Search device, search method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a search device, search method, and program that can more appropriately notify users of new information that is likely to be of interest to them. [Solution] The search device 100 includes a recording unit 110 that records the input search conditions, an acquisition unit 141 that acquires the most recent condition from among the recorded search conditions, an extraction unit 142 that extracts a transaction target that matches any of the acquired search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database 130, and a notification unit 150 that determines whether the extracted transaction target satisfies the notification conditions, and if it is determined that the notification conditions are met, notifies the user of the extracted transaction target, and if it is determined that the notification conditions are not met, repeatedly executes a series of processes including a process to relax the most recent condition and acquire the search conditions, and a process to extract a transaction target that matches any of the search conditions, until it is determined that the notification conditions are met.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a search device, a search method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for providing various types of information to users are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a music data distribution device that extracts songs from newly registered songs in a music database that match the user's preferred artists and genres, distributes update information representing those songs, and reads and distributes the music data of the extracted songs from the music database. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-108352 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The music data distribution device described in Patent Document 1 distributes update information and music data for songs that match the conditions specified by the user from among the newly released songs. Therefore, if the user's interests change after the conditions have been specified, the user has to add new conditions or change the specified conditions each time, which is troublesome. In addition, if the user does not properly manage the specified conditions in accordance with changes in their interests, there is a problem that information that matches the user's most recent interests cannot be notified. Therefore, there was room for improvement from the perspective of more appropriately notifying users of new information that is likely to be of interest to them.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a search device, a search method, and a program that can more appropriately notify users of new information that may be of interest to them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the search device according to the present invention A search device that searches for a transaction from a database of multiple transaction items that matches the search criteria entered by the user, A recording unit that records the input search conditions, An acquisition unit that acquires a search condition that satisfies the most recent condition for acquiring a predetermined most recently entered search condition from among the recorded search conditions, An extraction unit extracts transaction targets that match any of the aforementioned search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database, A notification unit determines whether the extracted transaction targets satisfy the notification conditions, including the minimum number of transaction targets; if it determines that the notification conditions are satisfied, it notifies the user of the extracted transaction targets; if it determines that the notification conditions are not satisfied, it repeatedly executes a series of processes, including a process to relax the most recent condition to obtain the search conditions and a process to extract transaction targets that match any of the search conditions, until it determines that the notification conditions are satisfied. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a search device, a search method, and a program that can more appropriately notify users of new information that may be of interest to them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the interaction between the search device and other equipment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an input screen where you enter search criteria displayed on the device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the functional configuration of the search device. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing an example of a search condition table stored in the search condition storage unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the database shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the latest information generated by the notification unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing the physical configuration of the search device. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of the search condition recording process by the search device. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of the notification process by the search device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The search device, search method, and program according to the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] In this embodiment, a search device that provides information related to real estate properties will be described as an example. However, for example, it is also applicable when providing information related to products sold through shopping sites or auction sites, accommodation facilities or travel plans provided through reservation sites, videos, e-books, games, etc. distributed on distribution sites, and movable properties, real estate properties, and services that are the subject of transactions. That is, this embodiment is for the purpose of explanation and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which these elements or all elements are replaced with equivalents thereof, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0011] (Overall Configuration) Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the interaction between the search device 100 and other devices. The following explanation will refer to this figure. As shown in Figure 1, the search device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to the terminal 200 via a communication network 300 so as to be communicative. In Figure 1, one terminal 200 is shown, but the number of applicable terminals 200 is not limited to this, and multiple terminals 200 may be applied.

[0012] The search device 100 consists of one or more server computers. The search device 100 provides an information provision service. In the information provision service, the search device 100 searches a database that stores property information of real estate properties that are the subject of information provision for, for property information of real estate properties that match the search conditions entered by the user, and provides the property information of the searched real estate properties to the user. The properties for which information is provided may be, for example, residences (single-family homes, apartment rooms, condominium rooms, etc.) and offices. Furthermore, the properties for which information is provided may be, for example, newly built properties, used properties, and rental properties.

[0013] The search device 100 records the search conditions entered by the user. At a predetermined timing, the search device 100 retrieves the most recent search conditions from the history of recorded search conditions that satisfy the most recent conditions that define the number of search conditions to retrieve. The search device 100 searches for property information of real estate properties that match the retrieved search conditions from among the real estate properties newly registered in the database. The search device 100 determines whether the retrieved real estate property satisfies the notification conditions that include the minimum number of real estate properties, and if it determines that the notification conditions are met, it notifies the user of new information including the property information of the retrieved real estate property.

[0014] If the search device 100 determines that the searched real estate property does not meet the disclosure requirements, it relaxes the most recent conditions (increases the number of items to be retrieved), retrieves new search conditions that meet the relaxed most recent conditions, and searches for property information of real estate properties that match the retrieved search conditions. The search device 100 repeatedly performs the series of processes of relaxing the most recent conditions, retrieving search conditions, and searching for real estate properties until it determines that the searched real estate property meets the disclosure requirements.

[0015] Terminal 200 is an information terminal (so-called computer) such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer) used by a user of the information provision service, and is capable of communicating with the search device 100 via the communication network 300.

[0016] For example, terminal 200 may have an application installed for using the information provision service. The user can launch the application, access the search device 100, enter search criteria, view property information that matches the search criteria, or view new information sent from the search device 100. Alternatively, the user may launch the browser (browser application) installed on terminal 200, access the search device 100, and use the information provision service.

[0017] Terminal 200 receives search criteria input from the user and sends a search query to the search device 100 via the communication network 300, instructing it to search for real estate properties.

[0018] Here, an example of an input screen for entering search criteria is shown in Figure 2. As shown in the figure, the input screen 210 includes pull-down forms F1 to F7 and buttons B1 to B8 for entering search criteria, and a search button 21 for instructing the search. When the user enters information into at least one of the search items in the pull-down forms F1 to F7 or buttons B1 to B8 and clicks the search button 21, the terminal 200 generates a search query including the search criteria entered by the user and sends it to the search device 100. Note that the input screen 210 may have pre-configured fields for required input and fields for optional input. For example, prefecture, route, and station name may be required fields, while the others are optional.

[0019] Returning to Figure 1, the communication network 300 may include various types of networks. For example, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) such as the Internet, telecommunications networks such as public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), wireless networks, public switched networks, satellite networks, cellular networks, public land mobile communications networks (PLMNs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), private networks, ad hoc networks, intranets, fiber optic-based networks, etc., or any combination of these or other types of networks.

[0020] (Functional configuration of the search device) Next, the functional configuration of the search device 100 will be explained using Figure 3. The search device 100 comprises a recording unit 110, a search condition storage unit 120, a database 130, a search unit 140, and a notification unit 150.

[0021] The recording unit 110 records the search conditions entered by the user during a search. Specifically, when the recording unit 110 receives a search query from the terminal 200, it records the search conditions included in the search query in the search condition storage unit 120, associating them with the user ID of the user who owns the terminal 200 and the date and time when the search based on the received search query was performed.

[0022] The search condition storage unit 120 stores a search condition table that shows a history of search conditions previously entered by the user. An example of the search condition table is shown in Figure 4. As shown in the figure, the search condition table includes a "User ID," which is information that uniquely identifies the user, a "Search Date and Time," which indicates the date and time the search was performed, and "Search Conditions," which indicate the search conditions entered by the user. The search conditions include items such as property type, prefecture, train line, station name, time from the nearest station, price (rent), and area. The types and combinations of items included in the search conditions are arbitrary, and other items such as year built, floor plan, floor number, facility information, availability of parking or bicycle parking, whether pets are allowed or not, and whether musical instruments are allowed or not may also be included.

[0023] Database 130 stores information about the subject of the transaction. An example of database 130 is shown in Figure 5. As shown in the figure, database 130 includes "Property ID," which is information that uniquely identifies the real estate property being traded; "Property Name," which indicates the name of the property; "Registration Date," which indicates the date the property was registered; and "Detailed Information," which shows detailed information about each real estate property. Detailed Information includes items such as the type of property, the property's address, train line, nearest station, time from the nearest station, price, and area. The types of items included in Detailed Information and their combinations are arbitrary, and other items such as the year of construction, floor plan, floor level, facilities, availability of parking or bicycle parking, whether pets are allowed or not, and whether musical instruments are allowed or not may also be included, similar to the search criteria table exemplified in Figure 4. Database 130 may also store property images, which are photographs of the interior and exterior of the real estate property, and floor plan images.

[0024] Returning to Figure 3, the search unit 140 searches for transaction targets based on the search query received from the terminal 200. Specifically, the search unit 140 extracts property information of real estate properties that match the entered search conditions from the database 130, as exemplified in Figure 5, based on the search conditions included in the search query (prefecture, line name, station name, time from the nearest station, etc.).

[0025] The search unit 140 comprises an acquisition unit 141 and an extraction unit 142, and searches for transaction targets to be notified to the user from among the transaction targets newly registered in the database 130.

[0026] The acquisition unit 141, at a predetermined timing, acquires search conditions for each user that satisfy the most recent condition, which defines the number of recently entered search conditions to acquire, from the history of search conditions recorded in the search condition table exemplified in Figure 4. For example, the acquisition unit 141 may acquire search conditions at regular intervals, such as every day, every three days, or every week, or it may acquire search conditions when new property information is added to the database 130. For example, if the most recent condition is set to acquire number = 3, the acquisition unit 141 acquires the three most recent search conditions for each user, in order of search date and time.

[0027] The extraction unit 142 extracts transaction items that match the search criteria obtained by the acquisition unit 141 from among the newly registered transaction items in the database 130, for each user. Specifically, the extraction unit 142 refers to the database 130 as illustrated in Figure 5 and extracts property information for real estate properties whose property information registration date is after the date and time when the previous new listing information was announced. In other words, the extraction unit 142 extracts newly registered property information based on the date and time when the previous new listing information was announced. Next, the extraction unit 142 extracts property information for real estate properties that match the search criteria obtained by the acquisition unit 141 from among the extracted real estate properties, for each user. The date and time of the announcement mentioned above may also be the search date and time in the search criteria table as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0028] The notification unit 150 notifies the user of new information, including information about the transaction target extracted by the extraction unit 142. Specifically, the notification unit 150 determines whether the extraction results satisfy pre-set notification conditions. The notification conditions include the minimum number of real estate properties extracted by the extraction unit 142. The notification unit 150 determines that the notification conditions are satisfied if the number of extracted properties is equal to or greater than the minimum number (for example, 1).

[0029] When the notification unit 150 determines that the notification conditions are met, it generates new information including property information of the real estate property extracted by the extraction unit 142, and sends the generated new information to the terminal 200 by any method such as email, messaging app, in-app notification, or push notification.

[0030] Here, an example of new information generated by the notification unit 150 is shown in Figure 6. As shown in the figure, the new information 220 may include, for example, an exterior image 22 of the extracted real estate property, basic information (location, train line, nearest station, time from nearest station, year of construction (age), price (rent), area, floor plan, etc.), a link 23 that transitions to a details page displaying detailed information about each real estate property, and a link 24 that transitions to an inquiry page for contacting the real estate company handling the property.

[0031] If the notification unit 150 determines that the real estate properties extracted by the extraction unit 142 do not meet the notification conditions, it notifies the acquisition unit 141 and the extraction unit 142 accordingly. The acquisition unit 141 relaxes the most recent conditions and acquires search conditions again that satisfy the relaxed most recent conditions. For example, the acquisition unit 141 increases the number of recent conditions to be acquired from 3 to 5 and acquires search conditions again from the search condition table exemplified in Figure 4. Next, the extraction unit 142 extracts property information of real estate properties that match the newly acquired search conditions from the database 130 exemplified in Figure 5.

[0032] The notification unit 150 repeatedly executes a series of processes, including the relaxation of the most recent conditions by the acquisition unit 141, acquisition of search conditions, and extraction of real estate properties by the extraction unit 142, until it determines that the notification conditions are met. The notification conditions may include an upper limit on the number of times these processes can be repeated, and the notification unit 150 may decide not to notify the user of new information if the number of repeated executions reaches the upper limit.

[0033] (Physical configuration of the search device) The search device 100, having the functional configuration described above, physically comprises, as shown in Figure 7, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that executes processing according to a program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 which is volatile memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 which is non-volatile memory, a storage unit 14 that stores data, an input unit 15 that accepts information input, a display unit 16 that visualizes and displays the information, and a communication unit 17 that sends and receives information, all of which are connected via an internal bus 99.

[0034] The CPU 11 performs various processes by reading the program stored in the memory unit 14 into the RAM 12 and executing it. The CPU 11 performs the processes of the recording unit 110, the search unit 140, the acquisition unit 141, the extraction unit 142, and the notification unit 150, which are the main functions provided by the program.

[0035] RAM12 is used as the work area for CPU11. ROM13 stores control programs, BIOS (Basic Input Output System), etc., that CPU11 executes for the basic operation of the search device 100.

[0036] The storage unit 14 includes a hard disk drive and stores programs executed by the CPU 11, as well as various data used during program execution. The storage unit 14 functions as a search condition storage unit 120 and a database 130.

[0037] The input unit 15 is a user interface equipped with a keyboard, mouse, communication device, etc. The display unit 16 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display that visualizes and displays information.

[0038] The communication unit 17 consists of a network termination device or wireless communication device connected to a network, and a serial interface or LAN (Local Area Network) interface connected to them.

[0039] (Search criteria recording process) Next, the operation of the search device 100 will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the search condition recording process performed by the search device 100. In the search condition recording process, the search device 100 performs a search based on the search query sent from the terminal 200 and records the search conditions included in the search query.

[0040] The search unit 140 receives a search query from the terminal 200 and determines whether or not a search query has been received (step S101). Specifically, the user operates the terminal 200 to launch the information provision application pre-installed on the terminal 200 and accesses the input screen 210 where the user enters the search conditions exemplified in Figure 2. On the input screen 210, the user enters the conditions for at least one of several items and clicks the search button 21 to instruct the search to be executed. The terminal 200 generates a search query including the entered search conditions and user ID and sends it to the search device 100.

[0041] When the search unit 140 receives a search query from the terminal 200 (step S101; Yes), it proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the search unit 140 does not receive a search query from the terminal 200 (step S101; No), it waits for a search query.

[0042] In step S102, the search unit 140 executes a search process based on the search query received in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, the search unit 140 extracts property information of real estate properties that match the search conditions included in the search query from the database 130, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0043] Next, the search unit 140 sends the search results to the terminal 200 (step S103). Specifically, the search unit 140 generates a search results page showing a list of property information for the real estate properties extracted in step S102. The search unit 140 sends the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the generated search results page to the terminal 200, causing the terminal 200 to display the search results page.

[0044] Next, the recording unit 110 records the search conditions (step S104). Specifically, the recording unit 110 associates the search conditions included in the search query received in step S101 with the user ID and the search date and time, and stores them in the search condition storage unit 120. The recording unit 110 adds a new record to the search condition table illustrated in Figure 4, stores information in the "search ID", "user ID", "search date and time", and "search conditions" fields, updates the search condition table, and ends the search condition recording process.

[0045] (Notification process) Next, referring to Figure 9, the notification process by the search device 100 to inform the user of new information 220 will be described. The notification process may be executed at set intervals, such as every day, every three days, or every week, or it may be executed at a predetermined time, such as when it detects that new property information for real estate properties has been registered in the database 130.

[0046] The acquisition unit 141 acquires the search conditions (step S201). Specifically, the acquisition unit 141 reads the most recent conditions stored in the storage unit 14, refers to the search condition table illustrated in Figure 4, and acquires search conditions that satisfy the most recent conditions from the history of search conditions previously entered by the user being processed. For example, if the number of acquisitions = 3 is set in the most recent conditions, the acquisition unit 141 acquires the three most recent search conditions with the most recent search date and time from the search conditions associated with the user ID of the user being processed.

[0047] Next, the extraction unit 142 extracts property information for real estate properties that match the search criteria obtained in step S201 (step S202). Specifically, the extraction unit 142 searches the database 130, as illustrated in Figure 5, and extracts property information for real estate properties that match the obtained search criteria.

[0048] Next, the notification unit 150 determines whether the notification conditions are met (step S203). Specifically, the notification unit 150 reads the notification conditions, including the minimum number of real estate properties extracted in step S202, from the storage unit 14, and determines whether the number of properties extracted in step S202 is equal to or greater than the minimum number.

[0049] If the number of real estate properties extracted in step S202 is greater than or equal to the minimum number, the notification unit 150 determines that the notification conditions are met (step S203; Yes) and proceeds to step S204.

[0050] On the other hand, if the number of properties extracted in step S202 is less than the minimum number, the notification unit 150 determines that the notification conditions are not met (step S203; No), notifies the acquisition unit 141 that the notification conditions are not met, and proceeds to step S205.

[0051] In step S205, the acquisition unit 141 relaxes the recent condition (step S205). The acquisition unit 141 relaxes the recent condition, for example, the condition of acquiring three search conditions with the most recent search date and time, to the condition of acquiring five search conditions with the most recent search date and time, according to a pre-set rule. The method of relaxing the recent condition is arbitrary; the number of acquisitions may be increased by a predetermined number, or by a predetermined multiple.

[0052] Next, the acquisition unit 141 returns to step S201 and acquires the search conditions again based on the most recent conditions relaxed in step S205 (step S201). Next, in step S202, the extraction unit 142 extracts property information of real estate properties that match the search conditions reacquired in step S201 from the database 130 (step S202). Next, in step S203, the notification unit 150 determines whether the real estate properties re-extracted by the extraction unit 142 satisfy the notification conditions.

[0053] In this manner, the acquisition unit 141 and the extraction unit 142 repeatedly execute a series of processes, including relaxing the most recent conditions, acquiring search conditions, and extracting property information for real estate properties, until the notification unit 150 determines in step S203 that the notification conditions are met. The notification conditions may include an upper limit on the number of times these processes can be repeated, and the notification unit 150 may decide not to notify the user of the new information 220 if it determines that the number of repeated executions has reached the upper limit.

[0054] Next, in step S204, the notification unit 150 generates new information 220 containing property information for the real estate properties extracted in step S202 (step S204). For example, as illustrated in Figure 6, the notification unit 150 generates new information 220 for each extracted real estate property, including an exterior image 22, property information, a link to a details page 23, a link to an inquiry page 24, etc.

[0055] Next, the notification unit 150 transmits the new information generated in step S204 (step S206). Specifically, the notification unit 150 transmits the generated new information to the terminal 200 by any method such as email, messaging app, in-app notification, or push notification.

[0056] Next, the notification unit 150 determines whether or not it has executed the notification process for all users to be processed (step S207). If the notification unit 150 determines that it has executed the notification process for all users to be processed (step S207; Yes), it terminates the notification process.

[0057] On the other hand, if the notification unit 150 determines that there are unprocessed users (step S207; No), it returns to step S201 and executes the processes from steps S201 to S206 for the unprocessed users.

[0058] As described above, the search device 100 records the search conditions included in the search query sent from the terminal 200, and at a predetermined timing, retrieves search conditions from the history of search conditions that satisfy the most recent condition, which defines the number of recently entered search conditions to retrieve. Based on the retrieved search conditions, the search device 100 searches for newly registered transaction targets in the database 130. The search device 100 repeatedly performs a series of processes, including relaxing the most recent condition, retrieving search conditions that satisfy the most recent condition, and searching for information targets that satisfy the search condition, until the search results satisfy the notification conditions, thereby generating new information 220 and notifying the user. Therefore, since the search device 100 notifies the user of new information 220 based on the user's recent interests, it becomes possible to more appropriately notify the user of new information 220 that is likely to be of interest to the user.

[0059] Furthermore, the search device 100 automatically records the search conditions included in the search query sent from the terminal 200 and uses them for the search to generate the new information 220. This eliminates the need for users to explicitly set the search conditions used for notifying them of the new information 220.

[0060] (modified version) In the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 141 was described as acquiring search conditions that satisfy the most recent condition defining the number of most recently entered search conditions to be acquired, but it is not limited to this. The acquisition unit 141 may classify the search conditions contained in the search condition storage unit 120 into a plurality of groups based on implication relationships, and from among the classified groups, select the group in which the input time of the search conditions included in that group is most recent, and acquire the search condition with the smallest coverage range (strictest condition) of the selected group.

[0061] For example, the acquisition unit 141 classifies the search conditions into a plurality of groups g1, g2, ···, g i (where G is a natural number). Here, the acquisition unit 141 determines the order of the groups g1, g2, ···, g G in ascending order of the search time within each group. Each group g i contains search conditions p i,1 , p i,2 , ··· p i,p[i] , and the implication relationship p i,1 ⊂ p i,2 ⊂ ··· p i-1,p[i-1] ⊂ p i,p[i] holds. That is, the search condition p i,1 is the condition with the smallest inclusion range in group g i , and the search condition p i,p[i] is the condition with the largest inclusion range in group g i .

[0062] When the number of acquisitions included in the most recent condition is 3, in step S201, the acquisition unit 141 extracts g1, g2, g3 with the latest search time from the classified groups. Next, the acquisition unit 141 obtains the search conditions p 1,1 , p 2,1 , p 3,1 with the smallest inclusion range from each of the extracted groups g1 to g3. Thereafter, in step S202, the extraction unit 142 may simply search for the property information of the real estate properties that match the search conditions p 1,1 , p 2,1 , p 3,1 .

[0063] Also, in the process of relaxing the most recent condition in step S205, the acquisition unit 141 obtains the search conditions p 1,1 , p 2,1 , p 3,1 from each of the groups g1 to g3 classified in the previous acquisition process, and then obtains the search conditions p 1,2 , p 2,2 , p 3,2The process can be relaxed to obtain the necessary information. Then, a series of processes including relaxing the most recent conditions, obtaining the search conditions, and extracting real estate properties can be repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S203 that the notification conditions are met.

[0064] The method for grouping the search criteria is arbitrary; for example, each search criterion can be converted into a numerical vector, a similarity score can be calculated, and then classified using any clustering method, such as K-means or hierarchical clustering.

[0065] Furthermore, the search device 100 according to the above embodiment can be implemented using a regular computer, rather than a dedicated device. For example, the search device 100 that performs the above-mentioned processing may be configured by installing a program for performing any of the above-mentioned actions from a recording medium to a computer. Alternatively, the search device 100 may be configured by multiple computers working together.

[0066] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned functions are realized through a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and the application, or through collaboration between the OS and the application, then only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the medium.

[0067] Furthermore, it is possible to superimpose a program onto a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the program could be distributed through a smartphone application store (App Store), or posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication network and distributed via the network. These programs can then be launched and executed under the control of the operating system, just like other application programs, to perform the aforementioned processing.

[0068] Furthermore, the information stored in the memory unit 14 is centrally managed by a cloud server located on the network, and the search device 100 may access the cloud server as needed to read and write information. In this case, the search device 100 does not need to have a search condition storage unit 120 and a database 130. Also, the search condition recording process and notification process by the search device 100 may be executed on the cloud using the information stored on the cloud server.

[0069] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0070] (Note 1) A search device that searches for a transaction from a database of multiple transaction items that matches the search criteria entered by the user, A recording unit that records the input search conditions, An acquisition unit that acquires a search condition that satisfies the most recent condition for acquiring a predetermined most recently entered search condition from among the recorded search conditions, An extraction unit extracts transaction targets that match any of the aforementioned search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database, A notification unit determines whether the extracted transaction targets satisfy the notification conditions, including the minimum number of transaction targets; if it determines that the notification conditions are satisfied, it notifies the user of the extracted transaction targets; if it determines that the notification conditions are not satisfied, it repeatedly executes a series of processes, including a process to relax the most recent condition to obtain the search conditions and a process to extract transaction targets that match any of the search conditions, until it determines that the notification conditions are satisfied. A search device equipped with the following features.

[0071] (Note 2) The acquisition unit, in the process of acquiring the search conditions by relaxing the most recent conditions, increases the number of acquisitions, thereby relaxing the most recent conditions and acquiring search conditions that satisfy the new relaxed most recent conditions. The search device described in Appendix 1.

[0072] (Note 3) The acquisition unit classifies the recorded search conditions into multiple groups based on their implication relationships, selects the number of groups containing the most recently entered search conditions from among the classified groups, and acquires the search conditions from each of the selected groups. The search device described in Appendix 1.

[0073] (Note 4) The acquisition unit ranks the multiple search conditions included in the classified group in ascending order of their scope, and in the process of acquiring the first search condition that satisfies the most recent condition, it acquires the search condition with the smallest scope from each of the classified groups, and in the process of acquiring the search condition by relaxing the most recent condition, it acquires the search condition with the next smallest scope after the search condition acquired in the previous process of acquiring the search condition from each of the classified groups. The search device described in Appendix 3.

[0074] (Note 5) The notification conditions include an upper limit on the number of times the series of processes will be repeatedly executed. The notification unit determines that it will not issue a notification if it determines that the number of times the series of processes has been executed has reached the upper limit. A search device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0075] (Note 6) A computer searches for a transaction that matches the search criteria entered by the user from among multiple transaction items registered in the database. The steps include recording the entered search conditions, From the recorded search conditions, the step of obtaining the search conditions that satisfy the most recent conditions for obtaining the predetermined most recently entered search conditions, The steps include extracting transaction targets that match any of the aforementioned search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database, The steps include: determining whether the extracted transaction targets satisfy the notification conditions, including the minimum number of such transaction targets; if the notification conditions are met, notifying the user of the extracted transaction targets; and if the notification conditions are not met, repeatedly executing a series of processes including relaxing the most recent conditions to obtain the search conditions and extracting transaction targets that match any of the search conditions until it is determined that the notification conditions are met. A search method to perform this action.

[0076] (Note 7) A computer searches for transactions that match the search criteria entered by the user from among multiple transactions registered in the database. The process of recording the input search conditions, From the recorded search conditions, a process is performed to obtain the search conditions that satisfy the most recent conditions for obtaining the predetermined most recently entered search conditions, The process involves extracting transaction targets that match any of the aforementioned search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database, The process involves determining whether the extracted trading targets satisfy the notification conditions, including the minimum number of such trading targets; if it is determined that the notification conditions are satisfied, notifying the user of the extracted trading targets; and if it is determined that the notification conditions are not satisfied, repeatedly executing a series of processes including relaxing the most recent conditions to obtain the search conditions and extracting trading targets that match any of the search conditions until it is determined that the notification conditions are satisfied. A program that executes the command.

[0077] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent significance of the disclosure are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] The present invention can be suitably adopted in a search device, search method, and program that can more appropriately notify users of new information that may be of interest to them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 100 Search device, 200 Terminal, 300 Communication network, 110 Recording unit, 120 Search condition storage unit, 130 Database, 140 Search unit, 141 Acquisition unit, 142 Extraction unit, 150 Notification unit, 210 Input screen, 220 New information, 21 Search button, 22 Appearance image, 23,24 Links, B1,B2,B3,B4,B5,B6,B7,B8 Buttons, F1,F2,F3,F4,F5,F6,F7 Pull-down forms, 11 CPU, 12 RAM, 13 ROM, 14 Storage unit, 15 Input unit, 16 Display unit, 17 Communication unit, 99 Internal bus

Claims

1. A search device that searches for a transaction from a database of multiple transaction items that matches the search criteria entered by the user, A recording unit that records the input search conditions, An acquisition unit that acquires a search condition that satisfies the most recent condition for acquiring a predetermined most recently entered search condition from among the recorded search conditions, An extraction unit extracts transaction targets that match any of the aforementioned search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database, A notification unit determines whether the extracted transaction targets satisfy the notification conditions, including the minimum number of transaction targets; if it determines that the notification conditions are satisfied, it notifies the user of the extracted transaction targets; if it determines that the notification conditions are not satisfied, it repeatedly executes a series of processes, including a process to relax the most recent condition to obtain the search conditions and a process to extract transaction targets that match any of the search conditions, until it determines that the notification conditions are satisfied. A search device equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition unit, in the process of acquiring the search conditions by relaxing the most recent conditions, increases the number of acquisitions, thereby relaxing the most recent conditions and acquiring search conditions that satisfy the new relaxed most recent conditions. The search device according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit classifies the recorded search conditions into multiple groups based on their implication relationships, selects the number of groups containing the most recently entered search conditions from among the classified groups, and acquires the search conditions from each of the selected groups. The search device according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition unit ranks the multiple search conditions included in the classified group in ascending order of their scope, and in the process of acquiring the search conditions that satisfy the most recent condition for the first time, it acquires the search conditions with the smallest scope from each of the classified groups, and in the process of acquiring the search conditions by relaxing the most recent condition, it acquires the search conditions with the next smallest scope after the search conditions acquired in the previous process of acquiring the search conditions from each of the classified groups. The search device according to claim 3.

5. The notification conditions include an upper limit on the number of times the series of processes will be repeatedly executed. The notification unit determines that it will not issue a notification if it determines that the number of times the series of processes has been executed has reached the upper limit. A search device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A computer searches for a transaction that matches the search criteria entered by the user from among multiple transaction items registered in the database. The steps include recording the entered search conditions, From the recorded search conditions, the step of obtaining the search conditions that satisfy the most recent conditions for obtaining the predetermined most recently entered search conditions, The steps include extracting transaction targets that match any of the aforementioned search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database, The steps include: determining whether the extracted transaction targets satisfy the notification conditions, including the minimum number of such transaction targets; if the notification conditions are met, notifying the user of the extracted transaction targets; and if the notification conditions are not met, repeatedly executing a series of processes including relaxing the most recent conditions to obtain the search conditions and extracting transaction targets that match any of the search conditions until it is determined that the notification conditions are met. A search method to perform this action.

7. A computer searches for transactions that match the search criteria entered by the user from among multiple transactions registered in the database. The process of recording the input search conditions, From the recorded search conditions, a process is performed to obtain the search conditions that satisfy the most recent conditions for obtaining the predetermined most recently entered search conditions, The process involves extracting transaction targets that match any of the aforementioned search conditions from newly registered transaction targets in the database, The process involves determining whether the extracted trading targets satisfy the notification conditions, including the minimum number of such trading targets; if it is determined that the notification conditions are satisfied, notifying the user of the extracted trading targets; and if it is determined that the notification conditions are not satisfied, repeatedly executing a series of processes including relaxing the most recent conditions to obtain the search conditions and extracting trading targets that match any of the search conditions until it is determined that the notification conditions are satisfied. A program that executes the command.

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