JP2002245080A - Search item complementing method and apparatus in database search, search item complementing program in database retrieval, and storage medium storing search item complementing program in database retrieval - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To make it possible to obtain related information of a search item specified by a user as a search result in a database search, and particularly to obtain keyword related information in a database search by keyword input. Make it possible. According to the present invention, when searching a database by inputting a keyword, related information of a keyword specified in the database or a file is read, and a search item is complemented to an input search query based on the related information. And
Generate a query sentence for database search, or generate a new search query sentence for complementation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for supplementing a search item in a database search and a storage medium storing a program for supplementing a search item in a database search and a program for supplementing a search item in a database search. In a search method, the present invention relates to a search item complementing method and apparatus in a database search for automatically complementing keyword-related information, and a storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search and a search item complementing program in a database search.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art To perform a search for a database, knowledge of the structure of the database and the operation language is usually required.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-20756
No. 3 discloses a method of permitting input of data values, data item names, table names, and the like registered in the database as keywords, and estimating the location of keyword information in the database from the input values. This method
A keyword is input, a data item to which the input keyword belongs is searched and set as a search item, a search query is generated, and a search query that can search the data item to which the keyword belongs is output.

[0004] By using this method, "Yahoo"
With a simple interface such as keyword input similar to many Web search engines such as "Google" and "goo", it is possible to execute a search for a database.

[0005]

However, in order to obtain information related to the target information, it is necessary to specify the data item to which the target information belongs and the data item to which the related information belongs. You have to figure out the structure.

In the database search method using keyword input, a search query is automatically generated from an input keyword. However, the search item is only the data item to which the keyword belongs (if the keyword points to the data item itself), the keyword-related information cannot be obtained.

That is, when a database search is performed using the keyword input interface, it is not possible to completely respond to a user's search request only by estimating the location information of the keyword information from the keyword. In order to respond to the search request, it is necessary to supplement the keyword-related information. In the Web search engine, the location of the HTML document including the input keyword is returned as a search result. In this HTML document, there are many sentences and figures related to the keyword before and after the keyword, and the user can obtain the requested information therefrom. But,
When targeting a database, no information about the keyword is obtained even if the location of the keyword information is estimated.

For example, it is assumed that there is a “dish database” having “dish name” and “recipe” as data items, and data on “meat and potatoes” is registered.
When "meat and potato" is entered as a keyword and the search is performed by the above method, it is found that the information of "meat and potato" exists in the data item of "cuisine name" in the "cuisine database". However, information on recipes for “meat potatoes” cannot be obtained. In order to obtain recipe information, it is necessary to grasp the structure of the database, that is, the existence of a data item "recipe", and then input "recipe" in addition to "meat potato" as an input keyword.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to obtain related information of a search item specified by a user as a search result in a database search. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for supplementing a search item in a database search capable of obtaining keyword-related information and a storage medium storing a program for supplementing a search item in a database search and a program for supplementing a search item in a database search.

[0010]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

According to the present invention (claim 1), in a search item complementing method in a database search by inputting a keyword, when searching a database by inputting a keyword, related information of the keyword specified in the database or a file is read. (Step 1) Complementing a search item with an input search query sentence based on related information (Step 2) Generates a query sentence for database search, or Generates a new search query sentence for complementation (Step 3) .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a search item complementing method in a database search by inputting a keyword, when searching a database by inputting a keyword, keyword location information is input, and a keyword collation value and a complementary item are input. Reads complementary item designation information consisting of a set of designated values, and, if the same as the keyword collation value of the read complement item designation information or belongs to the keyword collation value, data designated by the keyword collation value and the set The item is determined as an actual complementary item, and the determined complementary item is complemented with a query sentence for a database search.

According to the present invention (claim 3), when a complementary item is determined, all data items specified by a combination with the keyword collation value of the complementary item designation information are presented to the user, and the user selects the data item. Determine the data items as supplementary items.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a method for complementing a search item in a database search by inputting a keyword, a keyword or location information of a complementary item is input when a database is searched by inputting a keyword.
The table name in the location information is FROM clause, and the data item name is SEL
The ECT clause and the data value are designated in the WHERE clause to generate a search query sentence.

According to the present invention (claim 5), in a search item complementing method in a database search by inputting a keyword, when searching a database by inputting a keyword, the location of the input keyword is referred to by referring to location estimation information. Estimate the information, generate a search query from the keyword location information, refer to the complementary item designation information consisting of a set of keyword matching values and data items, determine the complementary items related to the keyword, and determine the location of the complementary items. If the keyword and the supplementary item exist in the same database, the supplementary item is complemented to the search query sentence. If the keyword and the supplementary item do not exist in the same database, the search query sentence for complementation is based on the location of the supplementary item. Generate and complete,
Alternatively, the generated search query is output.

The present invention (claim 6) is a search item complementing device in a database search by inputting a keyword, comprising: an information reading means for reading related information specified in a database or a file; And a search query sentence generating means for generating a query sentence for the database search complemented by the complementary means or newly generating a search query sentence for complementation.

[0017] The present invention (claim 7) is a search item complementing device in a database search by keyword input, in which the location information of the entered keyword is input, and a complement comprising a set of a keyword collation value and a complementary item designation value. Means for reading the item designation information; and, when the keyword item matches the keyword matching value of the read complementary item designating information or belongs to the keyword matching value, the data item designated by the keyword matching value and the actual It has a supplementary item determining means for determining as a supplementary item, and means for complementing the determined supplementary item with a query sentence for database search.

According to the present invention (claim 8), in the supplementary item determining means, means for presenting to the user all the data items specified in combination with the keyword collation value of the complementary item designation information,
Means for determining a data item selected by the user as a complementary item is included.

The present invention (claim 9) is a search item complementing device in a database search by inputting a keyword, means for inputting the location information of a keyword or a supplementary item, a table name in the location information by a FROM phrase, Means for designating a data item name in a SELECT clause and a data value in a WHERE clause to generate a search query sentence.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the principle of the present invention.

[0021] The present invention (claim 10) is a search item complementing apparatus for database retrieval by keyword input, wherein a location estimation information storage means 50 for holding keyword or supplementary item location estimation information; The location estimation for estimating the location of the input keyword or the name of the supplementary item with reference to the location information storage means 60 and the location estimation information storage means for holding the complement item information comprising a set of the complement item designation values. Means 10, a search query sentence generating means 40 for generating a search query sentence from keyword location information, a complementary item determining means 20 for determining a complementary item related to a keyword by referring to a complementary item designation information storage means, If the keyword and the supplementary item exist in the same database, complement the supplementary item in the search query and If the search query does not exist in the database, the search query generation unit 30 generates a search query for complementation based on the location of the supplementary item, and the output unit 70 outputs the complemented or generated search query. And

The present invention (claim 11) is a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, a process for reading related information specified in a database or a file, and a search for an input search query sentence. Generating a query sentence for database search by complementing items, or generating a new search query sentence for complementation.

The present invention (claim 12) is a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, which inputs location information of an inputted keyword, and complements a set of a keyword collation value and a complement item designation value. The process of reading the item specification information and the data item specified in combination with the keyword matching value if the same as or belonging to the keyword matching value of the read complementary item specifying information, There is a supplementary item determination process for determining as a supplementary item, and a process for supplementing the determined supplementary item to a query sentence for database search.

According to the present invention (claim 13), in the supplementary item determination process, a process of presenting to the user all data items specified by a combination with the keyword collation value of the supplementary item designation information, and a process selected by the user Includes the process of determining data items as supplementary items.

The present invention (claim 14) is a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, a process of inputting the location information of a keyword or a supplementary item, a table name in the location information by a FROM phrase,
SELECT clause for data item name, WHERE for data value
And generating a search query sentence by specifying a phrase.

The present invention (claim 15) is a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, and refers to a keyword or a supplementary item location estimation information to input a keyword or a supplementary item name. A location estimation process for estimating the location information of a keyword, a search query sentence generation process for generating a search query sentence from the location information of a keyword, and a supplementary item information comprising a set of a keyword collation value and a supplementary item specification value. And a supplementary item determination process for determining supplementary items related to the keyword. If the keyword and the supplementary item exist in the same database, the supplementary item is added to the search query,
If not present in the same database, a search query generation process that generates a search query for complementation based on the location of the complementary item, and an output process that outputs the completed or generated search query Having.

[0027] The present invention (claim 16) is a storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein a process of reading related information specified in a database or a file; A process of generating a query sentence for database search by complementing a search item in the inquiry sentence, or a process of generating a new search query sentence for complementation.

The present invention (claim 17) is a storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein the location information of the entered keyword is inputted, and a keyword collation value and a complement item designation value are inputted. And the process of reading the complementary item designation information consisting of a set of the following. If the keyword matches the keyword matching value of the read complementary item designation information or belongs to the keyword matching value,
A supplementary item determination process of determining a data item specified by the keyword matching value and a set as an actual supplementary item;
Supplementing the determined supplementary item with a query sentence for database search.

According to the present invention (claim 18), in the supplementary item determination process, a process of presenting to the user all the data items specified by a pair with the keyword collation value of the supplementary item designation information, and a process selected by the user. Includes the process of determining data items as supplementary items.

[0030] The present invention (claim 19) is a storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein a process of inputting location information of a keyword or a complementary item, and a table in the location information are provided. A search phrase by specifying a name in a FROM clause, a data item name in a SELECT clause, and a data value in a WHERE clause.

The present invention (claim 20) is a storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword. Alternatively, a location estimation process for estimating location information of a supplementary item name, a search query sentence generation process for generating a search query sentence from keyword location information, and supplementary item information including a pair of a keyword matching value and a complementary item specification value are performed. Refer to and determine the supplementary item related to the keyword. If the keyword and the supplementary item exist in the same database, the supplementary item is added to the search query. Is a search that generates a search query for completion based on the location of A query statement generation process, complemented, or, and an output process for outputting the generated search query statement.

As described above, in the present invention, when a database is searched by inputting a keyword, keyword-related information is output together with a normal database search output.

According to the present invention, the supplementary item designation information designated in the database or the file is read, and the data item is supplemented to the retrieval item of the search query sentence according to the supplementary item designation information, or a new retrieval for complementation is performed. Generate a query sentence. As the complementary item, a table or the like is specified as a data item or an aggregate of data items. This makes it possible to automatically supplement the related information with respect to the query sentence for searching the keyword information.

Also, the search item of the input search query sentence and the search target range are determined, and one suitable for the search request is selected from a plurality of complementary item designation information. This allows
It becomes possible to supplement related information more suitable for a search request.

Further, the supplementary items are automatically supplemented to the search query sentence, or candidates are presented to the user to select them.
Complement the selected item. This makes it possible to supplement related information more suitable for the user's request.

The present invention has a great effect particularly on database search by inputting a keyword. However, the present invention can be implemented as a method for supplementing related information in a normal database search.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention reads the related information (data item related to the data item to which a keyword belongs) specified in a database or a file, following the above-described conventional technology, and performs the following processing. I do.

(1) When the database to be searched by the search query sentence (A) is the same as the database containing the related information item, the related information item is supplemented to the search item of the search query sentence (A). Generate a search query (A ').

(2) When the database to be searched by the search query sentence (A) is different from the database including the related information item, the related information item is set as a search item separately from the search query sentence (A). A search query (B) is generated.

The above processing is performed as follows.

When a keyword is input, a data item to which the keyword belongs is searched and set as a search item, a search query is generated, and a data item to which the keyword belongs is generated with respect to the generated search query. Complements data items related to as search items.
When the keyword is a data item name or a table name, the data item or all data items included in the table are set as search items, a search query is generated, and For a search query sentence, a data item corresponding to a keyword or a data item related to a table is complemented as a search item.

As a result, the data item (α) to which the keyword belongs and the data item (β) related thereto are output as a search query sentence that can be searched. At this time, if α and β are present in the same or different databases, the following processing is performed.

First, when α and β exist in the same database, one search query (A ′) is generated.

If α and β exist in different databases, a plurality of search query sentences (A ′) and (B) are generated.

[0045]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a search item complementing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The search item supplementing device shown in FIG. 1 includes a location estimating unit 10, a supplementary item determining unit 20, a search query sentence generating unit 30, a search query sentence complementing unit 40, and location estimation information 5.
0, complementary item designation information 60.

The location estimation information 50 includes a keyword or
This is information for estimating the location of the supplementary item, and is defined by the administrator of the search system.

The supplementary item designation information 60 is information comprising a pair of a keyword collation value and a supplementary item designation value, and is assumed to be defined by the administrator of the search system.

When a keyword is input, the location estimating unit 10 refers to the location estimating information 50 to estimate where information corresponding to the input keyword is located in the search target database, and determines a supplementary item determining unit 20. And search sentence generation unit 3
Pass to 0. Further, the location of the supplementary item is estimated, and the supplementary item location information is passed to the search query sentence complementing unit 40.

The complementary item determining section 20 refers to the complementary item designation information 60 and determines a complementary item related to the keyword.

The search query sentence generator 30 generates a search query sentence. If the keyword and the supplementary item exist in different databases, the supplementary item location information is input from the location estimating unit 10, and a new search query sentence for searching for the supplementary item is generated.

The search query complementing section 40 complements a search query sentence with a complement item.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the search item supplementing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

When a keyword is input (step 10)
0), the location estimating unit 10 refers to the location estimation information 50 to estimate where the information corresponding to the keyword exists in the search target database (step 200).
Using the keyword location information that is the result of this estimation,
In the search query sentence generation unit 30, a search query sentence is generated (step 300). The processing up to this point is the same as the conventional database search method based on keyword input shown in the conventional Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-207563. The method for creating the location estimation information also follows the conventional method. Next, in the complementary item determination unit 20,
With reference to the complementary item designation information 60, a complementary item related to the keyword is determined (step 400). Here, it is assumed that the supplementary item designation information is defined by the administrator of the search system.

Next, the location estimating unit 10 estimates the location of the complementary item (step 500). The supplementary item location information, which is the estimation result, is used, and the search query sentence complementing unit 40 supplements the search query sentence with the supplementary item determined by the supplementary item determination unit 20 (step 7).
00).

The process (step 700) corresponds to the above-described process of “complementing the search item of the automatically generated search query (A) and generating the search query (A ′)”.

However, if the keyword and the complementary item exist in different databases (step 600, N
o), the supplementary item location information is the search query sentence generation unit 30
, A new search query sentence for searching for a complementary item is obtained (step 800). This process corresponds to the above-described process of “generating a new search query sentence (B) using the complementary data item as a search item”. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIGS.

Finally, the search query sentence complementing section 40 outputs a search query sentence in which the complement items are complemented, or a set of a keyword search query sentence and a search query for complementation.

As described above, when a keyword is input, a search query sentence in which related information is complemented as a search item is output (step 900).

In the branch at step 600 in the above flowchart, whether the data item to which the keyword belongs and the complementary data item are in the same database is determined.
If they are in the same database, the search query sentence means that there should be only one target for that database (complementing the search items and generating (A) from (A)). If it does not exist in the database, it means that a search query sentence for each database is required (it is necessary to newly create (B) in addition to (A ')).

Next, the complementary item designation information 60 will be described.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the format of complementary item designation information according to one embodiment of the present invention. The designation information is composed of a set of a keyword collation value and a complement item designation value. Here, the keyword collation value and the complementary item designation value are any of a table name, a data item name, and a data value included in the search target database. When the input keyword is the same as the keyword matching value, or when the keyword belongs to the keyword matching value, that is, the keyword matching value is a data item name and the keyword is a data value belonging to the data item. In this case, the complement is performed according to the specification of the complementary item specification value that is paired with the keyword matching value. When the supplementary item specification value is a table name, all data items included in the table are set as supplementary items. When the supplementary item designation value is a data item name, the data item is set as a supplementary item. When the complementary item designation value is a data value, the data item to which the data value belongs is set as a complementary item, and the data value is set as a search condition.

It should be noted that depending on the system, it is possible to set a value other than the above as the keyword collation value.
For example, in a system in which a related table group is regarded as one related group, a related group name indicating this related group can be set as a keyword collation value. In this case, when the related group name, the table name belonging to the related group, the data item name belonging to the table, and the data value belonging to the data item name are input as keywords, the keyword matching value is paired. Item complement is performed according to the designated complement item designated value.

Next, the supplementary item determination procedure (step 400) in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a supplementary item determination procedure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

First, keyword location information is input (step 401). Next, complementary item designation information is read (step 402). If the keyword is the same as the keyword matching value or belongs to the keyword matching value (step 403, Yes), the data item specified in combination with the keyword matching value is determined as an actual complementary item. (Step 404), a complementary item is output (Step 405). If the keyword is not the same as the collation value and does not belong to the keyword collation value (No in Step 403), a message is output without performing the item complementation (Step 406) (Step 40).
7).

Here, the procedure for determining a supplementary item based on the user's selection in step 404 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a supplementary item determination procedure based on user field selection according to one embodiment of the present invention.

This is a method for allowing a user to specify a complementary item every time a search is performed, instead of directly complementing the data item specified by the complementary item specifying information. The complementary item designation information is read (step 404)
1) All the data items specified as a pair with the keyword matching value are presented (step 4042). The user selects a supplementary item from the presented data items, and the selected data item is determined as a supplementary item (step 40).
43), the complementary item is output (step 404).
4).

Next, the operation of generating a search query from the keyword location information in the search query generator 30 in step 300 of FIG. 4 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for generating a search query sentence according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the following, regarding the location information of data, the table name is “database name, table name”, the data item name is “database name, table name, data item name”, and the data value is “database name, table name, data”. Item, data value ".

First, keyword location information is input (step 301). Next, the table name in the keyword location information is specified in the FROM clause, the data item name is specified in the SELECT clause, and the data value is specified in the WHERE clause, and a search query is generated (step 302, step 303, step 30).
4. Step 305, Yes, Step 307, Step 308, Yes, Step 309). Here, when there is no data value in the keyword location information (when the keyword is a table name or a data item name) (step 30)
8, No), the WHERE clause is not specified.

Further, the data item name is included in the keyword location information.
Does not exist (when the keyword is a table name)
(Step 305, No), the SELECT clause is “SELE
CT ^*(Step 310).

Next, a database name to be searched is extracted (step 311), and the database name and the generated search query, that is, the database name in the keyword location information are output (step 312).

Here, the input value (keyword location information) and output value (search query sentence, name of the database to be searched) in the search query sentence generation unit 30 used above.
An example is shown in FIG. In this example, when the keyword location information “cooking DB, dish, dish name, meat and potatoes” is input, the generated search query is “SE
LCT dish name FROM dish WHERE dish name = meat and potatoes, and the search target database name is "dish DB".

Next, a description will be given of a procedure for supplementing a search query to a search query using the supplementary item location information in the search query supplement section 40 in step 700 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a search query sentence complement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

First, a search query sentence to be complemented, a database name to be retrieved, and supplementary item location information are input (steps 701 and 702), and a database name is extracted (step 703).

Next, the database name in the supplementary item location information is compared with the database name to be searched (step 7).
04). If the result of the comparison is the same (step 70
4, Yes), the table name in the supplementary item location information is FROM
Clause, data item name is SELECT clause, data value is WHE
Added to the RE clause (steps 705, 706, 70
7, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 71
3). Regarding the addition of the search condition to the WHERE clause, which system uses AND or OR differs depending on the system. However, in each phrase, the same table name,
If the data item name and data value are specified, no addition is performed (step 709, No, step 71).
2, No, step 714).

When a table name is added to the FROM clause, the related information between the tables contains A in the WHERE clause as a search condition.
Added at ND.

Further, when there is no data value in the supplementary item location information (when the supplementary item is a table name or a data item name) (step 709, No), no search condition is added to the WHERE clause. When the data item name does not exist in the supplementary item location information (when the supplementary item is a table name), all the data item names existing in the table specified by the supplementary item location information are added to the SELECT clause. (Step 714).

Finally, the search query sentence with the completed items and the name of the database to be searched are output (step 718).

On the other hand, if the database name in the supplementary item location information is different from the database name to be searched (step 704, No), the supplementary item location information is input to the search query sentence generation unit 30 (step 715), and the complement Is obtained (step 716).

Next, the related information between the databases is added as a search condition to the WHERE phrase of the search query for complementation (step 717). Finally, the search query sentence for complementation and the name of the search target database are output (step 718).

Next, FIG. 11 shows an example of input values (search query sentence, supplementary item location information) and output values (search query sentence, search target database name) in the search query sentence complementing section 40.

FIG. 11A shows a case where the database name in the supplementary item location information is the same as the name of the database to be searched, and a search query sentence in which the items are complemented is output.

FIG. 13B shows a case where the database name in the supplementary item location information is different from the database name to be searched, and a complementary search query is output.

If the database or table in which the supplementary item exists is different from the database or table to be searched, the related information between the databases or between the tables cannot be obtained.
It is assumed that complementation that satisfies the search request is not performed.

In the example of FIG. 11B, the dish name “meat and potatoes” existing in the table of dishes in the dish DB and the ingredients D
All ingredients names existing in the table of ingredients B are searched. The searched ingredients include those unrelated to “meat and potatoes”, and it is not possible to determine which data is the ingredients related to “meat and potatoes”. As a solution to this problem, when specifying a keyword matching value and a supplementary item that exists in a different database or table, specify the related information between databases or tables in the supplementary item specification information. A method is conceivable. In the example of FIG. 11B, when there is a data item represented by the same ID in both the dish DB and the foodstuff DB, it is sufficient to specify them as related information.

Assuming the search database shown in FIG. 12, the relations between “cook DB, dish, dish ID = cook DB, ingredient, dish ID” and “cook DB, ingredient, ingredient ID = stuff DB, ingredient, ingredient ID” You only need to specify the information.

In the search query sentence complementing section 40, the relevant information is added to the WHERE clause of the search query by AND. As described above, the user can search for ingredients related to “meat and potatoes”.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a search target database according to an embodiment of the present invention. "Cooking DB" and "Food DB"
Are searched as two databases. "Cooking D
It is assumed that “B” has a table of “food” and “material”, and “food DB” has a table of “food” and “nutrition”. In each table, “cooking” and “material” are data items called “food ID”, “material” and “food” are data items called “food ID”, and “food” and “nutrition” are data items called “food ID”. ing.

FIG. 13 shows an example of location estimation information according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is information that is required when performing a database search by inputting a keyword. Japanese Patent Application 2
As shown by 000-207563, all table names, all data items, all data values, and different expressions of each data value included in all databases to be searched are extracted and registered as keywords, and the location information of each keyword is registered. Record and create. In FIG. 13, data values indicating numerical values and URLs, data item names indicating IDs, and other expressions of each data value are omitted.

FIG. 14 shows an example of complementary item designation information according to an embodiment of the present invention. Now, it is assumed that this information is described in the file. If a data value, or data item or table is inferred from the keywords entered,
Complement search items according to the contents.

[0095] "Meat and potato: recipe" in FIG. 9A specifies that the data item "recipe" is complemented as a search item when the data value of "meat and potato" is estimated from the input keyword. . This is a setting for automatically complementing a search item corresponding to the relevant information, assuming that specific relevant information is required when the user specifies a specific data value as a keyword. .

In FIG. 9B, “dish name: recipe” complements the data item “recipe” as a search item when a data value belonging to the data item “dish name” is estimated from the input keyword. Has been specified. This is to assume that when a user specifies a data value belonging to a specific data item as a keyword, specific related information is requested, and the search item corresponding to the relevant information is automatically supplemented. Is the setting.

[0097] "Nutrition: nutrition name, efficacy" in FIG.
When the data value belonging to the table "nutrition" is estimated from the input keyword, the data items "nutrition name" and "efficacy" are specified to be complemented as search items. Similarly,
“Cooking DB: Cooking name, recipe, ingredient name, quantity” is a data item “Cooking name” when a data value belonging to the database “Cooking DB” is estimated from the input keyword.
"Recipe", "Ingredient name", and "Amount" are specified to be complemented as search items. This is based on the assumption that when a user specifies a data value belonging to a specific table or database as a keyword, the same related information is required regardless of the data value belonging to any data item. This is a setting for automatically complementing a search item corresponding to the related information.

[0098] "Foodstuff name: recipe, quantity, nutritional name, efficacy" in Fig. 11D is a complement item choice when a data value belonging to the data item "foodstuff name" is estimated from the input keyword. "Recipes", "quantities", "nutrition names", and "effects" are presented, and it is specified that the items selected and determined by the user are to be complemented. This is a setting for complementing data items that are selection results as search items, assuming that the user can flexibly change related information that can be requested when a user specifies a specific data value as a keyword. .

Here, the case where the specified contents of the supplementary items are described in a file is exemplified, but the specified contents may be registered in a database.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an input keyword and a search result according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a search result when an item is complemented according to the input keyword and a complement item designation shown in FIG.

FIG. 15A shows an input keyword and a search result when item complement is not performed. When "meat and potato" is input as a keyword, "cooking DB, dish, dish name, meat and potato" is estimated from the location estimation information. However, no relevant information on "meat and potatoes" is obtained.

It is assumed that the supplementary item designation file shown in FIG. 15B is the one shown in FIG. When "meat and potato" is input as a keyword, "cooking DB, dish, dish name, meat and potato" is estimated from the location estimation information. Since this is the same as the data value “meat potato”, FIG.
Item complementation according to (a) is performed. As a result, the user can obtain the “recipe” as the related information of “meat and potato”.

As for FIG. 15C, it is assumed that FIG. 14B of the complementary item designation file is used. When "croquette" is input as a keyword, "dish DB, dish, dish name, croquette" is estimated from the location estimation information. Since this is a data value belonging to the data item “dish name”, item complementation according to FIG. 14B is performed. This allows the user to obtain a “recipe” as the related information of the “croquette”. Note that the same item complement is performed even if "meat and potato" is input as a keyword.

In FIG. 15 (d), similarly, when "dish name" is input as a keyword, the same item complement is performed, and the user obtains recipes for all dishes registered in the search target database. Becomes possible.

In FIG. 15E, the complementary item file shown in FIG. 14C is used. When "vitamin C" is input as a keyword, "food DB, nutrition, nutrition name, vitamin C" is estimated from the location estimation information. Since this is a data value belonging to the table "nutrition"
Item complementation according to FIG. 14C is performed. As a result, the user will be able to obtain “Vitamin C” related information as “Efficacy”
Can be obtained.

In FIG. 15 (f), similarly, the same item complement is carried out when “intestinal” is input as a keyword, and the user can enter “nutrition name” as related information of “intestinal”.
Can be obtained.

In FIG. 15 (g), the supplementary item file shown in FIG. 14 (d) is used, and a system in which the user selects and decides as an item supplementing procedure is used. When "pork" is input as a keyword, "food DB, food, food name, pork" is estimated from the location estimation information. Since this is a data value belonging to the data item “foodstuff name”, item complementation according to FIG. 14D is performed, and “recipe”, “quantity”, “nutrition name”, and “effect” are presented. Here, when it is desired to search for a dish using pork, “recipe” and “quantity” are selected.

Referring to FIG. 15 (h), if the user wants to search for the characteristics of pork, he or she selects "nutrition name" and "efficacy". This allows the user to obtain the requested information as the related information of “pork”.

Although the above embodiment has been described based on the configuration of FIG. 3, the location estimating unit 10 and the supplementary item determining unit 2
0, the search query sentence generation unit 30 and the search query supplement unit 40 can be constructed as programs and distributed via a network or installed in the CPU of a computer used as a search device.

The constructed program is stored in a portable storage medium such as a disk device connected to a computer, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or a CD-ROM, and is installed when the present invention is carried out. Thereby, the present invention can be easily realized.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified and applied within the scope of the claims.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a database search by inputting a keyword, it is possible to obtain a search query sentence in which keyword-related information is automatically complemented by designating a supplementary item.

In the prior art (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-207563), a search query sentence (A) capable of searching only the keyword itself was obtained. In the present invention, the keyword itself and information related to the keyword can be searched. The search query sentence (A ') or (B) is obtained.

Thus, it is possible to search the database for information related to the keyword only by inputting the keyword.

The following is an example of comparison between the present invention and a conventional method.

As a first example, when the database shown in FIG. 12 is to be searched, and FIG. 14B is designated as supplementary item designation information, the input keyword is “meat and potato”.
In this case, what is output by the conventional method is (A) “select dish, dish name where dish, dish name = meat potato from dish DB”. In contrast, in the present invention, (A ′) “ select dish, dish name dish, recipe where dish, dish name = meat and potato from dish DB ”. As a result, according to the conventional method, the result of the search using the above output result is a dish name..., Meat and potatoes, and according to the present invention, a dish name recipe... ……………… You can get the meat and potato http: //...nikujaga.html.

Next, as a second example, when the database of FIG. 12 is to be searched and the supplementary item designation information of “dish name: recipe, ingredient name, quantity, effect” is designated,
When the input keyword is “meat and potato recipe”, what is output by the conventional method is (A) “select dish, dish name dish, recipe where dish, dish name = meat and potato from dish DB” The output according to the invention is (A ') "select dish, dish name dish, recipe material, quantity where dish, dish name = meat potato from dish DB" (B) "select ingredient, ingredient name nutrition, efficacy from ingredient DB The result of the search using the above output result is the conventional method, the dish name recipe ……………………………………… ... meat meat http: //...nikujaga. html is obtained, and according to the present invention, the name of the recipe, the amount of the ingredient, the name of the ingredient, the effect, meat and potatoes http: //.../nikujaga.html 200g pork Meat and potatoes http: //.../nikujaga.html two potatoes flu prevention meat and potatoes http: //.../nikujaga.html Two potatoes intestinal disorders obtained.

However, when the related information item complementary to the data item to which the keyword belongs is present in a different database, a plurality of search query statements are used to combine them into one table as in the second example described above. In order to obtain the searched result, a distributed database management system such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-143538 discloses a method using the following: "Cooking DB, material, food ID = food DB" between two search query sentences (A ') and (B). , Foodstuff, foodstuff I
D ”must be defined.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a database search by inputting a keyword, it is possible to obtain a query sentence for automatically searching for keyword-related information by designating a complementary item. Further, it is possible to obtain a search query sentence in which the keyword-related information selected according to the search target range is complemented. It is also possible to obtain a search query sentence supplementing the keyword-related information selected and determined by the user.

Although the present invention is particularly effective for database search by inputting a keyword,
It can also be implemented as a method of complementing related information in a normal database search.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a principle configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a search item complementing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the search item complementing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a format of complementary item designation information according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a supplementary item determination procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a supplementary item determination procedure according to a user's selection according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of generating a search query sentence according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example of input and output of a search query sentence generation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of search query sentence complementation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an example of input and output of a search query sentence complementer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an example of a search target database according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an example of location estimation information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an example of complementary item designation information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an example of an input keyword and a search result according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Location Estimating Means, Location Estimating Unit 20 Complementary Item Determining Means, Complementary Item Determining Unit 30 Search Query Sentence Generating Unit, Search Query Sentence Generating Unit 40 Search Query Sentence Completing Means, Search Query Sentence Completion Unit 50 Location Estimating Information Storage Means, Location Estimation information 60 Complementary item designation information storage means, Complementary item designation information 70 Output means

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yuichi Iizuka 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term in Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (reference) 5B075 NK02 PP14 PP22 PP26 UU06

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A search item supplementing method in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein when a keyword is input to search a database, related information of the keyword specified in a database or a file is read, and based on the related information. A search item for the input search query sentence, and a query sentence for the database search, or a new search query sentence for complementation is generated. 2. A method for complementing a search item in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein, when a database is searched by inputting a keyword, the location information of the keyword is input, and a set of a keyword collation value and a complement item designation value is provided. If the complementary item designation information is read, and the same as the keyword collation value of the read complement item designation information or belongs to the keyword collation value, the data item designated in combination with the keyword collation value is actually read. A search item complementing method in a database search, characterized in that it is determined as a complementary item of the above, and the determined complementary item is complemented with a query sentence for the database search. 3. When deciding the supplementary item, presenting to the user all data items designated by the keyword collation value of the supplementary item designation information and a data item selected by the user 3. The search item complementing method according to claim 2, wherein the item is determined as a complementing item. 4. A search item complementing method in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein when searching a database by inputting a keyword, a keyword or location information of a complementary item is input, and a table name in the location information is stored in a FROM name. S, phrase and data item name
A search item complementing method in a database search, wherein a search query is generated by designating an ELECT clause and a data value in a WHERE clause. 5. In a search item complementing method in a database search by inputting a keyword, when a database is searched by inputting a keyword, the location information of the input keyword is estimated by referring to the location estimation information. A search query sentence is generated from the location information of the keyword, and a complementary item related to the keyword is determined by referring to complementary item designation information including a set of a keyword matching value and a data item, and the location of the complementary item is estimated. When the keyword and the supplementary item exist in the same database, the supplementary item is supplemented to the search query sentence. When the keyword and the supplementary item do not exist in the same database, the supplementary search query is performed based on the location of the supplementary item. Generate a sentence and output the completed or generated search query. Search item completion method in the database search to be. 6. An apparatus for complementing a search item in a database search by inputting a keyword, comprising: an information reading means for reading relevant information specified in a database or a file; and a complement for complementing a search item in an input search query sentence. Means for generating a query sentence for a complemented database search or a search query sentence generating means for generating a new search query sentence for complementation. 7. A search item complementing device in a database search by inputting a keyword, comprising means for inputting location information of an inputted keyword, and reading out supplementary item designation information comprising a set of a keyword collation value and a supplementary item designation value. If the same as the keyword collation value of the read complementary item designation information or belongs to the keyword collation value, a data item designated in combination with the keyword collation value is determined as an actual complement item. A search item complementing device in a database search, comprising: a supplementary item determining means; and a means for complementing the determined supplementary item with a query sentence for a database search. 8. The supplementary item deciding means, means for presenting to the user all data items specified in combination with the keyword matching value of the supplementary item designation information, and a data item selected by the user. 8. The search item complementing apparatus in a database search according to claim 7, further comprising means for determining a supplementary item. 9. A search item complementing apparatus for database retrieval by inputting a keyword, means for inputting keyword or location information of a supplementary item, a table name in the location information as a FROM phrase, and a data item name as S
Means for designating an SELECT clause and a data value in a WHERE clause to generate a search query sentence. 10. A retrieval item complementing device for database retrieval by keyword input, comprising: location estimation information storage means for retaining keyword or supplementary item location estimation information; and a set of a keyword collation value and a complement item designation value. A supplementary item information storage unit that holds supplementary item information; a location estimation unit that refers to the location estimation information storage unit to estimate location information of an input keyword or a supplementary item name; and location information of the keyword. A search query sentence generating means for generating a search query sentence from the computer; a supplementary item determining means for determining a complementary item related to the keyword by referring to the complementary item designation information storage means; If it exists in the database, the search query is complemented with the supplementary items and the same A search query sentence generating means for generating a search query sentence for complementation based on the location of the supplementary item if not present in the database, and an output means for outputting a complemented or generated search query sentence. A search item complementing device in a database search, comprising: 11. A search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, a process of reading related information specified in a database or a file, and a database search by complementing a search item with an input search query sentence. A process of generating a query sentence for, or generating a new search query sentence for complementation. 12. A search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein a location information of an inputted keyword is inputted, and a supplementary item designation information comprising a set of a keyword collation value and a supplementary item designation value is read out. If the same as the keyword collation value of the read complementary item designation information or belongs to the keyword collation value, a data item designated in combination with the keyword collation value is determined as an actual complement item. A search item complementing program in a database search, comprising: a complement item determination process; and a process of complementing the determined complement item with a query sentence for a database search. 13. The supplementary item determination process includes: a process of presenting to the user all data items specified by a combination with the keyword matching value of the supplementary item designation information; and a process of presenting the data item selected by the user. 13. The search item complementing program in a database search according to claim 12, further comprising a process of determining as a complementary item. 14. A search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, a process of inputting location information of a keyword or a supplementary item, a table name in the location information as a FROM phrase, and a data item name as S
A process of generating a search query sentence by designating an ELECT clause and a data value in a WHERE clause. 15. A search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein a location for estimating the location information of the input keyword or the name of the complementary item by referring to the location estimation information of the keyword or the complementary item. An estimation process; a search query sentence generation process for generating a search query sentence from the location information of the keyword; and a supplementary item related to the keyword by referring to supplementary item information comprising a set of a keyword matching value and a complementary item designation value. A supplementary item determination process of determining the supplementary item in the search query if the keyword and the supplementary item are present in the same database; and A search query that generates a complementary search query based on its location And sentence generation process was, supplemented, or search items complementing program in database searching and an outputting process for outputting the generated search query statement. 16. A storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, a process of reading related information specified in a database or a file, and a step of inputting a search item into an input search query sentence. Generating a query sentence for a database search by complementing or a new search query sentence for complementation. 17. A storage medium storing a search item completion program in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein location information of the input keyword is input, and a complementary item specification comprising a pair of a keyword collation value and a complementary item specification value is provided. A process of reading information; and, if the keyword matching value of the read complementary item designation information is the same as or belonging to the keyword matching value, the data item specified in combination with the keyword matching value is replaced with the actual A storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search, comprising: a supplementary item determination process for determining a supplementary item; and a process of complementing the determined supplementary item with a query sentence for a database search. 18. The supplementary item determination process includes: a process of presenting to a user all data items specified in combination with the keyword matching value of the supplementary item designation information; and a process of presenting a data item selected by the user. The storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search according to claim 17, comprising a process of determining as a complementing item. 19. A storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, a process of inputting location information of a keyword or a supplementary item, a table name in the location information being a FROM phrase, data Item name is S
A process for generating a search query sentence by designating an SELECT clause and a data value in a WHERE clause. 20. A storage medium storing a search item complementing program in a database search by inputting a keyword, wherein the location of the inputted keyword or the name of the complementary item is referred to by referring to the location estimation information of the keyword or the complementary item. A location estimating process for estimating information; a search query sentence generating process for generating a search query sentence from the location information of the keyword; and a supplementary item information comprising a set of a keyword matching value and a supplementary item designation value. And a supplementary item determination process for determining a supplementary item related to the search query. If the keyword and the supplementary item exist in the same database, the supplementary item is complemented in the search query sentence. Based on the location of the supplementary item, A search query statement generation process of forming, complemented, or storage medium which stores a search item complementary program in the database search, characterized in that an output process for outputting the generated search query statement.