on the entered query term, from the entity DB.

[19] The automatic completion type search method according to claim 18, wherein the detection of the entity and entity type information comprises detecting entity and entity type information which includes the query term but which was not detected from the entity DB using any one method selected from a right-hand truncation search method and a left-hand truncation search method.

[20] The automatic completion type search method according to claim 16, wherein the arrangement of the entity type information comprises arranging the entity and entity type information so that pieces of information of identical types are presented close to each other.

[21] The automatic completion type search method according to claim 15, wherein a signal of the event is a signal that controls initiation of the searching.

[22] A storage medium storing a program source for an automatic completion type search method using entity types of a DB, the automatic completion type search method comprising: a process of entering a query term through a UI, and detecting entity and entity type information retrieved from an entity DB; an automatic completion process of arranging the detected entity and entity type information based on selected entity type information, adding marks to the entity type information, and presenting the entity and entity type information in an automatically completed list; and a process of, when an entity is selected from the presented automatically completed list through the UI and an event signal is input, searching for and outputting index information of the selected entity.

[23] The storage medium according to claim 22, wherein: the entity type information is arranged in order of Korean alphabet and frequency of being queried, the marks are marks designated to distinguish the respective arranged entity types, and the event signal is a signal that controls initiation of the search.

[24] An automatic completion type search system using entity types of a DB, comprising: a terminal configured to search for and check corresponding information by entering a query term for searching and inputting an event signal for selecting any one piece information from entity information classified based on a selected type, and configured to include a computer (PC); a public communication network configured to access the computer and provide a communication path to a designated portal site or a server system, and configured to include an Internet and; and the server system configured to connect to the terminal over the public communication network, search for entities and entity types by entering the search term, arrange the entities and entity types based on a selected type, add marks to the entity types, present the entities and entity types in automatically completed form, search an entity list for index information of a selected entity, and provide the index information, and configured to include the portal site.

[25] The automatic completion type search system according to claim 24, wherein the public communication network comprises any one selected from the group consisting of a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, a data communication network, and an Internet.