JP2004258838A - Information search method, information search device, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to retrieve target information easily and in a short time.
A map display procedure for arranging and displaying a thumbnail 111 representing an outline of information content on a map 11, and a user instructing a point in a specific small area among a plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map 11 Then, a small area group centered on a specific small area is set as an enlargement target area, a thumbnail detail display procedure for enlarging thumbnails 111 arranged in the enlargement target area and displaying the contents in detail, A thumbnail evacuation display procedure for evacuation and displaying the thumbnails 111 arranged in the evacuation target area so as not to overlap the thumbnails 111 displayed in an enlarged manner is performed by setting the peripheral small area group as the evacuation target area.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention arranges and displays thumbnails representing the outline of information content to be searched on a two-dimensional plane map, and displays thumbnails centering on points designated by the user when the user searches on the map. The present invention relates to an information search method, an information search device, a program, and a recording medium that enable an information search using a map by being enlarged and displayed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, when searching for a target content from a huge number of information contents, a method of searching by inputting a word (keyword) related to the content to be searched, or a content classified by a hierarchical directory structure is ranked higher. There is a method of narrowing down from a directory to a lower directory.
[0003]
In addition, a technique has been proposed in which information contents are arranged as small thumbnails in a two-dimensional space, and a region of interest is enlarged and searched by using a zoom-in / zoom-out function (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). reference). The applicant has not found any prior art documents related to the present invention other than the prior art documents specified by the prior art document information described in this specification by the time of filing.
[0004]
[Non-patent document 1]
Shinji Miyahara et al., "A Proposal of a Stroll-type Video Portal Site System Associate Guide", Proceedings of the 2002 IEICE General Conference, D-8-7, 2002
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the method of searching for information by inputting a keyword, information cannot be searched unless the keyword to be input is recalled, and even if a keyword is input, necessary information is input if the keyword is not appropriate. There was a problem that it could not be searched.
[0006]
Also, in the method of searching for information by following the directory hierarchy, if the target information is not found in the lower directory, it is necessary to return to the upper directory again, and as a result, it takes time to find the target information. There was a problem.
[0007]
In the method of searching for information by zooming in and out of a space in which thumbnails representing information content outlines are arranged, when a desired location is zoomed in, surrounding content thumbnails are out of sight, and the content space is locally located. I could only see it. Therefore, when a specific thumbnail is zoomed in, it is impossible to know what the whole space is and what part of the space the user is looking at, and the user may be lost.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide an information search method, an information search device, a program, and a recording medium capable of searching for target information easily and in a short time. .
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An information search method according to the present invention includes a map display procedure for arranging and displaying thumbnails representing outlines of information content on a two-dimensional plane map, and a map display procedure in a specific small area among a plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map. When a user designates a point, a small area group centered on the specific small area is set as an enlargement target area, and thumbnails arranged in the enlargement target area are enlarged to display thumbnail details in detail. A thumbnail evacuation procedure in which a small area group around the enlargement target area is set as a save target area, and thumbnails arranged in the save target area are saved and displayed so as not to overlap with the enlarged thumbnail. Executing the display procedure and displaying the thumbnails in an enlarged manner centering on the points designated by the user when the user searches the map. It is those that enables information retrieval using.
In one configuration example of the information search method according to the present invention, the thumbnail detailed display procedure includes a small area vector from the origin of the map to a small area and a thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to a thumbnail included in the small area. Is used to manage the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map for each small area, and when the user designates a point in the specific small area, the enlargement target area is enlarged around this point. After calculating the enlarged small area vector of each small area in the enlarged target area, the coordinate of the thumbnail to be enlarged is determined by calculating the enlarged thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in these small areas. It was made. In the calculation at this time, the small area vector after the enlargement is calculated from the coordinates of the point, the small area vector before the enlargement of each small area in the enlargement target area, and the predetermined enlargement ratio, and each small area in the enlargement target area is calculated. Is calculated based on the thumbnail vector of each thumbnail before the enlargement and the enlargement ratio.
In one configuration example of the information search method according to the present invention, the thumbnail retraction display procedure includes a small area vector from the origin of the map to a small area and a thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to a thumbnail included in the small area. Is used to manage the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map for each small area, and when the user indicates a point in the specific small area, the evacuation target area has a predetermined size around the enlargement target area. After calculating the compressed small area vector of each small area in the save target area so as to be compressed into the save area, calculating the compressed thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in these small areas, The coordinates of the thumbnail to be evacuated are determined. At this time, the small area vector after compression is calculated from the small area vector of each small area in the evacuation target area before compression, the size of the evacuation target area, and the size of the evacuation area. A compressed thumbnail vector is calculated from the thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in the small area before compression, the size of the save target area, and the size of the save area.
[0010]
In addition, the information search device of the present invention includes a map display means for arranging and displaying thumbnails representing outlines of information contents on a two-dimensional map, and a specific small area among a plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map. When the user designates a point in the area, a small area group centered on the specific small area is set as an enlargement target area, and a thumbnail arranged in the enlargement target area is enlarged to display the contents in detail. Detail display means, and a group of small areas around the enlargement target area is set as a save target area, and the thumbnails arranged in the save target area are saved and displayed so as not to overlap with the enlarged and displayed thumbnail. A thumbnail evacuation display unit, which enlarges and displays the thumbnail around a point designated by the user when the user searches on the map, Tsu is intended that enables information retrieval using a flop.
In one configuration example of the information search device of the present invention, the thumbnail detail display means includes a small area vector from the origin of the map to a small area and a thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to a thumbnail included in the small area. Is used to manage the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map for each small area, and when the user designates a point in the specific small area, the enlargement target area is enlarged around this point. After calculating the enlarged small area vector of each small area in the enlargement target area, calculating the enlarged thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in these small areas to determine the coordinates of the thumbnail to be enlarged It is.
In one configuration example of the information search device of the present invention, the thumbnail evacuation display means includes a small area vector from the origin of the map to a small area and a thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to a thumbnail included in the small area. Is used to manage the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map for each small area, and when the user indicates a point in the specific small area, the evacuation target area has a predetermined size around the enlargement target area. After calculating the compressed small area vector of each small area in the save target area so as to be compressed into the save area, calculating the compressed thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in these small areas, The coordinates of the thumbnail to be saved are determined.
[0011]
The information search program according to the present invention further comprises a map display procedure for arranging and displaying thumbnails representing outlines of information content on a two-dimensional plane map, and a specific small area among a plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map. When the user designates a point in the area, a small area group centered on the specific small area is set as an enlargement target area, and a thumbnail arranged in the enlargement target area is enlarged to display the contents in detail. The detailed display procedure, and a small area group around the enlargement target area is set as a save target area, and the thumbnails arranged in the save target area are saved and displayed so as not to overlap with the thumbnails displayed in an enlarged manner. The computer executes the thumbnail saving display procedure and enlarges the thumbnail centering on the point designated by the user when the user searches the map. By Shimesuru it is obtained by allowing the information retrieval using the map.
Further, the recording medium of the present invention stores an information search program.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display example of a map in which thumbnails representing the outline of information content are arranged. One example of the information content is, for example, document information content. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 111 denotes a thumbnail, and 11 denotes a map in which the thumbnails 111 are arranged on a two-dimensional plane. The thumbnails 111 include information content titles, images, summary sentences, and the like, and are collected and arranged on the map 11 for each genre of information content.
[0013]
At the center of each genre, genre information 112 indicating the genre of the information content is arranged. The thumbnails 111 are displayed in a reduced form according to the size of all the arranged thumbnails, or displayed as dots in a further reduced form, and are arranged so as not to overlap with each other.
[0014]
The position of the thumbnail 111 on the map 11 is managed by relative coordinates with respect to a small area obtained by dividing the map 11 into small grids. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the coordinates of the thumbnail 111 on the map 11 are small from the origin M defined on the upper left of the map 11 to the upper left corner of the small area 21 including the thumbnail 111 (the origin O of the thumbnail 111). It is represented by the sum of the area vector 22 and the thumbnail vector 24 from the origin O of the small area 21 to the thumbnail 111. Note that the grid and small area 21 represented by dotted lines in FIG. 2 are for managing information contents, and are not displayed on the actual map 11.
[0015]
When the user points to an arbitrary position on the map 11 using a pointing device such as a mouse, the thumbnails 111 in the vicinity thereof become larger while pushing the surrounding thumbnails 111 outward. Thereby, the user can see the thumbnail 111 of the part of interest on the map 11 in detail. The user moves in the map 11 while pointing to an area of interest with a mouse pointer, and searches for desired information while looking at the thumbnails 111 of the content one after another.
[0016]
Note that the enlarged display of the thumbnail 111 is performed only by placing the mouse pointer on the map 11, and when the mouse is clicked while the mouse pointer is over the thumbnail 111, the content is selected. Is desirable.
[0017]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information search device of the present embodiment. The information retrieval device includes a map display unit 1, an event detection unit 2, a thumbnail coordinate calculation unit 3, and a content display unit 4. The map display means 1, the event detection means 2, and the thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 constitute a thumbnail detail display means and a thumbnail evacuation display means.
[0018]
The map display means 1 generates and displays a map 11 on which thumbnails 111 are arranged. When a pointing device such as a mouse is placed on the map 11, the event detecting means 2 detects the coordinates of a point indicated by the pointing device.
[0019]
The thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 determines, based on the coordinates of the point detected by the event detection means 2, an enlargement target area centered on the small area 21 including this point and an evacuation target area around the enlargement target area. The enlarged small area vector 22 of each small area 21 in the enlargement area is calculated so that the enlargement area is enlarged around the point detected by the detection means 2, and each thumbnail 111 included in these small areas 21 is calculated. The thumbnail vector 24 after the enlargement is calculated. Further, the thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 calculates the compressed small area vector 22 of each small area 21 in the save target area so that the save target area is compressed into a save area of a predetermined size around the enlargement area. , The compressed thumbnail vector 24 of each thumbnail 111 included in these small areas 21 is calculated.
[0020]
The calculation result of the thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 is passed to the map display means 1. The map display means 1 updates the display of the thumbnail 111 according to the calculation result of the thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3. When the event detecting means 2 detects the selection of the thumbnail 111 by clicking the pointing device, the content display means 4 displays the information content corresponding to the selected thumbnail 111 so that the user can browse the information content. I do.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information search device of FIG. First, the map display means 1 generates and displays the map 11 in which the thumbnails 111 of the information contents are arranged (step S101 in FIG. 4). Next, when a pointing device such as a mouse indicates a certain point on the map 11 (YES in step S102), the event detecting means 2 detects the coordinates of the point indicated by the pointing device (step S103).
[0022]
The thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 determines an enlargement target area centered on the small area 21 including the point based on the coordinates of the point detected by the event detection means 2 and enlarges the area centered on the point detected by the event detection means 2. An enlarged small area vector 22 of each small area 21 in the enlarged target area is calculated so that the target area is enlarged, and an enlarged thumbnail vector 24 of each thumbnail 111 included in these small areas 21 is calculated ( Step S104).
[0023]
At this time, the small area vector 22 after the enlargement is calculated from the coordinates of the point, the small area vector 22 before the enlargement of each small area 21 in the enlargement target area, and a predetermined enlargement ratio, and The thumbnail vector 24 after enlargement is calculated from the thumbnail vector 24 before enlargement of each thumbnail 111 included in each small area 21 and the enlargement ratio.
[0024]
The thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 determines a save area around the enlargement area based on the coordinates of the point detected by the event detection means 2, and the save area is a save area of a predetermined size around the enlargement area. The compressed small area vector 22 of each small area 21 in the evacuation target area is calculated so as to be compressed, and the compressed thumbnail vector 24 of each thumbnail 111 included in these small areas 21 is calculated (step S105).
[0025]
At this time, the small area vector 22 after compression is calculated from the small area vector 22 of each small area 21 in the save area before compression, the size of the save area, and the size of the save area. The compressed thumbnail vector 24 is calculated from the thumbnail vector 23 of each thumbnail 111 included in each small area 21 before compression, the size of the save target area, and the size of the save area.
[0026]
The map display means 1 updates the display of the thumbnail 111 according to the calculation result of the thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 (step S106). That is, the map display unit 1 moves the thumbnail 111 arranged in the enlargement target area to the coordinates calculated by the thumbnail coordinate calculation unit 3 in step S101, and enlarges the thumbnail 111 to display its contents in detail. . Further, the map display means 1 saves the thumbnail 111 arranged in the save target area in step S101 to the coordinates calculated by the thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3.
[0027]
If the user clicks the pointing device during such a search for the content (YES in step S107), the event detecting means 2 detects the coordinates of the clicked point. Then, the content display unit 4 displays the information content corresponding to the thumbnail 111 selected by clicking the pointing device (Step S108).
[0028]
When the user finishes browsing the information content, the process returns to the map search state (step S102). Then, if there is an end request from the user during the search (YES in step S109), the information search device ends the process.
[0029]
Next, among the operations of the information retrieval apparatus as described above, the enlarged display processing of the thumbnail 111 near the position designated by the user with the pointing device and the evacuation processing of the thumbnails 111 around the thumbnail 111 will be described in more detail.
[0030]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the small area group of the portion where the mouse pointer 32 is arranged is enlarged, and FIG. 5A shows the small area group before the enlargement. In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 21-1 denotes a small area where the mouse pointer 32 is arranged, and 31 denotes a small area 21-1 and eight small areas 21-2, 21-3, and 21-4 around the small area 21-1. , 21-5, 21-6, 21-7, 21-8, and 21-9. Also, P ₀ Is the position indicated by the mouse pointer 32, and S ₀ Is the position of the thumbnail 111 inside the small area 21-1.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, when the mouse pointer 32 is placed in the small area 21-1, the thumbnail 111 included in the small area group 31 centered on the small area 21-1 is to be enlarged, The description will be made on the assumption that the group 31 is enlarged to double the size. However, the size of the thumbnail 111 included in the small area group 31 does not need to be doubled similarly, and it is preferable to enlarge the thumbnail 111 to a size that allows the contents of the thumbnail 111 to be visually recognized.
[0032]
FIG. 5B shows a state after the small area group 31 is doubled. S ₁ , P ₁ Is S before expansion ₀ , P ₀ It corresponds to. S on the map 11 in the initial state ₀ Of the thumbnail 111 at the position of ₀ When it is arranged at the position P, it moves with the expansion of the small area group 31, but the position P ₁ And P ₀ Is obtained when the small area group 31 after the enlargement (FIG. 5B) and the small area group 31 before the enlargement (FIG. 5A) are superimposed on the map 11 so that ₁ Move to the position.
[0033]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) in which a part of FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are enlarged, in the small area 21-1 where the mouse pointer 32 is arranged, Origin O of small area 21-1 ₀ (XO ₀ , YO ₀ ) The position P of the mouse pointer 32 with respect to ₀ The relative coordinates of (XP ₀ , YP ₀ ), Origin O ₀ Of the thumbnail 111 with respect to ₀ The relative coordinates of (XS ₀ , YS ₀ ) And the origin O ₀ Is O ₁ (XO ₁ , YO ₁ ), And if the magnification at this time is m (m is a natural number of 2 or more), the origin O after the movement ₁ The position P of the mouse pointer 32 with respect to ₁ Relative coordinates (XP ₁ , YP ₁ ), Origin O ₁ Of the thumbnail 111 with respect to ₁ Relative coordinates (XS ₁ , YS ₁ ) Is as follows.
[0034]
XP ₁ = MXP ₀ ... (1)
YP ₁ = MYP ₀ ... (2)
XS ₁ = MXS ₀ ... (3)
YS ₁ = MYS ₀ ... (4)
However, the position P of the mouse pointer 32 with respect to the origin M of the map 11 ₀ Relative coordinates and the position P with respect to the origin M ₁ Are the same as the relative coordinates.
[0035]
Position P of mouse pointer 32 ₀ And P ₁ And the origin O of the enlarged small area 21-1 so as to satisfy the equations (1) and (2). ₁ Is determined, the position S of the thumbnail 111 in the small area 21-1 after the enlargement is calculated by the equations (3) and (4). ₁ Relative coordinates (XS ₁ , YS ₁ ) Can be calculated. Thus, the thumbnail coordinate calculation means 3 determines the coordinates of the thumbnail 111, and the map display means 1 can move and display the thumbnail 111.
[0036]
Similarly, for the other small areas 21-2 to 21-9 included in the small area group 31 to be enlarged, the positions of the small areas 21-2 to 21-9 are determined with the position of the mouse pointer 32 as a starting point. The position of the thumbnail 111 in the areas 21-2 to 21-9 is calculated and moved. By the enlargement of the small area group 31 and the movement of the thumbnail 111 as described above, the part where the mouse pointer 32 is placed appears to the user as being elongated.
[0037]
In the map 11 in the initial state, the thumbnails 111 are arranged in a reduced state or in a state of further reduced points. On the other hand, the thumbnails 111 in the small area group 31 to be enlarged are displayed with their contents enlarged to a legible size simultaneously with the movement accompanying the enlargement of the small area group 31.
[0038]
A series of thumbnail movement / enlargement display processing as described above is performed in conjunction with the movement of the mouse pointer 32 as long as the mouse pointer 32 exists within the small area 21-1. That is, the thumbnail 111 near the mouse pointer 32 is always enlarged, and the thumbnail 111 moves in accordance with the movement of the mouse pointer 32.
[0039]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of the small area 21-1 when the mouse pointer 32 moves. In FIG. 7, a dotted line indicates a small area 21-1 before enlargement. When the mouse pointer 32 moves diagonally to the upper left from the state shown in FIG. 7A, the enlarged small area 21-1 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 7A according to the description of the equations (1) to (4). The thumbnail 111 moves diagonally to the lower right, and the thumbnail 111 also moves diagonally to the lower right. Thereafter, when the mouse pointer 32 moves to another small area 21, a new small area group 31 centering on the small area 21 of the movement destination is set, and the destination coordinate determination and enlarged display of the thumbnail 111 are the same as described above. Done in
[0040]
Since the position of the thumbnail 111 on the map 11 is represented by the sum of the small area vector 22 and the thumbnail vector 24 as described above, only the small area 21 whose size or position has changed due to the arrangement of the mouse pointer 32 has been described. Recalculation of the small region vector 22 (recalculation of the origin O of the small region 21 with respect to the origin M of the map 11) and recalculation of the thumbnail vector 24 of the thumbnail 111 included in the small region 21 (the origin O of the small region 21) Recalculation of the relative coordinates of the thumbnail 111). After the recalculation, the display position of the thumbnail 111 is determined only by adding the small area vector 22 and the thumbnail vector 24.
Through the above-described processing, the thumbnail 111 in the small area group 31 to be enlarged expands while spreading outward around the position of the mouse pointer 32.
[0041]
In the map 11 shown in FIG. 8, when the size of each of the small regions 21 before the enlargement is set to 1 in the X and Y directions, when the mouse pointer 32 is arranged in the small region 21-1 near the center, the enlargement is performed. The target small region group 31 has a size of 3 in the X direction and 3 in the Y direction centered on the small region 21-1. When the small area group 31 is doubled by the arrangement of the mouse pointer 32, the small area group 31 after expansion has a size of 6 in the X direction and 6 in the Y direction.
[0042]
Since the small area group 31 before the enlargement and the small area group 31 after the enlargement are aligned starting from the position indicated by the mouse pointer 32 as described above, the small area group 31 after the enlargement is It is possible to move inside the frame 41 having a size of 7 in the X direction and 7 in the Y direction centering on the area 21-1. That is, the enlarged thumbnail 111 always exists inside the frame 41.
[0043]
At this time, the thumbnails 111 around the small area group 31 to be enlarged on the original map 11 overlap with the enlarged thumbnails 111 in the small area group 31 due to the enlargement of the small area group 31 and are hidden. May be lost. Therefore, the thumbnails 111 around the small area group 31 are retracted to the outside of the frame 41 so that the thumbnails 111 do not overlap each other, so that all the thumbnails 111 on the map 11 can be listed even after the enlargement processing. To do.
[0044]
The position of the thumbnail 111 after the retraction is the evacuation target area 42 whose width in the X direction is within 3 and the width in the Y direction is within 3 from the periphery of the small area group 31 before enlargement shown in FIG. 9) is transformed into a retreat area 43 (shaded in FIG. 9) within 1 in the X direction and within 1 in the Y direction from the periphery of the frame 41 as shown in FIG. Each small area 21 is compressed, and is determined based on the position of the small area 21 after compression. That is, the evacuation target area 42 in which the width between the inner circumference (the boundary with the small area group 31 before the enlargement) and the outer circumference is 3 in both the XY directions is compressed into the evacuation area 43 having a width of 1/3 of the width.
[0045]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state of deformation of the small area 21 around the small area group 31 enlarged by the arrangement of the mouse pointer 32. In FIG. 10, the small area group 31 having the size in the X direction 3 × Y direction 3 is enlarged to the size in the X direction 6 × Y direction 6, and thus the evacuation target area 42 around the small area group 31 is formed. Is compressed to a size of (（) × (１ ／).
[0046]
The enlarged small area group 31 and the surrounding small areas 21 are arranged without overlapping, and overlapping of the thumbnails 111 is also avoided. Based on the deformation of the small area 21 as shown in FIG. 10, a small area vector 22 representing the position of the small area 21 to be compressed and a thumbnail vector 24 representing the position of the thumbnail 111 in the small area 21 are recalculated. I do.
[0047]
When the mouse pointer 32 moves from the small area 21-1 to another small area 21 to change the small area group 31 to be enlarged, some of the thumbnails 111 are enlarged and some of the thumbnails 111 return to the original size. Further, the display position of the thumbnail 111 greatly changes depending on whether or not the thumbnail 111 is in the small area group 31 to be enlarged.
[0048]
If the display position or the display size of these thumbnails 111 is rapidly changed, the user may lose sight of the thumbnails 111 when the user moves the mouse pointer 32. Therefore, it is preferable that changes such as enlargement, reduction, and movement of the thumbnail 111 be smoothly performed using animation.
[0049]
In the present embodiment, the size of the small area group 31 to be enlarged when the mouse pointer 32 is placed is 3 in the X direction × 3 in the Y direction, and the enlargement ratio m (m is a natural number of 2 or more) is 2. However, this can be generalized as follows. That is, assuming that n is a natural number of 1 or more and the size of the small area group 31 to be enlarged is X direction (2n-1) × Y direction (2n-1), one side of the small area group 31 after enlargement has one side. It becomes a square of (2n-1) m.
[0050]
The range in which the small area group after the enlargement can move is defined by adding the movable distance m-1 of the small area group after the enlargement to the size (2n-1) m of one side of the small area group, and 2n-1) m + (m-1) = 2mn-1.
[0051]
Therefore, in the evacuation target area corresponding to the area 42 shown in FIG. 8, the widths of the inner circumference and the outer circumference are both {(2mn-1)-(2n-1)} / 2 = n (m-1) in the XY directions. Area. When the thumbnail 111 inside the save target area is saved in the save area corresponding to the area 43 shown in FIG. 9, if the width of the inner circumference and the outer circumference of this save area is W in the XY directions, n The width of (m-1) + W is compressed to W, which is W / {n (m-1) + W} times.
[0052]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the mouse pointer 32 is placed on the map 11. Reference numeral 111a denotes a thumbnail that is enlarged and displayed in the enlargement target area. According to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the thumbnails 111 around the thumbnail 111a, that is, the thumbnails 111 around the enlargement target area, are narrowed and compact due to the compression of the small area.
[0053]
As described above, in the present embodiment, unlike the method of searching for information by inputting a keyword, it is not necessary to input a keyword, and desired information can be easily searched. In addition, since the user can quickly browse the outline of the content one after another, the target information can be searched faster than in the method of searching for information by following the directory hierarchy.
[0054]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the thumbnail 111 near the position specified by the user with the pointing device is enlarged and displayed, the thumbnail 111 around the thumbnail 111 is retracted outward, so that the space is zoomed in / out. Unlike a method of searching for information, there is no possibility that the user will be lost, and the user can always grasp which part on the map 11 is being viewed, and maintain the list of all contents. be able to.
[0055]
The configuration of the information search device according to the present embodiment can be realized by a computer. The computer includes a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an auxiliary storage device such as a flexible disk device, a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk device, and a display device. Interface device.
[0056]
An information search program for causing a computer to function as an information search device is provided in a state recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, and a memory card. When this recording medium is inserted into the auxiliary storage device of the computer, the program recorded on the medium is read. Then, the CPU writes the read program in the RAM or the external storage device, and executes the processing described in the present embodiment according to the program.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a map display procedure for arranging and displaying thumbnails representing outlines of information content on a two-dimensional plane map, and using points in a specific small area among a plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map When the user instructs, a small area group centered on a specific small area is set as an enlargement target area, thumbnails arranged in this enlargement target area are enlarged, and a thumbnail detail display procedure for displaying details in detail is provided. A small area group around the target area is set as a save target area, and a thumbnail save display procedure of saving and displaying thumbnails arranged in the save target area so as not to overlap thumbnails displayed in an enlarged manner is executed. This makes it possible to magnify the area of interest simply by moving the mouse using a pointing device, such as a mouse, and see the actual information. Operations required to get, it is only 1 click at the time of movement and the content selection of the mouse. In addition, since it is possible to quickly browse the outline of contents one by one as if browsing articles in newspapers and magazines, it is possible to find interesting information contents without a clear search purpose. As a result, unlike the method of searching for information by entering a keyword, there is no need to enter a keyword, and the desired information can be searched faster than the method of searching for information by following a directory hierarchy. Can be. Also, regarding the enlarged display of the thumbnails, the thumbnails near the pointed position are enlarged while pushing out the surrounding thumbnails, so that the list of all contents is maintained, and the user is less likely to be confused.
[0058]
Further, according to the present invention, the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map are reduced using the small area vector from the origin of the map to the small area and the thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to the thumbnail included in the small area. When the user designates a point in a specific small area, the enlarged small area vector of each small area in the enlargement target area is enlarged so that the enlargement target area is enlarged centering on this point. After the calculation, the enlarged thumbnail vector of each of the thumbnails included in these small areas is calculated to determine the coordinates of the thumbnail to be enlarged, so that the user has designated a point in a specific small area. The recalculation of the thumbnail coordinates at the time can be limited to only the area around the mouse pointer, and the calculation amount is smaller than when recalculating the entire map. It can be. As a result, even when the number of contents (the number of thumbnails) increases, a light operation can be expected.
[0059]
Similarly, according to the present invention, using the small area vector and the thumbnail vector, the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map are managed for each small area, and when the user designates a point in a specific small area, After calculating the compressed small area vector of each small area in the save target area so that the save target area is compressed into a save area of a predetermined size around the enlargement area, the thumbnails of the thumbnails included in these small areas are calculated. By calculating the thumbnail vector after compression, the coordinates of the thumbnail to be saved are determined. Therefore, the recalculation of the thumbnail coordinates can be performed only in the vicinity of the mouse pointer, and the recalculation is performed over the entire map. The amount of calculation can be reduced as compared with the case. As a result, even when the number of contents (the number of thumbnails) increases, a light operation can be expected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a map in which thumbnails of information contents are arranged and a display example of the thumbnails in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a small area vector and a thumbnail vector according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information search device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the information search device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where a small area group is enlarged in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram further enlarging a part of FIG. 5 in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of a small area when a mouse pointer moves in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an area targeted for thumbnail saving in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state of thumbnail retraction in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state of deformation of a small area around a small area group enlarged by the arrangement of a mouse pointer in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where a mouse pointer is placed on a map in the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Map display means, 2 ... Event detection means, 3 ... Thumbnail coordinate calculation means, 4 ... Content display means, 11 ... Map, 111 ... Thumbnail, 112 ... Genre information, 21 ... Small area, 22 ... Small area vector, 24 ... Thumbnail vector, 31 ... Small area group to be enlarged, 32 ... Mouse pointer, 42 ... Evacuation target area, 43 ... Evacuation area

Claims (10)

A map display procedure for arranging and displaying thumbnails representing the outline of information content on a two-dimensional plane map;
When the user indicates a point in a specific small area among the plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map, a small area group centered on the specific small area is set as an expansion target area, and the A thumbnail detail display procedure for enlarging the placed thumbnail and displaying the content in detail,
A thumbnail evacuation display procedure in which a small area group around the enlargement target area is set as a save target area, and thumbnails arranged in the save target area are saved and displayed so as not to overlap with the thumbnails displayed in an enlarged manner; Run
An information search method, wherein a thumbnail is enlarged and displayed around a point designated by a user when the user searches on the map, thereby enabling information search using the map. The information retrieval method according to claim 1,
The thumbnail detail display procedure uses the small area vector from the origin of the map to the small area and the thumbnail vector from the small area origin to the thumbnail included in this small area to convert the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map into the small area. When the user designates a point in the specific small area, the small area after expansion of each small area in the enlargement area is expanded so that the enlargement area is enlarged around this point. An information search method, wherein after calculating a vector, a coordinate of the thumbnail to be enlarged is determined by calculating an enlarged thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in the small area. The information retrieval method according to claim 1,
The thumbnail retraction display procedure uses the small area vector from the origin of the map to the small area and the thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to the thumbnail included in this small area to convert the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map into the small area. Each time, and when the user indicates a point in the specific small area, the evacuation target area in the evacuation target area is compressed so that the evacuation target area is compressed into a predetermined size evacuation area around the enlargement target area. Calculating a compressed small area vector of each small area, and then calculating a compressed thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in the small area to determine the coordinates of the thumbnail to be saved. retrieval method. Map display means for arranging and displaying thumbnails representing outlines of information contents on a two-dimensional plane map;
When the user indicates a point in a specific small area among the plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map, a small area group centered on the specific small area is set as an expansion target area, and the Thumbnail detail display means for enlarging the placed thumbnail and displaying the content in detail,
A thumbnail evacuation display unit that sets a small area group around the enlargement target area as an evacuation target area, and retreats and displays the thumbnails arranged in the evacuation target area so as not to overlap with the enlarged and displayed thumbnail; Has,
An information search apparatus characterized in that, when a user searches on the map, the thumbnail is enlarged and displayed around a point designated by the user, thereby enabling information search using the map. The information retrieval device according to claim 4,
The thumbnail detail display means uses the small area vector from the origin of the map to the small area and the thumbnail vector from the small area origin to the thumbnail included in the small area to convert the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map into the small area. When the user designates a point in the specific small area, the small area after expansion of each small area in the enlargement area is expanded so that the enlargement area is enlarged around this point. An information retrieval apparatus, wherein after calculating a vector, the coordinates of the thumbnail to be enlarged are determined by calculating an enlarged thumbnail vector of each of the thumbnails included in these small areas. The information retrieval device according to claim 4,
The thumbnail evacuation display unit uses the small area vector from the origin of the map to the small area and the thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to the thumbnails included in this small area to convert the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map into the small area. Each time, and when the user indicates a point in the specific small area, the evacuation target area in the evacuation target area is compressed so that the evacuation target area is compressed into a predetermined size evacuation area around the enlargement target area. Calculating a compressed small area vector of each small area, and then calculating a compressed thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in the small area to determine the coordinates of the thumbnail to be saved. Search device. A map display procedure for arranging and displaying thumbnails representing the outline of information content on a two-dimensional plane map;
When the user indicates a point in a specific small area among the plurality of small areas obtained by dividing the map, a small area group centered on the specific small area is set as an expansion target area, and the A thumbnail detail display procedure for enlarging the placed thumbnail and displaying the content in detail,
A thumbnail evacuation display procedure in which a small area group around the enlargement target area is set as a save target area, and thumbnails arranged in the save target area are saved and displayed so as not to overlap with the thumbnails displayed in an enlarged manner; To the computer,
An information search program which enables an information search using the map by enlarging and displaying a thumbnail around a point designated by the user when the user searches on the map. The information search program according to claim 7,
The thumbnail detail display procedure uses the small area vector from the origin of the map to the small area and the thumbnail vector from the small area origin to the thumbnail included in this small area to convert the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map into the small area. When the user designates a point in the specific small area, the small area after expansion of each small area in the enlargement area is expanded so that the enlargement area is enlarged around this point. An information search program, wherein after calculating a vector, the coordinates of the thumbnail to be enlarged are determined by calculating an enlarged thumbnail vector of each of the thumbnails included in these small areas. The information search program according to claim 7,
The thumbnail retraction display procedure uses the small area vector from the origin of the map to the small area and the thumbnail vector from the origin of the small area to the thumbnail included in this small area to convert the coordinates of each thumbnail on the map into the small area. Each time, and when the user indicates a point in the specific small area, the evacuation target area in the evacuation target area is compressed so that the evacuation target area is compressed into a predetermined size evacuation area around the enlargement target area. Calculating a compressed small area vector of each small area, and then calculating a compressed thumbnail vector of each thumbnail included in the small area to determine the coordinates of the thumbnail to be saved. Search program. 10. A recording medium on which the information search program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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